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The CCD was founded by persons with disabilities to ensure that the voice of persons with disabilities is reflected in the development of law and policy. CCD is dedicated to promoting the rights, full participation of, and equal opportunity for, persons with disabilities in all aspects of society including employment, education, transportation and health care.  CCD also works to remove barriers to accessibility and advocate for inclusive communities.  The CCD engages in law reform, policy development, and strategic systemic test case litigation to further its mandate.

CCD's Annual Report provides a summary of the activities undertaken during the fiscal year, lists the members of the National Council of Representatives, the members of the CCD Committees, CCD Award winners and staff and presents the audited financial statement.

CCD seeks to focus attention on and prevent private and societal actions that make people with disabilities die prematurely. Death-making is rooted in fear, prejudice and negative perceptions about life with a disability.

The Latimer case directly concerned the rights of persons with disabilities. Mr. Latimer's view was that a parent has the right to kill a child with a disability if that parent decides the child's quality of life no longer warrants its continuation. CCD explained to the court and to the public how that view threatens the lives of people with disabilities and is deeply offensive to fundamental constitutional values.

The Disability Justice Litigation Initiative:

• Provides advice and leadership on the human rights initiatives undertaken by CCD
• Identifies human rights issues of concern to persons with disabilities that could be addressed through law reform initiatives
• Selects human rights/equality rights test cases that will advance the rights of persons with disabilities

CCD is committed to the principles of self-determination and the positive promotion of the image of Canadians with disabilities in society in a manner that is consistent with the principles of equality, personal security, freedom of conscience and human dignity.

CCD believes that the devaluation of the lives and experiences of persons with disabilities has been used to justify acts of violence against people with disabilities, including the murder of people with disabilities.

Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Charter establishes the rights and freedoms Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society.

Canadian Human Rights Commission

The Canadian Human Rights Commission administers the Canadian Human Rights Act and ensures compliance with the Employment Equity Act.

Canadian Human Rights Act

The Social Policy Team:

• Identifies social policy issues of national concern to persons with disabilities
• Provides advice to CCD National Council on reforms that would improve the social and economic participation of Canadians with disabilities