English

by Jim Derksen, Former CCD Chairperson

Table of Contents

• Introduction by Hugh R.

Latimer Wins Case in Media

by Prof. Dick Sobsey, University of Alberta Abuse and Disability Project

A Father's Concerns

by Brian Stewart

Forty plus years ago my parents were told not to take me home. Those concerned for my parents' well being, the medical profession, could not see my life as being worth living. Born with Cerebral Palsy, their vision was that I would not have a future and they did not, would not, or could not, see a place in the community for me.

by Cal Lambeth (Winnipeg mother of a child with a disability)

I believe that this is a personal tragedy for the Latimer family as any domestic crime involving the loss of life would be a tragedy. Tracy Latimer is a tragic victim of misguided beliefs. But apart from the individuals involved, it stands as a case which can have serious implications for citizens of Canada, and particularly for citizens who have disabilities. In fact, it will measure the values of the society in which we live.

An interview with Catherine Frazee

Why is the Latimer case important?

The case brought into focus clearly the very wide gap between how we perceive ourselves and how we are perceived by the nondisabled majority. We are as content with our lives as is the nondisabled population. However, the nondisabled majority's perceptions about disablement are very distorted, seeing it as something greatly diminishing the quality of life.

Comments from a Vigil for Tracy Latimer

by Catherine Frazee

It's a simple question—why have all these people left their homes and their jobs to be here? Why have we made the considerable effort that it always takes for most of us to get anywhere in this big inaccessible country? Why are we huddled together out here in the February cold, sacrificing the comfort of our regular routines and risking our health?

(28 December 1998) — CCD is seeking your support to continue working to protect the fundamental human rights of persons with disabilities.

Make a contribution to our work today!

CCD has undertaken the following activities in support of fundamental human rights:

23 December 1998

How did the MLPD get involved in the Sawatzky case?

(3 December 1998) — On Sunday, 22 November 1998, CBS's "60 Minutes" broadcast a video in which Dr. Jack Kevorkian administered a lethal injection to Thomas Youk, a 52 year old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dr. Kevorkian shared the video with CBS to push US society another step down the road toward legalized euthanasia.

Prior to the Youk case, Kevorkian has not administered a lethal injection. Instead, he has provided those requesting his services with a "suicide machine" which was operated by the person requesting the suicide.