National Educational Association of Disabled Students

12/03/2023

Happy International Day of Persons With Disabilities! There is much more progress needed for the full inclusion of disabled persons around the world.

The International Day of Disabled Persons aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development.

12/02/2023

MLPD is working on a three-year project for Elections Canada. This year, as part of the project, MLPD will raise awareness on the importance of having candidates that are informed on disability issues. For the first in a series of articles, we chatted with Breanne Boyce, someone we have connected with about Transit Plus issues, to highlight the importance of having local elected representatives informed and involved in advocacy issues. The article can be found on this link: https://mlpd.mb.ca/speaking-up-together/

11/30/2023

11/28/2023

À venir : nouvelles données de StatCan sur les personnes ayant une incapacité

Bonjour,

Le 1er décembre 2023, à 8 h 30 heure de l’Est, Statistique Canada publiera des nouvelles données de l’Enquête canadienne sur l’incapacité (ECI). Les nouveaux résultats seront disponibles sur notre site Web dans Le Quotidien, StatsCAN Plus et dans une infographie. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/dai-quo/index-fra.htm?HPA=1

Une traduction de l’article dans Le Quotidien sera fournie en langue des signes. Nous vous invitons à communiquer ces renseignements aux membres de votre réseau dès qu’ils seront disponibles.

Les données de l’ECI sont utilisées pour planifier et évaluer les services, les programmes et les politiques visant les Canadiennes et les Canadiens ayant une incapacité afin de leur permettre de participer pleinement à la société. Les résultats fournissent un aperçu d'intérêt du bien-être social et économique des personnes ayant une incapacité.

Des données supplémentaires sur les personnes ayant une incapacité seront disponibles en 2024.

Sébastien Larochelle-Côté
Co-champion for employees with disabilities
Director, Centre for Special Business Projects
Co-champion des employés en situation de handicap
Directeur, Centre des projets spéciaux sur les entreprises
Statistics Canada / Statistique Canada

11/28/2023

Coming soon: New StatCan data on persons with disabilities

Good day,

On December 1, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern, Statistics Canada will release new data from the Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD). The new findings will be available on our website in The Daily, StatsCAN Plus, and in an infographic. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/dai-quo/index-eng.htm?HPA=1

A translation of the article in The Daily will be provided in sign language. We invite you to share these findings with your network once available.

Data from the CSD are used to plan and evaluate services, programs and policies for Canadians living with disabilities to help enable their full participation in society. The results provide valuable insight into the social and economic well-being of persons with disabilities and their lived experiences.

Additional data on persons with disabilities will be available in 2024.

Thank you,

Sébastien Larochelle-Côté
Co-champion for employees with disabilities
Director, Centre for Special Business Projects

Co-champion des employés en situation de handicap
Directeur, Centre des projets spéciaux sur les entreprises

Statistics Canada / Statistique Canada

Stay up to date on all the latest news, information and articles from Canada's national statistical agency.

11/27/2023

Thank you for attending our event with My Learning Coach!
What did you learn about available supports for neurodivergent post-secondary students?
Let NEADS know!

11/25/2023

We'll be hosting an exam prep session on December 6th from 10am-1pm in Clearihue C110! You can drop in and work on a practice test or study in an environment very similar to that of in-person exams (including a qualified invigilator) so that you can go into your exams confident that you know what to expect. If you need help sourcing a practice exam for a particular subject email [email protected] and our office coordinator can assist you :)

11/24/2023

Our webinar with My Learning Coach is today!
Did you know that by working with their students to apply for grant funding to cover costs, they're able to offer educational-psychological assessments to eligible students at no direct cost?
Source:

Services Educational-Psychological Assessments Educational-Psychological Assessments are comprehensive, standardized assessments that examine the mental processes that govern academic, social and personal achievement. The assessment looks at an individual’s intellectual and academic abilities to d...

11/23/2023

Join us this Friday to hear from My Learning Coach on the incredible services they provide to disabled and neurodivergent post-secondary students!

Register now: https://bit.ly/49F99WQ
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3QK3JkP

11/23/2023

Despite the continued roll-out of enforcement measures under the Accessible Canada Act, the enactment of accessibility standards through Accessibility Standards Canada, the continuation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, and the landmark passing of legislation allowing for further development of the Canadian Disability Benefit, disability is only mentioned four times in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement and seven times in the accompanying Annexes. Of these mentions, disability is only directly discussed twice: in relation to childcare and the need for barrier-free housing - with no accompanying commitments or specific funding.

In the main statement, disability is only specifically discussed once in a brief add-on to the discussion of child care agreements with the provinces and territories, identifying a commitment to develop and fund an inclusion plan to support children with disabilities. Of the other three mentions, one is in a list of marginalized groups benefitting from more affordable housing, one is in relation to Veterans’ benefits, and one is concerning potential additional funding for students with a disability - albeit, alongside any dependents they might have.

While disability is mentioned more frequently in the Annexes, there is again little specific consideration to the disability community’s unique needs, barriers, and disproportionate financial burdens. In Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal Projections, disability is mentioned twice to clarify its inclusion in aggregate measures such as the Child Disability Benefit and “Pensions and other accounts.” While in Annex 4: Statement on Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion, disability is mentioned 5 additional times, with 4 of these mentions being lists of marginalized groups and/or intersecting identity factors. Two mentions worth noting are the brief consideration of persons with disabilities’ need for barrier-free housing, and the inclusion of Indigenous persons with disabilities amongst other intersecting identity factors experienced by Indigenous persons.

With projections lasting into 2028-2029 and funding being promised for 2025-2026, the future of critical measures such as the Canadian Disability Benefit are deeply uncertain.

Read our full disability inclusion analysis of the 2023 Fall Economic Statement: https://bit.ly/40SEMrK

11/22/2023

Please join us in welcoming Vanessa Aase, Stephanie Evans, and Elizabeth Doherty to our Board of Directors!

At this exciting time for the organization as we navigate new projects and opportunities, our Directors play a critical role in guiding the organization through the evolving landscape of post-secondary education and employment. We are so privileged to welcome these three outstanding women to the NEADS team and look forward to seeing where their perspectives and contributions take us next!

💡Learn More About Our Fantastic New Additions 💡

Vanessa Aase, Director at Large
Vanessa Aase (she/her) is currently enrolled in her final year of a History Honours Undergraduate Degree at the University of Victoria. She contributes to the university community by working in research positions on marginalized communities and serving on UVic’s Society for Students with a Disability. Previously, she volunteered to support the disabled community by mentoring a disabled child through Big Brother Big Sisters. Vanessa feels grateful for the opportunity to work with NEADS, given the organization’s strong community and vision for a more equitable Canada.

Stephanie Evans, Newfoundland and Labrador Director
"Hi there, I'm Stephanie (she/her)! I'm pursuing my social work degree at Memorial University in Newfoundland. Apart from studying, I dedicate most of my time to volunteering, as I find giving back to my community incredibly fulfilling. My main areas of interest are mental health and disability advocacy, and I am always looking for opportunities to learn more and raise awareness. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the new Newfoundland and Labrador director for NEADS! I feel extremely grateful and excited to embark on this new journey and look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of others in my community."

Elizabeth Doherty, New Brunswick Director
Elizabeth (she/her) has called Fredericton, New Brunswick home for the last twenty years. She is currently enrolled in the St. Thomas University School of Social Work after completing her BA in 2022. Her social action field placement last year was with the New Brunswick Coalition of Persons with Disabilities, and she is actively involved in advocacy work with varied non-profits and patient groups. A rare form of Muscular Dystrophy and other complex health conditions have created opportunities for Elizabeth to navigate some of the various supports and agencies within her home province. Elizabeth has a thirteen-year-old son and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with loved ones and watching stand up comedy. Elizabeth is thrilled to be part of the NEADS Board, and she can't wait to see what changes we all can make together.

11/21/2023

We are so excited to be hosting My Learning Coach this Friday at 7pm ET via zoom for our latest Webinar on expanding access to post-secondary education for disabled and neurodivergent students!

Register now: https://bit.ly/49F99WQ
Learn More: https://bit.ly/3QK3JkP

While you wait, learn more about the critical services MyLearningCoach provides at no direct cost to students through the innovative use of available grants to cover their many services:

Academic Coaching
Academic Coaching is our most requested service. Academic Coaching is a blend of academic strategy instruction and more traditional tutoring support, as outlined in the services below. Students are paired with a coach that guides them through their post-secondary studies. Through this model, we educate learners on the resources available and guide them to develop the necessary skills and strategies for post-secondary success.

Academic Strategy Instruction
Academic Strategy Instruction is designed to teach students to use research-validated academic strategies. Effective academic strategy use allows students to master course content, demonstrate learning, and experience academic success.

Tutoring
Tutoring is designed for students who need to supplement class instruction through more traditional support. Tutoring is appropriate for students who require support in one specific course or subject area.

Assistive Technology Consultation & Training
Assistive Technology (AT) can be any item, piece of equipment, system or program that supports students to overcome barriers to learning. Many post-secondary learners benefit from the use of various forms of AT to support them in their studies.

Academic & Accessibility Advising
Academic and Accessibility Advising offers students guidance in navigating the postsecondary world.
We support students with accessing information to make informed decisions about their post-secondary options and accessibility needs.

Counselling & Therapy
Mental wellness is important for all students and thus, we have partnered with psychologists, counselors, and student interns to offer accessible counseling services to our students.

Educational-Psychological Assessments
Educational-Psychological Assessments are standardized assessments that look at an individual’s intellectual and academic abilities.
These assessments are administered by a psychologist or a psychometrist and, combined with clinical interviews, observations and historical information, identify how individuals learn best.

11/20/2023

Are you a UVic student with a Disability? You're invited to join the SSD for our next Special General Meeting at 2pm on December 6th. There will be a prize draw for all who attend! Stay tuned for the Zoom link and more details over the next two weeks ✨️

11/20/2023

If you've used our website disabilityawards.ca before, how relevant did you find the available scholarships?
Let NEADS know!

11/19/2023

We have a new job position available at the VDRC: Peer Support Coordinator! Develop, coordinate, promote, and facilitate various peer groups, facilitate one-on-one peer support sessions, and more!

For more info, check out the job post at the following link:
https://drcvictoria.com/get-involved/volunteers/careers-at-the-vdrc/

11/19/2023

Background: The impetus behind the deinstitutionalization movement that began in the 1950s was to improve the wellbeing of institutionalized people as well as improve choice and access to inclusive community-based care. However, as large-scale institutions were closed, community- based alternatives....

11/17/2023

Did you know that our quarterly State of the Schools reports explore emerging themes raised by our community members as well as post-secondary accessibility and accommodations?

Source: State of the Schools Reports

The quarterly State of the Schools reports aim to provide information on current trends and changes in post-secondary education.

11/17/2023

Join us next Wednesday, November 22nd, for button making in the SSD from 4pm to 6pm! No need to register for this one just drop in to our room (SUB B111) and come make some buttons with us.

11/16/2023

Research Assistant job opportunity. This position will provide research assistance/coordination for the Equity in Palliative Care research program within Providence Healthcare. Some in person work in Vancouver will be required.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit the link in our Instagram bio

11/15/2023

Les Canadiens invités à aider à la conception de la nouvelle Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées

De : Emploi et Développement social Canada
Communiqué de presse

Le 15 novembre 2023 Gatineau (Québec) Emploi et Développement social Canada

Aujourd’hui, la ministre de la Diversité, de l’Inclusion et des Personnes en situation de handicap, Kamal Khera, a annoncé le lancement de l’outil de mobilisation en ligne sur le règlement sur la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées. Cette plateforme accessible permettra de recueillir les commentaires et les idées des Canadiens afin d’éclairer la conception du règlement sur la nouvelle prestation.

Dans le véritable esprit du « Rien à propos de nous sans nous », tous les Canadiens, particulièrement ceux en situation de handicap, leurs aidants et les membres de leur famille, les intervenants et les organismes qui travaillent avec les personnes en situation de handicap, sont invités à participer et à faire connaître leur point de vue.

En bâtissant un Canada plus inclusif, nous faisons en sorte que les personnes en situation de handicap participent pleinement à la société, en plus d’aider nos communautés à s’épanouir et notre économie à prospérer. Grâce à la création de la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées, le gouvernement du Canada prend une autre mesure historique pour soutenir la sécurité financière des Canadiens en situation de handicap qui sont en âge de travailler.

L’outil de mobilisation en ligne sur le règlement sur la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées est accessible par l’entremise du site Web Canada.ca jusqu’au 21 décembre 2023. On y trouvera également d’autres occasions de fournir des commentaires après la publication officielle de l’ébauche de règlement, qui devrait avoir lieu en 2024.

La Loi sur la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées a reçu la sanction royale le 22 juin 2023, après avoir été adoptée à l’unanimité par la Chambre des communes et adoptée au Sénat. Conformément à cette loi, un processus de mobilisation libre d’obstacles comprenant des commentaires de personnes en situation de handicap est essentiel à l’élaboration du règlement sur la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées.

Des détails sont disponibles sur la page Web de la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées.
Citations

« Dans le véritable esprit du “Rien à propos de nous sans nous”, je lance aujourd’hui des consultations publiques au sujet de la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées. Ce n’est là qu’une partie des consultations globales du gouvernement auprès de la communauté des personnes en situation de handicap au sujet de la prestation. J’invite tous les Canadiens à y participer. Avec votre aide et vos idées, nous pourrons créer une meilleure prestation et bâtir un Canada plus inclusif et plus accessible! »
- La ministre de la Diversité, de l’Inclusion et des Personnes en situation de handicap, Kamal Khera

Faits en bref

Selon la plus récente Enquête canadienne sur l’incapacité (2017), presque 917 000 Canadiens en situation de handicap en âge de travailler (23 %) vivent dans la pauvreté. Les personnes ayant une incapacité sévère (28 %) et très sévère (34 %) sont particulièrement vulnérables et leur taux de pauvreté est plus élevé.

La même enquête a révélé que les Canadiens en situation de handicap, y compris des femmes, des hommes, des membres de la communauté 2ELGBTQI+, des personnes racisées et des Autochtones, sont plus susceptibles que les autres Canadiens de se trouver en situation d’insécurité financière.
25 % des Canadiens en situation de handicap consacrent plus de 30 % de leur revenu total à se loger;
59 % des Canadiens en situation de handicap âgés de 25 à 64 ans ont un emploi, comparativement à 80 % des Canadiens n’ayant aucune incapacité;
Les Canadiens en situation de handicap âgés de 25 à 64 ans gagnent moins que les Canadiens n’ayant aucune incapacité (12 % de moins pour les Canadiens ayant une incapacité légère et 51 % de moins pour les Canadiens ayant une incapacité plus grave).

Le budget de 2023 prévoyait 21,5 millions de dollars pour la poursuite des travaux en vue de la réalisation future de la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées, y compris la participation des personnes en situation de handicap et des provinces et territoires au processus réglementaire. L’outil de mobilisation en ligne s’appuie sur une série de consultations et d’activités de mobilisation au sujet de la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées qui ont eu lieu en 2021 et 2022.

Liens connexes

Page des consultations – Outil de mobilisation en ligne sur le règlement sur la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées
Aperçu de la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées – Soutien aux Canadiens en situation de handicap
Début du processus de mobilisation pour l’élaboration des règlements sur la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées
Plan d’action pour l’inclusion des personnes en situation de handicap du Canada
Le projet de loi historique sur la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées reçoit la sanction royale
Vers un Canada accessible

Personnes-ressources

Pour les demandes des médias, veuillez contacter :

Laurent de Casanove
Attaché de presse
Cabinet de la ministre de la Diversité, de l’Inclusion et des Personnes en situation de handicap, Kamal Khera
[email protected]
819-360-0693

Bureau des relations avec les médias
Emploi et Développement social Canada
819-994-5559
[email protected]
Suivez-nous sur X (Twitter)

Aujourd’hui, la ministre de la Diversité, de l’Inclusion et des Personnes en situation de handicap, Kamal Khera, a annoncé le lancement de l’outil de mobilisation en ligne sur le règlement sur la Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées. Cette plateforme accessible permettra de...

11/15/2023

Canadians invited to help design the new Canada Disability Benefit

From: Employment and Social Development Canada
News release

November 15, 2023 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada

Today, the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, announced the launch of the Canada Disability Benefit Regulations Online Engagement Tool. This accessible platform will collect insight and feedback from Canadians to help inform the design of the regulations for the new benefit.

In the true spirit of “Nothing About Us, Without Us”, all Canadians, especially individuals with disabilities, their caregivers and family members, as well as stakeholders and organizations dedicated to working with persons with disabilities, are invited to participate and share their views.

Building a more inclusive Canada will ensure that persons with disabilities can participate fully, helping communities to thrive and helping the economy to grow. As it designs the new Canada Disability Benefit, the Government of Canada is taking another historic step forward to support the financial security of working-age Canadians with disabilities.

The Canada Disability Benefit Regulations Online Engagement Tool can be accessed through the Canada.ca website until December 21, 2023. There will also be additional opportunities to provide input after the formal publication of the draft regulations, which is expected to take place sometime in 2024.

The Canada Disability Benefit Act received royal assent on June 22, 2023, after being passed unanimously by the House of Commons and passed by the Senate. As required by the Act, a barrier-free engagement process with feedback from persons with disabilities is essential to the development of regulations for the Canada Disability Benefit.

More information is available on the Canada Disability Benefit webpage.
Quotes

“In the true spirit of “Nothing About Us Without Us”, today I am launching online public consultations for the Canada Disability Benefit. This is just one part of the extensive consultations our Government is doing with the disability community on the Canada Disability Benefit. I encourage all Canadians to participate in the consultations. With your help and input, we’ll be able to build a better benefit and a more inclusive and accessible Canada!”
– Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera

Quick facts

According to the most recent Canadian Survey on Disability (2017), nearly 917,000 working-age Canadians with disabilities (23%) live in poverty. Persons with severe disabilities (28%) and very severe disabilities (34%) are particularly vulnerable and experience a high rate of poverty.

The same survey found that Canadians with disabilities—including women, men, 2SLGBTQI+ people, racialized people, and Indigenous people—are more likely to be financially insecure than other Canadians.
25% of Canadians with disabilities spend more than 30% of their total household income on shelter costs.
59% of Canadians with disabilities aged 25 to 64 have employment, compared to 80% of Canadians without disabilities.
Canadians with disabilities aged 25 to 64 earn less than Canadians without disabilities (12% less for Canadians with milder disabilities and 51% less for Canadians with more severe disabilities).

Budget 2023 committed $21.5 million to continue work on the future delivery of the Canada Disability Benefit, including engagement with the disability community and the provinces and territories on the regulatory process. This online engagement builds on a series of consultations and engagement activities on the Canada Disability Benefit that took place in 2021 and 2022.

Associated links

Consultation Page - Canada Disability Benefit Regulations Online Engagement Tool
Overview of the Canada Disability Benefit – Supporting Canadians with disabilities
Starting the engagement process to design the Canada Disability Benefit Regulations
Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Landmark Canada Disability Benefit legislation receives royal assent
Towards an Accessible Canada

Contacts

For media enquiries, please contact:

Laurent de Casanove
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera
[email protected]
819-360-0693

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
[email protected]
Follow us on Twitter

Today, the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, announced the launch of the Canada Disability Benefit Regulations Online Engagement Tool. This accessible platform will collect insight and feedback from Canadians to help inform the design of the regulations for...

11/13/2023

Enrollment for the 2024 Spring session of the CSUN Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP) is now open.
Enroll early and before December 8, 2023 to secure your space!
Learn more and apply at:
https://csun.edu/cod/assistive-technology-certificate-program

11/13/2023

It's midterm season!
Do you have any study tips you'd like to share with the Community?
Let NEADS know!

11/12/2023

Wishing everyone a very happy Diwali - may the bright light of Diwali be with you all year long!

11/11/2023

November 11th marks the end of WWI hostilities and the beginning of veterans' critical work advocating for expanded disability supports and societal inclusion upon their return from service.

Organizations like The War Amps provided by-and-for spaces for disabled veterans to work together to advocate for improved social services and expanded access to rehabilitation - creating a foundation for the wider disability rights movement.

On this Remembrance Day, we honour those veterans that sparked the disability rights movement, as well as those who never came home.

11/11/2023

11/10/2023

Did you know the majority of post-secondary students with disabilities have more than one disability?

Source: NEADS' Analysis of 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability

The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) has conducted a detailed analysis of the 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability (Statistics Canada) reporting on the education and employment experiences of Canadians with disabilities in college or university programs of study in 2012 an...

11/09/2023

11/09/2023

Interested in earning an honorarium?

Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities is interested in recruiting injured workers and people with disabilities for a few hours to work from home on a project our organization is undertaking. If possible, we would strongly encourage people with injuries or disabilities that have some general mechanical understanding to respond to this opportunity.

We are looking for someone to be an accessibility reviewer (no previous experience necessary). It would require you to watch some online video of an operating fish processing plant and provide us with feedback to help us better understand potential hazards and what needs to be changed, or possible accommodations for people who are injured or have a disability. We would provide you some questions to help you review the video and provide feedback.

We are looking for four reviewers for this part of the project. We will pay reviewers a $250 honorarium. We would like to recruit reviewers as soon as possible.

Please respond by email by November 15 to Sheryl Peters, Project Manager, [email protected], with your full name and include a line or two about your lived experience of disability or injury.

11/07/2023

More info here: https://gryphlife.uoguelph.ca/event/246554

11/06/2023

11/06/2023

It's midterm season!
What's your go-to study spot?
Let NEADS know!