Media Advisory

November 29, 2013

Re:  International Day of Persons with Disabilities December 3rd.

Building a more Inclusive and Accessible Canada where Canadians with disabilities can participate equally with others is a duty for all.   The foundational shifts which have occurred have been spurred by persons with disabilities speaking out on barriers as well as solutions.   The voice of people with disabilities and our organizations have been and remain the primary catalyst for change.

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities representatives of CCD will be meeting with elected officials to highlight the success of the disability rights movement in Canada and to call on government for continued support and collaboration.   Ministers Flaherty and Kenney will  host a breakfast on Parliament Hill on December 3rd to provide an opportunity for Members of Parliament to meet with  CCD volunteers and others who provide the leadership and direction to the disability movement in Canada.    CCD has shared with all MP’s a copy of our  booklet   "Celebrating Our Accomplishments” (see link  below) which provides a snapshot of what has been achieved in the past 30 years as a result of  supporting the voice of people with disabilities.  This booklet provides a clear rationale for why ongoing support for the disability community is a critical investment - with significant return.

http://www.ccdonline.ca/en/socialpolicy/poverty-citizenship/income-security-reform/celebrating-our-accomplishments

While much has been achieved much remains to be done. CCD seeks to address the disproportion poverty of Canadians with disabilities,  improve labour force participation, and remove barriers to the built environment and new communication technologies so that we can live in a truly inclusive and accessible Canada. 

For More Information Contact

Tony Dolan:  National Chairperson of CCD   cell 902 626-1752

Marie Ryan: Chair CCD Social Policy Committee cell 709-725-0701

Laurie Beachell: CCD National Coordinator cell 204 981-6179 or laurie@ccdonline.ca