Disability rights

For Canadians with disabilities, supports are often too little, too late

Inclusion and equity must be at the forefront of the design of government policies, not an afterthought. On June 5, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new federal supports for Canadians with disabilities. For the son of … READ MORE

Disability advocates call for easier access to ‘life-changing’ technology

Assistive devices can improve quality of life, but their high cost keeps them out of reach for many. Tammy Martin’s eSight helps her magnify images, as well as change their colour, contrast and focus. Tammy Martin Feleshia … READ MORE

Netflix’s ‘Crip Camp’ is one of the most important films about disability I’ve ever seen

This documentary proves we can tell human stories about disabled people and our lives. And through those stories, we can show both how far we’ve come and where we must go next. “Power, not pity.” Steve Honisgbaum / Netflix … READ MORE

‘What does this mean for us?’ People with developmental disabilities left out of vaccination planning

As COVID-19 vaccine distribution and prioritization plans roll out across Canada, people with developmental disabilities, their families, support workers and community agencies have been asking: What does this mean for us? Dr. Yona … READ MORE

Mobility Unlimited Challenge winner receives $1m for ultra-lightweight intelligent wheelchair

The winner of the three-year Mobility Unlimited Challenge has now been announced with Phoenix Instinct from the UK receiving $1 million to further develop their intelligent ultra-light carbon fiber wheelchair, bring it to market, and … READ MORE

People with disabilities excluded from re-opening plans, advocates warn

People with disabilities have been shut out of the conversation as Canadians plan to return to school, work and play, further jeopardizing their health and safety in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, advocates warn. The woman in the … READ MORE

When do disability resources become a right?

Disability resources are not luxuries. They are basic defenses against inequality. Lucy Eaton, UC Berkeley Senior Daily Cal Archives/File By Lucy Eaton, Special to The Daily Cal, November 1, 2019 The following represents the … READ MORE

Child care after the pandemic should be more inclusive of children with disabilities

When child-care centres reopen, they should consider the needs of children with disabilities. Across Canada, some provinces have either opened or are looking at opening their child-care centres again following pandemic closures. But … READ MORE

I’m scared: parents of children with disability struggle to get the basics during coronavirus

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on all Australians, but there are very good reasons why the impact might be more keenly felt by people with disability and their carers. More than isolated: The experience of children and young … READ MORE

Kids with disabilities face health risks and marginalization under COVID-19

COVID-19 has been disruptive to all families, a McMaster University professor says, but the effects of school closures, medical equipment shortages and social distancing are further amplified for families of children with … READ MORE

Staff restrictions, lack of PPE endangering Albertans with disabilities

Help accessing personal protective equipment is on the way, says Alberta Health Services. ‘We feel forgotten’: Disability community overlooked during COVID-19, families say. Government of Alberta says its working with … READ MORE

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta – April 2020 Archive

Beltline urges city to make walking ‘safe and comfortable’ with physical distancing. Beltline residents say walking with physical distancing at peak times is difficult. Helen Pike CBC CBC News Calgary April 30, 2020 ▽ … READ MORE

Alberta disability program forum slammed as a delay tactic by opposition NDP

‘There are thousands of people whose lives are impacted by this stall.’ Community and Social Services Minister Rajan Sawhney was not made available to CBC on Tuesday to take questions about a newly released report into the … READ MORE

New air passenger protections kick in today

Bob Brown, a disability rights advocate who is quadriplegic, says the rules reduce the distance he can travel by air without putting his health at risk by up to 2,000 kilometres. Airlines, industry groups, passenger advocates taking … READ MORE

Wheelchair users sue Atlanta, alleging sidewalk access violations

On June 11, Atlanta became the latest major U.S. city to be sued for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act due to lack of access to public sidewalks. The lawsuit follows recent settlements over similar issues in Los … READ MORE

Alberta law to allow unwed parents to share financial burden of disabled adult children

The proposed legislation would allow parents to apply for financial support from ex-partners. Christina Ryan reads to her daughter, Emily, who is 18 but still requires constant care due to her Down syndrome and several other medical … READ MORE

The curious case of Charles Krauthammer

Charles Krauthammer, Pulitzer-prize winning columnist for The Washington Post, best-selling author, Fox News commentator and well-respected conservative rhetorician, died on June 21 after an aggressive return of cancer following … READ MORE

We now have a voice: Alberta appoints advocate for people with disabilities

The office, led by para-athlete Tony Flores, will officially open in mid-November. Tony Flores, centre, has been appointed as the Alberta government’s first advocate for persons with disabilities. Government of Alberta CBC News … READ MORE

Did Canada break a promise to its disabled citizens?

Despite their differing approaches, both Canada and the U.S. face challenges in keeping their promise to improve the economic wellbeing of their disabled citizens. Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities Carla Qualtrough rises … READ MORE

Alex Elegudin named MTA first accessibility chief

In June, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York City announced that it was hiring Alex Elegudin, an attorney, wheelchair user, long-time disability rights advocate, and New Mobility 2017 Person of the Year, as its first-ever … READ MORE

Abbey Road with a wheelchair: In London, disability accessibility isn’t an afterthought

From the Cure’s 40th anniversary concert to black cabs, navigating London as a music fan was smoother than the US. Guy and the band emulating the Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album cover. Scope’s Blog Annie Zaleski, Salon July … READ MORE

Breaking down barriers for Canadians with disability

It’s time to look beyond the CRA. Breaking Down Barriers is the galvanising theme of a recent report from the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology that outlines urgently-needed recommendations to … READ MORE

Stansted apologises to Paralympian who was left stranded on plane

Airport staff failed to meet Anne Wafula Strike to take her off Ryanair flight from Berlin. Anne Wafula Strike: ‘I’m not the first person who this has happened to, but it would be good if I’m the last.’ Martin Godwin for The … READ MORE

Liberation or confinement: People with disabilities have a right to manage their own lives

The Manitoba government treats people with disabilities as a liability, not an asset. Rich Donovan is a globally recognized subject matter expert on the convergence of disability and corporate profitability. He has spent more than 10 … READ MORE

Low wages are driving a shortage of care providers – elders and the disabled now face a crisis in California

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 14 percent of Americans have developmental disabilities like Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism. The rates of such disabilities are on a steady rise, and some members of … READ MORE

People with disabilities failed by dearth of funding worldwide, say campaigners

As UK co-hosts world’s first disability summit, Theresa May warns that most vulnerable are ‘forced, every day, to deal with prejudice and even violence.’ Frank, who has cerebral palsy, lives in Kakuma refugee camp, in northern … READ MORE

‘I can’t continue to do this forever’: Families with children aging out of care seek answers

CBC Radio’s Crisis of Care panel brought together concerned families and a group of experts. Matthew Canto with his parents Rose and Tony. Rose spoke about her fears for Matthew’s future as she struggles to find … READ MORE

Major disabilities research project highlights need for change

The daily lives of disabled people are impacted by ‘unhelpful, exclusionary or downright abusive’ practices, according to a major research project looking at issues facing those with disabilities in the UK today. University of … READ MORE

How Canada is harming its most vulnerable citizens

The tangled web of disability governance and policy in Canada bodes poorly for Canadians with severe disabilities. National Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier, standing during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament … READ MORE

Britain’s transport system is great – if you’re not disabled

If you are a disabled person wanting to get around by yourself on train or tube, good luck to you. Here’s what needs to be done. ‘Only about a quarter of London’s underground stations are fully accessible for disabled people.’ … READ MORE

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