April 2020
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SPECIAL EDITION: DISABILITY AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC


CACL & Allies Urge Human Rights Oversight in COVID-19 Pandemic

CACL joins Amnesty International and 301 organizations, academics, and allies in signing a letter urging the Government of Canada to strengthen human rights oversight during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada's most vulnerable and marginalized populations, including persons with disabilities, are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

The letter signees are calling on all levels of government to institute stronger human rights oversight.


EVP Krista Carr Appointed to Federal COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group  

The Honourable Carly Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, & Disability Inclusion has created a federal COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group to maintain the health, safety, and dignity of persons with disabilities and their families. 

CACL Executive Vice-President Krista Carr has been asked to join this Advisory Group, along with many other allies from the disability community. 

CACL will continue to fight for the equitable treatment of people with an intellectual disability and their families throughout the course of this pandemic.

#COVIDdisability: Disability-Related Resources for Families and Self-Advocates

COVID-19 has proven to have significant and lasting consequences for people with an intellectual disability and their families.

We are continuing to share disability-related resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic on our website as they become available, pulled together in one spot for families. These include plain-language tools, resources for caregivers, and information on mental health, available financial support, and discrimination guidelines. 

If you find reliable information you think will be of use to people with disabilities and their supporters, we invite you to share it with us on social media using the #COVIDdisability hashtag. 

CACL in Action!
Highlights of our recent national and international work. 
  • CACL staff continued to meet virtually throughout March and April. This month staff began strategic operations planning for 2020-2021. The team's operational planning informs what key work will take place to advance our strategic priority areas. 
     
  • CACL EVP Krista Carr attended two meetings of the federal COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group to provide input into the Government of Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Since mid-March, CACL's national Federation leadership have conducted weekly virtual meetings to discuss COVID-19 advocacy, including key priorities and concerns for each province and territory. 
     
  • CACL leadership is working with over 70 organizations and allied partners to advocate for the well-being of people with a disability during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
     
  • The CACL Grassroots Campaign Committee had its first meeting. The committee's purpose is to cultivate grassroots advocacy in our strategic priority areas.  
Strengthening Families, Defending Rights, and Transforming Communities during COVID-19

The Community Living movement remains steadfast in our commitment to the full inclusion of people with an intellectual disability and their families in all aspects of life. 

As we cope with the changes accompanying this unprecedented time in Canadian history, CACL has  published several blog posts providing valuable information in this time of crisis: 




We will continue to advocate for the equitable treatment of persons with disabilities throughout the pandemic. 
Celebrating Our Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week, when Canadians across the country celebrate the people who provide their valuable time in service of the causes, movements, and organizations that matter most to them.

CACL's work would not be possible without the commitment of our numerous Board and Committee members throughout the country.  Thank you to all of our volunteers for helping us to build a more inclusive Canada for people with an intellectual disability and their families!
May 10 - Mother's Day
May 18 - Victoria Day (CACL Offices Closed)
 


Our work to strengthen families, defend rights, and transform communities could not be achieved without the financial support of our dedicated donors and partners.  If the stories in this newsletter resonate with you, we  hope you will continue to support CACL through your generous donations.  Thank you.
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