Lauren Pires Lauren Pires

Check out the 13 Canadian buildings and monuments I’ve gotten to light up for Invisible Disabilities Week

We’re two weeks away from Invisible Disabilities Week, and I’m so excited to have gotten 13 buildings/monuments across ten Canadian cities lighting up to bring awareness to invisible disabilities! 🎉

This is the third Invisible Disabilities Week that I’ve been ✨open✨ about the rare muscle disorder I was born with, Central Core Disease.

For my first IDW in 2023, I was floored to be named the winner of the “But You LOOK Good” Inspiration Award by the Invisible Disabilities Association (floored because the past winners include comedian Wayne Brady and TV personality Yolanda Hadid!).

In 2024 for my second IDW, I did an interview with Mississauga News for an article on a report that the cost of living in Mississauga for people with disabilities is up to 39% higher than for those without disabilities, and did my first corporate talk for Arc’teryx’ disability-focused ERG.

This year, I’m doing another interview and corporate talk (more on those later), and I’ve been encouraging cities to light up to bring awareness to the invisible disabilities community.

An estimated up to 80% of disabilities are invisible/non-apparent, making it easier for them to be ignored or not supported by others, and harder for those living with them to advocate for themselves.

To me, Invisible Disabilities Week is about creating visibility and community for those living with them, and to encourage others to share their stories and experiences.

Because every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place. ✨

Check out the list of locations and dates of the lightings below!

  • Apron Tower - Toronto Pearson Airport - Oct 19

  • Clock Tower - Mississauga Civic Centre - Oct 19

  • Niagara sign - Niagara Region - Oct 19

  • Clock Tower - Brampton City Hall - Oct 19

  • City Hall - Peterborough City Hall - Oct 19

  • Vaughan City Hall - City of Vaughan - Oct 20

  • Oakville Town Hall - Town of Oakville - Oct 20

  • Moncton City Hall, New Brunswick - Oct 20

  • Downtown Place - Moncton, New Brunswick - Oct 20

  • Avenir Centre - Moncton, New Brunswick - Oct 20

  • Downing Street - Moncton, New Brunswick - Oct 20

  • Fred A. Lundy Bridge - Town of Newmarket - Oct 21 

  • Hamilton sign - City of Hamilton - Oct 22

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