Opportunities for Further Progress

The income available to a person with a disability is directly related to the cost and availability of disability supports and to the person's ability to earn income through employment. Successful income strategies focus on the inter-relationship of these elements and others such as education and training.

Definitions and attitudes are a factor. For example, some special disability income support programs, supplements and pensions have eligibility criteria requiring people to be classified as "unemployable." In recent years, governments have worked to provide more flexibility for persons with disabilities to participate in the labour market as they are able.

The transition to employment is a key point. Persons with disabilities have pointed out that a continued base of income and disability supports is crucial during transition to employment, so people can become established in the labour market without facing financial uncertainty or undue hardship because of the cost of their disability supports. Some of the effective practices featured in the next section illustrate the difference that transition support can make as people move toward economic independence.

A related issue, discussed earlier in this report, and again illustrated by some of the effective practices, is the advantage of separating eligibility for disability supports from eligibility for income support programs. Having the assurance of disability supports regardless of whether one is involved in employment, learning, or other activities enhances opportunities and contributes to the goal of full inclusion.

Better coordination of income support programs and improved communication between programs, employers and others have been highlighted as key issues. Transition provisions for people moving from one program to another, better and more accessible information about the programs, and better coordination to meet the needs of those who participate in more than one program at a time, are some of the key considerations. The 1998 In Unison identifies improved coordination as a key objective, and some examples of initiatives aimed at achieving this are included in the effective practices section.

Disability advocates have called for a nationally integrated income support program for people with disabilities. Governments welcome continued dialogue among all sectors and all Canadians in working together to address income issues for persons with disabilities.

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