Dr. Poland Lai explores the impact of COVID-19 on individuals receiving and/or providing care
- December 1, 2021
- BakerLaw
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Dr. Poland Lai (link), Assistant Professor at York University, article Falling through the care cracks: younger people in long-term care homes (link) explores the issue of young persons with disabilities residing in Long-term care homes. She argues that LTC homes are not always considered as the most appropriate place for young persons with disabilities to reside, but the stark reality is that this is sometimes one of very limited choices available. » Read the rest
Autism Ontario’s Response to the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee Recommendations
- November 8, 2021
- BakerLaw
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In October 2021, Autism Ontario released its response to the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee Recommendations. The Committee provided recommendations to the Ontario government for proposed accessibility standards for K-12 education, which covered nine broad themes:
- attitudes, behaviours, perceptions and assumptions
- awareness and training
- curriculum, assessment and instruction
- digital learning and technology
- organizational barriers
- social realms
- physical and architectural barriers
- planning for emergencies and safety framework
- timelines and accountability
You can review the Education Standards Development Committee’s Report here (link). » Read the rest
Mistreatment of residents living in congregate care and/or treatment settings
- November 4, 2021
- BakerLaw
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Content warning: Abuse of persons with disabilities
With social media and attention to shed light on the issue regarding abuse by a caregiver or support worker of a developmentally disabled person, it would be reasonable to assume that society has progressed to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent this mistreatment. » Read the rest
Effects of climate change disproportionately impact persons with disabilities
- November 3, 2021
- Daniel Mulroy
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Due to discrimination, marginalization and economic factors, the impacts of climate change disproportionately impact persons with disabilities.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights found that “Persons with disabilities are often among those most adversely affected in an emergency, sustaining disproportionately higher rates of morbidity and mortality, and at the same time being among those least able to have access to emergency support” (link). » Read the rest
Dr. Sonu K. Gaind to speak about MAiD in the context of Mental Health
- October 27, 2021
- BakerLaw
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Dr. Sonu K. Gaind, alongside commentator Dr. Derryck H. Smith, will be holding a seminar to discuss issues related to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) with a focus on the particular challenges that are posed with mental illness in the context of MAiD. » Read the rest
Ontario proposes a bill that would benefit foreign-trained professionals
- October 27, 2021
- BakerLaw
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The Ontario government announced its intention to propose legislation that, if passed, would make it easier for foreign-trained professionals and tradespeople to work in their respective fields by removing some barriers that internationally-trained immigrants face. For example, such changes would include the removal of the requirement for Canadian work experience, in certain regulated professions and trades. » Read the rest
Thoughts on Supreme Court of Canada’s Decision in Northern Regional Health Authority v Horrocks
- October 26, 2021
- BakerLaw
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The Supreme Court of Canada recently issued its decision in Northern Regional Health Authority v Horrocks, 2021 SCC 423 (link), ruling that human rights tribunals in Manitoba cannot hear complaints from unionized employees.
While this is the case for Manitoba, a careful review of the decision indicates this is likely not the case in other jurisdictions, including Ontario. » Read the rest
UBC Law Students seek Mentorship from Lawyers with Disabilities – Call for Lawyer Mentors
- October 22, 2021
- BakerLaw
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The newly founded UBC Law Disability Alliance (“ULDA”) is seeking student mentorship from lawyers with disabilities. This new program is intended to help law students with disabilities “foster a sense of belonging, support disability based activism, and develop networking ties” as they begin their promising legal careers. » Read the rest
Peel Police and the Ontario Human Rights Commission partner to address systemic racism and discrimination
- September 23, 2021
- Daniel Mulroy
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In October 2020 the Peel Regional Police, the Peel Police Services Board and the Ontario Human Rights Commission (“OHRC”) signed a memorandum of understanding committing to work together to address systemic racism in the force.
The memorandum comes as Multiple concerns around systemic racism in the Peel police force have recently come to light. » Read the rest
Have your say and help make K-12 education more accessible for students with disabilities
- September 7, 2021
- Amanda Dimilta
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The K-12 Education Standards Development Committee is asking for feedback regarding its recommendations to the Ontario government for proposed accessibility standards for K-12 education. The initial report drafted by the Committee contains 197 recommendations that are covered across nine broad themes including:
- attitudes, behaviours, perceptions and assumptions
- awareness and training
- curriculum, assessment and instruction
- digital learning and technology
- organizational barriers
- social realms
- physical and architectural barriers
- planning for emergencies and safety framework
- timelines and accountability
You can read this report here (link). » Read the rest