Contents

Access 
Announcing the 2023-2024 Buildings Without Barriers Challenge | Rick Hansen Foundation 
Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way U.S. Access Board Webinar: Accessible Bathing Rooms (November 2) 
Employment 
Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) Employment Standard Feedback Survey 
You are invited to attend the Disability and Work in Canada 2023 (DWC 2023) Conference which will be held In-Person and virtually (plenary room only) over two days on November 29 & 30th. 
Government of Canada 
Mistreatment of Older Persons – Federal Policy Definition 
Recruitment of Policy Leaders - 2023-2024 Campaign Launch 
Newsletters 
Canadian Council of the Blind 
CLEO | On The Radar - Rent increases in 2024 and a reminder about the rules 
Cooperation Canada Newsletter 
Fighting Blindness Canada | Your October vision research updates are here! 
EASPD Newsletter 
Every Canadian Counts 
Euthanasia Prevention Coalition 
Ontario Human Rights Commission Newsletter 
Webinars 
Navigating Employment Opportunities in Higher Education: An Honest Conversation 

Access

Announcing the 2023-2024 Buildings Without Barriers Challenge | Rick Hansen Foundation

Click on the following link to access the information online: Announcing the 2023-2024 Buildings Without Barriers Challenge (rickhansen.com)

Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way

Click on the following link to access the information online: Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-WayArchive (accessibilityonline.org)

U.S. Access Board Webinar: Accessible Bathing Rooms (November 2)

Click on the following link to access the information online: Accessible Bathing Rooms (accessibilityonline.org)

Employment

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) Employment Standard Feedback Survey

As you know, the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) is dedicated to advancing equitable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and influencing policy to create an inclusive Canada.

We are currently seeking input on the Standard on employment, open for review until October 17th, 2023. This gathered input will inform the Standard's development.

The Standard comprises nine sections covering various aspects of employment, from structural support and policy to culture, recruitment, retention, and disability management.

CCRW’s key recommendations include emphasizing disability confidence, shifting focus from representation targets to genuine inclusion strategies, and advocating for a federal centralized accommodation fund.

You can read our brief in full here - CAN-ASC-1.1 Standard on employment CCRW Summary and

Recommendations

French Version: CAN-ASC-1.1 Standard on employment CCRW Summary and Recommendations_FR
We would appreciate you providing feedback and suggestions on the draft standard and their recommendations through our online survey our survey here.

Feedback might include editorial, spelling punctuation, technical, or general comments to improve the standard.

You can also provide feedback directly through the Accessibility Standards Canada website.
 

To view our recommendations on the Standard in either ASL or LSQ, please visit our YouTube channel or navigate directly to the playlist here: CCRW's Recommendations on the Standard on Employment in ASL and LSQ

We at CCRW thank you for your feedback in advance and as we seek collaborative efforts to refine the Standard on employment and promote inclusivity for all.

Samira Ahmadzai sahmadzai@ccrw.org

You are invited to attend the Disability and Work in Canada 2023 (DWC 2023) Conference which will be held In-Person and virtually (plenary room only) over two days on November 29 & 30th.

The theme for this year’s conference is the “Livelihoods and influencing the future of work for people with disabilities: A focus on rights, and quality of life.”

To register, click here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/723583556897?aff=oddtdtcreator. The deadline for the early bird rate is October 30th.

Registration categories and pre-tax amounts:
*Each ticket option includes a Pay it Forward option. By choosing a “Pay It Forward” ticket you will receive access to the ticket of your choice, and you will also pay a portion forward so that one ticket will be provided at no cost to a someone who may not have the financial means to attend.
1. Early Bird Full Conference (In person) - $350 - Open till October 30th
2. Early Bird Student Rate (In person) - $250 - Open till October 30th
3. Early Bird Virtual (Plenary room) $50 – Open till October 30th
4. Regular Full Conference - $400- open from October 30th
5. Regular Student Rate - $300 - open from October 30th
6. Regular Virtual (Plenary room) $75 open from October 30th

Subsidies are available for persons with disabilities. Please contact info@DWCStrategy.ca for assistance.

Take advantage of our discounted room rates!

Novotel Ottawa ( $199 per night)

Booking link: https://book.passkey.com/go/CCRW2023

Please note the rate is available from 11/28/2023 to 11/30/2023. If you would would like to book extra nights please call the hotel directly. Booking Code: 1172702

The Westin Ottawa ($339 per night)

Booking Link: https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1679856023607&key=GRP

Please note the rate is only available from11/28/2023 to 11/30/2023. If you would like to book extra nights, you will need to make a second reservation under a regular rate or call the hotel directly.

For any questions or if you require any assistance with the registration process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the DWC Conference team at info@DWCStrategy.ca.

Kind regards,
DWC2023 Conference Team

Government of Canada

Mistreatment of Older Persons – Federal Policy Definition

In summer 2021, the Government of Canada held a series of consultation activities inviting Canadians to share their thoughts on a federal policy definition of the mistreatment of older persons (also known as elder abuse or senior abuse).

The Government of Canada heard different perspectives from stakeholders, experts, Indigenous communities and organizations, and Canadians.

Today, we are pleased to release the publication of the What We Heard Report, detailing the input received through these consultations.

In addition, through the analysis of various definitions and following the Government of Canada’s consultations, a federal policy definition of Mistreatment of Older Persons has been developed.

The Government recognizes that there is no single accepted definition and the definitions and terms relating to the mistreatment of older persons may vary across jurisdictions. The federal policy definition will not replace these jurisdictional definitions. Furthermore, the policy definition will not be a legal definition and will neither be included in nor inform any Criminal Code amendments.

The mistreatment of older persons is often rooted in ageism. Setting a federal policy definition is an important vehicle for culture change and public awareness. We believe that by working with stakeholders, partners, experts, Indigenous communities and organizations, other levels of government and Canadians, we can lay the groundwork to better address the mistreatment of older persons.

To stay up to date on future consultation activities and news related to seniors, follow the Seniors in Canada Facebook page.

Thank you,

For regular updates, please follow:
Twitter: @ESDC_GC
Facebook: Seniors in Canada
Engagement unit / Unité d'engagement
Human Rights Program / Programme des droits de la personne
Canadian Heritage /Patrimoine Canadien
Engagement DroitsFPTRights (PCH) FPTRightsEngagementDroitsFPT@pch.gc.ca

Recruitment of Policy Leaders - 2023-2024 Campaign Launch

The Government of Canada’s annual flagship Recruitment of Policy Leaders (RPL) program is seeking accomplished persons from diverse backgrounds with the potential to lead positive change and develop creative solutions to Canada’s most challenging policy issues, such as the fight against climate change, criminal justice, the digital economy, food security, foreign policy, health, international trade, national security, promoting gender equality, reconciliation, and more.

This competitive program seeks individuals with: policy-relevant experience (e.g., from NGOs, Indigenous organizations, government, academia, think tanks, the private sector, etc.); demonstrated leadership, initiative and/or community engagement; and a record of research achievements. Candidates must hold (or complete by December 31, 2024) a Master’s degree or a PhD in any discipline, or a law degree combined with an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

This year, the RPL campaign will accept applications from October 17 to 31, 2023. For more information and to apply, please visit www.canada.ca/recruitment-policy-leaders. For further details on the program, eligibility requirements and additional application periods (from November 2 to 30, 2023) for candidates self-identifying as Indigenous and/or as persons living with disabilities, please consult the attached promotional brochure. 

Assessment accommodations are available at any stage of the hiring process to help candidates demonstrate their abilities to their fullest capacity.

To hear more from alumni of the program, please follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. You can also visit our GCwiki page, which contains links to recorded presentations and video profiles of alumni, as well as information for webinars taking place over the coming weeks. We encourage all prospective applicants to attend a webinar to learn more about the application process. Details and registration links will soon be available on our GCwiki page.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Public Service Commission of Canada at CFP.RLP-RPL.PSC@cfp-psc.gc.ca.

Newsletters

Canadian Council of the Blind

Click on the following link to access the information online: World Sight Day Press Release "Specsavers and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)" (mailchi.mp)

Click on the following link to access the information online: White Cane Magazine Fall/Winter 2023 (mailchi.mp)

CLEO | On The Radar - Rent increases in 2024 and a reminder about the rules

Click on the following link to access the information online: outreach.cleo.on.ca/civicrm?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fmailing%2Fview&reset=1&id=1050

Cooperation Canada Newsletter

Click on the following link to access the information online: Cooperation Canada's Newsletter | Infolettre de Coopération Canada (mailchi.mp)

Fighting Blindness Canada | Your October vision research updates are here!

Click on the following link to access the information online: Your October vision research updates are here! (mailchi.mp)

EASPD Newsletter

Click on the following link to access the newsletter online: EASPD Newsletter

Every Canadian Counts

Click on the following link to access the information online: link.whc.ca/v/443/e198c6597164de287a281390cf8699a9b12ffeb066f761df

Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Click on the following link to access the information online: EPC update: Harms in legalizing assisted suicide. (mailchi.mp)

Click on the following link to access the information online: Successful EPC Press conference. Opposing euthanasia for mental illness. (mailchi.mp)

Click on the following link to access the information online: Press Conference: Support Bill C-314. Oppose euthanasia for mental health. (mailchi.mp)

Click on the following link to access the information online: 28% of Canadians support euthanasia for mental illness. (mailchi.mp)

Click on the following link to access the information online: Euthanasia is impossible to police once legalized. (mailchi.mp)

Click on the following link to access the information online: Toronto euthanasia clinic kills 125 in 2022. (mailchi.mp)

Click on the following link to access the information online:  Canada: How Death Care is pushing out Health Care (mailchi.mp)

Click on the following link to access the information online: Bill C-314 would prevent euthanasia for mental illness. (mailchi.mp)

Click on the following link to access the information online: American Medical Association is debating assisted suicide. (mailchi.mp)

Ontario Human Rights Commission Newsletter

Click on the following link to access the information online: Make Your Voice Heard: OHRC Community Engagement Sessions on Anti-Black Racism in Education | Ontario Human Rights Commission

Webinars

Navigating Employment Opportunities in Higher Education: An Honest Conversation

Join the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) on October 13, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm ET, via Zoom, for a bilingual conversation between individuals with experiential knowledges working in higher education.

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month – and NEADS wishes to unpack employment experiences of disabled persons in the context of higher education. Academic ableism is not only prevalent for disabled students, but also for disabled persons who work within the institution. As such, individuals with lived experiences of disability, working in higher education institutions, enter into conversation to reflect on the challenging and empowering moments of their careers thus far. Our panelists will discuss professional experiences they encounter while navigating academia, as well as provide tips to disabled students who wish to pursue employment opportunities within academia.

Closed captioning and ASL interpretation and simultaneous interpretation will be provided. Registration is required – please register here. This event is a feature of our Virtual Access for All webinar series, which is generously supported by Employment and Social Development Canada's Supports for Student Learning Program. For further information and/or to discuss access needs, please contact Chloée C. Godin-Jacques, panel moderator, at chloee.godinjacques@neads.ca

Meet the Panelists

Dr. Tammy Bernasky

Dr. Tammy Bernasky has life-long experience of disability and more than 20 years of experience working on disability inclusion efforts at the local, national, and international levels. Tammy has a PhD in Critical Disability Studies and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of L’nu, Political, and Social Studies at Cape Breton University. Using an intersectional lens, Tammy centers the stories of people with disabilities in her research on disability and gender-based violence. She is committed to advancing disability rights and working towards meaningful inclusion of diverse people with disabilities in all areas of life.

Stéphane Braney

Stéphane Braney (il/he/him) was a project manager for the Quebec Association for Equity and Inclusion in Post-Secondary Education (AQEIPS) before becoming the Executive Director in August 2022. He holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (B.A.A.) from TÉLUQ University and is currently enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology Governance of the same university. He was the founding president of the Stéphane Braney Foundation (1998 to 2013), a non-profit organization that helped people with impaired mobility who do not receive the benefits they need to acquire the equipment necessary for their well-being and independence. He is also the head of Braney & Associates Inc., a management consulting firm that offers start-up, expansion, recovery, training, and coaching services to self-employed individuals, NPOs and SMEs. He served as a municipal councillor for the City of Lachute where he worked with several committees (Human Resources, Roads, Finance, Retirement, IT and Communication, Société de promotion économique de Lachute, Lachute Airport, Conférence régionale des élus des Laurentides, Fire and Vigilance, and Odours for the Technical Landfill Site). He has several years of experience in the community sector as a speaker and motivator. He has been a volunteer in his local community for many years and has served on many boards. Stéphane is passionate about advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and is a strong defender of their inclusion in education, active life, and the labourmarket. Stéphane became quadriplegic following a diving accident in an above-ground pool on July 22, 1994, at the age of 27. He chose to focus on what he had left rather than what he had lost; the use of his four limbs. So only one year after his accident he gave his first conference under the theme “I chose life”!

Dr. Nancy Hansen

Nancy Hansen, Ph.D. is a Professor and Director of the Interdisciplinary Master’s Program in Disability Studies at the University of Manitoba. Nancy obtained a PhD (Human Geography) from the University of Glasgow. and her research interests in disability studies are varied including: disability in spaces of culture education, literacy social policy, employment, healthcare, MAiD, COVID-19, access and experiences of disabled and LGBTQ communities in post-conflict areas. She is co-editor of the Routledge History of Disability and Untold Stories: A Canadian Disability History Reader. In addition, Nancy has written numerous book chapters and contributed to various international academic journals.

Dr. Erika Katzman

Erika Katzman (she/they), PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Disability Studies at King’s University college at Western University where she teaches classes on disability theory, policy, health care and systems navigation. A neurodivergent occupational therapist and former personal care attendant, Dr. Katzman learned about disability through experience before formal education. Her research focuses on the everyday ‘work’ disabled people perform to survive life in inaccessible spaces and in pursuit of rights and justice. Dr. Katzman strives to create safe and equitable spaces in teaching, research and beyond by centring disabled knowledge.

Elizabeth Mohler

Elizabeth Mohler currently works for NEADS as a Research Consultant, where she leads the Virtual Access for All Project and writes its quarterly publication, State of the Schools. She also works for Left Turn Right Turn as an accessibility specialist; sits on the Canadian Institute for Health Research external advisory committee on systemic ableism and accessibility; and, is an experienced presenter, keynote speaker, lecturer, and published writer. Elizabeth is currently a doctoral candidate at Western University in the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Program. Her work explores how discourses and practices within Direct Funding shape how disabled persons access services, and in what ways service users resist and negotiate these discourses. Follow Elizabeth’s work at: www.elizabethmohler.ca

About NEADS’ Virtual Access for All Project

NEADS' Virtual Access for All Project provides awareness and educational support for disabled students transitioning into higher education. Resources pertaining to accessibility and accommodation are provided through our quarterly State of the Schools reports. Our webinar series addresses topics such as self-advocacy, accessing accommodations at work and school, and transitioning into the workforce. Further, financial support is available through NEADS' Student Awards Program and Accessibility Resilience Program. Virtual Access for All is generously supported by Employment and Social Development Canada's Supports for Student Learning Program (Goal Getters) – and a two-year extension has recently been granted for this project.

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