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Image for event: Imagining Sustainable Futures: Disability, Access, and Hope

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Imagining Sustainable Futures: Disability, Access, and Hope

in Partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University

2026-03-12 19:00:00 2026-03-12 20:00:00 America/New_York Imagining Sustainable Futures: Disability, Access, and Hope For Adults Eastside Branch - Program Room

Thursday, March 12
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Eastside Branch

Program Room

For Adults

About the Talk

This talk explores disability and accessibility through the lens of sustainability, while also questioning what “sustainable” really means. Drawing on research, community examples, and shared reflection, Dr. Alexis Buettgen, from Wilfrid Laurier University, will consider how we can build futures that centre access, dignity, and care amid climate and social challenges. Participants will be invited to imagine economies and environments rooted in inclusion, care, and collective hope.

Presented in partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University.

About the Presenter

Dr. Alexis Buettgen is a community-engaged researcher, educator, and advocate, with over 15 years of experience in community-based research, health and social services, academic institutions, and activist organizations. She has dedicated her career to advancing knowledge, practice and policy in the areas of social and climate justice; social, political and economic inclusion; community capacity and coalition building with an interest in disability studies and community psychology. Her current research focuses on the development of an inclusive green economy and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and climate action through fieldwork carried out at local, national, and international levels. Alexis is an Assistant Professor in the Community Psychology program and Associate Director of the Viessmann Centre for Engagement and Research in Sustainability at Wilfrid Laurier University. She also holds Adjunct and Graduate Faculty Appointments at McMaster and York University and an active member of Citizens With Disabilities Ontario.


Photography Notice: Please note that photographs and videos may be taken at this event and may be broadcast, reproduced, and/or made available in print or online. For individual or small group photos, staff will make attendees aware of their presence and will ask permission before taking photos. 

For larger public events, please note that by attending, you are consenting to the use of your appearance, image, and voice in print or digital productions created by the Waterloo Public Library for promotional use only. Please speak to library staff at the event if you’d like to be excluded from any photo/video. 

Staff: Charlie

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Lifelong Learning | Health and Wellness | Guest Speakers |

TAGS: | Adult learning |

Eastside Branch

Phone: 519-886-1310

Hours
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Mon, Nov 02 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Nov 03 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Nov 04 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Nov 05 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Nov 06 9:30AM to 5:30PM
Sat, Nov 07 9:30AM to 5:30PM
Sun, Nov 08 Closed

About the branch

Located at the RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex, the Eastside Branch boasts specialized creative spaces, quiet study areas, a nature education space and lots of natural light.

Upcoming events

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Mon, Nov 02, 10:00am - 10:45am
Main Library
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Mon, Nov 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For ones ages 11 to 24 months with a caregiver. 

Mon, Nov 02, 10:30am - 11:15am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For children ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.

Mon, Nov 02, 10:30am - 11:15am
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
This event is full

Mon, Nov 02, 11:00am - 11:45am
Main Library
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Registration is now closed

Mon, Nov 02, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
Registration is now closed

Mon, Nov 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old with a caregiver.

Mon, Nov 02, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.

Mon, Nov 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.

Mon, Nov 02, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults

Tue, Nov 03, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.

Tue, Nov 03, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults

Tue, Nov 03, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Pop-Up Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!

Tue, Nov 03, 3:30pm - 4:15pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Pop-Up Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!

Tue, Nov 03, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.

Tue, Nov 03, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
This event is full

Tue, Nov 03, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults

Wed, Nov 04, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
This event is full

Wed, Nov 04, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.

Wed, Nov 04, 1:30pm - 5:30pm
John M. Harper Branch
For everyone

Wed, Nov 04, 1:30pm - 2:15pm
John M. Harper Branch - Study Room 1
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!

Wed, Nov 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults

Wed, Nov 04, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full

Wed, Nov 04, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration is now closed

Wed, Nov 04, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
John M. Harper Branch - Study Room 1
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!

Wed, Nov 04, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
This event is full

Wed, Nov 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
Everyone Welcome

Thu, Nov 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For babies and toddlers ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 05, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver. 

Thu, Nov 05, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 05, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
John M. Harper Branch - Study Room 1
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full

Thu, Nov 05, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full

Thu, Nov 05, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For kids ages 6 to 8 years old.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 05, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
This event is full

Thu, Nov 05, 7:00pm - 7:45pm
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!

Fri, Nov 06, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults

Fri, Nov 06, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Pop-Up Library
For Adults

Fri, Nov 06, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Main Library
Drop-in for help for technology questions

Fri, Nov 06, 3:30pm - 4:15pm
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!

Sat, Nov 07, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families

Sat, Nov 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.
This event is full

Sat, Nov 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
RIM Park - Room 207/208
Everyone Welcome

Mon, Nov 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For ones ages 11 to 24 months with a caregiver. 

Mon, Nov 09, 10:30am - 11:15am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For children ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.

Mon, Nov 09, 10:30am - 11:15am
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
This event is full

Mon, Nov 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old with a caregiver.

Mon, Nov 09, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.

Mon, Nov 09, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.

Tue, Nov 10, 10:00am - 2:00pm
John M. Harper Branch
For everyone

Tue, Nov 10, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.

Tue, Nov 10, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults

Tue, Nov 10, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 4 to 6 years old with a caregiver. 

Tue, Nov 10, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
Everyone Welcome

Tue, Nov 10, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults

Wed, Nov 11, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Older Adults

Wed, Nov 11, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.

Wed, Nov 11, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
This event is full

Wed, Nov 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old
This event is full

Wed, Nov 11, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For babies and toddlers ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 12, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver. 

Thu, Nov 12, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults and Older Adults

Thu, Nov 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.

Thu, Nov 12, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 year old.

Thu, Nov 12, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For kids ages 6 to 8 years old.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults

Thu, Nov 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
This event is full

Fri, Nov 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Pop-Up Library
For Older Adults
Registration is now closed

Sat, Nov 14, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
This event is full

Sat, Nov 14, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families

Sat, Nov 14, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults

Sat, Nov 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.
This event is full

Sat, Nov 14, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For kids ages 6 to 10 years old.

Sat, Nov 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Families

Mon, Nov 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For ones ages 11 to 24 months with a caregiver. 

Mon, Nov 16, 10:30am - 11:15am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For children ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.

Mon, Nov 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old with a caregiver.

Mon, Nov 16, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.

Mon, Nov 16, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.

Mon, Nov 16, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults

Tue, Nov 17, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.

Tue, Nov 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults

Tue, Nov 17, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults

Tue, Nov 17, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults

Wed, Nov 18, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults

Wed, Nov 18, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.

Wed, Nov 18, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
This event is full

Wed, Nov 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.

Wed, Nov 18, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
This event is full

Wed, Nov 18, 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For AdultsRegister

Thu, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For babies and toddlers ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.

Thu, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Families

Thu, Nov 19, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For kids ages 6 to 8 years old.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 19, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
This event is full

Thu, Nov 19, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults

Fri, Nov 20, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults

Fri, Nov 20, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Pop-Up Library
For Adults

Sat, Nov 21, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families

Sat, Nov 21, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Families

Sat, Nov 21, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.
This event is full

Sat, Nov 21, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
Everyone Welcome

Sat, Nov 21, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For tweens ages 10 to 13 years old.

Mon, Nov 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For ones ages 11 to 24 months with a caregiver. 

Mon, Nov 23, 10:30am - 12:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Monday, November 2 2026 at 7:00pm

Mon, Nov 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old with a caregiver.

Mon, Nov 23, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.

Tue, Nov 24, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.

Tue, Nov 24, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Tuesday, November 3 2026 at 7:00pm

Tue, Nov 24, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Tuesday, November 3 2026 at 7:00pm

Wed, Nov 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
Designed for children, youth, and adults with autism, developmental disabilities, sensory differences, and their families or caregivers. Participants of all abilities are welcome.
Registration opens Wednesday, November 4 2026 at 7:00pm

Wed, Nov 25, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.

Wed, Nov 25, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
Registration opens Wednesday, November 4 2026 at 7:00pm

Wed, Nov 25, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
This event is full

Wed, Nov 25, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
Registration opens Wednesday, November 4 2026 at 7:00pm

Thu, Nov 26, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Albert McCormick Community Centre - Beaupre Room
For kids ages 6 to 8 years old.
This event is full

Thu, Nov 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Thursday, November 5 2026 at 7:00pm

Thu, Nov 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
This event is full

Sat, Nov 28, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch
For Families

Sat, Nov 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.
This event is full

Mon, Nov 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For babies and toddlers age 0 to 24 months with a caregiver. 

Mon, Nov 30, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults

Tue, Dec 01, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 3 to 6 years old with a caregiver.
Registration opens Tuesday, November 10 2026 at 7:00pm

Tue, Dec 01, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults

Tue, Dec 01, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
Registration opens Tuesday, November 10 2026 at 7:00pm

Tue, Dec 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults