Speakers Series: Ability and Mobility

Speakers Series: Ability and Mobility

Come join us for a moderated panel discussion at the Kitchener Public Library - Central Branch on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. to explore "how we live and how we move" and "how we plan for community wellbeing" through the lenses of ability, mobility, neurodiversity, mental health, and equity. Our Speakers Series will focus on ability and mobility, featuring inspiring talks and discussions. Learn from experts in the field and gain valuable insights into enhancing accessibility and inclusivity. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and be part of this important conversation. This conversation will be moderated with a panel of experts and local residents, all having perspectives on the discussion’s theme as we explore what it means to build a Caring and Connected City. This is a free event, but space is limited!

To shape our new Official Plan and upcoming Transportation Master Plan, panelists Dr. Samantha Biglieri, Dr. Robin Mazumder, Kathleen Vanderlinden, and a community member supported by KW Habilitation, will discuss how the design of our communities shapes our experiences within them. The event will be moderated by Olivia Curtis, the City of Kitchener's Inclusion Services Coordinator with opportunities for attendees to share their thoughts and ask questions.

Event Schedule
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Refreshments: 6:00-6:30pm
Panel Discussion: 6:30-7:30pm
Meet & Greet: 7:30-8:00pm
Event Ends: 8:00pm

About the Panelists

Samantha Biglieri - Dr. Samantha Biglieri, RPP, MCIP is an Assistant Professor in the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Toronto Metropolitan University and Director of the Health, Access + Planning Lab. As a Registered Professional Planner, her research uses critical approaches at the intersection of planning and health/wellbeing, making connections with practice to build inclusive and accessible communities. Her research explores planning issues related to aging, living with dementia, disability and accessibility. Dr. Biglieri's research and practice is concentrated in Waterloo Region, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, as well as rural communities in Ontario.

Robin Mazumder - Dr. Robin Mazumder is an environmental neuroscientist with a keen interest in how urban design impacts individual, community, and societal well-being. Robin is an outspoken advocate for healthy urban design and has given more than 60 invited talks internationally on the topic. He was named Top 40 Under 40 by Avenue Magazine in 2014, an “Edmontonian to Watch” in 2015 by Metro Edmonton, and in 2018 was awarded the University of Waterloo’s President’s Community Impact Award in recognition of his leadership and advocacy. In 2023, Robin was named the 2023 Zeidler-Evans Architecture of Health Lecturer by McMaster University. Robin is also passionate about science communication and has been interviewed by and written for major media publications, including the CBC, BBC, Huffington Post, Wired, and Vice. In 2024 he was a postdoctoral research fellow at the Technical University of Berlin, where he was part of the research platform Neurourbanism. Robin is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Future Cities Institute at the University of Waterloo, an Associate Fellow with the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at the University of Victoria, and a Fellow with the Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health.

Kathleen Vanderlinden - My name is Kathleen Vanderlinden, and I am a person living with dementia. I’m 60 years old. I was diagnosed with vascular dementia and early onset Alzheimer’s disease at 54. I had a stroke when I was 39 years old. I grew up in Toronto, and have lived in Waterloo for 22 years. I live at home with my husband. I have two sons. I am a co-researcher in a number of projects with the University of Waterloo, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the Alzheimer's Society of Waterloo-Wellington, including the 'Dementia-Capable Communities Waterloo Region' project.

KW Habilitation is a local not-for-profit organization that provides a wide range of individualized services and supports to children with any special need and adults with developmental disabilities. We believe that a good life is fostered through early learning supports, inclusive living services, community involvement, and employment supports. Our work is guided by our Vision Statement: “A community where everyone belongs and participates” and by our Mission Statement: "Together with our community, KW Habilitation inspires abilities to enrich the lives of children, youth, adults and families".