My name is Janet Paterson and I am an injured worker.  I have had two serious injuries that have left me with permanent disabilities.  I suffered a broken back in my first injury that resulted in a fusion 16 months later.  Youth, a strong body and a lifestyle committed to body strengthening and exercise led to a positive return to many of the things I enjoyed doing.  Ten years after my first injury, I was jumped in a stairwell at work and that resulted in further serious and permanent injuries to my low back, neck and upper body.  The challenges that I have faced seeking employment, including suitability and accommodation, led to a growing awareness of the need for an expanded and inclusive adoption of what work can look like and a change in society that will adopt it.    The work that the Disability and Work Canada project is doing is an integral part of building this change.  I am both honored and look forward to being part of this project.