Tag: Canada

Canada Must Develop Humane Housing for Developmentally Disabled People: A4A’s Statement to Government of Canada Housing Consultation

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woman in white shirt with medium-length black hair, smiling and holding a set of apartment keys & giving a thumbs-up sign.Recently, the Government of Canada called for disability groups to submit statements/ideas on housing in Canada. The Government then issued a full report on the many statements by disability groups from across Canada. (Read the Govt’s full report here.)

Autistics for Autistics submitted a statement (below) on the abysmal state of housing for developmentally disabled people—and the simple solutions that can bring long-awaited relief to individuals and families. (You can also read our statement here.)

We hope you will share our statement & link with your member of Parliament.

Let’s hope that the Government of Canada reads, and acts on, the many important statements from disability groups. (If they don’t, was it truly a consultation at all?) We will update this blog and our socials—hopefully—about future meetings and consults on this.

Our statement

To the Government of Canada:
Autistic, non-speaking and developmentally disabled Canadians have been almost entirely excluded from accessible housing strategies nationally, provincially and municipally. 85% of new federally funded housing projects in our sector are segregated group homes, where autistic and intellectually disabled people are kept apart from the rest of the community and where their movements are controlled in a quasi-prison-like environment, kept in their rooms many hours of the day, only let out of their homes for sanctioned group activities they do not choose, and not allowed basic choices such as what they’d like to eat for a meal, or what time of day they would like to have their meals.

Having friends over, or having relationships, is often impossible in these settings, and in some cases, developmentally disabled people are even being shunted away in seniors’ long term care homes.

Group homes for the developmentally disabled in Canada are not regulated or monitored in any
standard way; as a result, many homes (which are typically run by private companies) employ care workers that are unqualified, with many high-profile reports of people with violent criminal records being employed by group homes and subsequently assaulting residents, including sexual assault, leaving some with permanent injuries and extensive trauma.

This federal and provincial approach is not being pursued in the best interests of developmentally disabled and autistic people, nor with any concern for their human rights, but rather because it is simply more convenient for the government to warehouse them this way, than to use creative new approaches as our neighbours in the United States do.

It is a national scandal that Canada, a wealthy nation, continues to treat this vulnerable population in a manner akin to the era of large residential institutions, merely replacing the large institutions with smaller versions that embody the same mentality, without regard for autistic and developmentally disabled people’s thoughts, feelings, preferences, happiness, quality of life and God-given, Charter-guaranteed right to basic autonomy and safety.

While people with other disabilities can live independently with supports, and choose their care workers, make choices, there are almost no [Canadian] programs in which our community can. In the United States and other similar Western countries there are many federal and state innovations that demonstrate how autistic and developmentally disabled people can live with supports in smaller settings, with a roommate and support workers, to varying degrees as needed.

These model programs give dignity, safety and quality of life to the residents, who are capable to make basic decisions and should have the right to do so (for example, who to socialize with, when to eat, when to go to bed). The ideal of “just enough support” means determining how much support each person needs, rather than imposing control over them in a punitive environment that is prone to abuse and dehumanization.

In Canada, groups like LiveWorkPlay have adopted these new models in an exemplary way, but they are not properly funded by our government and remain the exception, rather than the norm.

The solution is simple.

  1. The federal government can no longer entrust provinces and territories to adequately create, manage and oversee housing for the developmentally disabled and autistic people. All provinces and territories have failed at this for decades. Thus, federal oversight, as well as incentivizing programs for new models, are ESSENTIAL.
  2. The federal government, as well as provincial/municipal governments, should meet directly with Autistics for Autistics, Community Living, LiveWorkPlay and other advocacy organizations not merely to hear our “lived experience” but to hear our IDEAS for best practices based on experience.
  3. The government should research best practices in the UK and the US, and develop pilot programs, and be proud of these programs as a part of a humane country that cares for all its citizens.
  4. The federal government should disabuse itself of the idea that land developers and private care companies have the “right idea” for group homes, because in reality their segregated projects have been an abysmal failure. Start fostering new relationships and think outside the box.

    It’s not too late to end the national shame of Canadian group homes, and bring dignity to developmentally disabled/autistic/non-speaking Canadians and our families. It merely involves the federal government taking an active role and–importantly–refusing to continue to kick the can over to the provinces, who have failed us!

Thank you and we hope you will be in touch to discuss this more.

Autistics for Autistics-Canada

 

Autistics for Autistics opposes expanding Medical Assistance in Dying to include mental conditions

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A4A recently signed onto a public letter stating we do not support proposed changes to Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) legislation that would allow mental conditions as an acceptable reason for doctor-induced death.

The letter, which will be presented to Canada’s Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (AMAD), was initiated by Inclusion Canada and signed by countless disability organizations. The government committee will be debating the proposed change in its sessions.

Currently, Canada’s MAID program is not allowed when mental conditions (such as autism or mental illness) are the sole underlying medical condition. It is only allowed to be chosen by people with other medical conditions, such as cancer or Parkinson’s who may also have a mental condition.

Expanding MAID to include autism and mental illness violates ethics and devalues our lives. It promotes the idea that some people are expendable burdens and that the state should be tasked with killing them.

People who face family pressures can be pushed into the program, especially as they age.

Further, the idea that we are expendable translates into the broader medical community’s approach, leading to a level of dehumanization that compromises our care and threatens our physical safety in medical settings.

We would add that overall, the ethics of MAID in Canada are not being properly assessed by any measure. Like many Canadians we are urging a more stringent process–not an expansion. The way our government regulates MAID is a reflection on the values of our country about the purpose of Canadian health care itself.

To learn more about efforts around the ethics of MAID, please visit the Inclusion Ontario website, which will also be posting the letter, signed by disability organizations across Canada.

Disability Day of Mourning: Honouring Disabled Victims of Filicide & Saying “Never Again”

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Every year in the first week of March, people gather worldwide to honour and remember people who were murdered by their parents or other caregivers. This year, Autistics for Autistics will be observing the Disability Day of Mourning on March 2nd. We will gather virtually for a Zoom presentation that will include brief remarks, followed by the reading of the names and remembering of the victims of disability filicide, with a group discussion afterwards.

Unfortunately, the legal system has typically been more lenient towards parents who kill their disabled children, blaming the disability for the murder. As well, copycat murders often happen in the wake of a parent killing their disabled child.

The Disability Day of Mourning is a way to stand up for the victims of these murders, as we continue to pressure our legal system for true justice and the right to life, safety and care for all disabled people. It is also our way of saying to victims and their loved ones: “we honour you, we remember you, and you had the right to live.”

More information on how to register for the event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/s/disability-day-of-mourning-202/1491360298995539/

Support Bill C-273 to ban physical punishment of children in Canadian schools—& everywhere

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More than sixty countries around the world have banned physical punishment of children—but in Canada, physical punishment of kids is endorsed by the Criminal Code!

We have a chance to help keep kids in Canada safe. (See below for how to email your MP.)

Peter Julian, a Member of Parliament from Burnaby BC, has introduced a Private Member’s motion, Bill C-273,  An Act to amend the Criminal Code. It would remove Section 43 of the Criminal Code that permits physical punishment of children in Canada.

Right now, the Criminal Code of Canada Sec. 43, states: “Every schoolteacher, parent or person standing in for a parent is justified in using force by way of correction toward a pupil or child, as the case may be, who is under his care…” The legislation was written 1892.

MP Julian’s Bill would repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code and “end the legalized physical punishment of children in Canada,” in the words of MP Julian.

Amazingly, this is not a sure win. In fact, there have been 18 attempts over the years for a repeal. In 2003, the issue was brought before the Supreme Court of Canada who  ruled that the Criminal Code could continue to allow physical punishment of kids. As many of us have experienced and witnessed, violence and abuse towards children (especially in special education and especially students of colour) is not only tolerated, it is normalized.

Repealing Section 43 of the Criminal Code would create a legal grounds for individuals and families to fight back against Canadian schools’ use of seclusion rooms, restraint and all forms of physical abuse.

Please take a moment to find your MP’s email address/phone and contact to their office with this message, or one of your choosing:

“As your constituent, I am urging you to support Bill C-273, a Member’s Bill by MP Julian. It is long past time to end the physical punishment of children in school or any other setting. It is banned in more that 60 countries already. Please vote in favour of this Bill.”

There is no date set for the vote, but it could come up fast. The third reading is in progress, last step before MPs vote. Let your MP know how you feel today!

Many thanks to A4A member Cheryl for research! And many thanks to all for contacting your MPs.

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Autistics for Autistics is Canada’s self-advocacy organization. We are an autistic-led group and an international affiliate of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN).
Media requests: a4aontario@gmail.com

Autistic advocacy in Ontario: Highlights from 2022

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The past year has been exciting, as we returned to in-person events and continue to grow, with new projects and connections across Canada!

Some highlights:

  • We raised the neurodiversity flag at Toronto City Hall, after 2 years of virtual observances. It was incredible to be together again in real life and to break bread (well, cake) and feel so welcomed by the protocols staff at Toronto City Hall. Thank you to all who attended.
  • We provided info & spoke before the Senate of Canada, together with Autistics United Canada (AUC), about the need for federal policymakers to move from a charity perspective to a rights perspective. Canadian policymakers need to begin to study best practices in disability policy and consult with autistic-led groups.
  • We continued to partner with the Centre for Independent Living Toronto (CILT) to improve vaccine access for autistic/disabled people through the Disability Vaccine Outreach Initiative, including our vaccine info webinar, social media outreach and one-to-one outreach by our amazing Vaccine Ambassadors, Gaby and Sam, to ensure access for autistic Torontonians with support needs. We are so glad that CILT included us in this important project!
  • We led the annual Disability Day of Mourning in Ontario, remembering those who were murdered by their parents/caregivers and saying: Never Again. Our members read names, gave speeches and provided support through a virtual vigil on March 2. Thank you to everyone who made this important vigil happen.
  • A4A members presented to the Ontario Association of College and University Housing Officers and to University of Waterloo about inclusion, student life and new research on autistic students in college and university. We have more invitations to present on this topic early in the new year!
  • We continued our groundbreaking Autistic Health Outreach Project, educating Canadian medical students about autistic health access needs at the University of Toronto and Queen’s University medical schools.
  • We continued to support and collaborate with Community Living Ontario to work towards ending abusive long-term care and institutional housing in our province, through the Alliance on Aging and Disability. Thank you to all partners for all their hard work on this issue, to our rep Taryn and to Shawn from Community Living for inviting us.
  • A4A was an organizing partner in the online annual Canadian national conference on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (United Nations), which was hosted by the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians, streamed on Accessible Media International and featured speakers and participants from around the world.
  • We were contacted by media for stories about ABA, restraint and seclusion in schools, media portrayals of autism and other topics. It was especially awesome to be contacted by OWL magazine for their neurodiversity feature!
  • We consulted with a community coalition about the need to modify the existing Accessibility for Ontarians Act. At present, autistics are not included among the disabled groups protected by this legislation, creating a barrier when we try to seek inclusion and pursue human rights complaints.
  • We attempted to consult with the Public Health Agency of Canada about priorities in federal autism appropriations. Unfortunately, PHAC continued its pattern of devaluing autistic people’s input and time, so for the well-being of our reps we left the conversation. We will continue to connect with MPs, Senators and other federal agencies instead.
  • We continued to educate employers on inclusive supports and communication access for autistic people through our Autistic At Work presentation, and to present to mental health organizations about access and inclusion.
  • We began to plan for 2023, including launching our Neurodiversity Library with support from the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network; joining a new, national coalition project to work for regulating legislation on restraint and seclusion in schools; taking action to promote supported independent living options for autistic and intellectually disabled people; new advocacy to protect people with epilepsy from cyber attacks; policy work, education initiatives and much more.

I feel so honoured to work with the Board and volunteers, who are the most incredible people. Any policymaker, parent, educator or organization is lucky to have access to their time, perspective and ideas. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for autistic rights in 2023.

-Anne Borden King