Decorative: A photo of a concrete wall, being used as a background texture, subtly indicating barriers

Book tour and sponsors

Tour dates

A view of the Bayview Yards building entrance from the street, showing the 7 Cours Bayview Yards sign on the front lawn

Rethinking Disabilities

Bayview Yards
7 Bayview Station Rd.
Ottawa, ON

May 20th, 2025 from 5:00pm–8:00pm

View location accessibility
Info provided by AccessNow

Sponsors

LH Express band members sitting outside on a bench in the Fall. Members include three men and one woman, who appear to be in their 40s-50s.

Event music

The LH Express

The LH Express is a soulful, fun-filled and electrifying musical ride with a number 1 Album on the “Roots Music Report: Top 50 Canada Album Chart” for “Painting Stars” (2023), a Sapphire video award in 2020, a top 5 Album on the “Roots Music Report: Top 50 Canada Album Chart” in 2019 for “Catch The Westbound”, and a nomination for “Best New Act” at the 2018 Maple Blues Awards!

Artist Joel "J Positive" Jamensky standing in front of a beige wall with his colourful painting hung on it, while wearing a blue t-shirt and holding a white mug, both the t-shirt and mug have his art printed on them.

Art Auction

J Positive

Born in 1995 in Ottawa, Canada, Joel "J Positive" Jamensky was diagnosed with Down syndrome. His parents immediately embraced the unexpected adventure they were about to embark on. Joel has developed his own unique artistic perspective which was encouraged by his mom from a young age. His art has always brought joy to all who see it.

The two years of COVID were a difficult time for Joel, as he struggled with his mental health. However, Joel took this opportunity to spend more time on his art, and launched his Art By J Positive store. This has given Joel a newfound sense of pride, and has helped him along his journey towards mental health healing.

Auction

We will be auctioning one of J Positive's paintings. At each tour stop we will invite attendees to sign up, and the winner will be announced at the close of the book tour.

100% of the proceeds will be donated to charity.

Sponsor

INNoVA

INNoVA is an innovative solutions partner, helping businesses create inclusive, adaptable, and engaging workplaces through advanced methodologies, measurable and sustainable outcomes, and expert consulting in workplace adjustments and accessibility. Our mission is to remove barriers and cultivate personalized employee experiences that drive engagement and business success. Guided by our values of Inclusion, Ingenuity, and Integrity, INNoVA aims to be a catalyst for positive change, empowering organizations, and their employees to evolve and thrive. With a focus on customized solutions and a vision for a more equitable future, INNoVA is guiding organizations to evolve to where diversity includes disabilities, potential is maximized, and employee engagement is inclusive.

Grooming

The Lion's Mane Barbershop

The Lion’s Mane Barbershop is a locally owned and family-run barbershop in Gloucester, Ottawa, offering a blend of traditional grooming and modern luxury.They provide a range of services, including classic haircuts, detailed beard trims, and premium treatments. The shop also hosts unique "Shave Parties" for special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. Committed to supporting Canadian-made products, The Lion’s Mane combines skilled craftsmanship with a welcoming atmosphere.​