Consultations of interest to Disability Community

There are currently a number of consultations with the federal government that are of interest to the disability community. Details and links to participate are listed below: 

1. From now until February 2017 the government is consulting with Canadians around planned accessibility legislation. To find background information on this process as well options for participating, Canadians can visit the website. 

2. Public consultations are also underway to help shape a national strategy on housing. Canadians can share ideas, take a survey, and submit their ideas in writing prior to October 21, 2016. 

3. Between October 6th and November 4th 2016 the government is gathering feedback about changes to Employment insurance (EI) and caregiving benefits. 

4. In advance of the next federal budget the government is consulting Canadians about budget priorities. To take part, visit the #Budget2017 website. 

5. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is consulting with Canadians around efforts to modernize rules that govern the charitable sector. Of specific interest for the non-profit sector are rules that govern political activities. To learn more about this and to be part of this important process visit the CRA website. 

6. The government is also set to consult Canadians about poverty reduction strategies (in 2017). For the time being, Canadians can access background and related information on this issue and the upcoming process. 

Gifts & Assets Ontario: Action to Support Disabled Persons Receiving ODSP

Many people are under the assumption that those receiving the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) have all of their immediate needs covered. But this is not the case as the maximum amount an ODSP recipient can access ($1,110 per month) puts ODSP recipients on and/or below the poverty line. 

Consider the following: 

• In 2014 the average expenditure for housing was $1617 and $675 for food - way below the maximum level an ODSP recipient can receive.

• Cuts and a failure to keep pace with inflation have meant that ODSP payments have failed to reflect the cost of living. In fact, it would require a 25% increase to the rate a single person receives for ODSP to even be worth what it was in 1994. 

Additionally, there are costs disabled persons incur that are not adequately covered by ODSP. These include: 

1. Safe and accessible housing.
2. Adequate and healthy foods.
3. Adaptive equipments and accessibility needs.
4. Transportation related costs. 
5. Fee-for-service disability supports.
6. Clothing and recreational expenses. 

While we certainly need to raise the rates for ODSP recipients, we also need to do away with outdated regulations that prevent persons on ODSP from receiving gifts and assets. This is a quick fix that the province of Ontario could implement immediately (like BC has done) to better support the economic well being of ODSP recipients.  

How can you help? 

• Visit the Gifts and Assets website to learn more.
• Join the coalition for change. 
• Follow Gifts & Assets on Twitter.
• Share information about this effort with your networks. 

Housing Trust for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Ottawa-Carleton

I was fortunate enough to work as a part of a wonderful team of researchers for a recent exploratory study on the feasibility of a housing trust for persons with intellectual disabilities in the Ottawa-Carleton region. 

Through Citizen Advocacy Ottawa, our research team worked with individuals, stakeholders, and advocates to explore the housing needs of persons with intellectual disabilities as well as how the establishment of a local housing trust would help to address the housing crisis. 

Some of the key findings from this research include: 

• The ageing population, both in terms of caregivers and disabled adults, has created an urgent need to identify and implement innovative housing models, like a housing trust, in this region.  

• Housing trusts are a part of a broader housing continuum that can offer greater options for independent living and affordable housing. 

• Community members need a strong continuum of housing choice to ensure inclusion and personal autonomy.  

• Existing gaps within parallel areas of disability support require policy makers to proactively work to promote a holistic lens where disability supports are concerned. 

• It is vital that future housing models separate housing costs from from support costs to ensure conflicting interests are minimized and that housing requirements can be met using various sources of funding. 

The full research report can now be accessed online. 

Exploring Innovative Housing Solutions in Ottawa

In the fall of 2015 I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of a research team looking into the housing needs of adults with intellectual disabilities in Ottawa. 

I recently had the opportunity to talk a bit about this research with CBC Morning Ottawa. Here is a link to our interview. 

This research was made possible through Citizen Advocacy Ottawa  and the Housing Task Force. 

Strength in Uncertain Times: IL Philosophy, Service Delivery, and Canadians with Disabilities

There have been drastic changes to the way the federal government administers various programs. Yet  many are unaware of what these changes mean for disability organizations and persons with disabilities. 

To lear more, check out this recent piece in Abilities "Strength in Uncertain Times: IL Philosophy, Service Delivery, and Canadians with Disabilities." 

Ontario’s Pre-Budget Consultations: Make sure your voice is heard!

Ontario’s Minister of Finance is currently hosting pre-budget consultations with individuals, organizations, associations, and stakeholders across the province.

There are a number of different ways to ensure your voice is heard, and for the first time ever you can provide feedback digitally. 

Below are all the different ways you can share your feedback:

•  Use the Budget Talks website to rate issues that matter the most to you (including disability & employment):

•  Through Twitter by following or Tweeting the Ontario Government at @ONgov. Remember to use #BudgetTalks as your hashtag to ensure you're part of the conversation! 

• Through email submissions to submissions@ontario.ca. Email submissions are a great way to share longer needs, concerns and thoughts.  

• Through in-person and telephone Town Halls. To see dates and time and learn more check this website. 

• Contact the Government of Ontario by email, mail, fax or TTY to share your thoughts. 

There are a number of ways to ensure the needs of the disability community are heard before the budget – lets all make sure the Minister of Finance knows how important a real investment in comprehensive disability supports (i.e. housing, employment, transportation etc.) is to this community.