POWERFUL

 I AM A RESIDENT

I came across this poem while I was doing some cleaning up. It's titled "I am a Resident" but if it were up to me, I would simply call it "Powerful".

I am a resident.                                                                                                                            You reside.

I have behavior problems.                                                                                                                You are rude.

I am non-compliant.                                                                                                                        You don't like being told what to do.

When you ask me out for dinner, it's an outing.                                                                            When you ask someone else out, it's a date.

I don't know how many people have read the progress notes people write about me. I don't even know what's in there.                                                                                                 You didn't speak to your best friend for a month after they read your diary.

I made mistakes in my cheque-writing program. Some day, I might get a bank account.                      You forgot to record some withdrawals from your account. Your bank called to remind you.

I want to talk to the nice looking person behind us at the grocery store. I was told it was inappropriate to talk to strangers. You met your spouse in the produce department. They couldn't find the bean sprouts.

I celebrated my birthday yesterday with 5 other residents and 2 staff members. I hope my family sends a card.                                                                                                                                Your family threw you a surprise party. Your brother couldn't make it from out of state. It sounded wonderful.

My case manager sends a report every month to my guardian. It says everything I did wrong and some things I did right.                                                                                                                  You are mad at your sister for calling your mom after you got that speeding ticket.

I am on a special diet because I am a five pounds over my ideal body weight.                                Your doctor give up telling you.

I am learning household skills.                                                                                                        You hate housework.

I am learning leisure skills.                                                                                                              Your shirt says you are a 'couch potato'.

After I do my budget program tonight, I might get to go to McDonalds if I have enough money.      You were glad the new French restaurant took your charge card.

My case manager, psychologist, RN, occupational therapist, physical therapist, nutritionist and house staff set goals for me for the next year.                                                                              You haven't decided what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Someday I will be discharged .... maybe.                                                                                          You will move onward and upward.

Elaine Popovich

** This poem particularly moved me at the moment because in November my daughter entered the Independent Living Support program and moved into her own apartment with a roommate. But more on that later. Maybe.

URGENT: Disability Support Program

 Back in the mists of time, we briefly discussed a human rights complaint brought against the Province regarding the Disability Support Program.

The case has had a very long and somewhat torturous* history (during which the provincial government repeatedly flipflopped on whether it would appeal any adverse  rulings**), but at the end of the day, it has turned into a ground-breaking human rights decision from Nova Scotia (of all places!).

At any rate, a huge shout out to the Disability Rights Coalition, who spearheaded the whole thing.

For anyone not in the know, back in 2015, a human rights complaint was brought against the Province regarding three intellectually challenged adults who had been locked in a mental institution for (literally) years for no good or defensible reason. Although legitimately admitted at one point, they were trapped there long past when they should have discharged because no "suitable housing" could be found in the community.

Although initially successful for the three individual complainants***, the Commission refused to extend its remedy in a way that might help other individuals subject to the Disability Support Program's residential options.

Eventually, we made it to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal where the claim of systemic discrimination was found to be valid. 

HALLELJUAH

An interim settlement was negotiated, with yet another independent expert report, this time to advise to how the systemic discrimination in the Province's provision of supports and services could be resolved. 

However, unlike other studies and reports over years which were shelved by the government, this one has some teeth. You can read the full report here, but if you would prefer the Executive Summary in "plain language" (I know I would!), I suggest you go here.

All of which had led us here:

... there will be a series of in-person sessions held across the Province for participants and their families/support networks. The sessions will be an opportunity to com together to discuss the content of the technical report and the next steps.

The sessions will take place between May 30 and June 14 in nine communities across the province. Please see below for the schedule. Each session will be two hours and will consist of a brief presentation from People First Nova Scotia (disability self-advocacy organization) reps along with Randy Acker, DSP Director. There will be time for smaller individual and group discussions within the venue to allow people to ask questions and gather the information they need. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. If participants require additional transportation funding to attend the session, please contact your care coordinator.

The list of dates and locations follow: 

Bridgewater - NSCC - Lunenburg Campus 75 High St Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8 Tuesday May 30 -- 1:30-3:30 PM or 5:30-7:30 PM 

Yarmouth -YACRO Hub 6 Thurston St. Yarmouth, NS B5A 4K5 Wednesday May 31 -- 1:30-3:30 PM or 5:30-7:30 PM 

Kentville - Kentville Fire Dept 463 Main St Kentville, NS B4N 1K9 Thursday June 1 -- 1:30-3:30 PM or 5:30-7:30 PM

Pugwash - Cumberland Public Libraries - Pugwash Branch 10182 Durham St Pugwash, NS B0K 1L0 Tuesday June 6 -- 1:30-3:30 PM or 5:30-7:30 PM 

New Glasgow - Summer Street Industries 72 Park St. New Glasgow, NS B2H 5B8 Wednesday June 7 -- 1:30-3:30 PM or 5:30-7:30 PM 

Dartmouth - NSCC Ackerley Campus 21 Woodlawn Rd Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7 Location - Gymnasium Entrance #7 Thursday June 8 PM -- 1:30-3:30 PM 

Halifax - Club Inclusion 2652 Joseph Howe Dr Halifax, NS B3N 1J2 Thursday June -- 8 5:30-7:30 PM 

Whycocomagh - Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre 9650 NS-105 Whycocomagh, NS B0E 3M0 Tuesday June 13 -- 1:30-3:30 PM Sydney - NSCC Marconi Campus – Room B101B 1240 Grand Lake Rd Grand Lake, NS B1P 6J7 Tuesday June 13 – 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday June 14 -- 10:00-12:00 noon

 

WE SERIOUSLY NEED TO SHOW UP FOR THESE SESSIONS 

~   ~  ~  ~  ~

 * In other words, yes, you messed up and must compensate these individuals but we're not going to touch the bigger problem (lack of adequate housing and community supports) for those with intellectual or developmental challenges. Can't touch that with a ten-foot pole. 

** After several flip flops as to whether or not the government would take these poor people on social assistance to court by two different governments (first Liberal, then Conservatize), the Province just did just that, challenging the monetary compensation ordered. Fortunately, the Disability Rights Coalition cross-appealed the finding of no systemic discrimination.

 ** Cash awards were made to each complainant between $200,000 and $300,000. Unfortunately, two of the adults passed away before the case made it to the Court of Appeal.

#Where's The Bill?

Following up on my last update on the Canada Disability Benefit, I have some more news to share.

According to Disability Without Poverty, during the Committee process a few positive changes have been adopted, including

• 
  indexing the benefit to inflation; 
• a requirement that agreements with provinces and territories be made public;
• a requirement that people with disabilities be meaningfully engaged in developing regulations; and
• requiring the Official Poverty Line to be considered in setting the benefit. 

As for what's next, once Parliament re-opens on January 30, Bill C-22 must be put on the agenda so the the HUMA committee report can be presented and voted on. This vote will move the Bill into Third Reading and eventually the Senate. After the Senate passes Bill C-22 and it receives royal assent, it will become law.

The Regulations

In my mind, the most important of the amendments set out above might just be the requirement that people with disabilities be meaningfully engaged in developing regulations. 

As I've noted before, passing legislation is far from the end of the story. Regulations are always important in that they flesh out the legislation and deal with important details. They often contain some of the meat and the teeth of the law.

However, in this case, they're even more important because unfortunately, the legislation, itself, tells us very little. The proposed legislation isn't much more than a bare bones skeleton.

All we know is that those eligible (nothing tells us who that might be) will be paid a Canada Disability Benefit. [ss. 4-5] 

Other than that, the only other thing of import is that this "benefit" (however much it might be) can't be taken in cases of bankruptcy, garnished if you owe someone money or otherwise be taken away by operation of law. [sec. 9] **

Good news to be sure but .... how much and to whom? Kind of important details, wouldn't you agree? 

Sadly (and ironically), if this legislation became law today, not a single Canadian (with or without a disability) would benefit. It wouldn't even make a good paperweight, given how short it is. 

This is why  the requirement that people with disabilities (and presumably their allies) must be meaningfully engaged in developing the regulations is so crucial.

And time passes.

** Fortunately, this includes the Dept of Community Services. They won't be unable to claw the benefit back. Now that's worth celebrating.

The Canada Disability Benefit Needs You ... and You ... and You

I've posted a few times on my MMC Legal Services FB page about the yet-to-be seen Canada Disability Benefit promised prior to the last federal election. 

The following is the text I received in an email from Disability Without Poverty. Please read the Call to Action found at the bottom of this post. 

Turning Bill C-22 Into The Canada Disability Benefit Act

By Amanda Lockitch 

How Does a Bill Become Law in Canada? 

On June 2, 2022, the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) had its first reading in the House of Commons (HOC). On June 13th, with roughly 10 sitting days left before parliament adjourns for summer break, the leaders of over 75 stakeholder organizations put forth a letter to government requesting that Bill C-22 (CDB) be called for its second reading before this adjournment. The second reading will enable C-22 to move to its assigned Standing Committee and then onto the rest of the legislative process. The hope is that the CDB can progress in a timely manner because people are in desperate need of help now.

While Bill C-22 has reached the first important step of being tabled, many working age people with disabilities living in Canada are asking why their dinner plates are still empty at the end of each month. We are seeing increasing accounts of people taking the drastic step of applying for Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) simply because they can’t make ends meet. How long will it take the CDB to reach the pocketbooks of people in need? 

Saskatchewan Senator Brent Cotter and Greg McMeekin, Alberta’s Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, held a webinar moderated by the Co-Chair of Disability Without Poverty, Michelle Hewitt, to explain the process of how a bill becomes law in Canada and answer questions that have arisen about this process. Below is an overview of that process. 

The House of Commons 

In this case, the CDB was introduced into the HOC. Once past its first reading and tabled, it must go through a second reading, where it undergoes debate and a vote on its principles. Then it moves to its Standing Committee. 

Consideration in Committee 

Witnesses and experts are invited to the committee to examine the implications of the proposal. They look at how to improve it, what might need to be added or taken away. They review it, clause by clause, and eventually report back to the HOC. In this case the committees will examine over 20 regulations to make sure they fit the letter of the bill as introduced. For example, Bill C-22, as introduced, speaks to a benefit for people of working age. That means if anywhere it includes minors or seniors as entitled to the benefit, they are ‘out of bounds’ and cannot remain in this particular bill. Once every regulation and every aspect of the bill has been approved by its committee, it is reported back, to the HOC and receives its third reading. 

The Senate 

Then it goes through a similar process from first to third read in the Senate. Once the exact same version passes through both the HOC and the Senate it obtains Royal Assent from the Governor General. It passes into law by Coming into Force at the discretion of the Governor in Council. It changes from Bill C-22 to the Canada Disability Benefit Act.

Where We Stand Today 

At this time, the HOC has risen for the summer break. 

While Bill-C22 did not receive a second reading, we are hopeful it will be picked up quickly again in the fall. We encourage you shake hands with your local MPs when you see them out and about this summer and keep the pressure on regarding the Canada Disability Benefit. As too many people living in Canada are aware: poverty doesn’t take a break for summer.

CALL TO ACTION

Disability Without Poverty is requesting people to Meet, Call or Email your local MP.

Over 1,650 Canadians have written to your MPs to let them know how important it is to move people with disabilities out of poverty but we must continue to make sure the Canadian Disability Benefit remains a national priority.

If unsure who local MP is or how to contact him or her, this page will allow you to search MPs by entering your postal code. Following the corresponding link, will give you all the contact information.

The Canada Disability What??!!

Does anyone remember the Canada Disability Benefit? Apparently, the government doesn't. 

Which is why this is so necssary.

 

It's long past time to bring this back to the public's attention. 

SO IF YOU WANT TO HELP, HERE'S HOW.

In the meantime, keep on singing. Keep on dancing. No matter how you groove.

NS Family Fights for Future of Son with Disabilities

This video is making its way around FB with good reason.

It is heartbreaking and a true rendition of what is happening in Nova Scotia right now, particularly to those with more severe challenges, such as Brendon.

Some Thoughts on the Proposed Adult Capacity and Decision-Making Act

As I have yet to make good on my promise to share my thoughts on Nova Scotia's proposed new adult guardianship legislation, the Adult Capacity and Decision-Making Act, while you wait, I humbly offer you my interview on CBC's Main Street Program.

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants ...

Trolling through FaceBook today (because I really have nothing else to do, right?!), I was noticing some of my American friends posting their thoughts on the debt they owe to those who came before them and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Which, I honour and respect that, it's just that we tend to save those thoughts for a different day ...

However, it did get me thinking about how much we, as parents, owe to those who came before us. How both we and our children stand on their shoulders.

Pretty much any advance made in the world of disabilities, whether we look to the US, across Canada or right here in Nova Scotia came about through the sheer work, determination, dedication and (never to be forgotten) passion of those parents.

Think about it ... in the US, we need only to look at IDEA; in Canada we could look at the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and elsewhere; here in Nova Scotia, I need only look almost literally across the street from my home to see the Flowercart. I can only presume that other sheltered workshops throughout the Province came about through a similar process. Please understand that I'm not suggesting that any of these concepts (particularly sheltered workshops) couldn't be improved on, just that, at the time, they were a giant step forward for the disability community.

It's true, I have had (and shared) such thoughts on many occasions, but what makes this time different perhaps are the four parent-inspired and created innovations I am aware of in my own back yard - both CAPRE and the Alexander Society for Inclusive Arts have been around for many, many years; Kaleidoscope is relatively new; and Rowan's Room Respite and Developmental Centre is pretty much brand new. I am proud to personally know all the families that started these endeavors and of the fact that all four are happening right here, in my Annapolis Valley.

If I may, I am particularly proud (at the moment) of Elizabeth Mason Squires for taking on this huge venture:

The Skills to Navigate
It’s not about fitting in. It’s about giving them the skills and tools to better navigate a world that doesn’t always understand or accept differences. It’s about being who they are but giving them the power to control their understanding of unfamiliar situations and differences, as well as the ability to master their own environment.

Be it with respect to education, day programming, leisure, housing or any other of the myriad of issues facing our communities, the facts remain the same - it so often takes highly-motivated parents and families desperate to find something useful and workable for their family members to create the next bridge forward, to the benefit of so many.

May we never forget that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. But equally important, may we never forget our corresponding duty to make life better for future generations.

And while we're doing that, please don't forget to check out the above organizations.

NEWS RELEASE: DISABILITY RIGHTS COALITION

UPCOMING PROVINCIAL ELECTION

We are asking you to take action in your home communities to support and address issues relating to individuals with disabilities and their families.  We share with you our latest News Release and ask you to also share/post it on your websites/facebook & tweet away...

Contact your local candidate and ask them what their position is on the "Transformation Process"...or attend a candidates meeting...

Contact local media in your area to see whether a story could be done on these issues pertaining to the Transformation and how it relates in your community.

DRC have asked for meetings with Premier McNeil & Opposition party leaders to highlight our concerns & the issues facing our community.  This is a chance to have your voices heard.

Ask other family & community members to support you in your efforts!

NEWS RELEASE DISABILITY RIGHTS COALITION

Since 2014 the Liberal government stalls Human Rights Complaint that was filed jointly with three individual complainants, the Disability Rights Coalition(DRC) and the Canadian Elizabeth Fry Society.

'Spread the Word to End the Word'

Post by Lindsay Spilker Tate.

Enough said.

Spoken Word Poetry

An emotional spoken word poem written by a father to his son.




Robb Scott wrote and performed this poem for his son who was born with Down Syndrome. The poem expresses how the R-word changed for Robb and how he hopes he son deals with hearing it as he grows up. The poem expresses how the R-word changed for Robb and how he hopes he son deals with hearing it as he grows up.

Focus On ...

You might have noticed that things have been a little quiet around here lately. Not due to any lack of my interest on my part (trust me!) but because my attention is slightly diverted elsewhere at the moment.

July 1st ... Canada Day ... is

THE. 

BIG. 

DAY.

So please bear with me.

Whazzup With That Roadmap, Anyhow?

Everybody needs a hero, right? I think I may have found (one) of mine.

This guy right here. He impresses me.

Why, you ask?

Because, in the midst of all his other work, he has written repeatedly on some very important issues for the disability community. And he's not showing any signs of letting it go. You have to like that.

What's up with the @DCS roadmap for people with disabilities? http://t.co/eEBsrmB7LD #nspoli @MMCLAW
— robert devet (@DevetRobert) April 1, 2014

And that raises a very important question - what is up with the Department of Community Services Transition Roadmap (aka The Roadmap)?

The report, written by a joint group of civil servants and representatives of community organizations, calls for the phasing out of large institutions, a more individualized approach in terms of care and funding, and altogether a new emphasis on changing services to better accommodate people with disabilities.

The short answer ... Hell if I know.

The sad reality is that the best information I have comes from Robert's article. Much like Sgt. Schultz, I see nothing, I hear nothing, I know nothing.

But fear not, for others know much, much more than I. Let's see what Robert has to say:

At the time the department, right in the introduction to the report committed to "implementing these recommendations over a five-year time frame, with major action steps for each of the ten recommendations being plotted over 2013-14 through 2017-18."

.  .  .

That was September of last year.

Now it appears things are moving ahead, but not at the pace that the report suggested.

Of the thirty or so action steps scheduled for the previous fiscal year 2013-14, not one has been completed. But work has started on all of them, Elizabeth MacDonald, departmental spokesperson, tells the Halifax Media Co-op.

Stakeholder provincial advisory groups, which according to the report should have been in place by now, have not yet been announced.

 Guess who else apparently knows something? Wendy Lill.

Wendy Lill, playwright and former Member of Parliament, has been advocating on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities for a very long time. She was co-chair of the team that helped shape the transition roadmap.

Just two weeks ago she attended a roadmap progress update for stakeholders organized by Community Services. That was also the first update provided by the department since the roadmap was launched seven months ago.

"After that meeting I am hopeful that there is some real movement happening and that there is good faith there," Lill tells the Halifax Media Co-op.

Apparently, we are to hear more about a series of pilot projects "in the spring" [wait, isn't that, like, now?] and the membership of advisory groups will be revealed some time after March 31st [so, again, that would be, like, any time now, right?]. But not just that - "a training program" for "care coordinators and service delivery people" is on the way. Thank God for that. Just, please, don't ask me what it means - I'm not entirely sure.

But, hey, know what I do (think I) know? Politics. I can talk politics. Let's try that.

The Roadmap was originally brought forward by the NDP government. The very same NDP government that a lot of people, myself included, were pretty frustrated with. We were frustrated because we expected CHANGE with our first NDP government, real CHANGE. And we didn't get it, or, at least not as fast as we wanted. It was that very frustration that caused played a large part in the NDP's defeat in the last election.

So now we have a new government. A Liberal government. And I have to wonder if people will be as hard on them, expect as much change as quickly from them, as they did our last government. Because, if so, I am pretty sure we will have another epic fail.

In the words of Wendy Lill:

"Things are dreadful now, [the Department is] spending a lot of money and they are getting very poor results," says Lill. "Strong arguments have been made that [the new way] can be sustainable, and they have leadership that is mounting that argument in a very strong way."

Yeah, they are. And how much (and how fast), if at all, that changes will be up me you and me. That's right, you. And you. And you. And me.

And that takes me back to why I am so grateful for Robert Devet's continued writing on these subjects, for his efforts to hold our government accountable for what was promised. But that you and you and you and I can do half as good of a job in that regard.

For What It's Worth

I'm not sure exactly what to make of this but ...

March 25, 2014) BOYNECLARKE LLP, one of Atlantic Canada’s largest law firms, will be offering free legal consultations over a three-day period in celebration of Law Day 2014. 

On April 8, 9 and 10, BOYNECLARKE LLP will be inviting pre-approved applicants to their office in Dartmouth for a free legal consultation. The initiative, spearheaded by Partner Gordon F. Proudfoot QC, is intended to give residents in the HRM access to justice. 

“Law Day is all about making sure everyone understands the law, has access to justice and can have their legal questions answered,” says Gordon. “This is our first year with the project, so we’re hoping to see lots of people during the three days.” 

Over 25 lawyers at the firm have volunteered their services to meet with approved applicants and discuss their legal issues in various areas of law. 

“Community service is one of things we try to make a priority here at BOYNECLARKE,” adds Gordon. “This is a way for us to give back.” 

Applications can be obtained online or by calling 1 902 460 3444.

So go on. Get out there. Get out pre-approved.

What do you have to lose?

[Almost] Street Legal

Posted on Facebook on March 6, 2014 

Lawyers need trust accounts.  

But according to the bank, in order to have a trust account, you need a business account first.  

And to have a business account you need to have registered a business name. [check] 

But before you can register a business name, you have to have the name approved [check] 

So, two out of four ain't bad for one week.

And I have a date with the banker on Monday to open the business account.

The name, you ask? Oh, that's easy.

MMC Legal Services

Of course.  

Cross-posted on Free Falling

Case Study on Holding Government Accountable for its Promises?

Below is the text of an email I recently received through the Disability Coalition. Reading through it, it felt a little like I was reading a case study on how to actually hold a government accountable for its promises.

What say you? Would/could this kind of approach work in Nova Scotia with our new provincial government?

If so, perhaps it's time to get moving.

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE UPDATE UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO 

New Toronto Star Editorial Backs Our Call for the Ontario Government to Reveal Its Plans for Enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act  

SUMMARY
On October 31, 2013, the Toronto Star ran a hard-hitting editorial, set out below. It calls on the Ontario Government to at last make public its plans for enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. It is a real boost to our non-partisan campaign to make Ontario fully accessible for all people with disabilities, when a major newspaper runs an editorial that backs our cause. 

Here, the Star backs the Freedom of Information application that AODA Alliance chair David Lepofsky filed on August 15, 2013 to unearth the Government's actions to date and plans for enforcing the disabilities act. This editorial has been widely circulated in cyber-space. It has been re-tweeted many times. 

After we set out this editorial, below, we give you links to several other newspaper editorials over the years that have backed the position of the AODA Alliance, or its pre-2005 predecessor coalition, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee. 

There have now been 285 days since the AODA Alliance wrote the Ontario Government for information on the Government's plans to keep its election promise to effectively enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Read the AODA Alliance's unanswered January 22, 2013 letter to the Ontario Government, requesting the Ontario Government's plans for enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

How we can effectively advocate for a strong and effective Accessibility for Nova Scotians with Disabilities Act *

The new Nova Scotia provincial government has promised to pass an Accessibility for Nova Scotians with Disabilities Act. Nova Scotians now must gear up to make sure this new law is passed - and that it is strong and effective.

The Canadian Council of the Blind’s Advocacy & Awareness Chapter invites you to attend an exciting public meeting to discuss creative strategies for advocating for a strong disability accessibility law for Nova Scotia. Keynote speaker is David Lepofsky, Chair of the AODA Alliance, a disability consumer advocacy group that works to support the full and effective implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

In 2005, Ontario became the first Canadian province to pass a disabilities Act. This was the result of a tireless, tenacious 10-year campaign by Ontarians with disabilities. David Lepofsky led that campaign. He now leads the coalition that advocates to get Ontario’s disabilities Act effectively enforced. Manitoba is now about to pass its own disability accessibility law. Nova Scotia is on the road to becoming Canada’s third province to do so.

Come discover what lessons Nova Scotians can learn from the Ontario and Manitoba experience. Find out how you can help us ensure that the promised Nova Scotia accessibility law effectively addresses all disabilities and all barriers.

Date: Sunday, November 3, 2013

Time: 10 a.m. to Noon

Location: CNIB Centre, 6136 Almon St. in Halifax

RSVP: by Thursday, October 31 by calling Peter Parsons
at 453.1480 ext. 5713 or email peter.parsons@cnib.ca

David Lepofsky is a lawyer, author, lecturer, motivator and a leading advocate for disability issues and rights; he is also blind. He successfully sued the Toronto Transit Commission to force it to audibly announce all subway and bus stops. His work with men and women with disabilities, with organizations and governments led to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2001 and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1995 and the Order of Ontario in 2008. He has given training to people with disabilities and their supporters across Ontario and elsewhere on how to win positive change.

We hope to see you there!

" An Email Missive

Blog Action Day - Standing Up for Human Rights

HUMAN RIGHTS .... a BIG HUGE topic, but one that surely could not be more relevant to those in the disability community and their families.

Looking back at the topics we have discussed over the past six years on this blawg; be it education, transportation, recreation, employment, medical care or housing, bottom line, aren't we really talking about the same thing - about the right to equality, the right to have the same access to the same services and (even more importantly, the same opportunities) as everyone else?

Yes, there will always be those that have it worse than you and I, than mine and yours. Just think of what it must be like to live with a disability in a third world country or a country where you are, irrespective of your disability, of the *wrong* gender or race. Then again, come to think of it, you could be an Aboriginal child with a disability living right here in Canada. Think of how much worse your life could would be.

But that really isn't the point, is it?

Of course not - the point is that no matter where we live, no matter who we are, we are all entitled to the same basic human rights. Not because the government of the day happens to agree or because we live in relative wealth, but because of one simple, inescapable fact - male or female, old or young, no matter our race or gender identity or sexual orientation or any other difference, no matter where we happen to live on this earth ...

We.

Are.

All.

Human.

And yet, simply *having* these rights is obviously not enough. Like any other "right", such rights would be meaningless without a mechanism of enforcement.

And as I turn my mind to the legal world, to "the law", I can only sincerely and humbly thank those who had the grit, determination and drive to realize the obvious and fight to have those rights enshrined as part of our law. And, in Canada's case, not just as part of the law. but as part of the highest law of the land, our Constitution.

But, sadly, two steps forward and one step back seems to be the way of life in so many ways. For even though sec. 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees that every individual is "equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability" and even though Canada is a signatory to both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, we are still forced to stand up and fight for these rights over and over, right here in Canada.

So it is that I can only offer my eternal gratitude to those, both inside and outside the disability community, who have stood up to demand that these rights be, not just recognized, but given real meaning; to those who have stood up for the rights of our parents, our siblings, our children, our friends, ourselves.

But as I write this I realize that what concerns me, personally, most of all in this matter are those in the disability community who, for whatever reason, will not stand up and be counted, not stand up and be heard, not stand up and support others in their fight for equality. For it is only if we all stand together that any one of us can be truly successful.

And so I leave you to ponder the famous words of Martin Niemöller:

First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.

Good News on the 'Special Needs' Policy

Some very good news to share on that "special needs' policy under Income Assistance that the Nova Scotia government quietly changed in August, 2011.  Remember this?

Well, I am pleased to report that as of October 1st, that policy has been changed again. This time in a good way. Check it out.

Changes to Nova Scotia's Special Needs Policy

"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. 

Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

~Margaret Mead

I Get By ... With a Little Help From My Friends

I came across this on FaceBook* the other day - you will see that it purports to tell us how each of Nova Scotia's three mainstream political parties has promised to address the needs of families of children with special needs in the early years:

Perhaps it's not fair to say *purports*; after all it does qualify itself to "the early years".

Having said that, here are my thoughts:

It looks like the NDP column is missing that latest announcement about "closing institutions, a more individualized approach in terms of care and funding, and a new emphasis on changing mainstream services to better accommodate people with disabilities". Just for the record, that announcement also included rewriting the Incompetent Persons Act**, the Adult Protection Act and the Homes for Special Care Act.

Does anyone else get the impression that the PC are looking towards Charter schools? You've got to like that promise to pass a Tuition Support Program Act but I have to wonder what their "ensure all children are ready to learn" promise actually translates into ... specifics, people, specifics.

It would appear that the Liberals are the only ones to even mention the "Lifespan Needs for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder" document (good on them), but then again it's only a promise to *review the recommendations*, not actually implement them.

Who? Me?? Cynical?!

So, does anyone else have any other thoughts on these platforms?

* With thanks to Catherine in the Choice Words group.

** Rewriting the Incompetent Persons Act would be huge - currently Nova Scotia has the dubious distinction of having the most archaic guardianship system in the country. And it wouldn't take a lot of work - the Law Reform Commission offered a new draft Act back in 1995.