Letter to the Editor
Port Hope Evening Guide
November 20, 2006
Greatest barrier to inclusion for many disabled persons is poverty
RE: “We owe the disabled a fair and equal shake” (Nov. 17, 2006)
Your series on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is certainly a great public service to the community, providing education, information, understanding and awareness of the issues and experiences of individuals with disabilities. This is the first step towards creating a caring and inclusive community.
For many individuals with a disability, including those with a mental illness, the greatest barrier to inclusion is poverty, unemployment and the lack of access to services and supports that will enable them to realize their full potential as contributing members of society. The Act promised to remove all barriers to access, including poverty, but sadly there has been very little action or commitment to making this a reality.
Lifting people out of poverty will require an increase to disability benefits, an end to the claw back of the Child Tax Benefit, restoration of the special diet supplement and the provision of greater opportunities for employment and education. Taking these actions will assist our society to become truly inclusive of individuals with disabilities. If the Act is to be effective, it must begin by ensuring that the basic needs of every individual in our community can be met, only then will they be able to exercise all the rights and obligations that citizenship entails.
Ending poverty should be the focus of everyone who is committed to equality and human rights.
David Simpson
Director (A)
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
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