Canadians invited to help shape Canada’s first Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Quebec: COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the lives of Canadians with disabilities. The pandemic has shed a light on the long-standing challenges that negatively affect the health, financial security and social well-being of persons with disabilities. As part of its response, the Government of Canada is moving forward with its first ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) and wants to engage all Canadians in the process.
Today, as part of celebrations for National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2021, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, officially launched a public engagement process to help guide the development of the DIAP. An accessible survey is now available online to allow Canadians to provide valuable insights and feedback on priority areas of the plan. These include financial security, employment, disability-inclusive spaces, and building a modern approach to disability within the Government of Canada.
In the spirit of “Nothing Without Us”, all Canadians, especially persons with disabilities, their caregivers and family members, stakeholders and organizations working with persons with disabilities, are invited to complete the survey.
Canadians can access and complete the survey online, or print and mail in the accessible PDF version, by August 31, 2021. More information is available on our Engagement webpage.
Today’s announcement caps off a busy week of NAAW-related activities, and it fully supports this year’s theme – “Disability Inclusion 2021—Leaving No One Behind.” During the week, the Government announced the opening of two calls for proposals under the Enabling Accessibility Fund’s (EAF) Mid-sized projects and Youth Innovation components, while highlighting EAF funding for accessibility projects in local communities.
Minister Qualtrough took part in the introduction of new accessibility features for electronic payment terminals, and engaged youth with disabilities and community disability leaders on issues of importance to them in a series of virtual panel discussions. The Minister also announced an investment of over $130 million through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy program to provide young people facing barriers, including youth with disabilities, with good jobs and the supports and skills training they need to join the workforce.