Disability rights

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

My son has Down’s syndrome – and he belongs in a mainstream school

The success of the Finnish system is proof that inclusive education is best for all children, whether disabled or not. ‘Stories of inclusion in education need to be brought to life in all their personal, painful, comic, mundane and … READ MORE

Breaking down barriers for med students with disabilities

Students with disabilities are finding their place in medical schools—and beyond. For Jessica Dunkley, getting into medical school was no ordinary childhood dream. Deaf since the day she was born, Dunkley aspired to become a doctor … READ MORE

Hawking won the world’s respect – and gave disabled people like me hope

Growing up disabled, I had few role models. But this brilliant, witty scientist helped shift the negative stereotypes many face. “It just seemed that cosmology was more exciting, because it really did seem to involve the big … READ MORE

People with disabilities are finding more work, but there’s a long way to go

A new report finds that while there’s been some improvement, people with disabilities (especially minorities) face huge barriers to entering the workforce. Working For a Better Life. EqUUal Access By Ben Paynter, Fast Company March … READ MORE

Better workplace accessibility for Canadians with disabilities would boost economic growth

New research suggests that failing to make accessibility for people with disabilities a higher priority for Canadian businesses would cost the country billions of dollars in lost economic growth. Rick Hansen, pictured in Richmond BC … READ MORE

What would a truly accessible city look like?

Most cities are utterly unfriendly to people with disabilities – but with almost one billion estimated to be urban-dwellers by 2050, a few cities are undergoing a remarkable shift. by Saba Salman, The Guardian 14 February 2018 To … READ MORE

Expert pressed about risk in closing NS facilities for people with disabilities

Inquiry examining whether 2 Nova Scotians have the right to live in supported housing rather than institutions. John Walter Thompson chairs a Nova Scotia human rights board of inquiry, dealing with persons with disabilities and their … READ MORE

Groundbreaking case seeks to make supported homes for disabled declared a right

Lawyer Vince Calderhead says case could help hundreds of Nova Scotians with disabilities. Vince Calderhead argues the Department of Community Services is breaking the Human Rights Act by housing Joseph Delaney and Beth MacLean in an … READ MORE

Transit accessibility for all remains a dream unfulfilled across Canada

Laurent Morissette, an activist for greater transit accessibly for people with disabilities like himself, uses the handicap access ramps at Place Bonaventure to head towards the Bonaventure Metro station in downtown Montréal. Dario … READ MORE

Disabled Albertans ignored, says Edmonton mother

“People with disabilities have become an afterthought.” Leah McRorie, a mother of two adult children with disabilities, is calling on the Notley government to deliver on its promise to review the Program for Persons with … READ MORE

Day to celebrate people with disabilities in Lethbridge

Dec 4 will be a day filled with distinction and diversity as the community comes together to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). Sign of encouragement from participant. About 100 people gathered on the … READ MORE

I am at my wit’s end: Manitoba man says limited home-care hours too restrictive

Alex Lytwyn is calling for changes after a decade-long battle to get home-care hours increased. A Manitoba man living with cerebral palsy is calling for changes to the province’s Vulnerable Person’s and Home Care acts to … READ MORE

A country for all children to thrive

As Canadians, we pride ourselves on our commitment to inclusion and diversity. Yet, when it comes to disabilities, this pride doesn’t match reality. Put simply – rather than inclusion, the every day experience of many … READ MORE

Wheelchair dance company asks, Where’s the disability?

At the Disability Rights Legal Center fundraiser gala this past weekend in Los Angeles, Apple was presented with DRLC’s Business and Technology Award for their accessibility work, and Infinite Flow – A Wheelchair Dance … READ MORE

Georgia psycho-educational schools an unconstitutional ‘dumping ground,’ new suit claims

Libby Beem was home-schooled so she would not have to attend a psycho-educational facility where experiments had been planned to deal with her behavioral issues. Bob Andres, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Alan Judd, The Atlanta … READ MORE

Lucy Meyer reveals what it’s like to be a Special Olympics gold medalist with cerebral palsy

“Sometimes I forget that I have cerebral palsy.” Lucy Meyer is an 18-year old Special Olympics gold medalist and national spokesperson for the Special Olympics and UNICEF USA partnership. In addition to high school and her … READ MORE

Rental market unkind to those with developmental disabilities

As people with developmental disabilities increasingly live in community-based settings, a first-of-its-kind report is finding that they face a multitude of barriers in obtaining housing. Housing Opportunities Project for Excellence, … READ MORE

Family loses fight for autistic son to have service dog in class

Ontario’s human rights tribunal has ruled that a nine-year-old autistic boy in Waterloo, Ont. can’t bring his service dog with him into class. The decision says Kenner Fee’s family failed to prove that having his … READ MORE

‘It doesn’t seem fair’: Unwed parents in Alberta don’t share financial burden once disabled child turns 18

‘Unless you’ve been married, you fall through the cracks,’ says Calgary woman challenging provincial law. Christina Ryan reads to her daughter, Emily, who just turned 18 but still requires constant care due to her … READ MORE

UN calls on Canada to ensure rights of Canadians with disabilities

The United Nations called on Canada today to address the “persisting gaps in the exercise and enjoyment of rights by persons with disabilities, such as education, work and employment and an adequate standard of living, including … READ MORE

In the Garden of Hope & Ingenuity

Rehab pioneer Dr. Geoff Fernie’s innovative path from making Pink Floyd, Cream and other rock stars look good, to doing good for millions of people with disabilities. Dr. Geoff Fernie explains how FallsLab enables researchers to … READ MORE

CP Alberta Youth Transitions Program

Youth Transitions For youth between the ages of 16 and 25, we offer customized support to help them prepare for adult life. Activities include one-on-one counselling, group support and transitions workshops and an emphasis on … READ MORE

I don’t want to be ‘inspiring’

One of my most memorable moments in high school came during my freshman year. A motivational speaker was addressing us in a huge assembly. I was seated with one of my best friends at the front of the auditorium, and the whole group … READ MORE

Calgary lawyer’s admission to the bar a history-making moment

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, Roman emperor Claudius and the Magna Carta. Last week, Court of Alberta Justice Paul Mason sits before a packed Calgary courtroom, with an address that includes the sombre, intellectual … READ MORE

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