December 02, 2024
As we reflect on
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) this week, we celebrate the progress made toward greater equity, inclusion, and accessibility for people with disabilities in Canada and around the world, while recognizing the long road ahead to a truly barrier-free Canada and global community.
At March of Dimes Canada (MODC), we remain committed to driving meaningful change and fostering an inclusive world for people with disabilities, both here in Canada and globally. Since this day last year, we have worked to advance the rights people with disabilities to participate equally in our society, our economy, and our politics. Some highlights from our work this year include:
- We continued to advocate on the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) – calling on the Government of Canada to fulfill its promise of financial security for people with disabilities by ensuring the benefit is adequate, accessible, and available as soon as possible.
- At the provincial and territorial levels, we’ve advocated for policies that ensure people with disabilities can live independently and thrive within their communities.
- On the global stage, we attended the United Nation’s 17th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and engaged in meaningful discussions with international colleagues about inclusion and breaking down barriers for people with disabilities.
- Our CEO, Len Baker, was a member of Canada’s delegation to the inaugural G7 Inclusion & Disability Minister’s Summit in Italy, where seven countries signed the Solfagnano Charter that commits countries to working together to advance the rights of persons with disabilities worldwide.
- Through innovative projects like Paving the Path to Work, Project SEARCH, and SkillingUp, we’ve empowered youth and adults with disabilities, helping them build digital skills, gain independence, and open doors to future employment.
- We celebrated the remarkable achievements of Canadian Paralympic athletes competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympics and profiled five young athletes who lived their dreams.
- We’ve worked with Elections Canada to deliver accessible voting workshops to our service users and our staff and provided insights to Elections Canada about how to meet access needs for people with disabilities.
- Our Changemaker Awards honoured inspiring people and organizations who are making change for and with people with disabilities across Canada.
- We supported the development of a National Caregiving Strategy to improve policies for those who provide and receive care.
While we celebrate this work, we recognize and respect the work that is still yet to be done. As allies, we re-affirm our commitment to the letter and spirit of the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by continuing and building upon our work. We call on the government of Canada to do the same, by advancing accessibility, guaranteeing financial security, and promoting barrier-free employment, social connection, and political engagement for people with disabilities in Canada.
As we look at the progress of 2024, we are energized and determined to continue this critical work in 2025 and beyond – working towards lasting change that will create a truly inclusive society for all.
