October 2021
Text on left reads "Inclusion Matters - News from Inclusion Canada." Inclusion Canada logo in bottom left corner. On the right, a picture of carved pumpkins to symbolize October.
Inclusion Matters
October 2021
Save the Date - 12th Annual Federal Policy Forum for Inclusion

On November 30 and December 1, Inclusion Canada and People First of Canada will host the 12th Annual Federal Policy Forum for Inclusion. This year's theme is "Right at Home: Advancing Article 19 - The Right to Live in Community." Registration details will follow in the coming weeks!
Image of Canada as a series of interconnected lines with different communities highlighted by blue, yellow, and pink dots. Pictures of employees with disabilities in their different work environments interspersed around the country.
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month!

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Celebrated every October since 1945, NDEAM raises awareness about the significant rates of unemployment faced by persons with disabilities in Canada.

We've compiled some useful tools, resources, and supports for job seekers on the autism spectrum or with an intellectual disability and employers alike.

Image of Rideau Hall in the summer, where the new cabinet was sworn in.
New Federal Government Cabinet Announced

On October 26, the new federal government cabinet was sworn in. We congratulate all new and returning ministers and look forward to working with them to build a fully inclusive Canada in areas such as inclusive housing, employment, income security, and fully implementing the new Canada Disability Benefit.

The Speech from the Throne is scheduled for November 22. We will be looking to see that these priorities and more are highlighted as policy commitments in the government's forward agenda.
Inclusion Canada in Action
  • From July-September 2021, Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) facilitated 156 employment outcomes for job seekers with an intellectual disability or on the autism spectrum. Since its inception in 2014, RWA has exceeded 3100 employment outcomes and undertaken employment outreach to over 13,000 employers across the country.

  • On October 15, Inclusion Canada staff participated in a Lunch & Learn facilitated by Louise Tardif, an autistic advocate from New Brunswick. Louise led a discussion about how Inclusion Canada staff can learn from, and work in active allyship, with autistic self-advocates.
Image of a piggy bank in the bottom left corner. A hand is putting a coin in the bank. There are more coins across the rest of the image.
Position Statement on Income Security for Families now available!

93.2% of people providing support to a family member or friend with a long-term health condition or disability did not receive any financial support from government programs.

Inclusion Canada recently released its Position on Income Security for Families, a document detailing our commitment to ensuring that families who have children with a disability have the income and resources they need to secure a good quality of life and fully participate in all aspects of community.


4 cartoon figures at the bottom of the image. Text reads "October is RDSP Awareness Month"
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Awareness Month

October is also RDSP Awareness Month in Canada. The RDSP is the world's first savings plan designed for people with a disability.

Inclusion Canada is a national leader in advocating for access to the income and resources people with an intellectual disability and their families need to secure a good quality of life. The RDSP provides significant government contributions and helps eligible people with a disability save for their long-term financial security. While not perfect, the RDSP is an under utilized tool designed to save. Only about 31% of people who are approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) have opened an RDSP. We continue to advocate for changes to the RDSP program to make it easier to withdrawal funds when needed. In the meantime, individuals and families should continue to look at this program and consider it with your financial planning. To learn more, click the link below and discuss it with your financial institution or financial planner.

Picture of The Law Courts of Nova Scotia building on Upper Water Street in Halifax.
Significant Victory for Nova Scotians with Intellectual Disabilities

Earlier this month, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal paved the road to addressing the human rights of thousands of Nova Scotians with disabilities who continue to languish in institutions or communities without support. This was a huge victory for our movement with potential implications across the country.

Inclusion Canada joined the Council of Canadians with Disabilities and People First of Canada in a coalition that participated in the Appeal. The court acknowledges that by keeping people with disabilities on year-long wait lists for necessary supports, including housing that requires moving into institutions and out of the community, the government discriminated against people with disabilities. We will continue to follow this case closely as well as monitoring the government's response and corresponding actions to address the court's decision.

Inclusion Canada in the News
Related to the Canada Disability Benefit:
by Krista Carr
by Chris Beesley
Related to the Nova Scotia Court Decision:

Upcoming Dates & Events
November 9 - Inspiring Inclusion Fundraiser Event
November 11 - Remembrance Day
November 22 - Parliament reconvenes - Federal Government Speech From The Throne
November 30 & December 1 - 12th Annual Federal Policy Forum for Inclusion

Our work to strengthen families, defend rights, and transform communities would not be possible without your financial support. If these stories resonate with you, please consider making a donation. Thank you.