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International and National News and Announcements
Press Releases
DAWN CANADA DisAbled Women's Network Canada PRESS RELEASE
100% accessible: DAWN's goal for women's sheltersWomen's shelters are a crucial resource for women fleeing abuse. For women with disabilities, this refuge is essential. It is estimated that women with disabilities are 1.5 to 10 times as likely to be abused as non-disabled women, depending on whether they live in the community or in institutions.
Unfortunately, these women's services, already underfunded, are often not accessible and available to all women with disabilities. DAWN-RAFH Canada hopes to uncover the access issues that shelters are experiencing and to encourage them to become more accessible.
"Anecdotally we know that there are transition houses that have had to turn women away. The unimaginable potential tragedy that this reality begs weighs enormously on transition house staff. Transition houses want the resources and the training so that they can accommodate women with a range of disabilities and they look to DAWN-RAFH Canada to provide that information.
The NAAS goes beyond an environmental scan – this undertaking will save lives. Women with disabilities often live in isolation and stay in violent situations because there is nowhere safe for them to go, or no way to access the services. " says Bonnie Brayton, executive director of DAWN Canada.
Developed and tested in 2007, DAWN-RAFH Canada is conducting a National Accessibility and Accommodation Survey (NAAS) focusing on women's shelters across Canada. The survey, funded by Status of Women Canada, allows the shelter to do an in depth audit of its facilities.
"We understand that taking the survey takes time but that is because it is very thorough, very comprehensive. And we completely appreciate that most transition houses are stretched for time and resources, but this is about resources," continues Brayton, "We can only make recommendations to the government for additional resources if we can show them why! The NAAS is a document about change. Change is immediate because there are many modest changes that become evident in completing the survey. Change in a mindset towards the inclusion of women with disabilities in every transition house in this country – 100 % accessibility."
DAWN-RAFH Canada will use the results of the survey to provide online and printed toolkits for ongoing use by women's shelters and to develop other resources for increasing accessibility to shelters for women with disabilities. Ongoing training and development for shelter and outreach workers is another important part of this initiative.
From April to July 2008, Special Projects & Research Assistant, Sujata Dey, will be surveying shelters across Canada. An online version will also be available through DAWN-RAFH Canada's website. The survey looks at all aspects of accessibility from environmental sensitivity issues to attendant care issues, to mental health issues, to help for mothers with disabilities who come to shelters. DAWN-RAFH Canada's Special Projects and Research Coordinator, Diane Driedger, who has been involved in many research projects concerning the issues of women with disabilities, will be analyzing and compiling the data in preparation for presentation at the first World Conference of Women's Shelters in September 2008. DAWN-RAFH Canada together with Women with Disabilities Australia will be co-presenting on a Panel on Best Practices.
DAWN Canada is a national feminist organization controlled by and comprised of women with disAbilities from all backgrounds and all disAbilities.
Contact :
Sujata Dey, Assistant, Special Projects
DAWN-RAFH Canada
110 Ste-Therese, #005, Montreal, QC H2Y 1E6
Toll Free: 1-866-688-3296
Email: assistant@dawncanada.net-----------------------------------------
June 20, 2008
Canadian Transportation Agency Decision Ensures Sufficient Space for Service Animals
OTTAWA, Ontario - The Canadian Transportation Agency issued its Decision today ordering Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz to ensure sufficient floor space is provided for certified service animals at the person with a disability's seat.
Press release available in DOC format
Announcements
The "No Way Out – Nowhere to Go" panel presentation at the First World Conference on Women's Shelters
The "No Way Out – Nowhere to Go", Global perspectives on disability, disempowerment, domestic violence and denial of refuge" panel presentation by Sue Salthouse & Carolyn Frohmader at the First World Conference on women's Shelters is available in Power Point format and in DOC format
-----------------------------------------Council of Canadians with Disabilities
926-294 Portage Avenue • Winnipeg, Manitoba • R3C 0B9
Tel/Tél: 204-947-0303 • Fax/Télé: 204-942-4625
Email/CE: ccd@ccdonline.ca • Website: www.ccdonline.caAugust 14, 2008
To: All Members of Parliament
Re: Immigration and DisabilityCCD seeks to keep you informed on issues of concern to persons with disabilities. We have already forwarded to you within the last four months a short article on our National Action Plan on Disability and an overview of our concerns related to the Robert Latimer case. Attached is a third article highlighting the issue of disability and immigration. We hope you find these articles useful and CCD remains willing to discuss our concerns further with you at any time.
Sincerely,
Marie White
CCD National Chairperson
Laurie Beachell
CCD National CoordinatorImmigration and Disability document available in DOC format
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Annual Conference 2008
5th ANNUAL BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (BIAC)July 11-13th, 2008
“The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease; Getting What You Need!”
The fifth annual Brain Injury Association of Canada Conference will be held on July 11-13, 2008 in Pierrefonds, Quebec. The primary focus of the conference is brain injury survivors, caregivers and professionals perspectives on the importance of developing essential programs and services network across Canada for all persons living in our communities with the affects of Brain Injury.
More details are available on this conference at:
http://biac-aclc.ca/en/annual-conference/-----------------------------------------
BIAC- Women and Brain Injury
11 July 2008
Villa St Martin, Pierrefonds, Québec Room, A 1300-1400
Carmela Hutchison (Irricana, Alberta) and Jane Warren (Wolfville, Nova Scotia)
DisAbled Women's Network Canada - Réseau d'action des femmes handicapées du Canada
An exploration of common and different needs of brain injured women: the two women presenting are coming together from opposite ends of the brain injury spectrum, one severe and one with mild brain injuries. Carmela's injury is considered mild but has been impacted by multiple barriers. Jane's sustained a more severe brain injury and has had a very different recovery experience.
Conference material for Women and Brain Injury available in Power Point (PPT) format
For more information :
Carmela Hutchison
403-816-7301
hutch@efirehose.net
or
Brain Injury Association of Canada
28 Caron, Gatineau (Québec) J8Y 1Y7
Toll free: 1-866-977-2492
Local calls: (819) 777-2492
Fax: (819) 595-2458
E-mail: info@biac-aclc.ca
Website: www.biac-aclc.ca
Conference site 2008:
VILLA SAINT-MARTIN
9451 Gouin Boulvevard West
Telephone: (514) 684-2311-----------------------------------------
FINAL SSC QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY - FROM A LIVED PERSPECTIVE : MEASURING QUALITY OF LIFE - AS YOU SEE IT
The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) has a new mission statement that focuses on "improving the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public education and research".
This opens up broader ways for the Society to support people as they move towards recovery.
If you have experience living with schizophrenia, or a psychotic disorder, we are interested in knowing what 'quality of life' mean to you? By psychotic disorder we are referring to loosing touch with reality, experiencing hallucinations, and delusions (fixed false beliefs) that affect your thinking and mood. We know that quality of life is more than not having symptoms of illness or staying out of hospital. On the issue of what quality of life is - you are the expert! This survey will help the SSC to develop a new tool that will measure quality of life in a way that is meaningful and valued.
All survey responses will be treated in strict confidence. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Please encourage others to complete the survey! A family survey is also available at:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=VRhX5owBSrUjGEL5ZSkqfw_3d_3d.
Hard copy versions are also available through the various Schizophrenia Societies or contact me directly.
We appreciate your time is valuable. At the end of this survey you will be offered an opportunity to participate in a draw to acknowledge your contribution. Also, a summary of the survey results will be made available through the SSC website. Thank you for your help! If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact:
Neasa Martin & Rob Sargalis
Quality of Life Research Project - SSC
Neasa Martin & Associates
15 Wayland Ave.
Toronto, ON M4E 3C6
Tel: 416 691-8346
Email: neasamartin@sympatico.caThis online survey is available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=XM_2b_2bNoos0nPrzE_2fVcDU1kA_3d_3d
-----------------------------------------
FINAL SSC QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY - FAMILY / CAREGIVER PERSPECTIVE : MEASURING QUALITY OF LIFE - AS YOU SEE IT
The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) has a new mission statement that focuses on “improving the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public education and research”.
This opens up broader ways for the Society to support people as they move towards recovery.
If you have experience providing support to a family member / loved one living with schizophrenia, or a psychotic disorder, we are interested in knowing what 'quality of life' means to you? By psychotic disorder we are referring to loosing touch with reality, experiencing hallucinations, and delusions (fixed false beliefs) that affect thinking and mood. We know that quality of life is more than not having symptoms of illness or staying out of hospital. On the issue of what quality of life from a family caregiver perspective - you are the expert! This survey will help the SSC to develop a new tool that will measure quality of life in a way that is meaningful and valued.
All survey responses will be treated in strict confidence. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You may be caring for more than just one person with a mental illness. If so, feel free to complete separate surveys for each person. Please encourage others to complete the survey as well! A survey for people living with schizophrenai and related disorders is also available at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=XM_2b_2bNoos0nPrzE_2fVcDU1kA_3d_3d
Hard copy versions of both surveys are also available through the various Schizophrenia Societies or contact me directly.
We appreciate your time is valuable. At the end of this survey you will be offered an opportunity to participate in a draw to acknowledge your contribution. Also, a summary of the survey results will be made available through the SSC website. Thank you for your help! If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact:
Neasa Martin & Rob Sargalis
Quality of Life Research Project - SSC
Neasa Martin & Associates
15 Wayland Ave.
Toronto, ON M4E 3C6
Tel: 416 691-8346
Email: neasamartin@sympatico.ca
The online survey is svailable at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=VRhX5owBSrUjGEL5ZSkqfw_3d_3d
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North Country Access in Clayton NY (www.ncaccess.org) July 19, 2008 - PDF format
International
WWDA Response to the Australian Government Draft Fourth Report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Please find, for your information and reference, a copy of the response from Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) to the Australian Government regarding the Australian Government Draft Fourth Report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
The response from WWDA is available in DOC format
The Australian Government Draft Fourth Report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child is available in PDF format and in DOC format
-----------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE August 26, 2008
CONTACT: Michele Scheib, Project Specialist
EMAIL: pr@miusa.org
TEL/TTY: 541-343-1284
FAX: 541-343-6812Foreign Language Survey Asks People with Disabilities to Respond
National surveys show high school students with disabilities, while increasing in numbers enrolled, still lag behind their non-disabled peers in the percentages taking foreign language courses. Students with and without disabilities are close to equal in the percentages completing foreign language courses at the higher education level. However, the data does not explain what languages are being studied, how successful the learning experience is, and what are the barriers and benefits for people with disabilities at all ages.
Are you a person with a disability who is interested in taking a survey about foreign language learning and disability? The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange seeks your and other individuals with disabilities input and experiences.
Take a 10-minute Foreign Language survey online at:
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/47971/foreignlanguages
Deadline to submit the survey: October 31, 2008
The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and administered by Mobility International USA. The NCDE works to increase the participation and inclusion of people with disabilities in international exchange programs. Contact us at: 541-343-1284 (tel/tty), clearinghouse@miusa.org, http://www.miusa.org/ncde.
Speaking Out
Because Women with Disabilities Are...
Jen Robinson
April 2003
Note from author: This is inspired by the somewhat famous lengthy "because women's work is underpaid or unpaid..., etc" quote that ends with "and for lots and lots of other reasons, we are part of the women's liberation movement" (or, "we are feminists", depending on what version you're reading). It started on a leaflet by a student group in London and has since been reprinted on t-shirts, postcards, web graphics and lots of other things. The below is my own and doesn't speak for all women with disabilities, nor does it represent situations which always occur but they all do, sometimes, occur, and that's why they're here.
"Because Women with Disabilities Are..." is available in DOC format
DisAbled Women's Network Canada
Réseau d'action des femmes handicapées du Canada
110 Sainte-Thérèse Street, Suite 505 /110,
rue Sainte-Thérèse, bureau 505
Montréal, QC H2Y 1E6/ Montréal (Québec)
H2Y 1E6
Phone /Téléphone: 514 396-0009 (QC);
Fax /Télécopieur: (514) 396-6585 (QC)
Toll free / Numéro sans frais (Canada): 1-866-396-0074
Phone the toll free number first to arrange a facsimile transmission
(Canada) / Téléphonez d'abord au numéro sans
frais pour organiser une transmission par télécopieur
(Canada)
Email / Courriel: admin@dawncanada.net