Literary spaces are strongest when everyone can fully participate. This panel explores disability, accommodations, and accessibility across literary experiences—from festivals and community spaces to publishing and professional opportunities—while also addressing the barriers and challenges that continue to shape participation. Join us for a conversation about how readers, writers, and industry professionals can help create more thoughtful, inclusive literary spaces.
Author
Ardra Shephard (she/her) is an author, creator, advocate and television host. Her memoir Fallosophy (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025) is nominated for the 2026 Forest of Reading Evergreen Award.
Author
Jackie Khalilieh (she/her) is a Palestinian Canadian author who writes funny, hope filled young adult coming of age and romance novels featuring autistic heroines, like herself.
Amanda Leduc is a Canadian writer and disability rights advocate. She is the author of DISFIGURED: ON FAIRY TALES, DISABILITY, AND MAKING SPACE, which was shortlisted for the 2020 Governor General’s Award in Nonfiction. She is also the author of the novels THE CENTAUR’S WIFE and THE MIRACLES OF ORDINARY MEN. Her newest novel, WILD LIFE, was published by Random House Canada in spring 2025.
Lily Kwok |
Michael Nyby
Join us for a screening of The Librarians, a powerful documentary examining the alarming rise of book banning legislation and…
Joss Richard |
Elle Douglas |
Jackie Khalilieh
Don your favourite fit, gather your friends, and join us for a delightful high tea with romance writers Jackie Khalilieh,…
Britta B. |
Desiree Mckenzie |
Akil Elijah
The annual spoken word showcase returns to the Rose Studio for an evening of powerful, unforgettable performances curated by Patrick…