HELP FLIP THE STATUS QUO
There are numerous ways that members of the public can contribute to combating the oppression of PwD. Some are listed below:
1. Write to your political representatives to push and support policies designed to protect the rights of PwD and empower them.
2. Directly support programmes and organisations that empower PwD and foster their participation in community.
3. Speak up when you observe instances of verbal abuse of PwD.
4. Study and read more about disabilities to better understand PwD.
5. Join community events that support PwD.
6. Make friends with PwD. Look beyond the disability and see the individual.
7. When talking to or about PwD, remember to think 'person first'.
8. Accept people with disabilities as individuals capable of the same needs and feelings as yourself.
9. Employ qualified disabled persons whenever possible.
10. Be open about examining your own attitudes about disability.
Resources on Supporting and Empowering PwD in Canada
- Rights of People with Disabilities
- Council of Canadian with Disability
- The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Person
- Employment for Persons with Disability
- Canadian Centre on Disability Studies
- Canadian Association for Community Living
- Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
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