Disability

Personnes handicapées

Updated July 2, 2009
Page révisée le 2 juillet 2009

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[ Go to Canadian Social Research Links Home Page ]

What's new in June 2009 from
Human Resources and Social Development Canada:

* The Office for Disability Issues, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, is leading consultations with Canadians on the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. To participate in the online consultation, please visit the Public Consultations page.
This consultation ends July 31.

* A national Elder Abuse Awareness campaign and a federal Elder Abuse Initiative Call for Proposals under the New Horizons for Seniors program launched on June 15, 2009.

Persons with Disabilities Online
- portal to links to federal and provincial-territorial government programs and services for people with disabilities

Guide to Government of Canada Services for People with Disabilities
Lists more than 60 federal government resources for people with disabilities, their families and caregivers, including information on employment, accessibility and education, health, income support and tax benefits.

Persons with Disabilities (from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada)
- incl. links to: * Office for Disability Issues * Disability Savings * Accessibility Fund * Opportunities Fund * Social Development Partnerships * Labour Market Agreements * Reports * * The Social Development Partnerships Program - Disability Component * Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities * Enabling Accessibility Fund * Multilateral Framework for Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities * Disability-Related Links * Registered Disability Savings Plan

* Child Disability Benefit (from the Canada Revenue Agency)

Good news budget? (federal budget 2007)
March 17, 2007
Helen Henderson
There could be some good news in Monday's federal budget for people with disabilities and their families. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is expected to announce a registered disability savings plan that would help parents set aside money to provide a future for their children. Last year, Flaherty set up a panel of experts to look into the matter. If he follows their recommendations, the plan would work very much like a registered education savings plan and be available to people who qualify for the current disability tax credit.
Source:
The Toronto Star

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Canada’s New Government Introduces Draft Legislative
Proposals to Implement the Registered Disability Savings Plan
October 2, 2007
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today released draft legislative proposals to implement the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) announced in Budget 2007.
(...)
RDSPs are being introduced in response to the recommendations of the Minister of Finance’s Expert Panel on Financial Security for Children with Severe Disabilities, which tabled its report in December 2006.
(...)
Under the new measure, individuals who qualify for the disability tax credit, or their parents or other legal guardian, will be able to establish an RDSP. RDSPs will be eligible to receive payments of the new Canada Disability Savings Grants (CDSGs) and, for low- and modest-income beneficiaries, Canada Disability Savings Bonds (CDSBs).
(...)
Interested parties are invited to provide comments in writing on the draft legislative proposals. Comments can be sent jointly to the Tax Policy Branch, Department of Finance and the Office of Disability Issues, Human Resources and Social Development Canada at 140 O’Connor Street, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0G5 on or before October 23, 2007. Following this consultation period, the Government intends to introduce legislation, including regulations under the Canada Disability Savings Act, to implement the program as quickly as possible.

Related Document:

Legislative Proposals, Explanatory Notes and
Overview Relating to Registered Disability Savings Plans

Source:
Department of Finance Canada

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Minister of Finance Releases Draft Legislative Proposals Implementing Remaining Budget 2005 Income Tax Measures
August 15, 2005
"Minister of Finance Ralph Goodale today released a package of draft amendments to the Income Tax Act to implement measures originally proposed in Budget 2005.
These measures include:
* Introducing a new tax credit for adoption expenses such as adoption agency and legal fees.
* Improving the disability tax credit and making it more widely available.
* Further changes to improve the tax treatment of persons with disabilities and those who care for them, for example, by doubling the amount of disability-related and medical expenses that can be claimed by a caregiver, and expanding the list of expenses eligible for the medical expense tax credit and the disability supports deduction.
* Helping agricultural cooperative corporations through a new tax deferral in respect of certain patronage dividends."

Related Documents:
* Legislative Proposals Relating to Certain Income Tax Measures Announced in Budget 2005
* Explanatory Notes to Legislative Proposals Relating to Certain Income Tax Measures Announced in Budget 2005

Source:
Department of Finance Canada

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From the Canada Revenue Agency:

People with disabilities
"...easy access to publications and forms dealing with tax credits, benefits, and services for people with disabilities"
Disability Amount - Fact Sheet
July 2003

Information Concerning People with Disabilities
Includes links to : Expanded criteria for the disability tax credit - Information concerning people with disabilities [read this one first] - Medical expense and disability tax credits and attendant care expense deduction - Forms (Disability tax credit certificate, Attendant care expenses, Application for refund of federal excise tax on gasoline)
Source : Canada Revenue Agency

Child Disability Benefit Comes Into Effect July 2003
July 17, 2003
"The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency announced today the implementation of the new Child Disability Benefit (CDB) for children who have a severe and prolonged impairment. The first payment of the CDB supplement will be issued with the March 2004 Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) payment and will include a retroactive amount from July 2003 to March 2004 inclusively."

Child Disability Benefit - Fact Sheet
July 18, 2003

Benefits and Services for Persons with Disabilities (from the Social Union Website)
"In June 1996, persons with disabilities were identified as a priority area of joint social policy reform at the First Ministers' meeting. The Working Group on Benefits and Services for Persons with Disabilities was subsequently established with four primary areas of focus: reform of Vocational Rehabilitation for Disabled Persons, harmonization of benefits and services, development of a vision/framework for reform, and analytical research."
- includes a description of what governments have been doing in each of the four areas, plus links to relevant reports

News Releases and Papers - scroll down this page to access news releases and a collection of papers back to 1998 on the subject of benefits and services for persons with disabilities
Some recent reports:
Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities - A Government of Canada Report - December 2002
Employability Assistance for Persons with Disabilities - National Report 1999-2000, 200-2001 - May 2002
In Unison 2000: Persons with Disabilities in Canada - March 2001
In Unison: A Canadian Approach to Disability Issues (1998)

House of Commons Standing Committee on
Human Resources, Skills Development, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA)
(formerly the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons With Disabilities)
[NOTE: you have to click "Next" in the top-right or bottom-left corner of each page to read the reports below]

Government of Canada Response to "Accessibility for All":
Eighth Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills Development, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
- October 2005
HTML version
PDF version - 217 kb, 32 pages
Table of Contents:
1. Overview
2. Background
3. Summary of recommendations
4. Synopsis of Government response
5. Leadership and instruments: the foundations of accessibility
6. Access to services
7. Access to programs
8. Government as a model of accessibility
9. The way forward
10. Steadfast commitment
11. Detailed responses to the recommendations
12. Conclusion
13. Appendix 1: List of Recommendations from Accessibility for All

Source:
Social Development Canada

Related Links:

Accessibility for All:
Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills Development,
Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Raymonde Folco, M.P., Chair
Subcommittee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Ken Boshcoff, M.P., Chair
June 2005
Table of Contents:
1. Follow-up on Recommendations by the Technical Advisory Committee on Tax Measures for Persons with Disabilities
2. Accessibility of Federal Buildings
3. Accessibility of Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits
4. Accessibility of Modes of Transportation Under Federal Jurisdiction
5. Accessibility of Jobs in the Federal Public Service
6. Accessibility to the Parliamentary Precinct
Conclusion
List of Recommendations
App. A - List of Witnesses
Request for Government Response
Dissenting Opinion - Bloc Québécois
Minutes of Proceedings

More HUMA Reports and Responses

Source:
House of Commons Standing Committee on
Human Resources, Skills Development, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA)

Government of Canada Response to
"Listening to Canadians: A First View of the Future of the Canada Pension Plan Disability Program"
The Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
November 2003
Complete report (HTML)

Listening to Canadians: A First View of the Future of the Canada Pension Plan (Disability) Program
Tabled in the House June 12, 2003
Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Subcommittee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities
June 2003

The Government of Canada's Response to the
First Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the
Status of Persons With Disabilities
Posted May 9, 2003
"On December 11, 2002, the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities tabled the report entitled Tax Fairness for Persons With Disabilities. In the report the standing committee makes seven recommendations dealing with policy and administrative issues concerning the disability tax credit (DTC)."
- includes a review of 2003 federal Budget measures for persons with disabilities and responses to each of the Committee's recommendations
Source:
Department of Finance Canada

Tax Fairness for Persons with Disabilities - review of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
- Tabled in the House December 11, 2002
NOTE: you have to click "Next" in the top-right or bottom-left corner of each page to read this report

The Government of Canada's Response to the Seventh Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons With Disabilities
- Getting it Right for Canadians: The Disability Tax Credit
Posted September 19, 2002
PDF version (146K, 23 pages)
Source:
Department of Finance Canada

Getting it Right for Canadians: The Disability Tax Credit
Seventh Report of the Sub-Committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities
(Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities)
March 2002

A Common Vision: Interim Report
Tabled in the House June 12, 2001

Government Response to A Common Vision (PDF file - 133K, 43 pages)
November 2001 (PDF file date)

CPP Disability Program Subcommittee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities of the
Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities

Website of the Sub-Committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities
June 12, 2002
"The Sub-Committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, as part of its study of the CPP Disability program, has launched a new web site. The site includes a broad range of information on the issue the Sub-Committee is studying, the members and role of the Sub-Committee, and the testimony and briefs presented to the Sub-Committee. You can check out previous reports prepared by the Sub-Committee, and how the Government responded to them. There is also a mechanism to allow you to contact the Sub-Committee, subscribe to Our News List and e-mail your friends to tell them about the site."
Source : Parliamentary Internet

General Information
- incl. 60+ links to studies on CPP and related income security programs by research institutes, government studies on CPP and related income security programs, information about the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), and facts and figures.

The Sub-Committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities Begins Its Consultation
with Canadians Today on the Canada Pension Plan Disability Program
January 3, 2003
"The Sub-Committee will be consulting with Canadians from December 3, 2002 to February 3, 2003. There are three ways that you can get involved: by taking our issue poll, through sharing your story, and by presenting your solutions. Please take the time to carefully review the instructions for each of the consultations tools before you begin. This will ensure that your contribution is maximized.
- Our Issue Poll : Work through and answer questions on some of the major issues facing the CPP Disability program.
- Share Your Story : Share your experiences with the CPP Disability program.
- Present Your Solution : There are many challenges facing the CPP Disability program. We are looking for your solutions to those challenges."

Current Disability Issues in Canada: a Background Paper
"This background paper provides an overview of how disability issues fit into the Canadian system of government. In addition it provides a brief overview of the demographic and social characteristics of Canadians with disabilities, disability programs and the overall policy framework for governments. This analysis was prepared by the Parliamentary Research Branch as background material for use by Members of the Sub-Committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities."

Government of Canada Response to Reflecting Interdependence: Disability, Parliament, Government and the Community
November 1999

Reflecting Interdependence: Disability, Parliament, Government and the Community
Sixth Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
June 1999 Future Directions (June 1999)

Assistive Technology Links - updated link
"Led by Industry Canada, this site will assist persons with disabilities and employers to find information on assistive technologies, accommodation issues and accessible information."
- incl. links to tools to help people who buy electronic or information technology or other services for their organization to ensure "universal accessibility" of products and services.
- also includes links to federal and provincial government accessibility websites (+ nine related international sites)

Workplace Accommodation Toolkit - excellent collection of information on how to accommodate the workplace for a person with a disability. Covers a number of areas, including : General Office Accommodations - Hardware - Media and Content - Software - Telecommunication Products - Training - Web sites / Web Applications.

Source: Industry Canada

Related site:
Starling Access Services - "Access a World of Possibility"

1996 Federal Task Force on Disability Issues
EQUAL CITIZENSHIP FOR CANADIANS WITH DISABILITIES: THE WILL TO ACT
Final report of the Federal Task Force on Disability Issues - October 1996 (Govt. of Canada)
- this link takes you to the press release - scroll down the page to the report table of contents

Related NGO Link :

Disability Task Force - from the website of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities

Improving Social Security in Canada
Persons With Disabilities: A Supplementary Paper
1994
(178K, 87 pages)
This isn't really new, but I've just recently added it to this site. It was one of the supplementary papers released in 1994-95 during the ill-fated Social Security Review.

Related Link:

Canada Assistance Plan / Canada Health and Social Transfer Resources Page (a Canadian Social Research links page)
- Click on "1994 Social Security Review" in the blue text box near the top of that page for links to the complete text of the Social Security Review discussion paper ["Improving Social Security in Canada"] and supplementary papers on the Canada Assistance Plan, guaranteed annual income and income security for children (in addition to the above link).

Non-Governmental Organizations
(in alphabetical order)

Abilities Canada
The Canadian Abilities Foundation is excited to announce the launch of our new web site. Please visit us and join the conversation by creating an account. See our new and enhanced features, including the new blogs and our CEO and Founder’s welcoming video. We will be adding new content daily and hope to engage all communities across Canada and North America in dialogue and sharing of information relevant to people with disabilities and the broader community, including decision makers in the public and private sectors. We welcome your feedback and look forward to making http://www.abilities.ca the place to go when you need information or just want to share your news, issues, concerns and success stories.

Ability Online
"A computer network designed to enhance the lives of children and youth with disabilities or illness by providing an online community of friendship and support."
Graphic version of this site
Text version of this site
En ligne directe (French version of this site)
"Ability OnLine is a free internet community where children/youth with disabilities/illness and their parents can meet others like them, make friends from all over the world, share their hopes and fears, find role-models and mentors, and feel like they belong. Ability OnLine began in 1991 and has grown from a small Bulletin Board Service (BBS) to a web based network with members from around the world."
- Ability Online recently recorded the three millionth visit to its website (in 10 yrs.)...
About Us - read why Ability Online was created and how it's evolved since then.

ARCH Disability Law Centre (Toronto)
[formerly known as ARCH (Advocacy Resource Centre for the Handicapped): a Legal Resource Centre for Persons with Disabilities]
ARCH is a specialty legal aid clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario that is dedicated to defending and advancing the equality-rights of persons with disabilities.
- incl. links to : About ARCH * Direct Service * Litigation * Law Reform * Public Legal Education * Library * Contact Us * Database * Links * Publications * FAQ * ARCH Alert * Site Map

Caledon Institute of Social Policy

Paved with Good Intentions:
The Failure of Passive Disability Policy in Canada (PDF - 112K, 31 pages)
By Rick August
April 2009
One-size-fits-all benefits, passive income strategies and over-simplified disability concepts have failed, in Canada and across the developed world, to achieve real economic integration of adult citizens with disabilities. Alternative strategies can improve economic inclusion while avoiding the perverse incentives and dependency traps associated with most current disability programs. Solving problems in disability policy may also help governments address adequacy and incentive issues in broader income support programs, and may point to alternatives to the largely self-defeating Canadian welfare system.

Canadians Need a Medium-Term Sickness/Disability Income Benefit (PDF file - 112K, 36 pages)
By Michael J. Prince
January 2008
This paper focuses upon a serious weakness in Canada’s income security system. There is a major gap in social insurance coverage for millions of Canadians whose work and earnings are interrupted on a temporary or recurring basis because of illness or disability. This paper examines the current relationship between Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits, and explores possibilities for stronger linkages between these programs. Various options for a medium-term sickness/disability income benefit are considered along with their respective strengths and weaknesses.

The Disability Supports Deduction: A Big Small Step
Caledon Commentary
By Sherrie Torjman
March 2004
"This commentary analyzes the impact of the new disability supports deduction announced in the 2004 federal Budget. Persons with disabilities who are attending school or working will benefit through greater awareness, lower income taxes and higher disposable incomes. They may even become eligible for some benefits for which they had not previously qualified. Additional disability-related and other social policy measures are assessed in Caledon’s forthcoming response to the 2004 Budget."
Complete report (PDF file - 38K, 4 pages)

Related Link:

Federal Budget: Budget Plan - Persons With Disabilities
(from the DAWN-Ontario website)

The Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit
February 2002
"This report presents a policy history of the Canada Pension Plan disability benefit. It discusses the strengths and unique features of this national program, trends in caseload and cost, key issues related to the disability benefit, appeals procedures and options for reform."
Complete Text (PDF file - 150K, 62 pages)

First Ministers' Last Priority (Abstract)
Sherri Torjman
September 2000
Complete report (PDF file, 2 pages, 21K)
- Commentary concerning the recent First Ministers' Meeting, government services for people with disabilities and the In Unison report

Canada's Community Inclusion Initiative
Changing communities for people with an intellectual disability and their families. Creating Communities for ALL

HIV and Poverty in Canada
"This website contains tools, resources and information about HIV and Income in Canada. It’s hosted by the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS), and promotes information that can help individuals AND fight community poverty. Visit our News section for more information on conferences, campaigns and reports from other organizations. Check out our Resources section for tools and reports published by the Canadian AIDS Society."
- incl links to : Home * About CAS * Resources * News * Links * Thank You * Contact Us

Selected Featured News and Resources:

Tools for Activists: Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP) posts advocacy training materials more...

The Online Compendium of Provincial Income Support Programs - What provincial benefits are you entitled to?

The Canadian AIDS Society Guide to Income Advocacy

Why Canada Needs More Research on HIV and Poverty

HIV and Poverty Information Sheets

Source:
Canadian Aids Society

Make work possible for more people with significant disabilities: study
Press Release
February 22, 2008
(Vancouver) People living with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and serious conditions such as MS often find themselves in a catch-22 - unable to take on full-time year-round employment, but willing and able to work with the right supports and flexibility. A study released today urges the provincial government to adopt a series of creative recommendations that would make employment possible for many more British Columbians with significant disabilities. "Current income assistance policies often discourage rather than encourage people with disabilities to work," says Michael Goldberg, co-author of Removing Barriers to Work: Flexible Employment Options for People with Disabilities in BC and a research associate with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Removing Barriers to Work:
Flexible Employment Options for People with Disabilities in BC
Complete report (PDF file - 1.3MB, 65 pages)
Summary (PDF file, 1.4MB, 25 pages)

Source:
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA)

Canada WorkinfoNET (CanWIN)
- WorkinfoNET is a network of equal partners in all provinces and territories working together to develop an information network for all Canadians to connect to work and learning opportunities.

Canadian Association for Community Living
"The Canadian Association for Community Living is a Canada-wide association of family members and others working for the benefit of persons of all ages who have an intellectual disability."

Links to provincial and territorial Canadian Associations for Community Living

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Community Living Ontario - Building Inclusive Communities
"Community Living Ontario advocates for, promotes and facilitates the full participation, inclusion and citizenship of people who have an intellectual disability. (...) Community Living Ontario is a province-wide federation, rooted in a strong network of individuals who have an intellectual disability, families, friends, member organizations and community partners. It will be guided by, adhere to and strive to achieve its Goal and Vision in all its actions."
- incl. links to information in the following areas : Todays News - Advocacy - Community Participation - Education - Employment - Family Support - Government - Human Rights - Self-Planning - Letters and Opinions - Search this site - News Archives. Also includes an extensive Directory and a Calendar of Events

Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC)
"Founded in 1986 by the Independent Living movement, the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres is the national umbrella organizations, representing and coordinating the network of Independent Living Resource Centres at the national level. CAILC is a national, bi-lingual, non-profit organization, and is governed by a Board of Directors which is comprised of a majority of people with disabilities."
- incl. links to : What is Independent Living? - What is CAILC? - Who is CAILC? - Announcements - IL Services and Development - National Projects - Research and Independent Living Activities - Publications - Independent Living Library - Independent Living Resource Centres - Social and Disability Policy - Website Links - CAILC Awards - Contact Information
[ graphic site ]

Social and Disability Policy
- incl. links to resources in the following areas : Disability Policy Frameworks - Disability Supports - Housing - Income Support - Employment/ Training - Transportation - Home Care/ Support

CAILC Links - incl. links to: Government - Educational Institutions - International Disability Organizations - National Disability Organizations - Policy Research Organizations - Disability On-Line Resources

International Day of Disabled Persons: World Premiere and Live Webcast
World Premiere and live Webcast: Bearing Witness: Luke Melchior
December 3, 2003 - International Day of Disabled Persons
"In recognition of the United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons, the National Film Board of Canada and the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres will present a special live web cast screening and discussion of the film "Bearing Witness: Luke Melchior. The Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada and Lead Minister on Disability issues will speak on behalf of the Federal Government of Canada."

Canadian Association of Professionals with Disabilities
"The Canadian Association of Professionals with Disabilities is a federally incorporated non-profit dedicated to the inclusion, job retention, and advancement of current and future professionals with disabilities. Our non-profit is solely and permanently committed to meeting the complex and emerging concerns of professionals with disabilities. We are a cross-disabilities based organisation and are controlled by professionals with disabilities for professionals with disabilities."

Canadian Council on Social Development

Disability Information Sheet #20
June 2005
"In this Information Sheet, we examine the medication and health care patterns of children with disabilities."
PDF version - 221K, 8 pages
HTML version

Disability Information Sheet #19
May 2005
Canadian Council on Social Development
"In this Information Sheet, we examine the combination of both hearing and seeing disabilities, and combined disabilities for agility/mobility and pain. We also provide basic employment rates by disability types (including combinations)."
PDF version (201K, 8 pages)
HTML version

Source:
Disability Research at the CCSD
NOTE: Click the link above for links to the complete collection of information sheets, covering a wide range of disability-related issues.

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Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for Social Services
Release of "Supports and Services for Adults and Children with Disabilities in Canada: An Analysis of Needs and Gaps"
News Release
December 3, 2004

Complete report:

Supports and Services for Adults and Children Aged 5 – 14 with Disabilities in Canada:
An Analysis of Data on Needs and Gaps
Commissioned by Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services*
December 3, 2004
By Gail Fawcett, Coryse Ciceri, Spyridoula Tsoukalas, and Angela Gibson-Kierstead
PDF Version (512K, 89 pages)
HTML version
Table of Contents:
Part One: Supports And Services For Adults With Disabilities In Canada: An Analysis Of Needs And Gaps
- Aids And Devices - Help With Daily Activities - School Supports - Housing Features - Work Supports - Profile Of Unmet Need - Conclusion
Part Two: Disability Supports In Canada For Children With Disabilities Aged 5-14: Needs And Gaps
- Aids And Devices - School Supports - Home Supports - Gaps

Related Link:

Benefits and Services for Persons with Disabilities
[ Social Union website ]
*NOTE: the Social Union website is where you'll find more links to information by and about the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for Social Services.

There's room at the top for workers with disabilities:
Research shows union membership and gender are key factors
Communiqué
May 25, 2004

CCSD research staff were responsible for the development of Chapter 5 (Young Children with Disabilities in Canada) of the Government of Canada's report The
Well-Being of Canada's Young Children.

Boomers Beware: People with Disabilities Falling Between the Cracks
Press Release
May 20, 2003
"Too many Canadians with disabilities are failing to get the medication or medical attention they need according to Gail Fawcett, Senior Research Associate at the Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD). This situation is particularly worrisome at a time when the demographic bulge of the baby boomers is heading into age groups which are at higher risk for disabilities."

Canadian Labour Congress

New Study explores barriers faced by Canadians with Disabilities
Release marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3, 2008
OTTAWA – The Canadian Labour Congress has released a new study on the employment realities of Canadians with disabilities to mark today, December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The paper outlines the barriers to equal participation in society that Canadians with disabilities face, including exclusion from the workplace and a lack of accommodation in the workplace. (...) The study concludes by calling for changes to income support programs, which often leave people trapped in a choice between low benefits and working for poverty wages. The study also calls for new supports and services in the workplace, home and community as well as support from both employers and government for workplace accommodation.

Complete study:

Toward Inclusion of People with Disabilities
in theWorkplace (PDF - 45K, 14 pages)
December 2008

Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
"The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) is a national voluntary agency providing services to individuals across Canada to whom loss of vision is a central problem in personal and social adjustments. The CNIB also acts as a consultant and resource agency to the helping professions, government departments and private industry.

Landmark report shines spotlight on unmet needs of
Canadians who are blind or living with vision loss
News Release
November 2, 2005
"According to a hard-hitting new report released today, scores of highly educated and qualified blind and visually impaired Canadians are living in poverty because they cannot find work. The report also shows that although the number of seniors living with permanent vision loss is skyrocketing, access to transportation and low vision aids is limited. Alarmingly, it confirms that many of the barriers faced 30 years ago still exist today."

Message from Jim Sanders (President and CEO of the CNIB)
Word file (49K, 2 pages)
PDF file (29K, 2 pages)

Executive Summary (Word file - 86K, 21 pages)

Complete Report:

An Unequal Playing Field: Report on the Needs of People
Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired Living in Canada
- Word file (838K, 189 pages)
- PDF file (1.04MB, 189 pages)

Source:
Canadian National Institute for the Blind

CanChild
"CanChild is a centre for childhood disability research that seeks to maximize the life quality of children and youth with disabilities and their families. CanChild is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team working in the field of childhood disability. The aims of this research centre are to:
• take a leadership role in identifying emerging issues for research, practice, policy and education
• conduct high-quality research
• effectively transfer knowledge into practice at clinical and health system levels
• provide education for consumers, service providers, policy makers and students"
- incl. links to: What's New - Our Research - Online Publications - List of Articles & Books - Measures & Multimedia - Browse by Theme - External Links - Order Form - Contact Us
Source:
McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences

Citizens With Disabilities - Ontario
"Citizens With Disabilities-Ontario (CWD-O) is dedicated to the full participation of all persons in the social, economic and political life of their communities. It actively supports and promotes the rights, freedoms and responsibilities of individuals to determine their own destinies. Key areas of activities are community development, social action, social development, referral, and member services. Its primary activity is to advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities and promote their personal participation in changing social and physical barriers that allow for full participation in the mainstream of society."
CWD-O will adopt the policies, activities and goals of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD).

Council of Canadians with Disabilities

Support the Court Challenges Program (CCP)!
September 28, 2006
Below you will find links to a letter to the Prime Minister and several background documents regarding the Court Challenges Program. A Steering Committee representative of both language rights and equality rights communities has prepared these materials and is asking that you do the following:

Inform the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) by noon of Monday, October 2, if you or your organization are willing to be listed as either a supporting organization or individual on this letter, or both.
(See http://dawn.thot.net/ccp/ for contact info)

Sign on to the Letter to the Prime Minister in Support of the Court Challenges Program
http://dawn.thot.net/ccp/ccp1.html

The Court Challenges Program: An Important Access to Justice Institution
http://dawn.thot.net/ccp/ccp2.html

The Court Challenges Program: An Effective and Accountable Institution
http://dawn.thot.net/ccp/ccp3.html

The History of the Court Challenges Program
http://dawn.thot.net/ccp/ccp4.html

Source:
Council of Canadians with Disabilities
DisAbled Women's Network - DAWN Ontario

DAWN DisAbled Women's Network Canada
"DAWN Canada is a national organization controlled by and comprised of women with disabilities. We are from all backgrounds and all disabilities. We are a feminist organization working to achieve control over our lives and end the stereotype that labels us dependent burdens on society."
- incl. links to : Our National Network - Our Mission Statement - Our History - Profiles of Women - Special Initiatives - DAWNing Groups - Related Links - Guestbook - DAWN Canada's Email Discussion

DAWN DisAbled Women's Network - Ontario
"DisAbled Women's Network (DAWN) Ontario is a cross-disability, feminist organization working towards access, equity, and full participation of Women with disAbilities through public education, coalition-building, self-advocacy, resource development, and information & communication technology."
- incl. links to : Text version - What's New - Resources - Publications - Justice Issues - Health Issues - Inclusion Award - Access Checklist - Online Community - Research Posts - Who We Are - What We Do - Our Vision - Herstory - Fact Sheet - Action Alert - Membership - Join E-List - Guestbook - Feedback - Contact Us - Credits
Links - Links to hundreds of websites about women and disability - excellent resource!

Sample reports from DAWN-Ontario:

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) Alliance Update
Major Tide of Opposition Rises in Opposition to McGuinty Government's Plans to Weaken the Ontario Human Rights Commission -- but McGuinty Government Has Not Answered Our Important Questions, and Signals it is Not Listening to Us
March 24, 2006

Related Links:

DAWN Ontario's Open Letter to Premier McGuinty
Re: Proposed Reforms to the Ontario Human Rights Code
March 19, 2006
"We, DAWN Ontario: the Disabled Women's Network Ontario, are writing to voice our strong opposition to your Government's plans to weaken the Ontario Human Rights Code, announced on February 20, 2006." [see the link below to the Feb. 20 govt. announcement].

Human Rights Reform Action Kit (DAWN-Ontario)
Help Prevent the Gov't from Weakening
Enforcement of the Ontario Human Rights Code
"On Feb. 20, 2006, the Ontario Gov't said it will introduce a law (likely late March or April) to change enforcement of the Ontario Human Rights Code. That system needs reform. It's too slow, frustrating, and hard for many to use. Yet, the Government's proposal will make things worse, not better. It will create new barriers that make it harder for people to get their human rights respected."

From the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General

Ontario Government to Modernize Human Rights System:
Better Serving The Public The Aim Of Proposed Changes
February 20, 2006
News Release
"A stronger, faster, more effective human rights system that better serves the public is the aim of changes being proposed by the McGuinty government, Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today."

Disabilities Online (non-governmental site)
Canadian directory of hundreds of links (many U.S. and international) in over two dozen categories, from accessible design to travel and transportation.

Disability Rights Promotion International (York University - Toronto)
"Disability Rights Promotion International (DRPI) is a collaborative project to establish an international monitoring system to address disability discrimination worldwide.Monitoring the human rights situation of people with disabilities will:
* promote greater awareness of disability discrimination
* inform advocacy for equal rights
* encourage development of inclusive laws and policies."

- incl. links to : Text Only version - Human Rights and Disability - The UN Human Rights System - Contact Us - About DRPI - Why Use a Human Rights Perspective? -
Why Monitor the Human Rights Situation of People with Disabilities? - History of DRPI - Five Areas for Monitoring - DRPI Phase I: Background Research
DRPI Phase II: Implementation

PHASE I REPORT: Opportunities, Methodologies, and Training Resources for Disability Rights Monitoring (PDF file - 1.4MB, 86 pages)
November 2003
"The report:
* describes the United Nations international human rights treaties and opportunities for the promotion and protection of the human rights of people with disabilities
* reviews various methods for collecting human rights data and ensuring thorough monitoring activities
* lists human rights training resources for various audiences and describes them in relation to their usefulness in the disability context

EnableLink - Canadian site
"Linking people with disabilities to a world of resources"
This site was overhauled and relaunched back in April of 2002, but I hadn't taken the time for a thorough visit until now. Excellent job! Wow - what a TON of content!
- incl. announcements, classified ads, events, links to Canadian and international resources on a wide variety of disability-related topics, directories, links to articles, organizations, advocacy and support groups, services and products, accessible transportation, the Community Information Access Project, Women with Disabilities Violence Prevention Resource Guide, Abilities Magazine and much more...
TIP: When you click on any topic in the sidebar on the left of the home page, that topic expands to offer you links to articles, message boards, organizations, chat lines, Canadian and international resources, etc. --- or you can just go to the EnableLink Site Map to see the whole collection of links on one page.
Source : Canadian Abilities Foundation (CAF)

An Open Letter From Friends of the Canadian Abilities Foundation
December 21, 2006
Dear Colleagues,
The Canadian Abilities Foundation is a national treasure that, since 1986, has been a key communication resource to all Canadians, and in particular, those with disabilities. Abilities Magazine, the outstanding publication produced by the Canadian Abilities Foundation is the glue that holds the "disability" sector together. They are in danger of disappearing. This urgent matter has just come to our attention. Due to unprecedented financial circumstances, the Canadian Abilities Foundation and its projects, including Abilities Magazine are endangered. [more...]

Source:
SNOW - "Special Needs Ontario Window --- the Education component of the University of Toronto's Adaptive Technology Resource Centre"

Esmerel's Disability Resources
Esmerel's Collection of Canadian Disability Sites

www.handicaps.ca - [French only]
"un site Web conçu pour les personnes francophones vivant avec une déficience en Ontario"

"La vision des créateurs du site se définit comme suit :
- Créer un outil efficace et facile d’accès pour informer, regrouper et communiquer
- Favoriser la mise en commun de l’information et de l’expertise
- Faciliter la création de liens dans le Secteur des Besoins spéciaux
- Augmenter la visibilité des agences qui offrent des services aux personnes handicapées de l’Ontario
Le site offre un accès facile à l’information grâce à un répertoire de liens-ressources sur les programmes et services dans les domaines de l’accessibilité, l’éducation, l’impôt, les droits, le logement, l’emploi, la santé tandis que la bibliographie thématique présente une liste de sites classés par thèmes."

Learning Disabilities Resource Community (LDRC) - Canadian!
"The Learning Disabilities Resource Community has been developed to provide knowledge-building and communication tools for individuals and groups involved in the education of those with learning disabilities and to support research and development in associated fields. Our goal is to create a repository archiving Canada's knowledge of learning disabilities, and bring together all those across the country who are affected directly or indirectly by learning disabilities.

LDRC partners include: The University of Toronto's Adaptive Technology Resource Centre - The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada - The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario - The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education - The Hospital for Sick Children's Learning Disabilities Research Program - The Office of Learning Technology - Community Learning Networks Initiative."
Excellent new resource, includes some great tools for information-sharing:
* A Chat that allows you to chat in real time with other members of the community who are also currently online.
* A Board to promote communication between all members of the LD community: linking researchers across Canada; linking experts to parents and teachers.
* A Who's On tool from which members can view profiles, page members currently online, or send private messages to another member.
* An Events Calendar where members can post, review, search and personalize a list of community events related to learning disabilities.
* A searchable Directory of LD-related organizations across Canada.
* A large collection of LD-related Web sites.
* A site Stats page (Stats Archives)

National Centre for Child Care Inclusion

Children with special needs: The need for child care
by SpeciaLink: The National Centre for Child Care Inclusion
What are the principles of inclusion? Why should child care be inclusive? What does research say about the benefits of inclusion? These questions are answered in a fact sheet from SpeciaLink.
April 2005

National Children’s Alliance (NCA)

Proceedings of the First National Roundtable on Children with Disabilities (December 2002)

Source:
First National Roundtable on Children with Disabilities
December 9 and 10, 2002 - Ottawa
The National Children’s Alliance held a national roundtable on December 9th and 10th, 2002 on the topic of Children with Disabilities.
The objective of this participatory event was to link research to practice and to policy using the lens of children with disabilities and their families.
Full agenda (PDF file - 31K, 5 pages)

Related Link:

Children with Disabilities and Their Families in Canada (PDF file - 118K, 33 pages)
A discussion paper commissioned by the NCA for the First National Roundtable on Children with Disabilities
Louise Hanvey
November 2002

National Institute of Disability Management and Research

International Forum on Disability Management
Vancouver, Canada May 27-29, 2002

Related Links:

Code of practice on managing disability in the workplace - (PDF file - 172K, 31 pages)
International Labour Organization
Tripartite Meeting of Experts on the Management of Disability at the Workplace
Geneva, October 2001

ILO Code seeks to improve job prospects for the disabled
Press Release
Friday 30 November 2001
Source : International Labour Organization

Ontario Association of Children's Rehabilitation Services (OACRS)
"The Ontario Association of Children's Rehabilitation Services (OACRS) promotes a province-wide, co-ordinated, community-based service system for children and youth with special needs and their families, and supports its member centres to achieve responsive, family-centred care.
OACRS, the Ontario Association of Children's Rehabilitation Services, is a non-profit independent organization representing, with a collective voice, the 19 children's treatment centres in Ontario.

Family Net
[version française : Entraide-Familles ]
The Family Net web site is committed to providing information and support to those families in Ontario who have a child or children with any kind of special need. Join us here, to find answers to your questions, share stories of your triumphs and to gain support from others who have 'walked a mile in your shoes'. Join us to improve your advocacy skills - individually and as a collective of families. Let's help each other."
- incl. links to : Today's News - About Family Net - Contact Family Net - Education - Parent to Parent - Community Resources - Our Sponsors - Letters and Opinions - News Archives - Rate Our Website - Send a news tip - Ask Lindsay Moir - How to use this site - Search this site - Search for resources - Disability Links - Ministry Links - Advocacy Information - About OACRS

Parenting with a Disability Network - ... a Resource and Support Network (Toronto-based)
"The Parenting with a Disability Network (PDN) is a peer support and information-sharing network for parents and prospective parents with a disability. The aim of PDN is to develop consumer friendly approaches to parenting with a disability by providing opportunities for networking, peer support, information-sharing and education."

Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) - British Columbia
"PLAN is a registered non-profit charity created by and for families who have a relative with a disability.
We have two main functions:
1. To assist families plan a good life for their relative with a disability both now and in the future.
2. To ensure a safe and secure future by fulfilling the wishes of parents, after they die, or are otherwise unable to. We do this by supporting, monitoring and advocating for their son/daughter for the rest of their lives."
- incl. links to : About PLAN -Publications - Media Articles - Member Services - Forum - Our Vision & Our Beliefs - What We Do - Who We Are - Future Planning - Personal Networks - PLAN for Younger Families - Workshops - Join PLAN - Site Policy Statement - more...

Securing a Good Life for Our Family Members with Disabilities: A Proposal for Federal Reforms (PDF file - 179K, 7 pages)
August 22, 2003
- includes a number of proposals to help families plan for the time when they can no longer take care and provide financial assistance for their relative with a disability
- proposals include a new Registered Disability Savings Plan and Disability Expense Tax Deduction, improvement of the RRSP/RRIF rollover provisions, and better harmonization between Old Age Security with provincial disability pensions.

PLAN Affiliates
- contact and (where available) website URL for organizations in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec as well as Seattle (Washington) that are affiliated with PLAN.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next link below is to the PLAN affiliate in Ottawa.
I had the pleasure of speaking with a gentleman and his son who are part of the LNO during a recent fund-raising garden tour.
After visiting the PLAN and LNO websites, I thought this would be worth promoting, to ensure that families in these difficult situations are aware of this tremendous resource.
[Use the link above to visit other PLAN affiliates]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lifetime Networks Ottawa (LNO)
"LNO is a registered non-profit charity created by and for families who have a relative with a disability. We have two main functions. We help create a safe, secure and full life for their relative with a disability, and we make a commitment to provide lifetime advocacy and monitoring for people with disabilities. Lifetime Networks Ottawa helps ensure a safe and secure future by fulfilling the wishes of parents, after they die, or are otherwise unable to. We do this by supporting, monitoring and advocating for their son/daughter for the rest of their lives."

Related Links:

New Ingredients for the Fiscal Pie
December 2003
By Sherri Torjman
"...argues the need for exploring possible methods of expanding the ‘fiscal pie.’ It explores one possible model put forward by PLAN (Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network), a group of parents of children with severe disabilities. The group proposes a combination of private savings and public spending to help develop caring communities. (...) The proposal represents one idea in a range of possible savings and investment mechanisms to expand the fiscal pie – a direction which we should be debating seriously as a nation."
Complete report (PDF file - 19K, 3 pages)
Source:
Caledon Institute of Social Policy

Roeher Institute
"The Roeher Institute is a leading policy-research and development organization. Its mission is to generate knowledge, information and skills to secure the inclusion, citizenship, human rights and equality of people with intellectual and other disabilities."

The Disability Supports Feasibility Study: Final Report (PDF file - 460K, 112 pages)
June 2003
"The Disability Supports Feasibility Study (DSFS) pilot project provided supports to unemployed people with disabilities to help them find work and keep working. Unlike many support programs, DSFS did not assess an individual’s need for a particular support. Instead, people with disabilities could purchase any support they wanted from a list of eligible supports (up to a monthly maximum expenditure). (...) The study concluded that it was feasible to operate a DSFS-type program offering disability and employment supports."

SpeciaLink
"SpeciaLink puts researchers, policy makers, parents, early childhood educators and directors in touch with the best inclusive practices on the frontlines of Canadian child care. SpeciaLink's goal is to expand the quality and quantity of inclusion in child care for children with special needs. Our findings are available to EVERYONE."

Inclusion: The Next Generation in Child Care in Canada
August 2004
"...provides a snapshot of current inclusion practices in child care in Canada. This book investigates what makes inclusion work, what makes quality child care for children with special needs a reality. As we enter the third generation, Inclusion: The Next Generation focuses on critical roles and resources that sustain existing inclusive programs and that encourage more centres to enroll children with special needs.
By Sharon Hope Irwin, Donna S. Lero and Kathleen Brophy
Complete report (PDF file - 1MB, 282 pages)
Highlights (PDF file - 670K, 32 pages)

WORKink - The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work
"WORKink is Canada’s largest Virtual Employment Resource Centre for Job Seekers with Disabilities!"
- employment and recruitment resources and services for:
* Job seekers with disabilities * Employers looking to create an inclusive workplace, and * Career professionals who are looking to assist their clients in connecting with meaningful, sustainable employment.
- includes a national site and one for each province and territory
- incl. links to : Articles - News Releases - Events - Job Seekers - Employers - Professionals - YOUTHink - Entrepreneurs - Aboriginals - Newcomers - Links Database - Online Counselling - About WORKink - About DiversI.T.ink - About PWIP - About CCRW - Partners - Contact - Search

WORKink Programs and Services:
Consultation - Disability Awareness Series - Employment Services - Workplace Inclusion Program - Job Accommodation Service - Membership - Partners for Workplace Inclusion Program - Skills Training Partnership - Youth Initiatives - WORKink

WORKink's provincial sites
WORKink provincial sites are a collaboration between WORKink National site and local provincial/territorial community agency partners to provide a balanced mix of national and local information.

WORKink Links Database - a large collection of links that visitors can browse by jurisdiction or by category in the following areas: Accommodation - Assistive Devices - Adaptive Technology - Advice on Work Search and Work Search Resources - Counsellors Resources - Education - Entrepreneurship and Small Business - Government departments and agencies responsible for Employment, Education, and Training - Labour Market Information - Links to Newspapers, Magazines, and other online publications - Search Tools - Self Assessment Tools - Service Organizations

New Brunswick

Directory of Financial Aid for for Persons with Disabilities in New Brunswick
Directory of Services Offered to Persons with Disabilities in New Brunswick
Check both of these links...
[incl. links to other directories : Financial Assistance for Students with Disabilities in N.B. - Sources of Funding Assistance and/or Rehabilitation Equipment Loans Programs - Directory of Career Counseling and Job Placement Services - Funding Sources for Barrier-Free Access]

Response to final report (short summary + links)
"The report contains 24 recommendations to improve services to persons with disabilities, by developing a new disability policy framework. Government accepts in principle the majority of the recommendations. Work will now be carried out toward establishing, through the implementation of pilot projects, a person-centred approach that empowers persons with disabilities to participate as full citizens of New Brunswick."

Response to the Report of the New Brunswick Disability Framework Working Group (PDF file - 205K, 16 pages)
September 2003

Report of the New Brunswick Disability Framework
Working Group (PDF file - 483K, 59 pages)
October 2002

Related Link:

New Disability Framework Working Group for New Brunswick
News Release
Office of the Premier
February 19, 2002

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Community Organization Network
"The Community Organization Network links people in Nova Scotia with disabilities and health challenges to resources and services that promote active healthy independent living"
Great resource for people with disabilities in Nova Scotia - hundreds of links to support organizations, and plenty of excellent content...

 Nova Scotia Disabled Persons Commission

Québec

Office des personnes handicapées du Québec (OPHQ) (French only)
 - La réforme de la sécurité du revenu, un parcours vers l’insertion, la formation et l’emploi (Critique de l'OPHQ - février 1997)

Ontario

For Ontario parents
of children with physical or developmental disabilities

Ontario parents who are getting on in years and who are caring at home for a child with a developmental or physical disability have a new resource, just released by Reena, a Thornhill, Ontario social services agency established by parents of children with developmental disabilities, as a practical alternative to institutions. The new 34-page brochure, entitled What you can do to enhance the quality of life for a family member with a disability - Consider a Henson Trust, will help those parents who have some savings in setting up a trust fund to cover their child's special or emergency needs without affecting his/her eligibility for government financial assistance.

What you can do to enhance the quality of life
for a family member with a disability - Consider a Henson Trust*(PDF - 972K, 34 pages)
By Harry Beatty, Mary Louise Dickson and John Stapleton
"Caring for a family member with a disability, and planning for their support for a whole lifetime, is a big responsibility. It poses special problems and challenges. A trust can be an ideal solution if you want to provide some money for a relative. With a trust, your loved one can continue to receive Ontario Disability Support (ODSP) benefits [Ontario's needs-tested social assistance program for people with disabilities]. The trust money can help with extra expenses such as items and services they need, and holidays. (...) This booklet is written specifically for families who want to help support a relative who receives ODSP benefits. It explains how you can help your family member without affecting their ODSP benefits."

[* A "Henson Trust" is a trust which gives the trustee or trustees absolute discretion to make decisions on behalf of the beneficiary, following the precedent established by the Henson case decided by the Ontario Courts in the 1980s [from the report's glossary]. Aging parents who are no longer able to care for their disabled child at home may apply on behalf of the child for benefits in his/her own right under the Ontario Disability Support Program. If those parents have some savings that they wish to pass along to cover some of the needs their disabled child, they have to be careful to avoid disqualifying their child from ODSP by exceeding the asset limit exemption levels.]

This brochure will also interest (1) organizations for groups of parents in similar situations in other Canadian jurisdictions, and (2) anyone who wants to learn more about needs-tested social assistance for people with disabilities in Ontario
- incl. links to related resources online

Source:
Reena
"...a non-profit social service agency dedicated to integrating individuals who have a developmental disability into the mainstream of society. Reena was established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, as a practical alternative to institutions."

Related links:

Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN)
PLAN is a BC-based non-profit organization, established in 1989 by and for families committed to future planning and securing a good life for their relative with a disability.

PLAN's BC Resources
- includes In Trust: How to Set Up Your Own Trust & Still Be Eligible for Disability Benefits in BC, 1999 (PDF - 541K, 44 pages)

Lifetime Networks Ottawa

From the Ministry of Community and Social Services:

Making Ontario’s Communities Accessible for all its Citizens
A message from Sandra Pupatello
Minister Responsible for Ontarians with Disabilities
September 1, 2005
"We have already begun to see the results from our efforts – the passage into law of the historic Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and support from people with disabilities, the private sector, the broader public sector, all government ministries and individuals from every walk of life.(...) I am excited about my new role as minister responsible for people with disabilities."

Paths to Equal Opportunity
"The Government of Ontario presents the Gateway to Diversity and the Gateway to Accessibility with resources for business and service providers that will help them create inclusive workplaces and to remove the barriers which prevent full independence and opportunity for people with disabilities."

Links - to 1200+ organizations in Canada, the U.S. and around the world, mostly disability-related.

A-Z Index of resources --- thousands of online resources, organized by subject

Guide to Government of Ontario Programs and Services for People with Disabilities - 3rd edition (revised)

December 13, 2005
McGuinty Government Launches New Accessibility Council
News Release
"TORONTO — The McGuinty government’s commitment to accessibility is getting a big boost today with the appointment of CITY-TV veteran David Onley and community leader Tracy MacCharles to lead the province’s new Accessibility Standards Advisory Council, Minister of Community and Social Services Sandra Pupatello announced today."

Frequently Asked Questions about the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

New Accessibility Law Now In Effect
Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act, 2005 Receives Royal Assent
News Release
June 14 , 2005
"QUEEN'S PARK – The landmark Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – legislation that will break down barriers for people with disabilities – received Royal assent and is now the law, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Dr. Marie Bountrogianni announced today."

Bill 118, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
- incl. links to the First, Second and Third Reading copies as well as dates for each stage of the legislative process

Highlights of Bill 118
Accessibility Standards Advisory Council

New Era of Accessibility Begins in Ontario
Legislature Approves New Accessibility Law
News Release
May 10, 2005

Google.ca News Search Results : "Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act"
Google.ca Web Search Results : "Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act"
Source:
Google.ca

Real Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities:
Every Ontarian Benefits When We Tap Into The Potential Of Each Ontarian
News Release
October 12, 2004
"TORONTO -- New legislation to be introduced today is designed to strengthen Ontario's economy and society by making Ontario fully accessible for people with disabilities, says Premier Dalton McGuinty. 'Every Ontarian deserves the opportunity to learn, work and play to their fullest potential,' said Premier McGuinty. 'And every Ontarian benefits when we tap into the potential of each Ontarian.' The bill is strong, effective, comprehensive legislation that would, if passed, help remove barriers faced by people with disabilities. The proposed new legislation would replace the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, which was dismissed by advocates for people with disabilities as ineffective." [bolding added]
Background Information
Source:
Ontario Premier's Office

Ontario Liberal Government Introduces New Disability Accessibility Bill:
Major Stride Forward In Our Decade-Long Campaign
Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee, North Bay Chapter
October 12, 2004

Community Living Ontario - Building Inclusive Communities
"Community Living Ontario advocates for, promotes and facilitates the full participation, inclusion and citizenship of people who have an intellectual disability. (...) Community Living Ontario is a province-wide federation, rooted in a strong network of individuals who have an intellectual disability, families, friends, member organizations and community partners. It will be guided by, adhere to and strive to achieve its Goal and Vision in all its actions."
- incl. links to information in the following areas : Todays News - Advocacy - Community Participation - Education - Employment - Family Support - Government - Human Rights - Self-Planning - Letters and Opinions - Search this site - News Archives. Also includes an extensive Directory and a Calendar of Events
Links to other Canadian Associations for Community Living

Related Link:
Canadian Association for Community Living

Ontario Health Coalition Report Paints Disturbing Picture of Ontario’s Privatized Long Term Care
Ontario Health Coalition
Media Release - May 27, 2002
Source : DAWN DisAbled Women's Network - Ontario

Ownership Matters: Lessons from Ontario's Long-Term Care Facilities
"On May 27, 2002 the Ontario Health Coalition released Ownership Matters: Lessons from Ontario's Long-Term Care Facilities. This is a report prepared for the Hospital Employees' Union of British Columbia by the OHC which examines the effect of the Ontario Tory government's privatization of Long Term Care on the quality of care and patients."
Complete report (25 printed pages)
Boomers beware* - this report contains some disturbing information for those of us who will be unfortunate enough to require care in a long term care facility in Ontario in our waning years. Here's a short list of the findings contained in the report :
"- Ontarians in long term care facilities receive extremely low levels of service compared to other jurisdictions.
- Ontarians in long term care facilities are among the oldest and the sickest but receive the least therapy, rehabilitation and nursing care.
- Basic accommodation costs in Ontario' s long term care facilities are among the highest in the country.
- Staff workloads, overtime and accident and injury rates are on the increase.
- Minimum standards and facility inspections have decreased in the last half decade.
- The "second tier" - percentage of beds held for residents who pay a surcharge - has increased while the percentage of beds held for those who can' t afford the premium rates has decreased.
- Connections between government and private owner/operators are unprecedented."
(*not just Ontario boomers either...)

My own mother had a stroke in the fall of 1995, leaving her paralysed on her left side and with some cognitive difficulties. I don't have any cognitive difficulties, however, and I've seen the steady erosion of the quality of care in the three long term care facilities where my mother has lived since then. Reduced levels of care, downsizing, lack of adequate training for new staff, morale problems, more residents suffering from depression, and, oh, yeah --- increasing demand. In April 1998, the Ontario government announced a $1 billion investment to create 20,000 new long-term care beds across the province. Read the report to find out why this turns out to be a building bonanza for the private sector.("The corporations that helped to
bring the Conservatives to power were eager to capitalize on that desperation. It now seems they'll been given their chance - at the taxpayer's expense.")
Source: Ontario Health Coalition

Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee
"...a voluntary coalition of individuals and community organizations who have united to secure the passage in Ontario of a new law which would achieve a barrier-free society for persons with disabilities."
O.D.A. Major Documents in Chronological Order - two dozen key documents (Updated to July 13, 2002)

Ontario Association for Community Living
 - Response to Bill 142 (Social Assistance Reform Act) - Submission by OACL to the Standing Committee on Social Development

Bringing Down the Barriers: The Labour Market and Women with Disabilities in Ontario
Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD)
May 2, 2000
Communiqué
Highlights Brochure
Resource People
Full Report
- go to the CCSD Home Page

Manitoba

$30-Million strategy opening doors for Manitobans with Disability
New Investments Kick-start Consultations to Build Foundation for Comprehensive Strategy
June 4, 2009
News Release
The province is renewing its commitment to a long-term strategy for Manitobans who have disabilities with a $30-million down payment on more accessible housing, enhanced access to public buildings, more support for children with disabilities in child care, better employment services and improved supports for caregivers, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh, minister responsible for persons with disabilities, announced today. (...) As a basis for consultations, Mackintosh released a document that focuses on 10 priorities for action as the province seeks to build on its 2001 strategy: Full Citizenship: A Manitoba Strategy on Disability.

The new discussion paper:

Opening Doors: Manitoba's Commitment to Persons with Disabilities (PDF 1.83MB, 46 pages)
June 2009
(...) In 2001, the Manitoba Government released Full Citizenship: A Manitoba Provincial Strategy on Disability – a policy document detailing the province’s vision for the full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Manitoba. Over the past eight years, this strategy has guided the province’s approach to disability. We have made significant strides in each of the strategy’s four building blocks: income support, access to government, disability supports and employment for persons with disabilities. (...) The goal of this discussion paper is to expand on the vision for persons with disabilities that was outlined in the 2001 strategy.

Manitoba's 2001 strategy:

Full Citizenship: A Manitoba Strategy on Disability (2001)
The White Paper, Full Citizenship: A Manitoba Strategy on Disability, proposes a comprehensive Provincial strategy on disability. It responds to recommendations from the disabilities community in the areas of access to government, employment, disability supports, services to Aboriginal persons with disabilities and income supports. It further proposes measures to enhance government accountability for access and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Source:
Manitoba Disabilities Issues Office
[ Manitoba Family Services and Housing ]

2002/03 - 2003/04 Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD) Report
May 18, 2005
"This Canada-Manitoba Agreement on Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD) Report describes activities that were cost-shared under the EAPD Agreement during the 2002/03 and 2003/04 fiscal years. The EAPD Agreement provides for the transfer of federal funding to provinces and territories for a range of programs and services that enhance the economic participation of working age adults with disabilities in the labour market. Programs and services eligible for funding under the EAPD Agreement must provide the skills, experience and supports necessary to assist persons with disabilities prepare for, attain and retain employment. Funding is also provided for programs and services for individuals who are experiencing vocational crisis."

Related Links:

Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities (LMAPD)
Baseline Report 2004-2005
November 2004
"This Canada-Manitoba Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities (LMAPD) Baseline Report describes objectives, services, target populations and planned expenditures for programs and services to be cost-shared under the LMAPD Multilateral Framework for the 2004/05 fiscal year. Societal indicators of labour market participation from Statistics Canada.s Participation Activity Limitation Survey for Canada and Manitoba are also included. The LMAPD provides for the transfer of federal funding to provinces and territories for a range of programs and services that enhance the economic participation of working age adults with disabilities in the labour market. Programs and services eligible for funding under the LMAPD must recognize the unique labour market challenges faced by persons with disabilities and consider the distinct needs of each individual with a disability in determining the set of interventions required to prepare for, attain and retain employment."

Manitoba Services for People with Disabilities
Source:
Manitoba Family Services and Housing

Government of Canada invests more than $7.2 million to support the full inclusion of Canadians with disabilities
News Release
April 25, 2005
"WINNIPEG, MANITOBA—Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development, announced $7,224,608 in funding to help Canadians with disabilities become full participants in learning, work and community life. The funding announcement was made today. (...) The Government of Canada is investing in the organizations through the Social Development Partnerships Program — Disability component (SDPP-D), which includes the Community Inclusion Initiative.
- incl. Backgrounder with more detail about SDPP-D and multi-year organizational grant funding
Source:
Social Development Canada

EAPD Annual Report 2000/01 - 2001/02 (PDF - 662 KB; 51 pages)
Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD) Agreement Annual Report
Source:
Persons with disabilities (links to resources for people with disabilities)
[ Manitoba Family Services and Housing ]

Improvements to Exemptions for People with Disabilities Receiving Employment and Income Assistance Announced
April 14, 2003
"Manitobans with disabilities living in the community can now use certain lump-sum payments to improve their quality of life, without affecting their Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) benefits (...) The new exemptions for EIA were developed with the community and allow people to obtain enhanced disability supports."
Related Links:
Department of Family Services and Housing
Employment and Income Assistance (EIA)

Canadian Centre on Disability Studies (Manitoba)

Disabled Peoples' International (based in Manitoba)

Saskatchewan

Office of Disability Issues (from the Department of Social Services)

Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD)
The EAPD Program provides funding to assist adults with disabilities to prepare for, secure and maintain employment.

From Saskatchewan Social Services:

PROVINCE LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
News Release
May 13, 2009
Beginning this fall, thousands of Saskatchewan people will no longer need to depend on social assistance for their basic living costs, following the announcement today of a new income support program for people with disabilities. (...) The new program will begin on October 1, 2009, when the first group of recipients - an estimated 3,000 Saskatchewan people with disabilities - will be enrolled and begin to receive benefits. The initial group will be individuals currently on social assistance with long-standing and well-documented disabilities. Over time, enrollment in the new program is expected to reach between 8,000 and 10,000 people.

Questions and answers about
the new Disability Income Support Program (PDF - 38K, 4 pages)

Final Recommendations of the
Task Team on Income Support for People with Disabilities (PDF - 218K, 17 pages)
May 13, 2009

Appendices to the
Final Recommendations of the Task Team on Income Support for People with Disabilities (PDF - 815K, 133 pages)
May 2009

See also:

Office of Disability Issues
The Office of Disability Issues serves as a focal point for government initiatives on disabilities. The Office is a vehicle for collaboration and partnership with the disability community.
The Ministry of Social Services hosts the Office
[ Information Materials (reports & resources) ]

Source:
Saskatchewan Social Services

Related links:

Response to Government Announcement:
People with Significant Disabilities See an End to Welfare
An historic step was taken by the Government of Saskatchewan towards improving the lives of people with disabilities yesterday. Minister of Social Services, Donna Harpauer, announced that a separate, dignified income system for people of disabilities would be launched on October 1, 2009.
Source:
Saskatchewan Disability Income Support Coalition (DISC)
DISC was formed by a large cross section of disability advocates, consumers and organizations across Saskatchewan who are committed to advocating for a respectful, dignified and adequate income support system. DISC members have joined together to speak as one voice, working towards a distinct (or separate) income system for people with disabilities that will be built on our common vision and principles.

DISC Resources
- incl. links to :
*A Question of Citizenship - The Argument for Adequate Income Support for People with Disabilities
* DISC Survey Report - A survey of Saskatchewan citizens with disabilities who utilize social assistance was conducted in the winter of 2007. The purpose of this research was to capture stories about the experience of being on social assistance as a person with a disability and to identify their suggestions for change.
* Conclusions from a Review of Eligibility Requirements in Income Security Programs in Canada

---

Sask. introducing income support program for people with disabilities
May 13, 2009
Saskatchewan people with disabilities who can't earn income will no longer have to go on social assistance but will instead have their own tailored income-support program, the provincial government said Wednesday. While it won't immediately mean more money for people with disabilities, improvements to the program should be easier down the road because the assistance will be targeted, said Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer.
Source:
CBC

Saskatchewan : New exemption will benefit people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities
News Release
September 4, 2008
Individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities in Saskatchewan will be able to better plan for the future, following the exemption of Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs) from social assistance calculations. The exemption means that RDSP assets and income - including funds withdrawn for payment to a beneficiary - will not be included when determining eligibility for the Saskatchewan Assistance Program.
Source:
Saskatchewan Social Services
[ Government of Saskatchewan ]

Context:
In the determination of financial eligibility for needs-tested welfare or disability benefits,
each province and territory decides how it will treat assets and income from various sources, both at the point of application and on an ongoing basis.

Related link:

Saskatchewan Exempts the RDSP
September 4, 2008
Exciting news! Yet another province has decided to exempt the RDSP from affecting Disability Benefits. Saskatchewan put out a news release earlier today from the Ministry of Social Services indicating that the RDSP will not affect the calculations for those receiving social assistance, exempting both the RDSP as an asset and income. (...) This a a very exciting development for people in Saskatchewan as it now means they, along with BC, Newfoundland, and Yukon, can fully utilize the benefits that the RDSP provides.
Source:
Registered Disability Savings Plan Blog --- everything you wanted to know about the RDSP....

The RDSP Blog is a product of the
Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN)
PLAN is a non-profit organization, established in 1989 by and for families committed to future planning and securing a good life for their relative with a disability.

Recent posting on the RDSP Blog:

TOP 10 Reasons Provinces/Territories Should Exempt
the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) as an Asset and Income
August 14, 2008

Alberta

AISH clients can earn more while still receiving financial assistance
Employment income exemption increases, effective July
July 21, 2008
Edmonton... Albertans receiving assistance through the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program can now earn more money and still remain eligible for financial assistance. The employment income exemption increase is retroactive to July 1. (...) On July 1, the upper limit of the employment exemption formula increased by $500 to $1,500 per month for single AISH clients and to $2,500 per month for couples and clients with children. Close to 7,000 AISH clients are currently working.
Source:
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
[ Alberta Seniors and Community Supports ]

Related links: go to the Alberta Links page: http://www.canadiansocialresearch.net/abkmrk.htm

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
- incl. links to: What is AISH? - Am I eligible to receive AISH? - Who receives AISH? - How can I apply for AISH? - Can I work and receive AISH? - Can I appeal decisions about AISH? - Can I receive Alberta Works Income Support benefits while I'm receiving AISH benefits? Where can I get more information about AISH?
Source:
Alberta Seniors and Community Supports

New AISH Act to provide more flexibility to respond to client needs
On March 9, 2006, the Government of Alberta introduced the updated Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Act in the legislature. This new legislation will be debated by government during the Spring Session.

Bill 21: Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Act
Source:
Alberta Seniors and Community Supports

Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities

British Columbia

Disability Resource Network of BC (DRN) --- British Columbia
"The Disability Resource Network (DRN) is a provincial organization committed to providing programs and services, professional development, resources and news events that affect individuals who have a disability (disabilities), in the British Columbia Post Secondary Education system."
- incl. online info and links to BC Institutions - the World Health Organization definition of disability - news and events - materials - info by type of disability - etc.
DRN Site Map - all links on a single page..

Self Advocate Net (British Columbia)
Sponsored by the Ministry of Human Resources, this great site from Abbotsford in BC's Fraser Valley is an excellent example of how well partnerships between government, the private sector and the NGO sector can nurture and support communities that might otherwise be marginalized.
"SelfAdvocateNet.com is a strong voice for people with intellectual disabilities during the good times and the difficult times. We like to let people know what is possible if they speak up and stand up for their rights. We want to share the positive experiences through other peoples' stories and learn from their situations. But we also want to let people know about the important issues that are coming up that we need to face so that we will be safe in our communities and treated with respect."
- incl. links to About Us - FAQ - Music - Movies - Health and Wellness - Dear Jill - Democracy Wall - Photos - Our Stories- Groups - News - Links - Guestbook - Maps - Useful Tools - Barb's Tidbits - James' Ideas - Site map
Links to 150+ sites of interest
News - 50+ links to relevant news and background information on health care and disability issues in British Columbia, from Enabling Technology For The Disabled to a description and link to the BC Benefits Disability Benefits program

[note: see also the Persons with Disabilities section of the unofficial Social Union page]

Web Accessibility Initiative
The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) is an initiative by W3 to make the internet usable for people with disabilities. Most of their guidelines are easy to implement, without detracting from the general style and look of your page.

Bobby - Page Troubleshooter
Analyzes web pages for their accessibility to people with disabilities as well as their compatibility with various browsers

Online conversion tools for Adobe PDF Documents
Convert PDF files to HTML online or via e-mail, in English et en français!

How to Create Accessible Adobe PDF Files
"...a step-by-step guide that covers the basics for creating and optimizing Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files so that they can be made accessible to users with disabilities such as blindness or low vision. This guide tells you how you can use Adobe Acrobat 5.0 software and Adobe Acrobat Capture 3.0 software to optimize your documents for distribution as Adobe PDF files that can be read easily with the aid of Windows-based assistive technology such as screen readers."
Source: Adobe

Assistive Technology Links - updated link
"Led by Industry Canada, this site will assist persons with disabilities and employers to find information on assistive technologies, accommodation issues and accessible information."
- incl. links to tools to help people who buy electronic or information technology or other services for their organization to ensure "universal accessibility" of products and services.
- also includes links to federal and provincial government accessibility websites (+ nine related international sites)

Workplace Accommodation Toolkit - excellent collection of information on how to accommodate the workplace for a person with a disability. Covers a number of areas, including : General Office Accommodations - Hardware - Media and Content - Software - Telecommunication Products - Training - Web sites / Web Applications.

Source: Industry Canada

Related site:
Starling Access Services - "Access a World of Possibility"

AbilityHub.com - Assistive Technology for people with disabilities
"AbilityHub.com's purpose is to help you find information on adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers."
The creator and webmaster of AbilityHub.com is Dan Gilman, a certified Assistive Technology Practitioner who has dedicated his efforts to assist disabled individuals who require Assistive Technology to access the computer. This is an American website whose excellent content reaches far beyond geographic borders.
- incl. links to : Augmentative Alternative Communication (software, devices) - Blind & Visually Impaired - Cognitive Disabilities - Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Electronic Aids to Daily Living - Mouse Alternatives - Keyboard Alternatives - Switch Access - Text - To - Speech - Speech Recognition

AbilityHub.com Links to Disability Related Resources - organized under the following headings : Americans Disabilities Act - CareGivers - Computer Access - Disability Health - Disability Rings - Housing - Employment - Independent Living Aids - Organizations, Support Groups - Personal Attendant Care - Search Engines and Directories - Teaching / Training - Vehicles / Travel - Wheelchairs / Seating Devices - Miscellaneous Disability Sites

International (Selected links, in reverse chronological order, most recent additions at the top)

Australia:

Caring for families caring for a person with a disability
Posted 06-03-2009
Ben Edwards / Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse
This article is a summary of a 2008 report of a study which examined the many emotional, physical, relational and economic costs associated with caring.
Source:
APO Weekly Briefing
The content of this page changes each week, and it includes links to a few book/report reviews, about two dozen new reports, a few job ads and 60 events (mostly conferences) of interest to social researchers...
Source:
Australian Policy Online (APO) - home page

International Day of Persons with Disabilities
3 December 2008
2008 Theme: "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us"
Dignity and justice for all of us is the theme of this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities, as well as for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Source:
UN Enable : Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities
[ United Nations ]

Housing & Mortgages for People with Disabilities
This guide has been created to help individuals living with disabilities, and their family members, in the process of buying a home of their own. Here you can learn more about the five important steps in buying a home and about financial assistance programs that are available for you living with disabilities, who want to buy a home.
After reading this guide to home ownership for people living with disabilities, you will know more about:
* The advantages and disadvantages of buying a home
* The most important steps in the home-buying process
* Common terms related to home-buying
* How to get started in your quest to purchase a home
* Financial assistance geared toward enabling you living with disabilities to buy your own homes
Source:
MortgageLoan.com

Children With Disabilities (U.S. Government)
"The Children With Disabilities Web site offers families, service providers, and other interested individuals information about advocacy, education, employment, health, housing, recreation, technical assistance, and transportation covering a broad array of developmental, physical, and emotional disabilities."
- incl. links organized under the following headings : Federal Resources | State/Local Resources | National Resources | Calendar of Events | Grants & Funding | Research & Statistics
Youth to Youth | Highlights

Disability-Related Resources Menu
- links to 500+ websites for and about people with disabilities, organized under the following headings : General Information Resources - Legislation and Legal Issues - Education - Learning Disability - Visual Disability - Hearing Disability - Mental Disability - Orthopedic Disability - Other Disabilities - Information Technology - Assistive Technology Resources - Medical Resources - Agencies, Programs, Services - Employment Resources - Recreation and Travel - Suppliers
Accommodation Search Systems - Personal Pages - Other Lists of Links
Source:
International Center for Disability Information (West Virginia University)

Employment Support for People with Disabilities (U.S. Social Security Administration)
The mission of the Office of Employment Support Programs Mission is to promote the employment of Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities
by...
- Designing policies that make work pay.
- Promoting research and program innovation.
- Educating the public about programs and services that facilitate entry into the workforce.
- Partnering with other public and private groups to remove employment barriers for people with disabilities."
Includes links to : Youth With Disabilities | Employers | Beneficiaries | Service Providers | Advocates | About Us | What's New | Questions & Help | Search | Events| Resources Toolkit | Ticket To Work
Source : Social Security Online (Official Website of the Social Security Administration)

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth
"NCWD/Youth is your source for information about employment and youth with disabilities. Our partners - experts in disability, education, employment, and workforce development - strive to ensure you will be provided with the highest quality, most relevant information available."

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
"NICHCY is the national information center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues. Anyone can use our services - families, educators, administrators, journalists, students. Our special focus is children and youth (birth to age 22)."

2002 Red Book on Employment Support - U.S.
January 2002
"A Summary Guide to Employment Support available to People with Disabilities under the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Programs"
Source : The Work Site (U.S. Social Security Administration)

Related (Canadian) Link :

Employability Assistance For People with Disabilities (EAPD) - Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC)
Source : HRDC Office for Disability Issues

Progress Report on Fulfilling America’s Promise to Americans with Disabilities (U.S.)
Press Release
May 13, 2002
"Many of the 54 million Americans with disabilities are deprived of their independence due to needless barriers. On February 1, 2001, President Bush announced his New Freedom Initiative to promote the full participation of people with disabilities in all areas of society by increasing access to assistive and universally designed technologies, expanding educational and employment opportunities, and promoting full access to community life. This report details the progress the Administration has made to implement the New Freedom Initiative goal - ensure full integration of people with disabilities in American society."
A Progress Report on Fulfilling America’s Promise to Americans with Disabilities
- links to the HTML and PDF versions of the complete report, includes : Executive Summary - Background - Increasing Access Through Technology - Expanding Educational Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities - Integrating Americans with Disabilities into the Workforce - Promoting Full Access to Community Life

Related Links:

Disability Awareness in the United States - (U.S. Department of State)
Toward Inclusion : Meeting the Needs of Persons with Disabilities in the U.S. (January 1999)
- includes a good bibliography and collection of related government and NGO links
A Guide to Disability Rights Laws (August 2001 - U.S. Department of Justice)

Americans with Disabilities Act Document Center
Americans with Disabilities Technical Assistance Program
Cornucopia of Disability Information

Safety Net or Tangled Web? An Overview of [ U.S. ] Programs and Services for Adults with Disabilities (PDF file - 500K, 42 pages)
November 2003
"Unfortunately, the safety net supporting many low-income adults with disabilities is more like a tangled web of conflicting goals and gaps in needed services. The opportunities for temporary cash, training, and rehabilitation support are generally very limited for many adults with disabilities, particularly those who have limited work histories or experienced disability onset outside of work."
Table of Contents and Summary of the Study
Source:
The Urban Institute (Washington, DC)

Center for An Accessible Society (U.S) - "Disability Issues Information for Journalists - A communications clearinghouse providing journalists credible information and quotable sources on national disability policy and independent living issues"
- "Funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, The Center for An Accessible Society is a national organization designed to focus public attention on disability and independent living issues by disseminating information developed through NIDRR-funded research to promote independent living."
- incl. links to a wealth of online information organized under the following topics : Administration Programs and Policy - Americans with Disabilities Act - ADA Supreme Court decisions - Coverage and reporting on disability - Demographics and Identity - Economics and Employment - Education - Healthcare - Housing - Independent Living - MiCASSA - Personal Assistance Services - Implementing the Supreme Court Olmstead decision - Public Perception - Technology - Travel and Transportation - Universal Design - Voting Access - Voting studies - Web and Internet Access - About The Center for An Accessible Society.

European Student Handbook on Equality and Equal Access
September 22, 2003
"The handbook tackles equality issues with higher education such as gender or disability discrimination, it also looks at ensuring that higher education is accessible to all and that students are given the support to complete their studies. The handbook gives the theoretical background, best practice examples and an action plan for students union"
- third in the series of European Student Handbooks from the National Unions of Students in Europe
- addresses the topic of equality and equal access
Source:
National Unions of Students in Europe (ESIB)
"The National Unions of Students in Europe is the umbrella organisation of 50 national unions of students from 37 countries and through these members represent over 11 million students. The aim of ESIB is to represent and promote the educational, social, economic and cultural interests of students at a European level towards all relevant bodies and in particular the European Union, Council of Europe and UNESCO.

Disabled Peoples' International 6th World Assembly
Freedom from Barriers: Celebrating Diversity and Right!
October 15-18 2002 - Sapporo, Japan

Disabled Persons' International Action Plan
The Sapporo Declaration
October, 2002
"According to the United Nations statistics, there are 600 million disabled people worldwide, 82% live in developing countries. Unlike other citizens of their societies, disabled people live in the most deplorable conditions, isolated and excluded from their communities by barriers of policy, environment and attitude. For this reason, we fight against wars, poverty and the eradication of all forms of discriminations specially against disabled persons."

New from the National Institute of Disability Management and Research :

International Forum on Disability Management
Vancouver, Canada May 27-29, 2002

Related Links:

Code of practice on managing disability in the workplace - (PDF file - 172K, 31 pages)
International Labour Organization
Tripartite Meeting of Experts on the Management of Disability at the Workplace
Geneva, October 2001

ILO Code seeks to improve job prospects for the disabled
Press Release
Friday 30 November 2001
Source : International Labour Organization

Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (United Kingdom)
- largest site on learning disability issues in the United Kingdom, aims to improve the quality of life for people with learning disabilities
"Our website has been designed to provide information about:
* issues which affect the lives of people with learning disabilities;
* the work of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities.
It has also been designed to act as a gateway to some of the other resources on learning disabilities, both here in the United Kingdom and overseas.

Connects (U.K.)
"Connects is a world-wide, interactive, personalized forum for the sharing of information by people whose lives are affected by mental health problems and/or learning disabilities."
(...) The site contains information about organisations, websites, events and news events concerned with mental health or learning disabilities. We currently have more than 6000 resources listed."

United Nations Programme on Disability
What you'll find on this page : Message of the Secretary-General - Resources - Main disability specific mandates of the U.N - Other reference material - United Nations expert group meeting on disability-sensitive policy and programme monitoring and evaluation, (UNHQ, New York, 3-5 December 2001)

International Day of Disabled Persons 2003 - A Voice of our Own
December 3, 2003
" The International Day of Disabled Persons aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of disabled persons in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. (...) The observance of the Day in 2003 will focus on giving a voice to the human experiences of disabled persons."
Source:
United Nations Persons with Disabilities website

International Day of Disabled Persons as declared by the UNITED NATIONS
Source : United Nations Association in Canada

World Disability Statistics (by country)
Includes countries from Algeria to Zambia, many with data from several census surveys.
Source : United Nations Statistics Division

GLADNET - Global Applied Disability Research and Information Network on Employment and Training - GLADNET is an initiative of the Vocational Rehabilitation Branch of the International Labour Organization (ILO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The network brings together research centers, universities, enterprises, government departments, trade unions, and organizations representing disabled persons, all committed to the common goal of advancing competitive employment and training opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Family Village: A Global Community of Disability-Related Resources
Cornucopia of Disability Information

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
World Institute on Disability - based in the U.S.

Disability Social History Project

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E-MAIL: gilseg@rogers.com