ICAN CERD

According to the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, elder abuse impacts roughly 10% of older adults in Canada. But that number only tells part of the story.

Because what doesn’t show up in data is what stays hidden in daily life.

Abuse is often underreported, not because it is rare, but because it is complicated. Fear. Shame. Embarrassment. Dependence on the person causing harm. Or the quiet belief that speaking up won’t change anything.

For some, there’s also the barrier of not being physically, cognitively, or emotionally able to report what’s happening. For others, it’s years of self-blame or mistrust built over time.

So while statistics matter, they don’t capture silence and silence is where harm often goes unseen.

On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the question isn’t only “how common is it?” It’s also “what makes it hard to see and harder to say out loud?”

Awareness matters, but so does what we do with it. Notice. Listen. Reach out.

☀️We kicked off our Summer BBQ Series with some of our Supportive Housing clients this week!

Great food, great company, and a great way to enjoy the start of summer together. We’re looking forward to many more BBQs and community connections in the weeks ahead! 🌭🌞

💙 June is Stroke, Aphasia & Brain Injury Awareness Month! 💙

Recognizing the signs of stroke and acting quickly can save a life.
Remember BE FAST:
Balance – Sudden loss of balance or coordination
Eyes – Sudden vision changes or loss of vision
Face – Is the face drooping?
Arms – Is one arm weak or numb?
Speech – Is speech slurred or difficult to understand?
Time – Call 9-1-1 immediately.

Learn the signs. Share the message. Help save a life.

June is Stroke, Aphasia & Brain Injury Awareness Month!

Not all injuries are visible.

Stroke, aphasia, and brain injury can change how someone speaks, connects, remembers, moves, or navigates everyday life — often in ways that are deeply personal and not immediately seen by others. Behind each experience is a person adapting, rebuilding, and continuing forward in their own way.

This month is a reminder to slow down, listen differently, and make space for the many ways people communicate and live their lives. 💙

As National AccessAbility Week comes to a close, one message remains:

Everyone deserves to feel included, respected, supported, and connected in their community.

At ICAN, we see the impact of accessibility every day! In confidence gained, friendships built, goals achieved, and barriers overcome.

Thank you to our staff, clients, families, and community partners for helping create a more inclusive future. 💙

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

At ICAN, we believe that everyone deserves to be seen, valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are.

We proudly stand with the 2SLGBTQI+ community and reaffirm our commitment to creating inclusive spaces where people of all identities can feel supported and empowered. Diversity makes our communities stronger, and inclusion helps everyone thrive!

Let's continue to learn and celebrate together - not just this month, but every day!

Happy Pride Month from all of us at ICAN! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Independence isn’t one-size-fits-all.

For some, it’s cooking a meal independently, or reconnecting socially.
For others, it’s navigating the community, returning to work, or learning a new skill after injury or illness.

Every step forward matters.
Every goal matters.

At ICAN, we celebrate all forms of independence, big and small. 💙

Step into a new perspective this National AccessAbility Week. 👟💙

ICAN hosted “In My Shoes”: an interactive event designed to spark conversation, understanding, and connection through lived experience.

Participants completed activities while being guided by ICAN clients, offering a unique opportunity to learn directly from individuals with disabilities and experience the importance of communication, patience, adaptability, and accessibility in everyday life.

This event isn’t about “getting it perfect”... it’s about learning and seeing the world a little differently.

Together, we can build a more inclusive and accessible community for everyone. 💙

Today, ICAN staff and clients are proudly wearing red in support of Red Shirt Day ❤️

As part of National AccessAbility Week, Red Shirt Day recognizes and celebrates the contributions and achievements of Canadians living with disabilities while promoting a more accessible and inclusive future for everyone.

At ICAN, accessibility means creating spaces where people feel valued, included, supported, and empowered to fully participate in their communities. We are proud to stand together today in support of inclusion without barriers.

Thank you to everyone wearing red and helping raise awareness for accessibility and inclusion in our communities. ❤️