February 08, 2021
2021-2024 Strategic Plan
Sometimes the best thing to do is to stop. Take stock. Consult with others. Do some out-of-the-box thinking and make a new plan.
That’s what we are doing at March of Dimes Canada. This year our organization is turning 70! The world we started out in couldn't be more different from the world today. Many more people are living with disability and the concept of disability has evolved, moving from a medical model to a social one. Technology has changed how we think and act, making it easier to find information and connect with others. Social norms are different. Frankly, the bar has been raised and we expect more out of life, no matter who we are.
In the spring of 2020, as COVID-19 turned the world on its head, our Board of Directors recognized it was a perfect time for re-invention and approved the development of a
three-year strategic plan. To be made public in July 2021, our new plan will affirm our collective vision, purpose, areas of focus and strategic directions.
To write a meaningful plan, we knew we needed to open ourselves up to the thoughts, opinions and experiences of others. It is essential that we understand what it is to live with disability today and what the future should look and feel like. What are the roles and roadblocks? What solutions should be explored as we work together to bring about tangible, positive change?
We launched a broad-reaching consultation process. We gathered information and listened to people of all ages and backgrounds from across the country to hear about what matters to them and how we can help.
Research Results: You spoke and we listened
In the summer and fall of 2020, March of Dimes Canada launched a consultation process of current and prospective clients to ensure we had an understanding of the unique experiences and needs of people living with disability in Canada. The idea was to identify the key challenges, roadblocks, gaps and opportunities that must be considered in order to guide our work supporting the creation of a more inclusive society. We conducted one-on-one interviews and offered online surveys – one survey for our clients and another for the public, our stakeholders and others.
Who was involved in our client research?
Quantitative research: Our online survey was completed by 859 clients (104 with assistance by phone). The clients included:
- Parents of children
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Youth and young adults (up to 24)
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Adults (25-64)
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Adults (65+)
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Stroke survivors
- Caregivers
Qualitative research: We conducted an online forum and telephone interviews with 48 clients.
What did the research looked at?
- What needs and perspectives the surveyed groups had in common?
- What feelings are behind the need for independence and belonging?
- What were the unique traits expressed by each group?
- What are the barriers that create roadblocks for people?
- What are the gaps in services and resources?
- How significant is stigma?
- What is the role of technology?
- What did stakeholders and community partners say?
Click here to view the full report.
What does this mean for March of Dimes Canada’s new strategic plan?
The research has given us a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by many of our clients living with disability in Canada. It paints a broad picture of how March of Dimes Canada can create remarkable change for our community. We are identifying specific issues and areas to make the biggest impact, and we are setting measurable goals and determining how best to meet them.
We want to thank everyone who took part in the survey, online forum and interviews.
Our Strategic Planning Advisory Committee
At March of Dimes Canada, we are committed to creating a more inclusive world. That starts with making sure our planning processes include the thoughts and opinions of people from a wide range of backgrounds. Their varied perspectives, experiences and expertise are guiding and informing our decisions throughout the plan development process.
Specifically, we created an advisory committee made up of people with lived experience of disability, including clients, caregivers and family members, as well as experts and thought leaders in the disability, government, health and community services sectors. They work with March of Dimes Canada leaders, including members of the Board of Directors, Executive Leadership Team and Senior Management Team to provide guidance and counsel regarding the design and development of our new strategic plan and related outreach and activities.
Strategic Planning Advisory Committee Members
- Marissa Blake, Client Advisor and Champion
- Emily Chan, Client Advisor and Champion
- Steve Estey, Client Advisor and Champion
- Wesley Magee-Saxton, Client Advisor and Champion
- Scott Allardyce, Senior Policy Advisor, Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, Ontario
- Stephan Cull, Founder of CharterAbility
- Vim Kochhar, Former Senator and Chair of The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP)
- Wendy Porch, Executive Director, Centre for Independent Living in Toronto
- Keiko Shikako Thomas, Assistant Professor at McGill University, Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Canada Research Chair in Childhood Disability: Participation and Knowledge Translation
- Jutta Treviranus, Director and Professor at Inclusive Design Research Centre, OCAD University
- Dr. Reg Urbanowski, Dean, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Manitoba
- Jennifer Weir, Independent Consultant
- Elizabeth Lounsbury, Member of March of Dimes Canada Board of Directors
- Jay Hira, Member of March of Dimes Canada Board of Directors
- Wendy Kauffman, Member of March of Dimes Canada Board of Directors
- Len Baker, President and CEO, March of Dimes Canada
