International Day of Persons with Disabilities

1/4 Canadians live with a disability.

As someone living with celiac disease myself and as a social worker who’s entire career has revolved around advocating for people living under broken systems, I’m taking this day to recognize the challenges faced by people living with disabilities every single day.

While the cost of living skyrockets, people on fixed incomes, like those living with disabilities, are being hit the hardest.

Too many are forced to make impossible choices between rent, food, and the medications they need to survive.

We need universal pharmacare and mental health coverage.

We need a federal Disability Commissioner to hold the government accountable.

And we must boost disability tax credits and benefits to ensure they meet the cost of living.

Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let’s commit to real action, to truly seeing each other, and move forward united.