Fran ODETTE
Since 2003, Fran Odette has been the Program Manager of the Women with Disabilities and Deaf Women's Program at Education Wife Assault. She has been working in the violence against women movement for approximately 15 years, with a particular focus on issues impacting women with disabilities and Deaf women.
As a trainer/educator, much of Fran's work has been supporting service providers in the VAW sector as well as social service agencies to make the linkages needed to ensure that all women have access to services. As well, Fran has presented and written on issues related to gender, disability, sexuality and body image for communities of women and service providers across the province. Having worked in a variety of settings, including with the Ontario government, Fran brings a wealth of knowledge and skill on issues related to working within an anti-oppression framework and is excited about working from a collaborative place with communities, including FSA Board, staff and volunteers.
Fran was a member of the Steering Committee for the Lesbian and Breast Cancer Project funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario Chapter. The Lesbians and Breast Cancer Project was a community-based participatory study conducted in Ontario in 2003. Lesbians diagnosed with a 'woman's cancer' were interviewed about their experiences of treatment, cancer care, and support, and their feelings and ideas about changes in identity, body, sexuality and relationships.
Finally in 2004, Fran co-authored with Cory Silverberg and Dr. Miriam Kaufman, a book entitled The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability - For All of Us Who Live with Disabilities, Chronic Pain and Illness" (*Cleis Press).
First elected to the FSA Board at AGM 2006.
