Communication Disabilities Access Canada

Communication Disabilities Access Canada CDAC is a national non-profit, charitable organization promoting human rights, accessibility and incl

Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC) formerly Augmentative Communication Community Partnerships Canada (ACCPC) was founded in 2000 and is a federal, provincial non-profit organization that undertakes social innovation projects to promote accessibility, quality of life and community participation for people who use have speech, language and communication disabilities. CDAC conducts resea

rch and provides resources on:

▪ Communication Access to goods and services
▪ Self-determination and Advocacy
▪ Access to Justice and Healthcare
▪ Communication Intermediaries
▪ Legal Capacity

Beginning January 1, 2022, CDAC provides free, online resources and courses and consultation is available on a fee-for-service basis. Please direct inquiries to [email protected]

For more information, please visit our website http://www.cdacanada.com/

07/27/2022

The Olmstead Act was a court decision made on June 22, 1999 which ruled that the unjustified segregation of disabled people is an act of discrimination. Thanks to the Olmstead Act, people with disabilities are more included in their communities, although there is still much work to be done to create...

05/17/2022

The path into adulthood is a precarious one for those with a disability. So Samuel Habib, 21, seeks out guidance from America’s most rebellious disability activists.

05/13/2022

81 signatures are still needed! Call for Integrated GTA Wheel-Trans

04/27/2022

Words matter. What words do you prefer when talking about AAC and the people that use it?

04/26/2022

In , Samuel interviewed one of his mentors, Bob Williams, the former Commissioner of the Administration on about transitioning to adulthood with a disability. Bob said, “When I grew up, the chances were slim to none, for a kid like me with , who drooled and had little to no understandable speech, ever entering the public school, let alone graduating from high school and college, having a career, getting married, or having a family.” We look forward to sharing these conversations with you soon.

Image Description: Photo of Bob in his wheelchair, wearing a white long sleeve shirt and sweater vest. He is facing Samuel, who is also in his wheelchair and wearing a navy blue button down shirt and khakis. Dan is sitting next to him in a chair, wearing a blue button down shirt and blue pants. They are seated in a living room and there are house plants, a television, and a rattan chair behind them.

04/25/2022

Just announced! 🔊

The Government of Canada has appointed Michael Gottheil as the first-ever Accessibility Commissioner, effective 09 May, 2022.

Mr. Gottheil’s leadership and vast experience in the fields of justice and human rights, will be critical to his role in administrating and enforcing the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations.

This is a major step, supporting the Government’s continued commitment to build a truly inclusive and barrier-free Canada.

Learn more: http://ow.ly/OSto50IRMov

Image description: Image of Michael Gottheil, Accessibility Commissioner with the text "New Accessibility Commissioner".

04/16/2022

CommunicationFIRST was one of five entities and individuals invited to deliver three-minute "oral" public comments to the US Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) on April 14, 2022, before the IACC's first session in years devoted to the topic of the communication support needs of autisti...

04/12/2022

There are over 100,000 Canadians living with aphasia, a communication disorder that affects the ability to understand and express language, according to the Aphasia Institute. Christine Patten is one of them.

For groups looking to help disseminate information, tools, and strategies to colleagues and persons of need in Ukraine, ...
04/08/2022

For groups looking to help disseminate information, tools, and strategies to colleagues and persons of need in Ukraine, there are a variety of supportive resources available for free download. Widgit created a Refugee Communication Support Pack in a variety of languages: Refugee Support Pack | Widgit and ISAAC has gathered a list of supportive links: https://isaac-online.org/english/aac-support-for-ukraine/

The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) works to improve the lives of children and adults who use AAC. ISAAC’s vision is that AAC will be recognized, valued and used throughout the world. ISAAC’s mission is to promote the best possible communication for p...

This notice is from Employment and Social Development Canada.  The Accessible Canada Directorate within Employment and S...
04/08/2022

This notice is from Employment and Social Development Canada.

The Accessible Canada Directorate within Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has engaged Quorus Consulting Group to conduct the second cycle of public opinion research measuring Canadians’ awareness and experience(s) with accessibility and disability issues. The results of the survey will be used to help shape future federal accessibility policy.

Our organization has been asked to invite members of our network to participate in the portion of the study targeting Canadians with disabilities, with the understanding that everyone benefits when we are able to fully participate in our communities and workplaces because they are physically, socially and attitudinally accessible and inclusive.

This portion of the study is open to all Canadian citizens at least 18 years of age and who are currently living with a disability.
The survey should take about 15 minutes of your time, depending on how much feedback you want to provide. Your decision to participate is up to you and will not affect your relationship with the Government of Canada or the services they provide you in any way. The information you provide will be managed according to the requirements of the Privacy Act. The final report on the survey will be available to the public through Library and Archives Canada, and shared with the disability community.

Quorus will be accepting survey submissions from April 6th to 30th, 2022. There are many ways you can participate in the survey:
· You can complete the fully accessible online version of the survey by clicking on the following link: https://ca1se.voxco.com/S2/85/W1530/?&lang=en/
· You can schedule a telephone interview by calling the following toll-free number: 1-833-739-1983. You will be prompted to leave a message describing when you would like to be called by an interviewer.
· You can use your VRS, IP relay or TTY service to call the toll-free number: 1-833-739-1983 to schedule a telephone interview. When you are prompted to leave a message, please include your VRS, IP relay or TTY contact number, preferred language and time you would like to be called by an interviewer.
· You can also email [email protected] to request a VRS, IP relay or TTY interview. In your email please include the following information:
o If requesting VRS, your preferred language (ASL or LSQ) and your VRS contact number.
o If requesting IP relay or TTY, your preferred language and service contact number.
· You can request or download a paper copy, braille paper copy, digital braille, large print, or PDF version of the questionnaire by visiting: www.quorusconsultations.com or by emailing [email protected].

If you have any questions or concerns about this survey or need it in another format, please contact the team at Quorus at [email protected] . If you would like to contact someone at ESDC regarding this study, please email ACCESSIBLE.CANADA.DIRECTORATE-DIRECTION.CANADA.ACCESSIBLE@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

On this website, you can obtain information on the purpose and scope of this research, how you can participate and who you can contact if you have any questions.

04/08/2022

This notice if from ISAAC Canada's Breaking the Ice program.

Registration Open!

Connect with others who use AAC for Part 2 of the ‘Identity and AAC’ Breaking the ICE Virtual Town Hall event. Returning and new participants are welcome!

When? Saturday, April 23rd, 2022
1:45pm – 3:00pm ET
11:45am – 1:00pm MT
10:45am – 12:00pm PT

For the first 15 minutes, as we gather and chat informally, technical support is available to ensure you can participate fully once the town hall begins.

Who? Anyone who uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can participate in the discussion.

Professionals, support personnel, caregivers, family and friends are welcome as observers.

Topic? Part 2: Identity and AAC - with returning guest speaker, Beth Moulam from the UK!
To prepare for the Town Hall discussion, take some time to prepare answers to these 3 questions:

1. Think of an ANIMAL you identify with. What 3 words or 1 short sentence describe why you identify with this animal?

2. Think of a COLOUR you identify with. What 3 words or 1 short sentence describe why you identify with that colour?

3. Think of a PICTURE that you identify with. What 3 words or 1 short sentence describe why you identify with that picture? It could be a picture of you, nature, a place or anything else you connect with.

**If you would like your picture to be shared for others to see during the Town Hall, please email your picture by April 20th to: [email protected]

Register Here!

About Beth Moulam
Beth Moulam is a Social Policy graduate, Paralympic boccia athlete and blogger.
She draws on lived experience of cerebral palsy, speech and hearing impairments to raise awareness of those who use AAC, the value of an active lifestyle and making your dreams come true. Beth is passionate to empower others to fulfill their own communication and life potential; she leads her own support team living independently.

Beth has been an International speaker since 2006 including Co-leading and mentoring on the ISAAC 2018 ‘Dare to Lead’ programme and in 2020 an invited ISAAC Pathways to Leadership speaker. Beth delivers workshops, facilitates training collaboratively and mentors AAC groups/individuals.
Check out Beth’s blog to learn more: AAC and identity | Beth Moulam

04/08/2022

Beginning January 1, 2022, CDAC provides free, online resources and training programs. Consultation is provided on a fee-for-service basis. Please direct inquiries to [email protected]

04/08/2022
04/08/2022
04/06/2022
04/03/2022

Meet Samuel’s mentors featured in ! In the documentary, Samuel interviews these badass to learn how they built full adult lives in an world — and uses their wisdom to create a roadmap for himself and others. Clockwise from top left: Ali Stroker, Keith Jones, Judy Heumann, Andrew Peterson, Maysoon Zayid, Bob Williams, and Lydia X. Z. Brown.

Image Description: In top left corner, black background with “My Disability Roadmap” in white with white arrows above and below text. Headshot of Ali Stroker, a white woman wearing a black shirt and jean jacket. Headshot of Keith Jones, a Black man wearing a gray sweatshirt. Headshot of Judy Heumann, a white woman wearing glasses and a pink and black sweater. Headshot of Lydia X. Z. Brown, an East Asian nonbinary person wearing glasses, blue and red striped shirt, and blazer. Headshot of Bob Williams, a white man wearing glasses, red sweater vest and bow tie. Headshot of Maysoon Zayid, a Palestinian-American woman wearing a bright pink blazer. Headshot of Andrew Peterson, a Black man wearing a red jersey.

04/03/2022

The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) coordinates all efforts within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Thank you, Isaac. Please share.
03/18/2022

Thank you, Isaac. Please share.

The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) works to improve the lives of children and adults who use AAC. ISAAC’s vision is that AAC will be recognized, valued and used throughout the world. ISAAC’s mission is to promote the best possible communication for p...

03/09/2022

Help us get the word out to people you may know working at relevant aid organizations: we now have free, multi-lingual communication resources for Ukrainian refugees to express their basic needs in a fast, simple way.
Learn more > https://bit.ly/3pEhYea

03/02/2022

HomeShare this page on Facebook.Share this page on Twitter.Share this page on LinkedIn.Share this page via email.Print this page.Welcome! TIES Center is the national technical assistance center on inclusive practices and policies. Its purpose is to create sustainable changes in kindergarten-grade 8....

Thank you for the wonderful zoom celebration!
02/14/2022

Thank you for the wonderful zoom celebration!

Barbara Collier Farewell Video

Dear Colleagues and Friends, As of Feb. 18, 2022, Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC) will be an on-line res...
02/14/2022

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

As of Feb. 18, 2022, Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC) will be an on-line resource only with consultations provided on a fee-for-service basis.

Over the past 22 years, CDAC has promoted accessibility for people who have a wide range of disabilities that affect one or more areas of understanding spoken and written language, retaining information, problem-solving and/or expressing what they want to communicate. With no core funding, we have worked at federal, provincial and international levels to describe the accessibility rights and requirements of people who use a variety of ways to communicate and who need accessible communication in community services, businesses, healthcare and education settings, police, legal and justice services.

Always in collaboration with people who have communication disabilities, CDAC’s free,online resources, webinars, trainings, and policy recommendations are used by thousands of persons who have disabilities, families and support persons, policy makers, legislators, clinicians, human rights commissions, capacity adjudicators, healthcare, police, lawyers and justice professionals.

While we recognize that CDAC’s work is not done, we feel that we have laid a solid foundation to guide the future development of meaningful accessibility standards and regulations for people who have speech, language and communication disabilities.

We thank those of you who have supported us over the years. We trust that you will continue to use our website resources and trainings to advance accessible services and human rights for Canadians who have disabilities that affect their communication.

CDAC recognizes that the implications of COVID-19 are serious for people who have disabilities that affect their communication. To help people communicate about and during Covid-19, we have compiled some resources that may be useful. We will do our best to add to these resources throughout Covid-19....

01/26/2022

Accessible COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
The City of Toronto, in partnership with the Accessibility Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccines, Silent Voice, Balance for Blind Adults, and the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence is pleased to offer:

Super Supportive and Accessible COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front Street West)
When: Monday, January 31 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Do you or a family member:
• Have a fear of needles?
• Need a quiet space to get vaccinated or somewhere to sit down while waiting?
• Need a companion with you as you get vaccinated?
• Need an ASL interpreter?

If yes to any of the above, please register to receive a vaccine at this clinic: https://www.tphbookings.ca/tph/accessibility_clinic. First, second, and third doses will be available to anyone born 2016 or earlier. Moderna will be available for those aged 30+ and Pfizer for those aged 5 – 29 years of age. No OHIP needed. Physically accessible location and other accommodation supports will be available.

If you have questions about vaccines or COVID-19:
• Visit Toronto.ca/COVID19
• Call The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto: 416-599-2458
• Call 711 for Bell Relay Service to connect to an Ambassador
• Speak with a nurse at the clinic.

01/26/2022
01/19/2022

The Accessible Canada Directorate at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is pleased to invite you to attend the second event in the National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) Webinar Series, launched during NAAW 2021.
The upcoming webinar will feature community-based projects who receive NAAW funding delivered under the Accessible Canada Grants and Contribution Funding as part of ESDC’s Social Development Partnerships Program – Disability Component.
The objective of these webinars is to raise awareness of accessibility-focused projects from community organizations that celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities and promote accessibility and inclusion in communities and workplaces across every province and territory. The webinar is also an opportunity to share best practices and lessons learned from these important projects.
The webinar is free and open to all.

The webinar will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 12:00PM- 1:15PM EST.

The January 26th webinar will feature presentations from the following organizations:
Neil Squire Society (Bev Grasse)
Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan Inc. (Launel Scott)
Indigenous Disability Canada/British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (Neil Belanger)

Registration:
Please confirm your interest in attending the webinar by sending an email to ACCESSIBLE.CANADA.DIRECTORATE-DIRECTION.CANADA.ACCESSIBLE@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca by end of day on Monday, January 24, 2022 with the following information:

Your name;
The organization you represent (if any); and
Your email address

The session will be bilingual, accessible with the inclusion of ASL/LSQ interpretation, as well as live captioning.

A Zoom link to access the meeting as well as presentations will be sent to all confirmed registrants via email prior to the session.

The public review for the draft standard ASC/CSA B651.2, Accessible design for automated banking machines and self-servi...
01/18/2022

The public review for the draft standard ASC/CSA B651.2, Accessible design for automated banking machines and self-service interactive devices is now taking place.

Public review of the draft standard is open until March 18, 2022.

Interested parties may access the draft on the CSA Group website at https://publicreview.csa.ca/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fHome%2fToc%2f4462

A one-time registration is required. You are invited to comment directly online.

Wonderful to read about so many aac initiatives.
01/07/2022

Wonderful to read about so many aac initiatives.

Discover the passion and innovation of the global community in the December 2021 Communication Support World Network Newsletter. You'll learn about international communication projects, developments in the field of AAC and the successes of the October 2021 AAC Awareness Month campaign, with articles from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Brazil, and Norway. Read the December issue and past issues on our website at https://isaac-online.org/english/news/cswn-newsletter/
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