English

In Canada, people interested in disability public policy have different views on the effectiveness of disability legislation for removing barriers and improving the lives of people with disabilities. The United States, Australia and Ontario have such legislation but the results vary. CCD, using a human rights and disability rights analysis, examined what a federal disability act could do for Canadians with disabilities.

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) is leading a unique research alliance, focusing on poverty and people with disabilities. For the next five years, legal researcher Yvonne Peters, CCD, and Dr. Michael J. Prince, University of Victoria, Principal Investigators for this strategic initiative, will lead a team of disability community and academic researchers dedicated to bringing forward recommendations and plans for alleviating the disproportionate poverty of Canadians with disabilities.

14.3% of Canadians report having a disability. Canadians with disabilities are more than twice as likely to live in poverty than other Canadians. They face exclusion from quality education, from employment and from participation in their communities. CCD's Social Policy Committee provides leadership on addressing the social and economic exclusion of persons with disabilities.

CCD keeps its members and others informed by publishing reports and newsletters.