Cross-country consultations 

for an accessible Canada 

By Randy Pinsky

Recently, Montrealers packed the Palais des Congrès to discuss gaps in the system for those with a disability as part of a cross-country consultation for a national law of accessibility. Stakeholders with physical, hearing, visual, as well as intellectual disabilities, reinforced the need to be considered in all aspects of this planned legislation in order to have a truly ‘inclusive’ Canada.

Armed with powerful testimonies, individuals representing various interest groups expressed concerns and suggested areas requiring attention. From the need for more accessible housing and equal employment opportunities, to services for people with special needs and signing interpreters at health centers, this truly was an active community coming together, determined to be heard.

And heard they were! Stéphane Lauzon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Persons with Disabilities, introduced the parameters of the consultation for this historical law of accessibility, ending with, “à vous, la parole!”

But how did this whole discussion come about? The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities (Canada’s first minister for this clientele) and a former Paralympian, was charged with the task of creating a law of accessibility with nation-wide applicability. (See our feature article about The Honourable Qualtrough in the Fall 2016 / Winter 2017 edition of Inspirations.) How ‘accessibility’ was to be defined and implemented necessitated public input and contributions.  

A cross-Canada public consultation tour was launched in September 2016, and will continue until February 2017. Its mission is to identify challenges in daily life and areas in need of improvement, as well as contest misconceptions about disability (and ability!). According to the official website, “the government of Canada is committed to eliminating systemic barriers and delivering equality of opportunity to all Canadians” in order to create a inclusive society.

The Honorable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.

Source: http://accessnow.me/blog/canadian-government-consultations-begin-establish-accessibility-legislation/

While a number of motions for accessibility exist (such as wheelchair-accessible buses), these are often viewed as mere tokens as opposed to truly meaningful actions. Participants argued that the system is slow to change, and operates in a reactive manner with the onus being on the individual with disability; a process Qualtrough terms as “exhausting, expansive and unfairly burdensome”. She continued: “When systems and spaces are accessible, every Canadian wins. Barriers are bad for business”.

As reinforced in the consultation, change is long overdue. Our neighbours to the South have had the Americans with Disabilities Act since 1990, and while some provinces have accessibility legislation, they are recent or still in the process of adoption.

For an accessibility legislation to be truly effective, those directly impacted must be involved at all aspects of the decision-making process. Such a sentiment was echoed in the Montreal consultation by a community leader for the hearing-impaired who stated: “We talk about accessibility and equality but when decisions are made, they are made by hearing people, not us. We are only consulted after they have been agreed upon”. Other speakers with physical challenges reinforced the irony of being expected to approve resolutions made by able-bodied individuals. 

Over 150 individuals representing various interest groups attended the Montreal public consultation on the planned law for accessibility at Palais des Congrès, November 16, 2016. 
Photo credit: Government of Canada Source: http://www.quebec-accessible.ca/

In order for adaptations to occur and for difference to be celebrated, the public needs to be sensitized to the daily reality of those with alternative abilities. Disability activist Aimee Louw (representing Paul Tshuma, an accessibility consultant) expressed the need for those with disabilities to be central to such public education campaigns. Stereotypes and misconceptions can only be contested if the public mindset is challenged; something she feels must be “led by us, ourselves”.

All of these sentiments reiterate the fact that accessibility must be viewed differently; “not [merely] as a series of boxes to check off to show we’ve done the minimum required, but an integral part of everything we do”, as stated in the official discussion guide.

No longer can accommodations be elective and upon demand. Accessibility and access to needed services blends into the realm of human rights, as powerfully described by the mother of a boy with autism.

Often described as an ‘invisible disability’, early intervention for autism is critical to have the best possible chance of a fulfilling life, yet diagnosis in the public system can take up to two years. The lack of resources and services is encumbered by the fact that there is no federally mandated protection. As the mother expressed, “If this is not done at the federal level, what impetus is there to have anything at the provincial?” The recently launched Center for Innovation in Autism, See Things My Way, directly combats these diagnostic delays, and has made significant inroads in reducing wait time.

So what does an ‘accessible Canada’ mean to You? Legislators would do well to heed one participant’s comment; “We talk about dying with dignity, but what about living with it?” In order for this federally mandated legislation to lead to truly inclusive societies, the stakeholders present at the consultations must be placed at the centre of this historical move.

3rd Annual Salon de L'Autisme TSA du Québec

The 3rd Annual Salon de L'Autisme TSA Du Québec

Three years ago, two mothers decided to take matters into their own hands and make things happen to help people with autism and their families. Johanne Leduc, president of the Salon and author of the book La sufferance des envahis, has two children that have autism. Sylvie Le Guerrier, vice-president, is a mother to two children, and is highly invested in helping families that have children with autism to more easily access resources.

Johanne Leduc, Anne-Marie Le Gouill, and Sylvie Le Guerrier.

These mothers didn't know what they were going to achieve when they set out to host their first Salon in 2013, but the results are clear. They organize important events, both in Laval and in Levis (March 31 and April 1, 2017), where parents, families, friends, professionals, people with autism, therapist, and the public-at-large can come to celebrate autism, learn about it, and find the resources they have been looking for and perhaps didn't even know existed.

At a press conference at Place Forzani in Laval on September 27, Leduc and Le Guerrier told the media that this year's Salon welcomes 115 exhibitors and 25 presenters (including Inspirations contributor Emmanuelle Assor). It will include features for everyone, and as Le Guerrier explained, "You don't have to have autism to attend. There is something for everyone."

Other features of the Salon will include a 'Play Corner' furnished by Kit Planete, a 'Halte Repos' where quiet and sensory tools to aid relaxation can be found, an artists section where attendees can meet artists with autism, admire and purchase the extraordinary creations. Some of our favourites - Remrov and The Big Blue Hug, will be there. In fact, Remrov is the Salon's Honorary Artist. Congratulation, Remrov! This year's art expo features an artist who is only six years old.

MNA Francine Charbonneau, a cut out of Laurent Ciman, and Jean-François Lisée.

Quebec government representatives Lucie Charlebois, Member for Soulanges and Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection, Public Health and Healthy Living, Francine Charbonneau, Member for Mille-Îles and Minister responsible for Seniors and Anti-Bullying, and Jean-François Lisée, Member for Rosemount, were in attendance to support the work of Leduc and Le Guerrier. Charlebois spoke about the importance of providing access to diagnosis, improved access to services for both children and adults, and increased quality of services.

Participants at the Salon D'Autisme press conference at Place Forzani.

There is a tremendous team behind the Salon, including spokesperson Frédérique Dufort who is a comedian,writer, and sibling to a brother with autism. Honorary President Laurent Ciman, Montreal Impact star, was not able to attend the press conference. The organizers wanted his presence to be felt, so brought along a life-size cut out of him! His wife Diana spoke on his behalf. The event runs smoothly with the help of over 75 volunteers.

Leduc and Le Guerrier are doing tremendous work. But they did not feel they were doing quite enough. The press conference was a perfect opportunity to introduce their fundraising initiative: La foundation un pas à la fois pour l'autisme. Funds raised through the foundation will help non-profit organizations with special projects, help families with a child or adult with autism. Projects to be awarded will selected by a committee. The first recipient is parent and '2016 Salon Personality' Anne-Marie Le Gouill.

The Salon takes place at Place Forzani in Laval on September 30 and October 1 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, 4855, Louis-B. Mayer, Laval, Quebec. For information visit www.salondelautismetsa.com.

Life after 18 seminar

Life after 18: 

 Transition planning for youth with disabilities

On June 8, we were delighted to welcome over 70 guests to the EMSB to address the concerns that parents, teachers and caregivers are facing when it comes time for their children with special needs to transition from the support of the education sector into adult life. 

This free seminar aimed to redefine what is possible for people with disabilities, providing educational support and resources for families of children with special needs between the ages of 12 to 22 and beyond. 

Nathan Liebowitz

The seminar included a presentation by Nathan Leibowitz, senior investment advisor with Manulife Securities, who informed about financial, legal matters, and government benefits that are available to families.

Leibowitz provided a wealth of information, such as answers to questions such as who will take care of my child after I am gone, and what money will be available for my child to live, public curatorship, and disability tax credits.

Linda Mastroianni, Life Coach and founder of Speaking Autism spoke about the importance of transition planning. "Young adults with special needs require different support and resources than their neurotypical peers. Securing the righ support for them requires proper planning," she shared. "A transition plan will also help prepare the 
youth for the changes and opportunities that lie ahead."

A transition plan will include: helping the youth identify their likes, skills and develop these abilities during their school years; help identify opportunities while setting short and long term goals; detailing and implementing strategies to achieve these goals; and ensuring the individual secures the right support. Transition planning should begin a few years prior to the individual leaving school, usually between the ages of 14 and 15. 

Linda Mastroianni

Key individuals that Mastroianni recommends be involved in the planning are teachers, principals, resource teacher, child care worker, therapists such as speech language, occupational or psychotherapists, etc., parents and caregivers, and their health and community workers such as CLSC, CRDI, CSSS, rehab centres. The plan will integrate everything from transportation to self-care, socializing, sports and leisure, and housing.

Jacques Monfette

Jacques Monfette, principal of Marymount Adult Education Centre in Cote Saint-Luc, spoke about the programs that are available for adult students with special needs at the centre, including Social Integration Services (SIS) and the Social Vocational Integration Services (SVIS) programs. In addition, the school houses a collaborative program between the EMSB and Giant Steps School for students with autism, and the C.A.R.E. Centre for people with physical disabilities.

Monfette stated: "In education we tend to forget something very important. It's called happiness. Many of our students have gone from failure to failure to failure. We try to find something that will make them happy and change this cycle." Galileo Adult Centre also has SIS and SVIS programs, as will John F. Kennedy 
in the coming school year. Consult the EMSB website to see more adult and vocational centre 
options.

To round off a most informative evening, social workers Natalie Correia and Alexandra Leblanc Etienne, from CSSS de la Pointe-de-l'Ile, Equipe DI-TED, spoke about the multitude of resources available to families to access through their CSSS, CLSC or CRDI, to help navigate through the transition years. 

Natalie Correia and Alexandra Leblanc Etienne

Special thanks to Marla Vineberg for bringing this seminar to Inspirations and the EMSB and organizing the seminar, and Pina Evangelista, TEVA (Transition école vie active) Consultant, Student Services Department, EMSB for her support in planning the event. 

Guests had the opportunity to visit exhibitors prior to the seminar including representatives from Action Main-D'oeuvre, I Can Dream Theatre, The Big Blue Hug, and Inspirations.

  It is safe to say that seminar attendees left with a great deal of information in hand. What was clear is that the discussion has only just begun, and must be continued. Stay tuned for a feature article about TEVA in our Fall 2016/Winter 2017 edition.

Read our Spring / Summer 2016 print edition at http://www.inspirationsnews.com/pdf/Editions/Inspirations_summer-160418.pdf