Disability rights

Alberta minister calls for automatic enrolment in Canada’s new disability benefit

Nixon said the federal application requirements present a ‘significant barrier’ to access in Alberta and beyond. Alberta Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon. Brent Calver/Postmedia By Rahim … READ MORE

I worried about being a mom with a disability. Now, I’ve embraced it — all with one hand

Finding out I was pregnant was one of the few times I doubted my ability to overcome and adapt. Kiaira Fedorus, shown here in April 2024, has cerebral palsy, which severely limits her physical abilities on the right side of her body. … READ MORE

AISH recipient, advocates worry about Alberta’s new disability benefit program

Alberta Disability Assistance Program coming in July 2026. Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon says ADAP will allow Albertans with disabilities to keep more of what they earn while receiving government benefits. … READ MORE

Issues with rollout of federal disability benefit a ‘slap in the face’ for some recipients

Eligible recipients describe payment delays, miscalculated amounts. Some Canadians with disabilities are frustrated by the way the Canada Disability Benefit is being administered. Igor Rodrigues photo, Unsplash CBC News Ottawa … READ MORE

Powwow special to honour children with disabilities made them all winners

‘It was so beautiful,’ mother of disabled child says. Emory Rabbitskin, centre, poses with parents Tina and Eugene at the Big River First Nation powwow held on July 24. Darla Ponace/CBC Darla Ponace, CBC News Saskatchewan … READ MORE

AISH recipients panicked over looming provincial deadline: health providers

Minister says AISH recipients aren’t expected to complete the federal application process by Sept. 5, 2025 A woman is pictured in a wheelchair in Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Ben Nelms/CBC Michelle … READ MORE

AISH recipients in community housing will see rent hike under new Alberta regulations

Province says changes create standardized approach to rent setting that is fair to all tenants. People with a disability that prevents them from working full-time are eligible for AISH. Chris Roussakis, Reuters Michelle Bellefontaine, … READ MORE

Are you eligible for the new Canada Disability Benefit?

Eligible Canadians can begin applying for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) as of June 20. Bank of Canada notes are displayed at the Bank of Canada museum in Ottawa on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press By … READ MORE

‘We are not a priority:’ Disability advocates say lack of minister sends a message

This undated handout photo shows Rabia Khedr, national director of Disability Without Poverty. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Disability Without Poverty *MANDATORY CREDIT* SDV Nicole Thompson, The Canadian Press May 15, 2025 TORONTO – … READ MORE

Turning 18 should be a celebration not a setback for youth with disabilities, report suggests

Turning 18 isn’t so sweet: The Critical gaps in health care for young adults with disabilities, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital By Jemicah Marasigan, City News Toronto October 15, 2024. Last Updated October 16, 2024 … READ MORE

Alberta to claw back federal disability benefit from AISH recipients

Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services says AISH benefits highest in Canada. Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, says Alberta plans to reduce AISH payments by $200, the monthly amount for a new … READ MORE

How school systems can honour the human rights of people with disabilities

Schools need to hire, support and promote disabled educators and administrators to help model and envision inclusive communities. Over a quarter of all Canadians are part of the disability community. Demonstrators, about 300 of whom … READ MORE

Alberta introduces plan to allow people with disabilities to work and receive benefits

Alberta Disability Assistance Program expected to begin July 2026. Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, announced details of the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program on Tuesday. Mike Symington/CBC … READ MORE

How scientists with disabilities are making research labs and fieldwork more accessible

Disabled scientists are trying to make research labs and fieldwork more accessible. Scientists with disabilities are trying to make research labs more accessible. A recent field trip to the San Andreas fault is an example of how the … READ MORE

Disability advocate Alice Wong on resistance in the new year: ‘Life is a dumpster fire, but I’m not alone’

The activist, who received a 2024 MacArthur ‘genius’ grant, reflects on a moment that changed her life – and why she finds hope in sci-fi.. Alice Wong in 2023. Photograph: Courtesy of MacArthur fellows program Maanvi Singh, The … READ MORE

Man with cerebral palsy who gave up hope of finding work models for Primark

Elliot Caswell was photographed for a fashion campaign this week. BBC Grace Dean & Rachel Price, BBC News 2 November 2024 A man with cerebral palsy who had given up hope of getting work has landed a modelling job after featuring … READ MORE

Alberta publishes new accessibility design guide, but minister says more needs to be done

First major update to the document since 2017. A file photo of Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver. McIver, whose portfolio includes the provincial building code, said the changes will be helpful to some, but more can be … READ MORE

Disability Rights Activist Receives MacArthur Fellowship

San Francisco-based writer, editor and disability justice activist Alice Wong was recognized by the MacArthur Foundation this month with one of its prestigious fellowships for her work on increasing representation of people with … READ MORE

Lawsuit alleges Alberta government discriminating against students with disabilities

Statement of claim says students Charter rights breached without access to in-person supports. Members of CUPE Local 3550 started strike action on Jan. 13. Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press Madeline Smith, CBC News Edmonton January … READ MORE

Provincial support delays are hurting disabled Albertans and families, reports find

Inclusion Alberta surveyed families about access to PDD and FSCD programs Jason Nixon is Alberta’s minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. CBC Michelle Bellefontaine, CBC News Edmonton January 23, 2025 Children and … READ MORE

Rick Hansen Foundation School Program

Empowering Students Through Lived Experience. Abilities Canada, January 14, 2025 In a world that strives for inclusivity and equality, understanding the diverse experiences of others is an essential part of education. The Rick Hansen … READ MORE

Alberta government axes funding for 3 disability advocacy groups

Disability organizations decry ‘cruel’ move to cut funding within 90 days. Jason Nixon is Alberta’s minister of seniors, community and social services. The ministry told three self-advocacy groups their funding … READ MORE

Feds ‘committed to doing more,’ but minister offers no timeline for Canadian Disability Benefit boost

Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities Kamal Khera rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Patrick Doyle Spencer Van Dyk, … READ MORE

Woman with Cerebral palsy overwhelmed by outpouring of support

After returning home from yet another lengthy hospital stay, a 32-year-old with severe cerebral palsy has received over 500 letters of encouragement from across the country. Patrick Tehan/San Jose Mercury News/TNS by John Walk, … READ MORE

Riders and drivers bemoan ‘inaccessible’ Lethbridge transit system

Union says scheduling pressure is causing mental fatigue for drivers CityLink was launched as a cost-effective and efficient transit system, but many in Lethbridge, Alta., say it does not meet the needs of the city’s most … READ MORE

Austerity & disabled people in the UK: Q&A with Frances Ryan

Dr. Frances Ryan is a journalist, broadcaster and author. Her weekly Guardian column, Hardworking Britain, has been at the forefront of coverage of austerity this decade. Ryan was highly commended Specialist Journalist of the Year at … READ MORE

Making science more accessible to people with disabilities

Researchers suggest ways to improve accessibility in advance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. A biologist examining a skull. Credit: Anthro Illustrated John Brhel, Binghamton University via EurekAlert! AAAS December … READ MORE

Time for fast action on a Canada Disability Benefit

Over one million Canadians with disabilities live in poverty. If implemented, this new benefit will work in the same manner as the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Canadian Child Benefit. Photo by Marcus Aurelius from Pexels By … READ MORE

Canadians with disabilities getting new benefit — but critics say it’s coming late and with few details

Bill creating monthly disability benefit for working-age Canadians died when Trudeau called 2021 election. The Liberal government has reintroduced legislation to create a monthly disability benefit payment for working age Canadians. … READ MORE

Worker shortage could threaten summer camps for Albertans with disabilities

Camp He Ho Ha could turn away hundreds of campers if it can’t hire enough staff. Counsellors canoe with a camper at Camp He Ho Ha on Lake Isle, west of Edmonton. Submitted by Greg Nielsen Madeleine Cummings, CBC News Edmonton … READ MORE

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