Speak Out!

By Raymond D. Cohen

History was made this June as the new and improved Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act at long last received royal assent. The spirit of the event was captured at a celebration hosted at the CNIB’s wonderful new home — itself a cutting-edge example of universal design. The significance of having consumer groups, service organizations and disability advocates join together to celebrate the event was lost on no one. David Lepofsky, a central figure in achieving this milestone, recounts his personal involvement in my interview with him in this issue on page 26.

The Abilities Festival is gearing up for a third amazing installment. Two previous events, Connections, an exhibition of visual art, and Projections, an international film festival, both surpassed all expectations — and I know that the community is anticipating that this October’s celebration will follow suit. Readers can catch a preview in this issue on page 18.

So, there are good things happening — and you will find the usual expanse of information, inspiration and opportunity throughout this copy of ABILITIES. Moving on, it is worth mentioning that the Minister of Social Development, the Honourable Ken Dryden, is inviting Canadians with disabilities to share their stories in an online dialogue — and there are many wonderful stories to tell. But I think we would be remiss, bordering on irresponsible, not to use this opportunity to express the urgency many people with disabilities feel about the huge holes that exist in Canada’s social safety net — holes that do not exist for the majority of able-bodied Canadians.

Minister Dryden has asked flat out: Share your stories and ideas on the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Canada, and what, in your view, can be done to help support you better.

Let’s give him stories! Not just the stuff that comes from those with disabilities who are “making it” — but also from those who are struggling. Share your stories of the out-and-out poverty leading to less than adequate health care — and the meagreness of supports resulting in people with disabilities and their families going hungry within Canadian cities. Share your stories of those who can’t get transportation to take them to work — even if they could find employment.

These stories should not be lost on our readers — whether or not you have the misfortune to find yourself in a deprived state — and most certainly the desperation felt by so many should not be lost on our government. So, please take the time to respond to Minister Dryden’s invitation, and let him have your stories — the good, the bad and the ugly.

The minister’s invitation can be found at http://sdc-dsc.dialoguecircles.com. The online dialogue is slated to stay in operation until October of this year. If you need a kick-start, you will likely find it in the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres article on page 34. You’ll find a historical context for taking action within “From ‘Lunatics’ to Citizens” by Fraser Valentine on page 24. Among the numerous hats he wears, Fraser is a board member of ARCH, which celebrates 25 years of service to Canadians with disabilities this year!

I realize that my spin on the aforementioned invitation may seem a little negative — but bear in mind that I am suggesting this in addition to the many positive stories I know are out there. And also, take heart, we are not alone! The Council of Canadians with Disabilities and the Canadian Association of Community Living has jointly penned a powerful case for advancing citizenship for Canadians with disabilities. The essence of this case is captured in an open letter to ministers of social service across our country — and is available to you on page 37. At least 55 disability organizations, including the Canadian Abilities Foundation, support this request to the federal, provincial and territorial ministers of social services to finally and definitively put into place the supports needed for Canadians with disabilities to experience full inclusion. Be sure to read this section of ABILITIES — and consider dropping a line to your member of Parliament or your provincial minister of social services to let them know where you stand on the issues.