Overview

Kevin Jackson was a valued and beloved mad activist, scholar, friend, and colleague in the Critical Disability Studies program; he also furthered connections with other disability justice and activist communities in Toronto and beyond. For decades Kevin had dedicated his labour, creativity and passion to cross-disability activism and seeking justice often denied to disabled and racialized people as well as many others. This award is established as one way to remember Kevin and continue the important work he was a part of: cultivating solidarity, working across differences, and collective liberation.

The Kevin Jackson Disability Activism Award was created to benefit entering or continuing students registered in the full- or part-time MA or PhD Program in Critical Disability Studies, who have participated in, or contributed to, disability justice activism and/or solidarity across disability movements. To be eligible, students must demonstrate financial need and be in good academic standing. Students must submit a 250-word statement outlining their relationship(s) with disability (disclosure of diagnosis/condition not required) along with their activist work in disability justice, as well as a letter of reference from an organization or an individual, who is arms-length from the applicant, attesting to the applicant’s participation and contributions to disability justice activism and/or solidarity across disability movements.

Value

• Up to $1000 per year until March 31, 2027

Eligibility

• Incoming or current student
• Registered active in Critical Disability Studies
• In good academic standing
• Demonstrate financial need through the student financial profile

Deadline

• May 15

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the Student Financial Profile along with the application form including a 250-word statement and reference letter to gradcds@yorku.ca by May 15th each year. Recipients will be encouraged to submit a letter of thanks outlining the impact of the award on their studies at York. Award applications will be adjudicated by the Critical Disability Studies program awards committee.

Support

• Faculty of Graduate Studies - Critical Disability Program
  Collette Murray
  Graduate Program Assistant
  Stong College 313, 165 Campus Walk
  Tel: 416-736-2100 ext. 44494
  Email: Gradcds@yorku.ca