About Us
HAGI’s mandate is to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities including seniors.
Our Mandate
It is our goal to provide the best barrier free housing to our consumers the freedom to make independent choices about their lifestyle.
HAGI’s mandate is to improve the quality of life for individuals with a disability including seniors. It can accurately be said that HAGI was one of the first in Northwestern Ontario, Ontario, and even Canada in terms of creating awareness and implementing solutions surrounding accessibility. HAGI successfully broadened the disability rights movement municipally, provincially, nationally and internationally.
Our History
— 1970s
In the early 1970s, a group of like-minded young persons with a disability in the city of Thunder Bay created the city’s first disability rights organization, called the Handicapped Action Group Incorporated (HAGI). These disabled young people were aided by the Lakehead Rehabilitation Centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Lakehead Social Planning Council.
— 1975
HAGI was incorporated in 1975, with the appropriate organizational framework and Board of Directors needed for this movement.
— 1980s
By the early 1980s, HAGI had built relationships and connections with community and political leaders, becoming the main local and regional organization for disability advocacy.
— 2004
HAGI introduced its TV Bingo program in 2004, and is still in operation today.
— Present
Today, HAGIs primary function is to provide barrier free housing facilities, thus enabling physically challenged individuals the freedom to make independent choices about their lifestyle. HAGI’s 2 housing locations are modified to enable people with disabilities to perform day-to-day functions that many people take for granted.
Our Goal
It is our goal to provide the best barrier free housing to our consumers the freedom to make independent choices about their lifestyle.
We provide the following core services:
- Barrier-free Accessible Housing
- Wilderness Discovery Accessible Camping
- HAGI TV Bingo Fundraiser
- Disability Advocacy & Inclusion
Board of Directors
Our board of directors consists of:
- Ryley Hlady (President)
- Norm Baker (Vice President)
- Colin Cook (Treasurer)
- Donna Wiitala (Secretary)
- Ulysses Patola (Director)
- Tom Bryson (Director)
- Bill Cavner (Director)
- Paul Fox (Director)
- Dave Koivisto (Director)
- Joe Wood (Director)
HAGI continues to advocate as we still have lots to accomplish, if you would like to get involved with HAGI’s Advocacy Committee please contact us.