CCD Voice of Our Own (Fall 2013 - Winter 2014)

On the CCD Agenda

 

Disabled Canadians' Concerns about Ending Door to Door Postal Service

 

CCD, a national organization of persons with disabilities is concerned that Canada Post’s proposal to end door to door postal services will adversely impact Canadians with disabilities.  Community mailbox delivery is inadequate for those with mobility impairments and will make people with disabilities more dependent upon family and friends to pick up their mail for them.

It is assumed that an individual will be able to get their mail boxes but distance, access and weather will all be factors that create greater exclusion of people with disabilities.  There also appears to be an assumption that citizens are now able to do business or communicate in new ways because they have access to new technologies.  But for those living in poverty, many of whom are people with disabilities, the cost of new technologies is out of reach.  Between 45 and 60 percent of all those on income assistance in this country identify as having a disability.  A digital divide exists between those who can afford new technologies and those who cannot and rely on old tried and true mechanisms such as door to door mail services.

If this initiative goes forward as planned some Canadians with disabilities will find they are further isolated and made more dependent on the good will of family and neighbors for basic service such as getting their mail.


Transforming Systems a New Approach Employment and Persons with Disabilities

 

A Consensus Exists: Creating greater employment opportunities for persons with disabilities is not only the right thing to do; it makes good economic sense.  A win/win opportunity exists and can be realized.  However, it must be recognized that not all persons with disabilities are able to work and adequate income security is critically important to many Canadians with disabilities.

1. Preamble:

Critical to successfully addressing the massive unemployment and under-employment of persons with disabilities is collaboration and coordination between all stakeholders- federal/ provincial/territorial governments, employers, unions and persons with disabilities and their organizations.  Success will only be achieved if systemic barriers are removed and individual disability accommodations are assured.  Beyond collaboration and appropriate accommodation, programs are required that create new incentives to assist people with disabilities acquire skills and training and employers both large and small must be encouraged to make their labor force more inclusive.

2. Developing a New Approach: Transformation and Incentives:

Federal/Provincial/Territorial governments must collaboratively develop a new 5 year Strategic Plan to address employment needs of persons with disabilities and help remove disincentives to labor market participation.   The upcoming Federal/Provincial/Territorial Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Employment and the Government of Canada’s stated objective of transforming” the Labor Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities (LMAPD) create a new opportunity.

Today’s labor market is fundamentally different than that of 30 years ago when employment service supports for persons with disabilities were first developed.  A New Approach requires adjusting program design and delivery to address the current labor market which is much more fluid.  In today's labor market, fewer employment benefits are attached to jobs which are more frequently contract, part time and term employment.  Commentary on employment insecurity is now part of a public dialogue.

A critical analysis is required to transform outmoded service delivery systems that provide no affirmative action component but only offset the additional costs of disability.  It is of equal concern that many current service systems do not respond to the labor market realities or the expectations of persons with disabilities in 2013.

CCD calls on F/P/T/ Ministers responsible for Employment to begin a “transformative” process that engages all stakeholders.  Doing more of the same will not create outcomes that will assist in lifting people with disabilities out of poverty, improving our economy or addressing  identified labor shortages now or in the near future.  Consultations must be held with the disability community to determine the parameters and desired outcomes of the New Approach.

Immediate actions:

  • First priority for "new investments" should be given to youth (18-30) in transition – moving from school to work.  Support must not be diminished for others seeking to enter the labor market – older persons just experiencing disability, those seeking to re-enter the labor force, etc.
  • Develop a range of employment initiatives and supports which include longer term supports for those with more complex needs (multiple disabilities, greater experience of discrimination, Aboriginal People, and women).  Current accountability regimes penalize those with complex needs.
  • Establish a collaborative supported task group representative of the disability community and other stakeholders to “transform” the LMAPD.
  • Federal and Provincial Governments must lead through action and become a model employer with a target of ensuring that persons with disabilities comprise 7% of their labor force across departments in both front line and management positions.

3. Research must be supported to:

  • Identify labor market participation by disability group, age and gender,
  • Determine why there has been a 38% increase between 2005 and 2010 in the participation rate of persons with disabilities in income assistance programs,
  • Identify the changed nature of work and whether new barriers are being created for persons with disabilities,
  • Develop indicators for measuring success that take into account those with more complex needs and experiencing multiple barriers.
  • Employment supports must also include support for self-employment.

Current barriers to employment have been well documented over the years.  Employment and Social Development Canada should create a user friendly report highlighting current barriers and best practices to overcome these barriers.


4. Labor market initiatives:

The Labor Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities (LMAPD) and the Opportunities Fund must be transformed and expanded.
Targets for the employment of persons with disabilities must be established within Labor Market Agreements with the provinces and territories.
Expansion should include new funding allocations for regional demonstration projects that engage all stakeholders.  This fund should grow over time, recognizing that LMAPD funding has remained static in real terms for many years.
Consideration should be a given to an expanded federal contribution providing a 75%/25% split in cost-shared funding for designated new “transformative” employment initiatives.
Transformation includes funding service delivery mechanisms that respond both to current labor market needs and the contemporary aspirations and needs of persons with disabilities.
Performance indicators must be established within LMA reporting mechanisms to highlight the employment initiatives regarding persons with disabilities.

 


Member Group Updates

 

 

British Columbia Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD)

 

Wellness and Disability Initiative/AIDS & Disability Action Program (WDI/ADAP)

 

Our Wellness and Disability Initiative/AIDS & Disability Action Program (WDI/ADAP) is beginning a two-year contract funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). Building on ADAP/WDI’s strengths-based Resilience Education Program, the new project addresses stigma among people living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C (HCV). Strengths and strategies for coping with the stigma of HIV/HCV will be captured via Appreciative Inquiry interviews with individuals in the community. Final products for the first year include a Workbook, a Story Bank and a Summary of Key Findings. In year two (2014-2015), the project will utilize the Community Readiness Model to address stigma awareness/education and reduction among service providers working with people living with HIV/HCV. Selecting from the service providers interviewed in the first year, three to five “communities” will be identified. Depending on the service provider and their environment, “community” for the purpose of this work may be defined as an organization, an occupational association/professional network or a geographic area. A diversity of individuals and communities will be selected to maximize “lessons learned.”

BCCPD’s Karen Martin is working on InFocus (DAWN Canada and CACL National Project) for Metro Vancouver. The project focuses on violence prevention and response for people with disabilities and on health and well-being. With local partner SPARC BC, we have completed the focus group phase of the project, conducting 4 focus groups on violence and abuse with women, men, and seniors with disabilities as well as service providers. We are working on accessibility audits of 3 cancer screening sites which will be finished in October. From November 2013 to February Karen will be conducting health workshops in the community through this project.

 

 

 

Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities (ACCD)

 

ACCD Board of Directors: 2013-2014

President: Weslyn Mather, Edmonton; Vice President: Dave Storey, Grande Prairie
Treasurer: Art Erickson, Wabamun; Directors: Susan Grodsky, Calgary
Director: Dianne Finch, Medicine Hat; Director: Lui Greco, Calgary
Director: Kent Hodgins, Medicine Hat; Director: Brian Irvine, Didsbury
Director: Paulette McInnis, Grande Prairie; Director: Ian Young, Edmonton
CCD Representative: Dave Storey, Grande Prairie

Changes to Home Care in Alberta on the Horizon

In February 2013, three Edmonton Home Care contractors were asked to reapply for personal care support services they were already providing. Alberta Health Services planned to amalgamate the personal care support service contracts from 72 to 12 larger providers, which would have potentially saved about $18 million a year. After quickly applying, none of the three groups already providing these services were awarded the contracts which were given to larger care providers.

After a huge community uproar, AHS decided to review the congregated living contracts in Edmonton. The three Edmonton operators will be offered extensions to their previous contracts for eight months and that further contracts may be signed in the future.

Alberta Disabilities Forum Update:

Barrier-Free Design Working Group
Members of the ADF Barrier-Free Design Working Group completed a position paper entitled, Barrier-free Design in Alberta: Summary of the Issues. The purpose of this position paper is threefold:
To promote barrier-free design as a legitimate and fair approach for the built environment in Alberta;
To identify the challenges that hinder the development of a barrier-free environment in Alberta;
To recommend solutions for improving barrier-free design in Alberta.
Working group members discussed the findings of the position paper with representatives of the Municipal Affairs Ministry, the Safety Codes Council, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and other stakeholders. This position paper is available at www.adforum.ca.

Universal Disability Supports Working Group
The UDS Working Group completed a position paper entitled Universal Disability Supports – Community Vision on Policy Directions. ADF pulled together the collective expertise of its member organizations and developed policy directions and principles for an Alberta disability policy model. This ADF paper, available at www.adforum.ca, was distributed to various public servants and elected officials in the government.

Mental Health and Cross-Disability Working Group
ADF has been made aware that many people from within the cross-disability community are not receiving the supports needed for good mental health. It is not known what barriers may exist for those within the cross-disability community who may wish to seek help for mental health concerns. ADF established a Mental Health and Cross-Disability Working Group to do preliminary research of these issues and to compile its findings in a working group paper to determine the implications of this issue.

Home Care Working Group
In August 2013, the ADF Home Care working group was launched. The purpose of the working group is to develop recommendations that will improve the existing home care system in Alberta and identify potential risks to the quality of home care services.

Non-Profit Position Paper
The Alberta Disabilities Forum and the Alberta Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health partnered to produce a position paper entitled, Valuing and Supporting Alberta’s Non-Profit Disability Organizations: Challenges and Solutions. This document will assist funders and others to appreciate the contribution NPDOs make and to outline some of the issues NPDOs face. The position paper will soon be available on the ADF website at www.adforum.ca and the AAMIMH website at www.aamimh.ca.

Sign Up to Take Action on ACCD’s Barrier-Free Health Website


ACCD’s Barrier-Free Health and Medical Services Campaign website – barrierfreehealth.ca – is available to promote barrier-free health services in Alberta.

ACCD on the Web!

Website: www.accd.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ACCDisabilities
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ACCDisabilities

Studying the Human Brain

Scientists study the brain to understand how the brain works, and hopefully find better ways to diagnose and treat mental illness and other diseases that affect brain function. The Brain Research Centre and the European Human Brain Project are currently doing just that. Read about their work at www.accd.net.

Information is Power

Under Alberta’s Social Policy Framework, Premier Redford and the Ministry of Human Services is aiming to create new community engagement councils in 2014, in order to work collaboratively with communities to co-create solutions for local concerns and issues. These councils will specifically focus on combining the focus of Child and Family Services Authorities and Persons with Developmental Disabilities. The full article can be read at www.accd.net.

Did You Know?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is a neurological disease that can affect memory, vision and internal organs. It can result from surgery, a sprain or an injury, but is commonly misdiagnosed because there is no medical test. To learn more visit www.rsdcanada.org/parc/english/index.html

Meet the Board: Brian Irvine

Brian Irvine has been a member of ACCD’s Board of Directors since May 2013. As a board member, he appreciates the opportunity he has “to learn more about disability issues, and help remedy these issues by raising public awareness, advocating for legislative changes and being part of ACCD’s voice.” To read Brian’s full biography, visit www.accd.net.

ACCD and the Consumer Movement: 40 Years of Impact!

Diana Brent, ACCD supporter and past board chair, commends ACCD’s ability to look at single-disability issues from a broader prospective due to our cross-disability focus. Looking back on the last 40 years, ACCD has been active in thinking, talking about and taking part in the issues that were important to the consumer-directed disability movement – human rights, models of delivery, employment equity, accessible housing – and still remain important today. Read Diana’s full report at www.accd.net.

Changes to Canada Post will Adversely Affect People with Disabilities

Canada Post’s recent announcement that they will end door-to-door delivery in urban areas and hike the cost of stamps will affect those who are already vulnerable the most. People who require mobility aids, have visual impairments, or experience fatigue will have trouble accessing new communal mail boxes and may not have access to internet services for alternate methods of paying bills. To read about how these changes will affect people with disabilities, visit www.accd.net.

Update on Betty Anne Gagnon

Betty Anne Gagnon was born with developmental disabilities and was in the care of her sister and brother-in-law when she was found dead in 2009. It was eventually realized that she was physically and emotionally abused, and locked in unsanitary cages with no heat, food or running water. With no justice in sight, the couple was only charged with failure to provide the necessities of life and will face 20 months in prison. Read the full update at www.accd.net.

Take Action for Barrier-Free Health and Medical Services

Sign up at www.barrierfreehealth.ca to support removing barriers to make health and medical services in Alberta accessible for persons with disabilities.

ACCD Celebrates 40 Years!

On November 29, 2013, ACCD hosted our annual Open House and celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Thank you to all who attended!

Happy New Year!

On behalf of all of us here at ACCD, we wish you a happy and joyous New Year!

 



Saskatchewan Voice of People with Disabilities

 

Saskatchewan’s Individualized Funding Program (an alternative to Home Care)

by B Duncan

Individualized Funding is an option to Home Care and is operated within Home Care. This program allows the client, or their guardian, to be responsible for the management and to direct supportive care services and receive funds for same. To be eligible, you must be eligible for Home Care and have a stable supportive service needs and require long-term supportive services.

A needs assessment will be done jointly by the health region staff and the client to determine the need for supportive services, and the level and type of series that are required. For people with disabilities and seniors living in rural communities, this program makes a lot of sense. It means that you do not have to leave your home or community to receive the services you require. One of the pluses of this program is that you hire your own caregivers. This means that you know the person who will be giving you personal care; the care will be when you want it, not when you are penciled in; you will not have to “train” people on a daily basis. As a senior with a disability, I certainly would be more interested in this program than having to rely on another program. The government is now looking at how to "fix" the services for seniors, how about looking more closely at this program. It would be more cost effective than building another nursing home where a person is sent for the remainder of their life, to live in a small room; hopefully, not shared with someone else, and to have all of your personal belongings and memories piled in one corner of a room or in a closet! Contact: www.health.gov.sk.ca/home-care.

Phone: 306.787.4587

 

 

Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD)

 

MLPD among Five Manitobans Recognized for Human Rights Work

 

On International Human Rights Day, the Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties, the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Manitoba Human Rights Commission presented the 2013 Human Rights Awards. MLPD was a recipient of the Annual Human Rights Commitment Award of Manitoba, which recognizes those who have promoted respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and have advanced the rights of Manitobans.  David Martin, a former MLPD Provincial Coordinator, nominated MLPD for the Award. 

 

On its web site, the Manitoba Human Rights Commission made the following comments about why the MLPD was chosen to receive the award. "The Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD) is a disability rights organization controlled by Manitobans with disabilities. From its beginnings in 1974, the MLPD has had a profound impact on Manitoba. Its advocacy was responsible for such developments as the introduction of Winnipeg's Handi-Transit system, wheelchair accessible taxi services, and a program for accessible transportation that exists in over 60 rural communities. It was a key player pushing for changes to the provincial Building Code ensuring that public places are accessible to everyone. The MLPD's work had a significant effect on education legislation and policy, resulting in more inclusive education for students with disabilities. In 2014, The Manitoba League will be celebrating its 40th year of operation."

 

 

 

 

Citizens with Disabilities – Ontario

 

All Hands On Braille

 

July 28th-August 1st, 2014

CNIB Lake Joseph Centre

 

In partnership with Braille Literacy Canada, Citizens with Disabilities (CWDO), the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians and CNIB

 

All Hands On Braille Program

Monday July 28th- Friday August 1st, 2014

Ages 8-12,

 

The All Hands on Braille Program aims to improve the braille literacy of blind and low vision children through a one-week summer curriculum that is fun, creative and comprehensive.

 

All Hands on Braille provides intense focused one-on-one Braille immersion by emphasizing the importance of Braille through a fun, creative and comprehensive curriculum that includes Braille and other essential blindness skills as well as the arts, science and recreation. At All Hands on Braille, students participate in confidence-building activities with blind peers and are mentored by independent, professional blind adults. Most importantly, they will experience the beauty of Braille first-hand.  The All Hands on Braille program will take place at the CNIB Lake Joseph Centre.

 

Accommodations

 

Located in the heart of Muskoka, in MacTier, Ontario (2 hours north of Toronto), CNIB’s Lake Joseph Centre is a fully accessible lakefront facility that provides a unique blend of recreation and vision rehabilitation in a safe, inclusive environment with activities such as on-site programming (canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing and sailing) and evening programs.

 

Web: cnib.ca/lakejoe

Email: lakejoe@cnib.ca

CNIB lake Joseph Centre: 1-877-748-4028

 

 

COPHAN

 

New Web Site

 

Check out COPHAN's great new website at: http://cophan.org/

 


PEI Council of People with Disabilities (PEICOD)

 

PEICOD Boot Camp Basics: Transition Back to Essential Skills

Youth who have dropped out of High School or who attempted post-secondary education but did not complete are at a bigger disadvantage when it comes to competition for jobs or training opportunities.

They are at risk of being chronically underemployed or unemployed. Even more so if a youth has a suspected or diagnosed disability. Transition Back to Essential Skills: Boot Camp Basics is a new PEICOD program that offers an intensive boot-camp-style 20-week learning experience to youth who are not yet equipped to deal with the world of work.

The focus of the program is on the nine essential skills - oral communication, thinking, problem solving, computer skills, reading, numeracy document use, writing, working with others, and continuous learning - and realistic planning for employment and training.

This is an innovative program that has been developed to answer a specific need that was identified as a real barrier to employment experienced by clients referred to PEICOD by partner organizations. It is planned to implement two programs in the more rural areas of the island where the lack of public transportation presents yet another barrier to participants with disabilities.

Boot Camp Basics is funded through Human Resource & Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and by the Opportunities Fund – Skills Link. 

 

 

 

Coalition of Persons with Disabilities-NL (COD-NL)

 

Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities 

 

(St. John’s)  The Coalition of Persons with Disabilities-NL (COD-NL) is prompting municipalities, community leaders and others to ensure they are continuing to include persons with disabilities in all emergency planning.  COD-NL is also encouraging persons with disabilities to ensure that they too take responsibility for their well-being during this time. 

 

“Central to ensuring that communities can deal with these ongoing power outages and emergencies, is the inclusion of all community members in emergency preparedness”, says Jerry Weir, Vice-President of COD-NL.  Weir states “COD-NL is reminding municipalities that have set up Warming Centers to ensure that automatic door openers are turned on when there is power, doors are unlocked at ramps, and that all ramps, entrances and blue zone parking spaces are cleared of snow”. 

 

Kelly White, Executive Director says “persons with disabilities have varying degrees of requirements and everyone needs to ensure that we are including the needs of persons with disabilities as we endure this power outage.”  COD-NL has attached a list of helpful tips to assist persons with disabilities at Warming Centers and other locations.  

 

Operating at the provincial and local levels, COD-NL is a systemic advocacy organization concerned with all persons with disabilities, promoting their rights and raising public awareness of their needs. COD-NL is proactive, working to improve legislation and services at all government levels and networking with national and regional groups to support independence and foster positive self-concept of its members.

 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities – Dec 3

 

(St. John’s)  Each year on December 3, the World observes The International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day of recognition was established in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly to promote awareness of disability issues and the abilities of people with disability.

 

This year’s theme is: “Break barriers, open doors: for an inclusive society for all”.

 

Around the world, and throughout our province of Newfoundland and Labrador persons with disabilities face physical, social, economic and attitudinal barriers that exclude them from participating fully and effectively as equal members of society.

 

The Coalition of Persons with Disabilities –NL (COD-NL) would like to see an investment in disabilities by our provincial and federal governments.   

 

Michelle Murdoch, President of COD-NL is asking all stakeholders – governments, businesses, industry organizations and individuals to Take Action and Invest in Disability.  “We need to cultivate practical and concrete action to include the participation of persons with disabilities in economic and social areas.  This is a time for investment in persons with disabilities and the organizations that serve them.  It is not a time for reductions but a time for investment in services and programs that supports education and employment” states Murdoch.  

 

Kelly White, Executive Director of COD-NL states that “we need investments to ensure that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with disabilities have access to employment and education opportunities available to others in this province.  Persons with Disabilities are an untapped labor resource and this is the time for employers to recognize this.  The leaders in the disability community are ready and willing to support whatever is reasonable to advance these opportunities”. 

 

Operating at the provincial and local levels, COD-NL is a systemic advocacy organization concerned with all persons with disabilities, promoting their rights and raising public awareness of their needs. COD-NL is proactive, working to improve legislation and services at all government levels and networking with national and regional groups to support independence and foster positive self-concept of its members.

 

Advance Health Care Directive Initiative

 

The Coalition of Persons with Disabilities – NL launched its Advance Health Care Directive in October.  Download the document from the COD-NL website. http://www.codnl.ca/

 

 

Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities (LEO)

 

Check out LEO's web site at http://www.novascotialeo.org/

 

 

NWT Disabilities Council

 

Check out the NWT Disabilities Council's web site http://www.nwtability.ca/.

 

 

Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC)

 

All Hands On Braille

 

July 28th-August 1st, 2014

CNIB Lake Joseph Centre

 

In partnership with Braille Literacy Canada, Citizens with Disabilities (CWDO), the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians and CNIB

 

All Hands On Braille Program

Monday July 28th- Friday August 1st, 2014

Ages 8-12,

 

The All Hands on Braille Program aims to improve the braille literacy of blind and low vision children through a one-week summer curriculum that is fun, creative and comprehensive.

 

All Hands on Braille provides intense focused one-on-one Braille immersion by emphasizing the importance of Braille through a fun, creative and comprehensive curriculum that includes Braille and other essential blindness skills as well as the arts, science and recreation. At All Hands on Braille, students participate in confidence-building activities with blind peers and are mentored by independent, professional blind adults. Most importantly, they will experience the beauty of Braille first-hand.  The All Hands on Braille program will take place at the CNIB Lake Joseph Centre.

 

Accommodations

 

Located in the heart of Muskoka, in MacTier, Ontario (2 hours north of Toronto), CNIB’s Lake Joseph Centre is a fully accessible lakefront facility that provides a unique blend of recreation and vision rehabilitation in a safe, inclusive environment with activities such as on-site programming (canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing and sailing) and evening programs.

 

Web: cnib.ca/lakejoe

Email: lakejoe@cnib.ca

CNIB lake Joseph Centre: 1-877-748-4028

 

 

 

Canadian Association of the Deaf

 

CAD denounces “Fake Interpreter” at Mandela memorial in South Africa
 

(Ottawa, Ontario, 12 December 2013) - The Canadian Association of the Deaf joins in the world-wide condemnation of the South African government’s use of a fake Sign language interpreter at the ceremonies honoring the memory of Nelson Mandela.

 

“Nelson Mandela’s life and achievements were devoted to the equality of all peoples, regardless of race or disability,” said Frank Folino, CAD President. “He would be terribly saddened and embarrassed to see government of South Africa knowingly use a phony interpreter. It is a deliberate mockery of people who are Deaf.”

 

Mr. Folino noted that the same person had already been identified and proven to be a fake at an earlier event, and that the South African national Deaf association had formally protested to the government. But the government not only ignored the complaint, it went ahead and used the same person again.

 

“This time it has happened on a stage where the entire world is watching,” said Folino. He cited the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which supports “recognizing and promoting the use of Sign languages” (Article 21, section e) and “facilitating the learning of Sign language and the promotion of the linguistic identity of the Deaf community” (Article 24, section 3b).

 

“We ask the Government of South Africa to meet with the South African national Deaf association to listen to their concerns and those of Deaf people around the world,” he concluded.

 

 

 

DisAbled Women’s Network Canada / Reseau d’action des femmes handicapées (DAWN-RAFH Canada)

 

Leadership in the fight to end violence against women with disabilities and Deaf Women – DAWN-RAFH Canada thank Partners and launch new inclusive Resource

 

Status of Women Canada commit over $500,000 to support ending violence against women with DisAbilities and Deaf Women

 

(Montreal, Quebec, December 9, 2013) - “The DisAbled Women’s Network of Canada-Réseau d'Action des Femmes Handicapées Canada (DAWN-RAFH Canada) wants to acknowledge your leadership and to thank you and the Government of Canada and all of our project partners today,” said Bonnie Brayton, National Executive Director. The Honorable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister for Status of Women and Minister of Labor is at the Mayson Parent-Runback to announce funding through Status of Women Canada’s Community Fund to support work to reduce the rates of violence against women with disabilities. The project is entitled Responding to Violence in the Lives of Women with Disabilities and Deaf People: A Local Level Community Development Approach and is being carried out in thirteen provinces and territories across Canada.

 

Brayton went on to say “We are working with our national partner, the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) and as you will hear today the early findings are already very exciting – using a community development model that’s grounded in (leadership) engagement, education and systemic change.  Imagine - Social Planning Councils, YWCA’s, Chambers` of Commerce and Municipal Councils.

 

These communities (we’re talking from Iqaluit to Steinbach and Halifax to Vancouver) are a cross section of the places where the more than two million women with disabilities and Deaf women in Canada live - the diversity of local lead organizations is stunning in terms of moving the issue (and the conversation) of violence against women with disabilities and Deaf women out into the larger communities where we live."

 

Western University's Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children’s Learning Network Partner with DAWN-RAFH Canada to develop new resource!

 

We are also very pleased today to be launching a new multi-lingual, accessible resource aimed at understanding and addressing violence against women with disabilities and Deaf women.

 

Produced in collaboration with the University of Western Ontario’s Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children, the Resource, which is comprised of a print and electronic newsletter and two learning Briefs, highlights the intersectional context of violence experienced by women with disabilities, draws on their lived experience, and provides statistics and resources.

 

“We are pleased to have partnered with DAWN-RAFH Canada to produce this newsletter, because violence against women with disabilities and Deaf women is such an under-recognized, under-researched and under-resourced social concern”, said Professor Linda Baker, Learning Director at the Learning Network Team at the Centre.

 

Based on both research and lived experience of women with disabilities, the publication sheds light on the range of ways in which women with disabilities experience violence – leading with a very thought-provoking Brief on Ableism as an overarching and unnamed form of violence against women, in addition to physical, sexual, psychological, and financial abuse at the individual level, as well as at the systemic level.

 

We know from our research that women with disabilities themselves sometimes don’t even realize that some of what they experience is a form of violence”, said Doris Rajan, Senior Consultant to DAWN-RAFH Canada and one of the guest editors of the publication. “So it’s important to get this information out there.”

 

To ensure that the publication is inclusive, Western University and DAWN-RAFH Canada are launching this today in English, French, American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes quebecois (LSQ) and other accessible formats.

 

It’s a clear signal to us that with the right approach and leaders that are committed to an inclusive and safe community for all women, we can be hopeful!

 

DAWN-RAFH Canada is a national, feminist, cross-disability organization whose mission is to end the poverty, isolation, discrimination and violence experienced by Canadian women with disabilities.

 

National disability leadership demands justice for Betty Anne Gagnon

 

(Montreal, Quebec ,October 31, 2013) - The Edmonton Court of Queen’s Bench today pronounced sentencing in the case of Betty Anne Gagnon, a woman with an intellectual and a visual impairment who died while under the care of her sister and brother-in-law.

 

Denise Scriven and Michael Scriven were each sentenced to twenty months in prison for failure to provide the necessities of life. The maximum sentence is five years.

 

Following Ms. Gagnon’s death on November 20, 2009, the accused faced multiple charges, including manslaughter, failure to provide the necessities of life, criminal negligence causing death, unlawful confinement, two counts of assault and conspiracy to commit extortion. However, all charges were dropped except for the charge of failure to provide the necessities of life.

 

In a Statement of Facts submitted by the defendants, they admitted that they beat, caged and starved Ms. Gagnon. Ms. Gagnon was severely underweight at the time of her death, weighing only 65 pounds.  An autopsy determined that she died due to a blunt head injury.

 

In a response, The DisAbled Women’s Network Canada / Reseau d’action des femmes handicapées (DAWN-RAFH Canada), the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) and Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) are urging that Betty Anne Gagnon’s tragic and completely preventable death not be in vain and are calling for an inquiry into the horrific circumstances surrounding her final months and death, the systemic failures that led to this outcome, and for much stronger accountabilities going forward.  The national disability community also remains profoundly concerned that such blatant and intentional harm resulting in death is not, at a minimum, recognized as manslaughter in the criminal justice system. 

 

“We do wonder whether reduced charges in the face of such clear facts reflect an all-too-common devaluation of the lives of people with intellectual disabilities,” said CACL President Laurie Larson.

 

Ms. Gagnon lived with and was cared for by three friends for 18 years prior to living with her sister and brother-in-law. She was described as first and foremost a woman who loved life and appreciated every moment despite the many obstacles and challenges she had to overcome.

 

The national disability community also responded strongly to the fact that the judge did not allow Victim Impact Statements from Ms. Gagnon’s three caregivers. “People with disabilities have families of origin and families of choice, who are people they live with in a family context, “ said Carmela Hutchison, President of DAWN-RAFH Canada, and CCD Executive Member. “This non-traditional family should have equal opportunity to be heard and acknowledged by the court.”

 

DAWN-RAFH Canada, CCD and CACL urge provincial/territorial and the federal governments act within their jurisdictions, and collectively, to confront the continued violent victimization of people with disabilities in Canada and develop a national strategy of prevention and response. Such a strategy could build on the DAWN-RAFH Canada and CACL's "InFocus" pan-Canadian initiative currently underway in all provinces and territories to develop effective community-based responses to violence against people with disabilities and Deaf people.

 

“Betty Anne Gagnon’s death reminds us that we have a long and difficult road ahead in ending violence against people with disabilities, in particular women with disabilities,” said Carmela Hutchison, President of DAWN-RAFH Canada, and CCD Executive Member. “Our society still does not provide adequate support to people with disabilities to ensure that they do not become victims of violence and abuse.”

 

Studies have shown that women with disabilities experience violence at twice the rate of non-disabled women.

 

"There is no excuse for Betty Anne Gagnon’s death,” said Larson.  “It was completely preventable.  It is another example of the trend, all too prevalent in Canadian society, to remain unconscious about the violence against women with disabilities or, at best, to minimize and trivialize its reality.  It’s a shocking testament to our collective failure as a society.  We urge governments and the justice system to make this terrible case a wakeup call.”

 

Established in 1986, DAWN-RAFH Canada is the only national, feminist, cross-disability organization.

 

For more than 50 years, CACL and its national federation has been assisting people with intellectual disabilities and their families to attain full participation and inclusion in Canadian society.

 

 

National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)

 

NEADS Student Awards Program and Holly Bartlett Memorial Award winners announced!

 

(Ottawa, Ontario, December 17, 2013) - The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), and our funding partners Enbridge Liquids Pipelines, Scotiabank, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services and three private donors are pleased to announce the 6 outstanding winners of the 2013 NEADS Students Awards Program and The Holly Bartlett Memorial Award.  Five winners will receive $3,000 and the recipient of the Holly Bartlett award will receive $1,000 in support of their tuition and student fees.

 

The recipients of the awards are:

 

Ella Bowles, Evolutionary Genomics, Doctorate, University of Calgary

Blair DeBaie, Business Administration, Nova Scotia Community College

Nicole Dinn, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Queen’s University

Lisa Hislop, Bachelor of Business Administration, Cape Breton University

Kaley Roosen, Clinical Psychology, PhD candidate, York University

Rosalyn Tyrer, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours), Brock University (Holly Bartlett Award recipient)

 

"Congratulations to the 2013 winners,” said Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai, NEADS Senior Advisor and Chair of the selection committee. "We received over 450 applications for this year's competition. Choosing the winners was an extremely difficult process. The achievements and perseverance of all candidates was just incredible. The dedication and success of this year's winners truly embodies the spirit of the two programs. We wish the winners all the very best in their studies, and look forward to watching their success in the future. We are grateful to our corporate supporters of this year's program: Enbridge Liquids Pipelines, Scotiabank and Industrial Alliance and Financial Services and three generous private donors.”

 

 

NNMH Launches New Website

 

On 29 October 2013, CCD member group, National Network for Mental Health (NNMH) showcased it new website.  Some exciting new features are: a new design and navigation structure, survey questions of the week, consumers' forum, blogs, and more.  Congratulations to Julie Flatt and her team at NNMH for a great new presence on the web!

 

 

People First of Canada

 

A Lack of Common Sense and Compassion

 

(Winnipeg, Manitoba, January 13, 2014) – Canadians with intellectual disabilities and their families are closely watching the Nichele Benn case that is unfolding in Nova Scotia. Nichele is a young woman with intellectual and physical disabilities who had been leading a happy life with the help of family, friends, and the support of the NS Department of Community Services (DCS). But five years ago, the protocols that helped Nichele live in the community were changed. With the change in protocols came a huge change in Nichele’s life.

 

No longer was she to have access to in-home therapeutic intervention if her behavior became aggressive. The new protocol was to call the cops.

 

Before the new protocol, Nichele was considered a law-abiding citizen. Since the new protocol five years ago, she has had 17 separate police interventions, has been incarcerated seven times, and now has several assault charges and convictions. Nichele has also been removed from the program that provided her with a family-living environment and lives in an institution now, all thanks to the new protocol.

 

Brenda Hardiman, Nichele’s mother, has been working for years to get this situation changed for her daughter. Last week, People First groups throughout Nova Scotia held demonstrations of support while Nichele was being fingerprinted. Family and community members again appealed to government to stop criminalizing Nichele and support her health and disability needs.

 

Alan Harris, President of People First of Nova Scotia – an advocacy and educational organization of people with intellectual disabilities – said “I think it is terrible what Nichele has gone through. There needs to be a better solution to her support needs than calling the police and arresting her.” People First of Nova Scotia has been working with Nichele’s family and pushing for a meeting with the Premier, Stephen McNeil, and his ministers to discuss the case.

 

Ms. Hardiman stated, “People with special needs who have aggressive behaviours they cannot control are not criminals – there is no intent. This is obviously a health issue, not a criminal justice issue. The government needs to look at how they are dealing with this. This is horrific for Nichele and others like her in similar situations.”

 

As yet, there has been no word from government and Nichele’s situation remains the same. “There is a complete lack of common sense and compassion with this protocol,” said Shane Haddad, President of People First of Canada. “Without some change to the protocols, Nichele’s case is only going to get worse, not better. She is not a criminal – she doesn’t deserve to be treated like this.”

 

Nichele’s family and People First are calling upon Nova Scotians and all Canadians, to write the federal ministers of Justice and the Nova Scotia Premier to express their outrage at Nichele’s treatment.

 

People can also show their support on the facebook page – Help Nichele Benn Have We Learned Nothing From Ashley Smith.

 

People First of Canada is the national voice of people who have been labelled with an intellectual disability. The vision of People First is to see all citizens living equally in the community.

 

People First of Nova Scotia is a self-advocacy group of members who have been labelled with an intellectual disability. The vision of People First of Nova Scotia is that all citizens have an opportunity to live equally in community. For further information, contact Support Coordinator Cindy Carruthers – Phone: 902-454-3860 or by email: pfns@bellaliant.com. Find out more at www.peoplefirstns.ca

 

 

 

Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada

 

New Web Site!

 

Check out TVAC's new web site at:  http://www.thalidomide.ca/home/