December 2021
Image of winter holiday items - cookies, candy cane, decorations, candles. Text reads Inclusion Matters - news from Inclusion Canada.
Inclusion Matters
December 2021
3 different images related to the policy forum of housing and cooperation. Inclusion Canada and people first of canada logos above the image, with text below reading "Advancing Article 19 - The Right to Live in Community. 12th Annual Federal Policy Forum.
12th Annual Policy Forum for Inclusion Recap now Available!

On November 30 and December 1, Inclusion Canada and People First of Canada hosted the 12th Annual Federal Policy Forum for Inclusion. This year's theme was "Right at Home: Advancing Article 19 - The Right to Live in Community." The virtual forum included a series of panels featuring the lived experience of people with an intellectual disability and families, as well as research and policy expertise from both government and community.

If you were unable to attend the forum this year, we have published a blog post detailing the event. In the post, you'll find a summary of the key points from each presentation along with resources available for download.

Welcome & Congratulations to our new Board Members!

On December 4 2021, Inclusion Canada hosted its 64th Annual General Meeting. We would like to extend our congratulations and a warm welcome to our newly elected board members! We look forward to your guidance, expertise, and commitment to the movement for inclusion as we work to build an inclusive Canada for people with an intellectual disability and their families. We also want to offer our profound appreciation and thanks to our outgoing Board members Yvonne Spicer (ON) and Bri Krekoski (NWT) for their excellent contributions and valuable work while on the Board.

A couple with Down syndrome cuddling on a couch and laughing. Text in bottom left reads "Annual Report 2020-2021"
Inclusion Canada 2020-2021 - Our Year in Review

Our recently released annual report provides a detailed summary of who we are, what we do, and the work that we have accomplished in our priority areas over the last year. We invite you to review the report and join us in celebrating our work in building an inclusive Canada for people with an intellectual disability and their families.

The report is now available as an accessible pdf on our website. The document is available in both French and English for viewing and download.

Inclusion Canada in Action
  • Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) is pleased to announced that Sinthea Chowdhury has joined the National RWA Management Team as National Project Coordinator. Her primary focus will be in leading RWA efforts in the areas of career advancement for people with disabilities and engagement of Indigenous and BIPOC communities as related to youth employment.

  • Registration for the Inclusion at Work webinar series is now open. Inclusion at Work is a three-part webinar series exploring practical, applied strategies to support inclusive hiring for employers and anyone interested in workplace inclusion. Register here.

  • Inclusion Canada Board of Directors, staff, and national Federation member leadership met virtually on December 4 for our 64rd Annual General Meeting and presented its 2019-2020 Annual Report/Year in Review.

Image of report cover for Pathways to Homeownership Case Study Report
My Home My Community - Pathways to Homeownership

For many people with a disability, homeownership seems like an unattainable dream. Financial, legal, and social barriers make owning a home of your own difficult.

Pathways to Homeownership is a new project showcasing three different models of homeownership that have been used by people with intellectual disabilities and their families to purchase and live in their own home within the community. It is accompanied by a workbook for professional advisors to support the home buying process and 7 plain language guides to help you and your family plan and determine if homeownership is right for you. While not for everyone, these lived examples show the possibilities. More information will be rolled out in the coming months.

Upcoming Dates & Events
12pm Dec 23rd - Jan 4 - Inclusion Canada Offices Closed

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.