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Valerie
Doumani was a student in York's Critical Disabilities Studies
Program
Valerie Doumani, 42, a master’s
student in York’s Critical Disability Studies Program, died
suddenly on Jan. 13 in Toronto. Ms. Doumani was a graduate of
St. Clair College and held an honours degree from the
University of Windsor.
 Left:
Valerie Doumani
Throughout her life, she worked as an advocate for better
accessibility practices. Ms. Doumani was a volunteer for many
cultural festivals and events in Windsor, Ont. While a student
at the University of Windsor, she served on the University of
Windsor’s Special Needs Advisory Committee. Ms. Doumani was an
active participant in auditing and identifying various
physical facilities at the university, and offered advice
about the removal and prevention of barriers for persons with
disabilities on campus.
Ms. Doumani brought that experience to York and was active
in the University’s Graduate Students' Association. She was
committed to self-improvement through education. Her ultimate
goal, according to her family, was to help others through her
education, knowledge and skills.
Her friends describe her as being a good friend and someone
who was passionate about critical disability studies. She
worked hard to make the world a better place and had a “big
sense of humour”. She also loved music and was a fan of
American singer Bette Midler.
Ms. Doumani was very proud of her five nephews and one
niece. She leaves her parents Joseph and Vivian Doumani and
her brothers Alex and Peter and sisters Theresa and Desiree;
she was predeceased by her sister Michelle Jane.
The York University flag flied at half-mast today starting
at sunrise on January 19th, 2010 until 1 pm the following day
in honour of Ms. Doumani. | 
