Indigenous Disability Canada Accessibility

Hello! I am pleased to announce the project, First Nations Accessibility Standards: A Path Forward to Inclusion, has officially ended! Thank you to everyone who engaged with us over the last 3 years! The report and recommendations will be available via bcands.bc.ca

It is with great sorrow that we inform of the passing of our friend and colleague, Ellen Cohen, while in Geneva. A long time disability advocate, Ellen was part of the Canadian Civil Society delegation that travelled to Geneva last week for Canada's review. Rest well Ellen, you are, and will be missed.

Check out this opportunity from Innovation 7! They’re researching a potential First Nations Accessibility Assessor Training Program & hosting discussion circles across Canada to gather input. Share your insights on accessibility challenges, First Nations-led assessments & more!

📣 Consultation extended to January 15! Share your thoughts on the draft Accessible Canada Roadmap today!

Hey hey!! If you haven't heard of this Disability Tax Credit Navigation Program please connect with my colleagues to gather more information and ask as many questions you can. See the poster attached for their contact information.

November is #IDAM2024! As a proud supporter of the #UNDRIP, we’re committed to ensuring programs, policies and services respect the rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities. Learn more about how we’re making a difference: ow.ly/AatX50Uc7Qg

We want to advance accessibility with standards that prioritize safe, barrier-free environments for all. That’s why we’re pleased to have met with the @aseqehaq today. We will work together to add information on multiple chemical sensitivity to our built environment standard.

We are proud to announce that, in recognition of the 10th anniversary of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, our organization has launched a new multi-year national research project led by our Ottawa research team! Check it out👇

With support from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), IDC/BCANDS will officially launch our National Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Navigation Program on Monday October 28th. This time-limited program (October, 2024 – March, 2025) will assist eligible Indigenous persons with disabilities in navigating through the process and requirements of applying for and obtaining the DTC. The DTC is a “gateway” benefit, meaning that it is required to be held by the individual in order to qualify for other federal benefits such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), Canadian Dental Care Plan and in July of 2025, the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). It is our goal to assist as many eligible individuals as we can to get the DTC in advance of the implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit so they are eligible to recieve the CDB. If you are an Indigenous person with a disability, residing in Canada and you need Navigator support in applying for the DTC, please contact us through our on-line request for service form, on our website. We expect the demands on the DTC Navigation Program to be high and ask for your patience if you are requesting support, we will do what we can, for who we can, during this time limited program. Please click on the link below for more information or to request support, and please share widely. bcands.bc.ca/idc-bcands-nat…

We are seeking input before January 8, 2025, from all Canadians, including persons with disabilities, on the discussion paper for an Accessible Canada Roadmap to achieve a barrier-free Canada. ow.ly/M0PP50TJb5w #AccessibleCanada

Not sure if your documents are #accessible? Join us on Oct. 25 to learn the ins and outs of #accessibility checkers in #Microsoft, #Acrobat and PAC. #Webinar Info: buff.ly/4gXsnue @onlibraryassoc @TPL_Foundation @torontolibrary @OPHLA @sklibrary @APLAcontact @NSLAssn

During #InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek, we raise awareness and commit to addressing the barriers and stigma faced by persons with invisible disabilities. Learn how the Accessible Canada Act supports all persons with disabilities: ow.ly/wQ0o50TPPiP

Don't miss out! We'll be presenting some of our work and answering questions at the 2024 Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering on November 19th! Find registration and more information here: indigenousdisabilitygathering.com

RT @WomenON: Run by & for Indigenous women, @Talk4Healing is a free & confidential helpline that offers culturally grounded counselling, advice & support in a safe & accepting environment. Help is available 24/7. Talk and text: 1-855-554-HEAL (4325) Chat: talk4healing.com

@sirdlousi Hi Daniel, please contact our National Coordinator @julia_idcnc

@accessible_idc Dear Sir/Madam, I wish to participate in the upcoming event. Kindly guide me on what to do. Thank you in advance

Join us in November, 2024 for our National Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering held during the 10th Anniversary of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM)! The Gathering will be held at the Victoria Conference Centre, in Victoria BC. indigenousdisabilitygathering.com

October 1, 2024 marks the beginning of Registered Disability Savings Plan Awareness Month (RDSP) in BC. The RDSP is a savings plan intended to help persons with disabilities, who is approved to receive the disability tax credit (DTC), to save for their long-term financial security.

Today in National Day of Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day, a time to remember the children who never came home from residential schools, the Survivors who did, and their families. Of course, as is for most things relating to Indigenous Peoples, there are those who on this day of remembrance who would rather push hate, and a narrative of denial, usually from anonymous accounts because that’s what cowards do, hide. For those who actually show their real faces, their real names while spewing their hate filled tripe, well, all we can say is, while apparently ignorance is bliss, you may want to wear clothing that is less restrictive on the blood flow to your brain, just something to consider. Today IDC/BCANDS honours the lives of every child lost and every Survivor harmed by residential schools.

As The National Day for Truth & Reconciliation #NDTR approaches let's reflect, learn, teach, & demand change. Learning about the impacts of colonialism will help you understand the challenges facing Indigenous Peoples today. #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #CDN 🧡Share 🧡

@1Lil_MissMetis We won't forget you Sandra! See you in November :)

@accessible_idc Don't forget me now! I signed up over a year ago...LOL!

Have you looked into our upcoming National Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering? Book your tickets now!