Alliance for Equality of Blind CanadiansL'Alliance pour l'égalité des personnes aveugles du Canada

AEBC Activities Report for September 2011In this month’s Activities Report:

1. Announcements

2. Reminders

3. Updates

4. Scholarship Call 2011

5. News Releases

6. Presentations and Correspondence

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS ARE DUE DEC. 31st FOR THE NEXT YEAR. Please renew early to avoid disruption in receiving materials. An annual membership is $5.00 per person per year, or you can join as a lifetime member for a one-time payment of $50.00. You can pay by: PayPal account or credit card by renewing online and completing the online membership form or one of the following:

- Mail a cheque or money order payable to the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians to our Kelowna address (PO Box 20262, RPO Town Center, Kelowna BC, V1Y 9H2);

- Pay your membership fee to your local chapter, if you are a member of the chapter;

- Call us at 1-800-561-4774 to pay your membership via credit card over the phone, or

- Contact us by e-mail at info@blindcanadians.ca.

b. CCD AWARDS GRANTED DURING ACCESS AWARENESS WEEK 2010: Annually, CCD presents the CCD Award to recognize an outstanding contribution to the Canadian disability rights movement. Each CCD member group nominates a recipient of the award. At CCD's Annual General Meeting, the recipients are publicly recognized. The CCD member groups present the award to the recipients. Congratulations to Donna Jodhan who received an award on behalf of Canadians With Disabilities-Ontario and Robin East on behalf of the AEBC.

P.O. Box 20262, RPO Town Centre, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9H2Telephone: 1-800-561-4774 / Email: info@blindcanadians.ca

Web Site: www.blindcanadians.ca

These awards were presented to the recipients in June 2011. Below is a photograph of Donna and the award.

c.

d. AEBC TOLL-FREE LINE: The toll-free line for AEBC is now being answered at the office of your national president, Donna Jodhan. The way this works is that the toll-free number is automatically re-directed to Donna’s business line, and the AEBC pays only for the toll-free service. If you call toll-free line and hear the message indicating you have reached Sterling Creations and the AEBC, it is because the toll-free line has been re-directed to her business line rather than her home phone for privacy reasons.

2. REMINDERS

a. We are constantly updating our database. If you have an email address, please send your name, address, and email address in the body of the email to info@blindcanadians.ca, which will be forwarded to our Program Assistant, Mary. We will then send all future Activities Reports and communication to you by email.

b. The AEBC continues to recruit members for national committees addressing these issues: (1) website accessibility, (2) access to library services, and (3) access to point-of-sale devices and household products.

If you are interested in joining one of these committees, please contact these following board members:

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- Website Accessibility: Cindy Ferguson cferguson@blindcanadians.ca- Library Services: Rajesh Malik r.malik@sympatico.ca- Point of Sale Amal Haddad amal.haddad@rogers.com

c. THE CANADIAN BLIND MONITOR is an AEBC news magazine published annually. Its purpose is to raise and discuss issues and topics of interest to blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted persons as well as the general public. The magazine consists of original and reprinted articles, information about AEBC, and resource information. For more information, call Brenda Cooke at 1-800-561-4774 and leave a message, or email bcooke@blindcanadians.ca.

d. SEEKING YOUR STORY OF SUCCESS : In the fall of 2010, the AEBC published a booklet focusing on what our members considered "success" in their own life. It was about any aspect of life, employment, community involvement, or conquering something important that has made your life better. We are still collecting stories to put into a new edition and posted on the AEBC web page; please submit your story to dsand@shaw.ca.

e. Are you aware of our AEBC members’ listserv? We continue to offer a listserv where AEBC members can receive and discuss information relevant to the AEBC and blindness more generally. If you are not already a member, you can join on our website (www.blindcanadians.ca). If you are a member, and you would like to join our members’ listserv, contact info@blindcanadians.ca.

f. AEBC NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT : As you are aware from our financial reports at the annual general meetings, we have been running a deficit for the past four years. We need your continued financial support, and ask that you consider becoming a regular monthly contributor to AEBC. All donations are tax deductible. For more information on giving options, see http://www.blindcanadians.ca/donations. Together, we can make a real difference, and any amount you can contribute will be highly appreciated and valued.

3. UPDATES

a. CHARTER CHALLENGE UPDATE : In July, there were three organizations that sought intervention in the court case Donna Jodhan versus the Attorney General of Canada. These were: the AEBC, the CCD, and the CNIB. To everyone's surprise, only the AEBC was granted intervener's status and we are very proud that our organization has been recognized in this manner. ARCH is representing the interests of the AEBC in this matter.

The hearing dates have just been set for Nov15/16, 2011 in Toronto.

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Below you will find the Federal Court's ruling with regard to the seeking of intervener's status for the three organizations.

Federal Court of AppealDate: 2011-08-11Docket: A 478-10 Ottawa, OntarioAugust 11, 2011 Present: PELLETIER J.A.

BETWEEN:

ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CANADAAppellant

and

DONNA JODHANRespondent

ORDER

WHEREAS the Proposed Intervener Council of Canadians with Disabilities seeks leave to intervene in this appeal in support of the decision rendered by the Federal Court; and

WHEREAS the appellant Attorney General of Canada has consented to the granting of intervener status to the Proposed Intervener; and

WHEREAS the appellant’s consent is not binding on this Court and

WHEREAS the Proposed Intervener justifies its request for intervener status by challenging the position taken by the Attorney General of Canada with respect to the definition of the benefit in issue and the type of evidence needed to prove systemic discrimination; and

WHEREAS the respondent's memorandum of fact and law deals with the definition of the benefit in issue and the evidence of systemic discrimination at paragraphs 86 to 109; and

WHEREAS the Proposed Intervener has not met the test set out in Canadian Union of Public Employees v. Canadian Airlines International Ltd., [2010) J. PER. 226, in that the issues which it proposes to raise have been adequately canvassed by the respondent, and it has not shown that the interests of justice will be better served by its intervention;

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NOW THEREFORE the motion for an order granting Council of Canadians with Disabilities intervener status is dismissed without costs

“JD. Denis Pelletier"JA

Federal Court of Appeal

Date: 2011-08-11 Docket: A-478-Ottawa, OntarioAugust 11, 2011 Present: PELLETIER J.A.

BETWEEN:

ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CANADAAppellant

and

DONNA JODHANRespondent

ORDER

WHEREAS the Proposed Intervener Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians seeks leave to intervene in this appeal in support of the decision rendered by the Federal Court; and

WHEREAS the appellant Attorney General of Canada has consented to the granting of intervener status to the Proposed Intervener; and

WHEREAS the Proposed Intervener proposes to address four issues, three of which have not been canvassed by the respondent, and whose analysis may assist the Court in disposing of the appeal, namely, that the guarantee of equality rights under subsection 15(1) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter) cannot be conflated with justifications of government that are to be considered under section 1 of the Charter; that the proper test for equality is the test set out in Andrews v, Law Society, [1989] 1 S,C.R, 143, and that the failure to implement accessible websites constitutes a breach of Canada's obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities as well as the principles of Universal Design; and

WHEREAS the interests of justice will be better served by the intervention of the Proposed Intervener,

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NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

I) the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians is granted intervener status in this appeal on the following conditions:

a) that the Alliance accepts the Appeal Book as the full record in this appeal and will not introduce nor seek to rely upon any new evidence, and will not add to its books of authorities any material such as government reports that are effectively new evidence (this condition is not intended to apply to the "travaux préparatoires" for the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to be considered as law rather than evidence);

b) that the Alliance will confine its submissions to the following three points of argument, namely that:

i) section 15(1) of the Charter is a stand-alone test;ii) the proper test for equality is set out in Andrews v, Law Society;iii) barriers to online access are a violation of international law, but with these submission limited to the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

c) that the Alliance will serve and file a memorandum of fact and law which does not repeat or restate any of the points of argument contained in the memoranda of the existing parties to this appeal and that does not exceed 15 pages in length;

d) that the Alliance's memorandum of fact and law is to be served and filed by September 14, 2011;

e) that the length of the oral submissions of the Alliance shall not exceed 45 minutes, or such other period as may be allowed by the panel hearing the appeal; and

f) that the Alliance may not seek costs for its intervention in this appeal against the appellant, the Attorney General of Canada, and the appellant, in turn, may not seek costs against the Alliance unless it fails to respect these conditions.

 2) THIS COURT ORDERS that the style of cause is amended as follows: BETWEEN:

ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CANADAAppellant

and

DONNA JODHANRespondent

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and

ALLIANCE FOR EQUALITY OF BLIND CANADIANSIntervener

3) THIS COURT ORDERS that the Alliance is to be served with the necessary documents to participate in this appeal by each of the parties. The appellant is allowed to serve the Alliance with the 27 volume Appeal Book by means of a CD-ROM disk, as filed with the Cowl pursuant to the Order of Justice Evans dated March 25, 2011,

4) THIS COURT ORDERS that the appellant shall serve and file its responding memorandum of fact and law to that of the Alliance within 20 days of receipt of the Alliance's memorandum of fact and law which shall be limited to 15 pages.

"J.D. Denis Pelletier"J.A Federal Court of AppealDate: 2011-08-11Docket: A-478-10 Ottawa, Ontario, August 11, 2011Present: PELLETIER IA.

BETWEEN:

ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CANADAAppellant

and

DONNA JODHANRespondent

ORDER

WHEREAS the Proposed Intervener the Canadian National Institute for the Blind seeks leave to intervene in this appeal in support of the decision rendered by the Federal Court; and

WHEREAS the appellant Attorney General of Canada has consented to the granting of intervener status to the Proposed Intervener; and

WHEREAS the appellant's consent is not binding on this Court; and

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WHEREAS the Proposed Intervener has identified that its members have an interest in the outcome of the appeal, it has not identified any legal issue on which it proposes to offer a perspective which has not been canvassed by the respondent and which would be of assistance to the Court in disposing of the appeal; and

WHEREAS a mere interest in the outcome of an appeal is not a sufficient ground to grant a person intervener status;

NOW THEREFORE the motion for an order granting the Canadian National Institute for the Blind intervener status is dismissed without costs,

"J.D, Denis Pelletier"

b. LIBRARY SERVICE UPDATE : In response to the great interest and immense passion shown by members with regard to the present state of library services in Canada as they pertain to the blind, partially sighted, and deaf/blind, the AEBC and the CWDO have teamed up to give you an opportunity to have your voices heard in a town hall style meeting on October 29. We feel that this would be an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions and make comments to John Rafferty of the CNIB. This meeting is opened to everyone and details of the invitation are as follows:

You are cordially Invited to a Town Hall Meeting with John Rafferty, CEO of the CNIBTopic: Library Services in CanadaPurpose: to ask questions of, and provide input to, the CNIB on how best to move forward on issues pertaining to the future of library services for blind, partially sighted, and deaf/blind Canadians.

When: October 29 2011Time: 1:00 pm Eastern Standard Time or 10:00 am Pacific Time

Location: 365 Bloor Street East, Suite 902, TorontoThe closest subway is at Bloor and Sherbourne

How Can I Participate?- By teleconference:- By phoning in:- In Person:

Please RSVP to melanie.moore@cilt.ca no later than October 01 Indicating your name, email address, and preferred format for background documents (MS word, text, or Braille)

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Please also let us know how you would prefer to access the meeting so that we can send you the relevant Internet access instructions if you choose to attend via our conferencing system on the Internet, or the phone in number if you choose to attend via phone.

There will be two sessions held on this date.Session one will be for those who wish to attend in person and for those who prefer to phone in. Session two will be for those who wish to access the meeting via the Internet.

We would need to be able to determine the number of participants and their preferences so that we can make adequate arrangements to accommodate everyone.

If you have any questions or concerns then please send your queries to Melanie Moore at Melanie.moore@cilt.ca or to me at djodhan@blindcanadians.ca.

Thank you!

The AEBC and CWDO believe that this may be the best opportunity that we can create for you to have your voices heard. You are the stakeholders and rights holders and it is all up to you to help make something positive happen. We are all advocating for positive change.

Thank you!

Donna J.Your National President

c. POINT OF SALE DEVICES - PIN AND CARD : The new AEBC contact for this initiative is Amal Haddad, who may be reached by email at: amal.haddad@rogers.com.

4. SCHOLARSHIP CALL 2011

The AEBC submitted its 2011 Scholarship Call to all post-secondary institutions across Canada in early June. The application form and information may be found below.

ANNOUNCING THE 2011 AEBC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

APPLICATION DEADLINE – November 1, 2011

INTRODUCTION

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The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) is dedicated to providing blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted individuals with the opportunities they need to compete on an equal basis with other members of Canadian society. Through public education and advocacy, our organization works to improve the lives of these Canadians by providing a forum for mentorship, discussion, and action on issues of common concern.

Each year, the AEBC offers scholarships to recognize outstanding blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted post-secondary school students. This year there will be two awards in total: 2 (two) $1,000.00 scholarships.

Each scholarship will be accompanied by a year's free membership to AEBC. They are as follows:

1. The Alan H. Neville Memorial Scholarship in memory of an AEBC pioneer and valued advisor (National) for $1,000.00; and

2. The AEBC Rick Oakes Memorial Scholarship in memory of a well-loved contributor (National) for $1,000.00.

It is not necessary to submit separate applications, as applicants will be considered for all scholarships for which they qualify.

CRITERIA

All scholarships are awarded on the basis of:

1. Academic performance;2. Community involvement; and 3. Overcoming adversity.

While each criterion will contribute in the overall evaluation process, equal weight will not be applied in determining a final score. Rather, each criterion will serve to assist in distinguishing the exceptionalities and strengths of one candidate from another in the awarding of scholarships.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all of these qualifications. Applicants not meeting one or more of these qualifications will not be considered:

1. Blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted. Please note: Whatever an applicant's vision level, he/she must meet the requirements for legal blindness, which is visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye after correction, or a visual field of less than 20 degrees.

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2. Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, but foreign students studying in Canada will also be considered.

3. Attending a post-secondary program (college, university, or vocational) within the period of September 2011 to April 2011, with a full-time course load or at a 40% course load when accompanied by an explanation. Students at undergraduate, graduate (including doctoral levels as well as those in training programs), educational upgrading, and enrolled in the performing arts are encouraged to apply.

4. Exchange students studying abroad under a legitimate exchange program and paying fees to a Canadian educational institution are eligible, as are students who choose to study abroad for lack of a similar program in Canada, failure to be accepted into a Canadian program, or the clear superiority of a program abroad.

MEMBERSHIP

Scholarship applicants and recipients need not already be members of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians. However, involvement in the organization is strongly encouraged, as we seek to gain a stronger voice in Canada, and membership benefits those who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted both collectively and individually. Membership information can be found on our website at www.blindcanadians.ca/membership.

AWARDS

The Scholarship Committee reviews all applications and selects the scholarship recipients. Successful recipients will be notified of their selection by December 15, 2011. Scholarship monies will be sent to the recipients no later than December 31, 2011.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

1. Completed Application form including Average Academic Grade.

Applicants are not required to submit a transcript of their marks. Instead, they are required to obtain a current or most recent (if not in school currently) average academic grade, calculated in percentage (e.g. 85%), from their academic institution and note this grade clearly on their application form. Please note: The application will not be considered if this average academic grade is not in percentage form. If your program of study does not express in percentage grades, please try to equate to a percentage scale or explain how grading is done on your application. Very important: If required at a later date by the Scholarship Committee, applicants may be requested to provide copies of official transcripts.

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2. Personal Letter

In addition to the application form, applicants are required to provide a letter describing themselves, including background on their visual condition, any additional medical or disability information, onset of blindness or loss of vision. Applicants should answer the question: “What barriers or obstacles have you faced and conquered in your life which may include financial hardship, as a result of your disability?” Applicants should also discuss their academic goals, interests, hobbies, school and community activities, work experience, vocational goals and service to their community, particularly as this pertains to service to other persons with disabilities such as blindness, deaf-blindness or partial sight. Please do not send a resume in addition to a personal letter.

3. Reference Letter

Applicants are also required to submit one current letter of reference (written in the last twelve months) from an individual who can comment in detail on their academic progress, personal strengths, community involvement and any other aspects of their life in support of their application. The individual may be an employer or supervisor, clergy member, Academic Advisor, Department Head, Academic Planner, etc. This reference letter should be forwarded with the application package.

4. Declaration

Applicants are required to confirm in a declaration at the end of the application, that the information they have provided is correct and true to the best of their knowledge, and that they meet the requirements for legal blindness. When submitting this application electronically, applicants must put their name and the date below the declaration statement. Please note: Anyone applying by email, must put his/her name and the date below the declaration statement, for the application to be considered.

HOW TO APPLY

The deadline for scholarship submissions is November 1, 2011. Please complete the attached application form, make and confirm the declaration statement, sign and date your submission, and include the relevant required reference and personal letters.

Forward the attached Application Form, personal letter, and letter of reference in one of these file formats: plain or rich text, Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, or Excel, or in the body of an email, to scholarship@blindcanadians.ca.

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If not applying on-line, keep in mind that Scholarship Committee members may be blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted. If submission of an application in an accessible electronic format is not possible--inaccessible formats include PDF and jpg files--please contact us either by email or by phone at (800) 561-4774 to discuss alternatives. We would prefer to answer any questions regarding accessibility before you send your application.

Incomplete applications, as well as any applications (complete, incomplete, or parts of applications) received after November 1, 2011 will not be considered for scholarship awards.

Scholarship Recipients will be required to provide their Social Insurance Number when they accept their award.

REAPPLICATION

Previous applicants and recipients are eligible to reapply if qualified.

ALLIANCE FOR EQUALITY OF BLIND CANADIANSSCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM

Please email your completed scholarship application forms and documentation to scholarship@blindcanadians.ca unless otherwise discussed with the Scholarship Committee.

PERSONAL INFORMATIONName:

Street Address:

City: Province: Postal Code:

Home Phone:

Other Phone:

E-Mail Address:

Status in Canada (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, foreign student):

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

Name of School or Institution currently being attended:

Street Address:

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City: Province: Postal Code:

Name of school or institution you plan to attend between September 2011 and April 2011 (if different from your current school/institution):

Your Vocational Goal:

Major (if applicable):

Average academic grade of current academic year or most recent year of attendance at an academic Institution, expressed as a percentage (required):

PRIVACY

The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, accuracy, and security of any personal information that we collect, use, retain, and disclose in the course of the programs we offer. If you have any questions about protecting your personal privacy or our privacy policy, contact our Compliance Officer by calling (1 800) 561-4774 or by e-mail at: info@blindcanadians.ca.

DECLARATION

I certify that the information I have provided is correct and true to the best of my knowledge, and that I meet the requirements for legal blindness: visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye after correction, or a visual field of less than 20 degrees.

Name: Date:

CHECKLIST

For applications to be considered complete all of the documents/information listed below must be included; incomplete applications will not be considered.

1. Application Form (including average academic grade in percentage form);

2. Personal letter outlining such information as vision and medical background, goals, interests, barriers, community activities etc. (No resumes please!) See "Documentation Required" for more details.

3. Letter of Reference (from the last twelve months).

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4. Declaration Statement (name and date must be provided as acknowledgement and confirmation).

Applications must be received no later than November 1, 2011

5. NEWS RELEASES

There have been no news releases since the last Activities Report.

6. PRESENTATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE

1. BROADCASTING AND TELECOM NOTICE OF CONSULATION – CRTC 2011- 344

This brief was submitted to the CRTC on June 27th. Following is the details of that communication.

A Brief Submitted to the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Submitted by: Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians / L'Alliance pour l'Égalité des Personnes Aveugles du Canada (AEBC)

June 2011

INTRODUCTION

In its notice, CRTC 2011 344, the CRTC indicates that it is seeking submissions about the impact of OTT services on the Canadian broadcasting system, and related developments in telecommunications and that it wishes to hear from Canadians about:

The capabilities of measurement and analytical tools to enable a better understanding of OTT programming trends over time;

Trends in consumer behavior, including the current and projected consumption of programming in the next five years, including Canadian and non-Canadian programming;

Technological trends in consumer devices and network capabilities that will influence the development of OTT programming;

The possibility that, in the near term, OTT services may cause replacement or reductions in BDU subscriptions;

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The opportunities and challenges for the Canadian creative industries associated with OTT services;

The impact that OTT services might have on the acquisition and exhibition of programming available to Canadians;

The impact of the growth of OTT services on consumers; and

Any additional issues or evidence relevant to the contribution of OTT programming services to the achievement of the policy objectives of the Broadcasting Act.

WHAT IS OUR PRIMARY CONCERN?

Today, Canadians with disabilities note that an increasing number of television programs are being streamed over other delivery mechanisms, including the internet, and that some are only available via the internet. Too often, the described video component that may be provided through one's television is not also provided via the internet. The AEBC believes the CRTC must reverse its previous stance, and fully regulate the delivery of television programming, regardless of where and how it is delivered.

WHO IS THE AEBC?

The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians / L'Alliance pour l'Égalité des Personnes Aveugles du Canada (AEBC) is a national organization comprised mainly of rights holders who are blind, deaf-blind, and partially-sighted. Our work focuses on removing existing barriers and preventing the introduction of new ones, improving public attitudes, and to providing input on public policy issues that affect the daily lives of members of our community. For background on our work, including some of our previous submissions to the CRTC, please visit our website at: www.blindcanadians.ca.

WHY IS REGULATION SO NECESSARY AT THIS TIME?

As we have stated repeatedly in previous submissions to the CRTC, neither voluntary guidelines nor relying upon the free market approach have adequately addressed the needs of Canadians with disabilities in most areas of life, including telecommunications. Most of the progress we have achieved has occurred through the assistance of legislation or regulations. As a result, we again call upon the CRTC to expand its use of its regulatory authority in this important area of access to programming.

WHAT IS THE LEGAL BASIS FOR OUR RECOMMENDATIONS?

The legal basis for our call for increased regulation of the broadcasting industry has long been present in Canada through provisions in the Canadian Charter of

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Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act. These provisions were further strengthened when Canada ratified the UN Convention On the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (CRPD). Article 21 of the CRPD addresses the provision of accessible broadcast and internet services:

Article 21 - Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information states:

Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities can exercise the right to freedom of expression and opinion, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas on an equal basis with others and through all forms of communication of their choice, as defined in article 2 of the present Convention, including by:

a. Providing information intended for the general public to persons with disabilities in accessible formats and technologies appropriate to different kinds of disabilities in a timely manner and without additional cost;

b. Accepting and facilitating the use of sign languages, Braille, augmentative and alternative communication, and all other accessible means, modes and formats of communication of their choice by persons with disabilities in official interactions;

c. Urging private entities that provide services to the general public, including through the Internet, to provide information and services in accessible and usable formats for persons with disabilities;

d. Encouraging the mass media, including providers of information through the Internet, to make their services accessible to persons with disabilities; and

e. Recognizing and promoting the use of sign languages.

AEBC's EXPECTATIONS OF THE CRTC

The AEBC reiterates its position that the CRTC must use its regulatory power to require all broadcasters and telecommunications providers to make all their services fully accessible to persons with disabilities, regardless of how content is transmitted - via satellite, through cable, over the airwaves or on the internet and regardless of the type of device that is used by the consumer to receive the content - television, computer, and smartphone. This level of access must be achieved within the next ten years.

CONCLUSION

The AEBC calls upon the CRTC to use its regulatory authority, in a manner consistent with human rights principles, to ensure that Canadians with disabilities

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will receive 100% access to television programming, regardless of how content is transmitted and regardless what device a consumer uses to receive the program.

2. TOUCH SCREEN USE AT MCDCONALD’S RESTAURANTS

This letter was sent to McDonalds on July 5, 2011. The details of that communication may be found below. Since sending this communication, Donna Jodhan has received a phone response from McDonalds’ Customer Service Department in Vancouver advising that McDonalds has no intention of introducing these touch screens for the immediate future.

As president of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC), a national organization of rights holders who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted, I am writing to you regarding an article entitled, "McDonald's Replaces Cashiers with Touch-Screens" (reproduced below) which greatly concerns us and our independence to order food at McDonalds.

The issue of touch screens is becoming an issue of increasing concern to members of our community, as so many of them are not usable independently by blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted individuals.

We would like to know if McDonalds has plans to introduce touch screens into its Canadian operations and, if so, will these touch screens be usable independently by blind patrons, i.e. will they provide speech output.

Accessibility is mandated by both the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

We look forward to hearing back from you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Donna JodhanPresident

McDonald's Replaces Cashiers with Touch-ScreensEuropean restaurants test self-checkout model

By Cynthia WilsonInvestor Place May 16, 2011

McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) is trying to make fast food even faster. The Financial Times reports that the worlds' largest fast food chain plans to replace many of the cashiers at its 7,000 European restaurants with touch screen terminals that allow customers to order and pay electronically. The move at McDonald's is similar to what many consumers experience in supermarkets, retailers and gasoline stations that have opted for self-checkout to save on labor costs. McDonald's says the move is about making its restaurants there more convenient and

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efficient - it's also clearly about keeping down costs. If the move proves successful, you can bet competitors like Wendy's/Arby's (NYSE:WEN) and Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM) restaurants KFC and Taco Bell will be taking notice.

The decision is being driven by margin concerns. McDonald's is still growing sales, reporting a 5.7% increase in FY1Q11 in Europe (where the cashier-free order system is being tested) compared to the year ago period. But margins are being eaten up by higher commodity costs - beef and dairy in particular.

Also, consumers everywhere are struggling to pay bills under the weight of rising gasoline and food prices and a Big Mac or McCafe coffee is quickly becoming an expense many cannot afford as often as they may once have. That may be even more the case now that McDonald's has said it will raise menu prices to cover rising food costs. Eliminating cashiers may help McDonald's stabilize menu prices, or even cut some to help lure customers to its restaurants. It's not like most of McDonalds' customers don't know what they want when they come in to order.

By adopting a swipe and go payment system, McDonalds also can gather more information about its customers, such as their ordering habits and what menu items sell best to a particular demographic. However, some customers may not like it or not have credit or debit cards. Likewise, some may sympathize with the cashiers who lose their jobs. Many customers at stores from grocer Safeway (NYSE:SWY) to big box giant Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) have gotten used to checking themselves out - and considering the relatively small menu at McDonald's compared to the produce section at a supermarket, they may not find the self-check-out kiosks hard to use at all.

But while the ordering experience may not change, the labor market could feel an impact. During the Great Recession many consumers had to turn to McDonalds - one of the few employers still hiring - for employment. McDonald's itself recently held a "national hiring day" to fill 50,000 jobs company-wide. There may be some risk in rolling out a cashier-free system after touting the restaurant's footprint as an employer. What's more, if there are not enough accessible employees around to complain about when folks use the self-checkout for the first time, that could really give customers the impression McDonald's is just looking to cut corners to squeeze out a few more euros.

McDonalds didn't mention any immediate plans to make touch screen ordering and payment more widespread in the United States. But if it's successful in Europe, it won't be long before the U.S. consumers find themselves reading or talking to a screen.

As of this writing, Cynthia Wilson did not own a position in any of the stocks named here.

Source: http://www.investorplace.com/41160/mcdonalds-nyse-mcd-touch-screen-menu-ordering/

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3. CNIB SURVEY

Earlier this summer, The AEBC was asked by Bill McKeown of the CNIB to complete their advocacy survey and our responses to their questions are below. a) Does your organization provide vision rehabilitation service, advocacy, or

both?*** Advocacy.

b) If your organization primarily provides vision rehabilitation service, what is

your relationship with organizations whose primary mandate is to advocate on behalf of blind and partially sighted people? How often do you meet?*** N/A

c) If your organization primarily provides advocacy, what is your relationship with

organizations whose primary mandate is to provide vision rehabilitation service to blind and partially sighted people? How often do you meet?*** We collaborate with other organizations on an as needed basis.

d) Do you have written policies or procedures with respect to your organization's

role in advocacy? If so, please provide me with a copy.*** We have several resolutions on our website at www.blindcanadians.ca under governance.

e) Does your organization have a funding arrangement with a vision

rehabilitation service organization or with an advocacy organization? If yes, please describe.*** No.

f) Does your organization have distinct roles for government relations (lobbying

for funding or organization supports) and advocacy (lobbying for social policy change and human rights) or are these functions performed by the same staff/volunteers?*** These functions are performed by the same volunteers.

g) What are the annual budgets for your organization's government relations,

advocacy, and vision rehabilitation service programs, as well as your organizational budget as a whole?*** We do not have any fixed budgets.

h) Does your organization have a policy/bylaw that states your CEO and/or

Board Chair must be a blind or partially sighted person? If so, please provide me with a copy.*** Our bylaw states that all members of our board must be blind.

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i) Does your organization believe that having a blind or partially sighted person as the CEO and/or Board Chair impacts on your organization's credibility when advocating?*** As a member driven organization that represents blind, partially sighted, and deaf/blind rights holders, we believe that when it comes to such things as advocacy, discrimination, and barriers to accessibility, the interests of our members are best represented by a board and Chair that are of the same persuasion. We work to create an environment of equal opportunity and equal participation in Canadian society. For who else can better understand the concerns of our members than we ourselves?

j) When presenting to government for changes in social policy or funding what

role do blind and partially sighted people play?*** The leading role is almost always taken by an individual who is blind, partially sighted, or deaf/blind.

k) Please list three areas where your organization has had success with

advocacy. If you worked with a partner organization please include their name. *** The AEBC is extremely proud that despite not having had the backing of funding from either government or other organizations, it has managed to achieve several major accomplishments over its 20 year history. Some of these include:- The AEBC played a leading role in helping to bring about the creation of a

non-drivers driver's license in Ontario.- The securing of adequate space for guide dogs on domestic flights. - The granting of intervener's status in the landmark case of Jodhan versus

the Government of Canada with regard to website accessibility.

4. ACCESS TO WEBSITES

In July, the CCD asked Donna Jodhan to submit a document concerning access to websites for a new booklet they plan to publish. Please find the text of the request below.

Memo: Seeking Your Help with a New CCD PublicationDate: 5 July 2011

CCD is planning to publish a booklet which will be a collection of personal reflections on the accomplishments which have been achieved over the last 30 years by the disability rights movement. CCD will be distributing this booklet at End Exclusion and it will also be published on the CCD web site. End Exclusion has become a yearly gathering of the disability community where we celebrate achievements and examine new initiatives.

CCD has brainstormed a list of accomplishments to give people some ideas of possible topics to write about. Please see CCD’s flyer calling for submissions.

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I am writing to you to invite you to submit a piece to this forthcoming publication. CCD is also making a public call for submissions.

Due to your long involvement with CCD and the disability community, there is undoubtedly any number of topics that you could address. I was hoping that you would be willing to take responsibility for writing a one-page piece on access to web sites. Of course, you may have another topic that you wish to write about for this publication and I would be appreciative of any submission that you choose to share with CCD for publication. I hope that you will take the time over the summer to make a contribution to this booklet which will be a significant part of our End Exclusion 2011 program.

The attached flyer provides some suggestions of questions that you might want to address in your piece.

The deadline for submissions is 15 September 2011. This deadline has been established to give CCD sufficient time to translate and print the booklet.

Below is Donna Jodhan’s submission to the CCD on August 28, 2011.

Access to Websites: The Golden Key to Communicating

It can easily be said that access to websites has and continues to be one of the most important keys to communications on the Internet and as the technological landscape continues to evolve, it is only reasonable to expect that blind and partially sighted persons would want to be and remain a part of this world.

We are living in an information society and a knowledge based economy and the importance of accessible websites is becoming more vital because of the need to be able to access and respond to information on a timely basis. Websites give us the opportunity to do such things as: Request and respond to information, complete online forms and applications, go online shopping, do our online banking, plus much more.

It is one thing to have websites where we can do all of this but it is quite another if these websites are not accessible. Accessible websites benefits everyone; from the mainstream person to the one who is afflicted with a disability that would range from being blind or partially sighted, to the one that is print disabled, and to the one who has either a physical or learning disability.

What makes a website accessible? In a nutshell; an accessible website is one that gives the visitor the opportunity to find whatever they seek in relatively quick time and they can do this easily and without having to ask for assistance.

What can we do as a community to ensure that more websites are made accessible to all persons? We can lobby our Federal Government to take the lead by mandating all companies that provide services to make their websites

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fully accessible. The Federal Government needs to lead by example. We can work to create awareness among IT professionals re the benefits of designing and developing accessible websites and we can help the mainstream person to understand how accessible websites can help to improve communication and why inaccessible websites can be a definite drawback to everyone’s ability to communicate effectively.

Accessible websites are the bridges to our online world and without them we are lost. We need them if we have any hope of being able to keep up with technology and information on a daily basis. They are our life line to a world in which the Internet dominates and will continue to do so for way past our time. We need to keep all of this in mind as we continue our efforts to lobby for greater access to more websites.

We have come a long way with regard to raising awareness but there is much more for us to do. We need to keep up and increase the pressure for more websites to be made accessible. Electronic communication has made it possible for us to play a more significant role; much more than say a decade ago. Let us not waste our efforts.

5. STRENTHENING SOCIAL ASSISTANCE IN ONTARIO

This brief was submitted to the Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario on August 31st. Following is the details of that communication.

A BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO: A Discussion Paper: Issues and Ideas

Submitted by: Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians / L'Alliance pour l'Égalité des Personnes Aveugles du Canada (AEBC)

August 31, 2011

INTRODUCTION

The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians / L’Alliance Pour L’Egalite des Personnes Aveugle du Canada (AEBC) is pleased to have the opportunity to comment on the Discussion Paper, Issues and Ideas. In this brief, the organization intends to briefly add its voice to the work of the ODSP Action Coalition, discuss a number of issues that are of particular importance to the blind community, challenge the notion of employment as a "one size fits all" panacea to chronic poverty, and to outline some of its proposals concerning the need for a comprehensive Economic Strategy.

WHO IS THE AEBC?

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The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians is a national organization, comprised mainly of rights holders who are blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted that is active in the province of Ontario. Four of the seven individuals who volunteer on the Board of Directors reside in Ontario, and two of AEBC's chapters are also situated in this province. The work of AEBC focuses on removing existing barriers and preventing the introduction of new ones; improving public attitudes; and providing input on public policy issues that affect the daily lives of members of the blind community. Reducing the level of chronic poverty that is the lived experience of far too many of its members is a priority to the AEBC. For background on the work of the AEBC, including some of its previous submissions, please visit the website at www.blindcanadians.ca.

PURPOSE OF THIS SUBMISSION

Members of the AEBC have been participating in the ODSP Action Coalition for several years, and are fully aware of its extensive and thoughtful submissions. Therefore, this document will not simply reiterate what is contained in those submissions on such topics as: the need to immediately raise the rates to provide a more liveable level of income, treating social assistance recipients with enhanced dignity and respect, reducing difficulties in contacting one's worker, and streamlining administration and reduce the number of "stupid rules." These issues are also of interest and concern to members of the AEBC.

In this submission, the AEBC will focus on a number of topics that are of particular importance to Ontarians who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted who are or who may become ODSP recipients.

LACK OF ACCESS TO INFORMATION ABOUT ODSP

For many years, Section 1 of the Ontario Human Rights Code has provided:

Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to services, goods and facilities, without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19, s. 1; 1999, c. 6, s. 28 (1); 2001, c. 32, s. 27 (1); 2005, c. 5, s. 32 (1).

Despite this clear provision, the AEBC still receives inquiries from ODSP recipients who tell us they cannot obtain information, either about the Program itself, or their own particular circumstances in a format they can read independently. This results in violations of their privacy and human rights, and can result in extensive delays in gaining access to critical, time limited information.

The AEBC believes the ODSP must comply with its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code and recommends that it provide all recipients the right to access information in their preferred format - print, braille, audio, or electronic.

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STREAMLINING THE ODSP APPLICATION PROCESS

It is generally acknowledged that the ODSP application process is too involved and complex. It is even more difficult for applicants who are blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted, as the forms are not available in various multiple formats.

All individuals applying for ODSP must obtain and complete a Disability Determination Package. Detailed medical information is required, which must usually be provided by a range of medical specialists, who are already overworked. Applicants may also face direct costs related to obtaining information and assistance from medical professionals, which can easily range from $50.00 to $120.00.

Medical practitioners are similarly left without adequate supports and many find the package confusing and difficult to complete. Frequently, they do not understand the forms or the perplexing grading systems that are used.

While eligibility must be determined, the AEBC recommends that the process be streamlined and simplified. Forms must be provided in multiple formats and the program should cover the costs for physicians to complete medical forms.

RAISE THE RATES FOR SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

Social assistance recipients live thousands of dollars below the poverty level. Poverty is a primary cause of societal exclusion and poor health among Canadians. This has been amply documented in numerous reports from Canada and abroad. Ontario's Public Health Authorities have urged the provincial government to raise the rates for several years so that people can afford to eat nutritiously, yet the Ontario Government has introduced reductions to its Special Diet Program. The rates must be increased, and should also be adjusted annually for inflation, as determine by an independent Commission that includes significant representation from social assistance recipients.

THE SEVERE CLAW BACK AS A DISINCENTIVE TO SEEKING WORK

The excessive nature of the "claw back" under Ontario's social assistance programs represents a serious disincentive to those who wish to work. In BC, by contrast, recipients keep the first $500 a month before any claw back is imposed. The AEBC recommends that Ontario replicate BC's claw back model in order to encourage more recipients to seek work.

THE NATURE AND VARIETIES OF DISABILITY

As the ODSP Action Coalition observes, "there is no clear dividing line between people with disabilities who “can” and “cannot” work. No two such groups of people with disabilities exist in reality. People with “severe” and “less severe” disabilities are not equivalent categories to those who “cannot” and “can” work. Like disability itself, the employability of people with disabilities is a dynamic

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interaction that exists along a continuum determined by a number of factors, including the health, age, education, skills, and past experience of the individual, as well as the supports available to facilitate their employment, the degree of accommodation available in the workplace, and the job opportunities available in the labour market."

The AEBC would take this point at least one step further. Not only are no two groups of persons with disabilities the same, often two individuals with the same disability are very different. In the area of eyesight, for example, if one has 5% residual vision, this does not indicate how usable that remaining vision may be and whether that person’s vision is usable up close up or far away, nor does it indicate what kind of coping mechanisms and alternative techniques that person has developed to remain as independent as possible. Some people with “very severe” disabilities are able to work full time. Some who have what might be considered “less severe” disabilities are not. The real question is to what extent are workplaces organized with persons with disabilities in mind, and to what extent have employers developed a more positive attitude to employing us and to providing needed accommodations, as have been required by the Ontario Human Rights Code since the early 1980s.

CHALLENGING WORK AS THE PANACEA TO POVERTY

If one examines responses from the Government of Canada to poverty reports from both the House of Commons and Senate, one could summarize these responses in a single phrase - the solution to poverty is to get a job. The AEBC must strongly challenge this one size fits all panacea. Examining the premise that a job is the solution to poverty for persons with disabilities raises a fundamental question: Where are all these jobs that social assistance recipients are expected to go out and acquire? The AEBC simply challenges the thesis that these jobs are out there and available! Where are they? The AEBC recommends the Commission research and attempt to respond to this fundamental question.

"TRICKLE DOWN" ECONOMICS

The so called "trickle down" theory of economics postulates that in good times, economic benefits will reach all groups in Canadian society. However, not only has the so called "trickle" failed to reach the bulk of Canadians with disabilities, more recent statistics show the reality is that wealth is being concentrated more and more in the hands of an ever narrowing number of individuals. Canadian history tells us that persons with disabilities have never known the boom times that other Canadians once took almost for granted, and it is time for governments to take new steps to help remedy the historic and chronic marginalization from the mainstream of Canadian society. THE CHANGING NATURE OF WORK

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The world of work has changed dramatically over the past two decades. Twenty or more years ago, it was suggested that emerging technology would be the “great equalizer” for persons with disabilities, including the blind community. So far, it has achieved that promise for some, but for many others, it has proven to be a double-edged sword. New barriers now exist, including:

1. Nowadays, it is assumed most workers will participate in several jobs during their working lifetime. On average, it takes longer for a person with a disability to obtain employment; thus, this barrier will have to be surmounted over and over again during one’s working life.

2. Technology has rendered obsolete several kinds of jobs that blind workers often used to perform, e.g. telephone operator, receptionist, darkroom technician, and transcriptionist. Many of these jobs no longer exist or do not exist in the numbers they once did.

3. Changes in technology take place at a fast pace, and often, needed accessibility is not built in at the same time as new technology, thereby requiring ongoing catch up.

4. Some software that is used in the workplace is not accessible to individuals using a screen reader to read and navigate a computer.

YET ANOTHER NEW BARRIER TO EQUALITY

The problem of finding work has been even further exacerbated by the recent recession. Not only must social assistance recipients deal with persistent and pervasive negative employer attitudes, need for expanded accessible transportation, employer failure to provide proper workplace accommodations short of undue hardship, and the number of individuals competing for available jobs. In an effort to deal with the results of the recession, a number of retraining programs were developed for workers who were EI eligible.

This represents one of those "new" barriers to equalizing the historic imbalances that continue to confront persons with disabilities. Too many in the blindness community do not have previous workplace attachment and, thus, are not eligible for programs that require EI eligibility. This in turn puts in place yet one more new barrier to the employment of persons with disabilities, many of whom could have benefitted from training programs that were designed to provide Canadians with current skills designed to lead to a job. ONTARIO's NEW INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

On June 24, 2011, the Ontario Government unveiled its 10-year Infrastructure Plan for Ontario. It lays down the policies and principles that are supposed to govern the billions of dollars of infrastructure spending by the provincial government over the next decade. It requires that "all entities seeking provincial infrastructure funding for new buildings or major expansions/renovations are to

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demonstrate how the funding will prevent or remove barriers and improve the level of accessibility where feasible."

This policy should result in increased access in such critical areas as education, buildings, and the procurement of goods, services, and technology. The AEBC commends the Ontario Government for building this important accessibility requirement into its 10-year Infrastructure Plan. It is now critical for the Ontario Government to develop a concrete action plan, which must include wide publicity, and building in accountability measures to ensure that it is followed and makes a difference in the lives of Ontarians with disabilities.

IMPROVING PUBLIC ATTITUDES

Over the past two decades, numerous awareness programs have been carried out by governments, service agencies, and rights holder organizations such as the AEBC. While some individuals have undoubtedly benefited from these initiatives, taken together, statistics and personal stories reveal these past efforts have failed to move the bulk of individuals with disabilities from the margins to the mainstream of our society.

Today, blindness remains one of the most feared and misunderstood of all disabilities. There is a chronic need to develop new messages and approaches to improving public attitudes. There is a need to develop new awareness programs and to give rights holder organizations and individuals with disabilities a preeminent role in developing and carrying out these new initiatives. Blind people know best the needs and aspirations, and are the best spokespersons. The AEBC believes firmly in the phrase, "nothing about us without us."

CREATING AN ONTARIO ECONOMIC STRATEGY

To deal with the historic roots of poverty among persons with disabilities, The Ontario Government must lead by example and forge a comprehensive Provincial Economic Strategy for people with disabilities, This Economic Strategy must be based on the tenets of full inclusion and universal design, and must be developed through direct participation of people with disabilities who have real life experiences of social assistance, rights holder organizations of persons with disabilities, service providers, the private sector, labour, and all relevant Ministries and levels of government.

The goals of the strategy must be both to alleviate the chronic level of poverty that is the lived experience of far too many Ontarians with disabilities, and it must also result in the creation of increased job opportunities for people with disabilities that are appropriate for the individual. Such an Economic Strategy must be comprehensive. It must not only focus on reducing poverty for families with children, it must also include people without children, such as the majority of ODSP recipients. Such a strategy would also allow Ontario to better meet the objectives of the Canada-Ontario Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities and the Canada-Ontario Labour Market Agreement.

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These agreements are intended to provide a framework for the provision of employment-related supports and services to people with disabilities, in the first case, and to people who are not EI eligible, including people with disabilities without employment earnings and/or receiving social assistance, in the second.

At the same time, the AEBC is concerned that the unique challenges facing people with disabilities may be lost if the primary focus of any poverty reduction strategy is helping people make the transition to work, as experience shows clearly that many individuals are simply not going to become employed, regardless how much they might wish to work. The changing nature of the workplace has simply not responded to the idea of employing persons with disabilities in significantly higher numbers. Any new Strategy must avoid the introduction of forced work or "work fare" initiatives, as they do not contribute to the dignity of recipients, nor do they work.

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INCREASING LABOUR MARKETINVOLVEMENT

1. A heightened level of government commitment: The Government of Ontario must demonstrate a new level of urgency and leadership to the ongoing and pervasive economic and unemployment plight of persons with various disabilities, including Canadians who are blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted. The AEBC recommends that the Premier call together leaders from business, labour, and organizations "of" persons with disabilities to develop a heightened commitment, new strategies and programs, and new partnerships.

2. Scope of the economic strategy: Ontario's new Economic Strategy must cover individuals who have both visible and invisible disabilities. It must address the needs of persons with various levels of disability, (including those who are considered "severely" disabled), and should work actively to achieve employment and income rates among persons who are blind and otherwise disabled that are roughly equivalent to those of non-disabled Ontarians.

3. The federal role: As part of Ontario's new Economic Strategy, the Government of Ontario should pressure the Government of Canada to participate proactively, including expanding the Employment Equity Act and Federal Contractors Program to reduce IN STAGES the coverage threshold from 100 employees to not more than 20 employees, and these initiatives should be strengthened to provide greater results regarding the representation of persons with various disabilities, rather than as follows:

4. Employment in the Ontario Public Service: One long-term employee in the Ontario Public Service observed, "I can't move higher because I have not had management experience, and I can't get management experience without opportunities. I am in a position where I have found myself before - no one knows what to do with me. [It is] very demoralizing."

To demonstrate a heightened commitment, Management Board must take steps to transform the Ontario Public Service into a model employer. These steps must focus on three major areas:

Recruitment Retention Promotion

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) should lead by example. The OPS should develop an aggressive proactive recruitment plan to increase the representation of persons with various disabilities at all levels, including persons who are blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted; review job descriptions to ensure that job requirements are current and job-related; develop a targeted program of internships; maintain the Accommodation Fund; conduct an ongoing awareness program with managers to remove

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attitudinal barriers; and ensure that training is available to facilitate career progression.

5. Employer commitment: Blindness remains one of the least understood disabilities. There is a need for an ongoing program to educate and gain commitments from employers on a province-wide basis for the employment, retention and advancement of workers with various disabilities, including employees who are blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted. Consumer organizations such as the AEBC must be directly involved in developing and delivering such programs. As rights holders who live with a disability on a daily basis, this group knows best the needs and capabilities of those who are blind, deaf-blind, and partially-sighted.

6. Employment readiness programs: To help overcome the effects of marginalization and lack of employment opportunities early in life, targeted employment readiness programs must be made available to assist persons with various disabilities, including individuals who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted, to gain access to jobs in the regular labour market. Work experience programs are particularly important for persons with limited exposure to the labour market or who have lower levels of education.

Currently, the federal Employment Insurance Program (EI) offers some retraining and other employment supports. However, these initiatives are intended only for EI recipients. This has the effect of doubly penalizing many individuals with disabilities who have not had the opportunity to accumulate sufficient labour market attachment to qualify for EI benefits. The Ontario Government should press the Government of Canada to extend eligibility to include historically disadvantaged groups such as persons with various disabilities, or to initiate new and targeted employment support programs.

7. Accessible and usable technology: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) that is fully accessible and usable will increase an organization's bottom line and support the employment of all groups of Canadians.

However, changes to existing ICT can make it impossible for current employees, particularly employees who are blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted, to use new technology, which threatens experienced employees and prevents new hiring. Employers, especially governments at all levels, should restrict purchases to ICT (devices and software) that are usable by all employees.

8. Workplace accommodations: Accommodating an employee with a disability is a very individualized process. The affected employee, who often knows best what is needed, must be directly involved. The technology and solutions are known but often not used. Cost is usually far less than expected, and large employers like the Ontario Public Service can bear such costs. Federal, provincial, and territorial officials should discuss the

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creation of a fund to assist smaller employers, but first and foremost, employers must recognize and discharge their legal obligation to accommodate employees, short of undue hardship.

9. Expanding the OPS Accommodation Fund: Despite study upon study over numerous years that recount extensive employer experiences that, on average, the cost to accommodate an employee with a disability averages about $500, employers, especially smaller employers, remain afraid of the possible costs of employing persons with disabilities. The Ontario Government should consider expanding the Accommodation Fund, which covers accommodation costs for its own employees, to also cover broader sector transfer payment organizations, and organizations in the broader public and private sectors, with a focus on smaller employers.

10. Employer incentives: While the AEBC supports measures that would make it easier and more financially rewarding for social assistance recipients to go to work, the organization’s experience is that the current nature of work prevents many from attaining and retaining meaningful employment.

Employment incentives alone are inadequate as an anti-poverty strategy. Financial incentives to employers have proven to do little to encourage employers to be more flexible and accommodating. They must be accompanied by other measures, including an enhanced commitment to employ persons with disabilities, including Ontarians who are blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted, new awareness programs and more rigorous enforcement of statutes, including the Ontario Human Rights Code.

CONCLUSION

Poverty reduction makes both social and economic sense. The AEBC believes in an inclusive Ontario, where everyone can develop their talents and contribute to thriving communities throughout our great Province. The AEBC wants an Ontario with a vibrant economy where all Ontarians share in its prosperity.

Disability issues cut across virtually all levels of government, departments, and sectors of Canadian society. To move forward, commitment and collaboration to a comprehensive Economic Strategy are required. Employment initiatives are needed but they alone will not achieve the intended results. They must be accompanied by initiatives in other areas, such as regular raises in social assistance rates, disability supports, training, housing, transportation, and the removal of disincentives in income security programs.

Disability needs are individual and a more positive climate must be created where the individual is encouraged and supported to take risks and experiment. Flexibility, consumer involvement, and coordination are the critical elements of any successful initiative to address disability issues. Governments, business, labour and the disability community must work collaboratively to find new

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solutions. This work requires a long-term commitment. The AEBC is anxious to play a role in realizing a new day for Canadians with various disabilities.

The AEBC urges you and your colleagues to consider our reality and develop a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy that addresses both income and labour market issues. It is time for people with disabilities to join the mainstream and to enjoy a decent quality of life. No longer should we be subjected to a life of poverty and marginalization in this affluent Province.

Increased investments in ODSP recipients through benefits, supports, and accommodations will enable recipients to be more engaged in their households, their communities, and the labour market. The net impact for government includes increased tax revenue through income and consumption taxes as well as decreased expenditures in areas such as health care and criminal justice.

The Ontario Government stated in the Throne Speech (November 2007), "The Government of Ontario is committed to a Poverty Reduction Strategy with targets and measures to ensure "opportunity that is accessible to all."

This commitment has created expectations for change and improvements, and both recipients and the AEBC trusts the work of your Commission will help to realize these commitments and expectations. The AEBC looks forward to participating in the realization of this imperative. Persons with disabilities deserve nothing less in 2011.

END of September 2011 Activity Report

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