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Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Update
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In Episode 21 of Disability Rights and Wrongs — The David Lepodcast, Find out How to Build a Successful Disability Coalition by Exploring How They Did It in Manitoba
November 5, 2026
SUMMARY
Have you already checked out Episode 21 of “Disability Rights and Wrongs — The David Lepodcast?” It is entitled: “How Do You Build a Successful Grassroots Advocacy Coalition? Here’s How They Did It in Manitoba -Part 1”
Our guest in this and the next episode is Patrick Falconer. His distinctive approach to coalition building was that of an organizer who kept things moving while infrequently occupying the public spotlight. It’s a unique style of disability rights advocacy but has proven to be extremely effective in his home province of Manitoba, Canada, where his coalition’s work led to milestone wins for the disability community. In this first half of the chat with Patrick, we learn about his background in consultation work and the power of applying gentle pressure, consistently over a long period of time.
Find this episode wherever you subscribe for podcasts (except not on YouTube) or you can listen to it directly by clicking on this link.
For links to subscribe to our podcast, and for tips on how you can help, visit the July 29, 2026 AODA Alliance Update.
All Episodes to Date Waiting for You to Listen!
- Episode 1 The 12-Year Fight for Automated Stop Announcements on the TTC about Lepofsky’s long struggle to make transit in Toronto accessible for blind riders with host David Lepofsky.
- Episode 2: Beyond Building Codes: Designing Spaces for Everyone with guest built-environment accessible design expert Thea Kurdi
- Episode 3: Smart Strategies, Real Change: Lessons from a Landmark Autism Campaign, Part 1 covering how targeted advocacy resulted in policy change for autism therapies. With guest autism advocate Bruce McIntosh.
- Episode 4: Turning Barriers into Headlines: Practical Tips from a Veteran News Reporter with former journalist Michelle McQuigge.
- Episode 5 and Episode 6: How to get a Politician’s Attention Part 1 and Part 2 with the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, former Ontario Premier.
- Episode 7: Airline Accessibility: How Maayan Ziv Turned a Mangled Wheelchair into Real Change with Maayan Ziv.
- Episode 8: Smart Strategies, Real Change: Lessons from a Landmark Autism Campaign, Part 2 covering how targeted advocacy resulted in policy change for autism therapies with guest autism advocate Bruce McIntosh.
- Episode 9: Why Must a Doctor with Disabilities Combat Accessibility Barriers in the Health Care System? with physician Dr. Lisa Freeman.
- Episode 10 and Episode 11: The Milestone Fight for Including Disability Rights in Canada’s Charter of Rights – With Yvonne Peters, Part 1 and Part 2
- Episode 12 and Episode 13: Advocating for Livable Homes – With Accessible Housing Activist and Raging Granny, Kate Chung – Part 1 and Part 2.
- Episode 14 and Episode 15: Advocacy Is a Team Sport – How to Successfully Navigate Coalitions with Wendy Porch – Part 1 and Part 2.
- Episode 16 and Episode 17: How to Advocate for a Child’s Disability-Related Learning Needs with retired school principle, Debbie Stern – Parts 1 and 2.
- Episode 18: “Retrospective — Speed-Dating with the David Lepodcast’s First Season Guests.
- Episode 19 and Episode 20: It’s No Joke…Oh Yes It IS! Learn to Use Humour in your Disability Advocacy with Comedian, Courtney Gilmour – Parts 1 and 2.
- Episode 21: How Do You Build a Successful Grassroots Advocacy Coalition? Here’s How They Did It in Manitoba -Part 1.