Perspective of Members of the Disability Community

Persons with disabilities and disability advocates have indicated that they are encouraged by the principles and the vision of the 1998 In Unison, and that the framework provides a basis on which the disability community can work with governments to address disability-related issues and concerns.

Members of several disability organizations from the national, provincial and territorial levels, worked with federal, provincial and territorial government officials during the development of this report (Appendix D includes a list of participants). A smaller group of disability community members provided comments and input to drafts of this report.

Members of the disability community have explained that, while they are willing to work with governments on this report, they want to move beyond reporting on issues to concrete action to address them. They acknowledge the work that is taking place in individual jurisdictions, and want to see the federal, provincial and territorial governments work together on joint initiatives as part of a coordinated plan.

Disability community members emphasize the need for a broad encompassing approach to disability issues that goes beyond the three building blocks of In Unison. They suggest, for example, that 'an access and inclusion lens' should be applied to all activities of governments, from human resources to the broad range of programs delivered.

Community members stress the importance of basing the Canadian vision of citizenship on the right of each individual to fully participate in all aspects of society. They argue that this vision of citizenship implies a broader focus than working-age adults, and that attention should also be drawn to the needs of children and seniors with disabilities. They emphasize that having a disability is a challenge shared by the entire family.

Some members of the disability community who took part in this process have outlined where they see the priority areas for action, and the types of action that should be taken. They suggest that bringing about full citizenship for persons with disabilities requires change in such areas as: legislative, regulatory and policy reform; improved research and data; enhanced accessibility of information, transportation, communications, infrastructure and technology; as well as use of technology to advance accessibility.

Members of the disability community have highlighted disability supports as a top priority. They have formulated a position on what they believe should be the fundamental principles of a coordinated plan on disability supports.

Community members have also outlined the elements that could form a comprehensive labour market strategy for persons with disabilities, and have identified the issues that need to be considered in assessing the adequacy of income support systems.

While federal, provincial and territorial governments are the authors of this report, the involvement of community members has been integral to developing a stronger document. Members of the disability community confirmed from their own experience the barriers they face, information that is illustrated by statistics in this report. They also helped identify challenges and opportunities for further progress.

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