News

HOW 3 ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES FOUND INDEPENDENCE Making the transition to independent living is a challenge for many young adults, but even more so for those with developmental disabilities. Here’s how three people and their families made it work. Read the Canadian Living Article

Six in 10 adults with disabilities can’t benefit from Disability Tax Credit: study A new research paper finds that a federal government tax credit for people with disabilities isn’t reaching six out of 10 people who qualify, because they don’t have enough income for the credit to offer any benefit. The Disability Tax Credit reduces taxes by up to about $1,200 per year — but only for those […]

Vancouver teacher fired over special needs complaints A Vancouver kindergarten teacher says she doesn’t regret writing letters calling the Vancouver School Board “corrupt” and discouraging the parents of a special needs child from transferring their son into her school. According to a Labour Relations Board decision, Susan Debeck was fired for insubordination. She went to the board to argue that her union failed to properly represent her. […]

P.E.I. woman ‘free like a bird’ after living in hospital for almost 2 years A P.E.I. woman with an intellectual disability is living in the community after advocates worked to get her out of hospital when officials wanted to place her in a nursing home. Authorities with the province felt she should be placed in a nursing home after being discharged from the hospital. But the 58-year-old had other […]

Human rights complaint alleges discrimination against man with intellectual disability Long time advocate Audrey Cole and her son Ian have filed a human rights complaint against the Government of Ontario, alleging that the province discriminated against Ian by failing to provide services in the community that he would otherwise receive if he was institutionalized. Read the CACL Story

TransLink pledges full review of HandyDart TransLink will conduct an extensive review of how it runs the HandyDart system to decide whether the paratransit service should remain contracted out or brought back in house, as well as other potential changes. News Story    

Bus Pass Clawback: Scrapping of fee called token measure The provincial government has made a concession to those frustrated by changes to the BC Bus Pass program, but at least one advocate said it’s not enough for those who rely on the pass. June 23 News Story

Essential Next Steps in Medical Aid in Dying – Vigilance, Safeguards & Obligation There is important work ahead. Canada has an opportunity to address the failures of systems in the U.S. and in European countries to protect vulnerable persons.  The Centre for Inclusion and Citizenship will continue to support these advocacy efforts. Canadian Association for Community Living June 23 Press Release  

Robert Martin, self-advocate, makes history with election to United Nations Committee Robert Martin, one of the founding members of the self advocacy movement for people with intellectual disabilities in New Zealand and Life Member of People First New Zealand, has become the first person with an intellectual disability to be elected to serve on the United Nation’s committee responsible for monitoring the UN Convention on the […]