Announcing a new membership tool for you!

Last night I was watching the news and a story about a Canada-wide recall of drop-side infant cribs came on, stating there was a recommendation to take them off the market entirely. My first thought was, "how are parents with disabilities going to find a crib that allows them to cater to their child's needs independently from their wheelchair"? A similar scenario took place when the new public waste containers appeared on Toronto sidewalks--you know, the ones that require you to 'step on' a bar with your foot before inserting your waste/recyclables. Those of us living with physical disabilities frequently come up short regarding these decisions made by able-bodied bureaucrats for the able-bodied population. Realistically, even the AODA probably isn't going to prevent every single instance of discrimination. Each of us will continue to have to educate, remind and insist on being heard, considered and included so that we can truly achieve independence and self-reliance and enjoy full community participation.

Luckily, CPA Ontario has your back.

Those of you who attended the Annual General Meeting in Toronto in June received a hot-off-the press publication called the Advocacy Handbook, a step-by-step guide on the who, what, when, where and why--but mostly how--of how to advocate for change in whatever area of concern with which you live.

The Advocacy Handbook has just been posted in pdf format on this website--for now, it's front and centre on our home page, and later you'll probably find links to it under both the Membership and the Advocacy tabs. This Handbook is a living document which will be updated and improved as you send us your questions and suggestions, so please take a look. It talks about why and when you should advocate, defining your power (remember--it starts with knowledge!), getting to know your governments at all 3 levels, writing a letter, setting up a meeting, and working with the media. There's also the success story of one of our members, who ultimately turned to CPA Ontario--we were able to help the individual get some more exposure for his issue, and within 2 days he got results!

Above all, the Handbook emphasizes that you don't have to do it alone--in fact, I'll say it again, there is Strength In Numbers, and you have over 1,300 other members across the province who just might be experiencing the same challenges you do.

Both Lynda Staples (Director, Provincial Services and Government Relations) and I look forward to your feedback on the Advocacy Handbook, so look it over today!