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Part 2 – Building momentum for the Canadian Disability Benefit
A 4-part online learning series on the proposed Canadian Disability Benefit
Hosted by Rabia Khedr
You may have already joined us for part one of this series: At long last, a Canada Disability Benefit is coming – What should it look like? This second series is an additional 4 part conversation on Building momentum for the Canadian Disability Benefit.
About This Series
Achieving a Canadian Disability Benefit is an historic opportunity to end disability poverty. No other government in the world has made such a commitment. It will take a lot of work to turn that opportunity into a reality that is meaningful and inclusive. It will take widespread engagement by disabled people from every corner of the country. Including leadership from Quebec and those from racial minorities, the indigenous community, and those discriminated against because of age, race, colour, gender, and sexuality. It will also take widespread popular support from regular Canadians. Finally, it will take bold political decision making.
As preparation for the job ahead we presented this four-part webinar series to learn from four Canadians with expertise and experience at system change.
Goals of Learning Series
- To learn from other successful movements
- To strengthen the social, political, economic and cultural power of the Canadian disability movement
- To clarify the role of parents, families, service providers, funders and other allies in supporting disability leadership
- To secure a Canadian Disability Benefit that is meaningful, inclusive and ends disability poverty
The series took place in November, 2020. Click the links below to view the webinar recordings:
1 – The Power of New Forms of Democratic Engagement with Peter MacLeod
Western democracies and their institutions are struggling to sustain the energy and confidence of their citizens and face the very real threat of growing “polarization, populism, and pessimism.” Renewing this confidence — ‘democracy’s second act’ — requires imagining an expanded role for citizens beyond the ballot box or traditional advisory committees. An expanded role that affords significantly more people the opportunity to exercise public judgement and represent the needs and interests of others. Particularly disabled people. Peter MacLeod is a pioneer in citizen assemblies and other proven and innovative approaches to democracy that have emerged around the world. He will talk about his decade-long effort to carve out new ways for thousands of Canadians to advise and work with government and why he believes representative democracy can and must be renewed.
Air date: November 5th, 2020
Guest: Peter MacLeod, founder MASS LBP
2 – The Power of Inclusive Design with Jutta Treviranus
We need a society where it is possible for people, with the full range of human difference, to participate, contribute and benefit from societal supports. One worry is that the Canadian Disability Benefit will exclude too many people. Inclusive design as pioneered by our guest speaker can turn that worry into an opportunity. Her inclusive design framework is intended to be more like a trellis that supports organic growth and provides a foundation from which to innovate and evolve. It has emerged, evolved, been tested, and refined over 25-years history, in dozens of global initiatives. Her design process recognizes human variability and the uniqueness of each individual. It’s an alternative to the one size fits all approach.
Air date: November 12th, 2020
Guest: Jutta Treviranus, OCAD
3 – The Power of a Disability Media – Delyse Sylvester
This webinar starts from the premise that we are already a disability media. That we have common purpose, rich and varied stories, and legions of public opinion shapers who use a variety of media platforms. When we bring all these together, we become a media power that rivals traditional media outlets. And enables us to become a peer of mainstream media, influence the stories they cover. Address the negative myths, stigma, stories and attitudes about people with disabilities. And rally ordinary Canadians behind specific disability initiatives like a Canadian Disability Benefit.
Air date: November 19th, 2020
Guest: Delyse Sylvester, Social Currents
4 – The Power of Working Together – Adam Kahane
We can only go so far working only with our friends and colleagues. Our hopes and dreams will remain unfulfilled unless we are willing and able to work with others—sometimes including people we don’t agree with or like or trust. Such collaborations present both opportunities and challenges, including in the disability world with conflicts among groups, organizations, and family members. Other movements have surmounted similar challenges. This session will focus on lessons from other movements who have faced similar challenges and thrived despite or because of their differences.
Air date: November 26th, 2020
Guest: Adam Kahane
This webinar series was a collaboration between individuals, groups, coalitions and organizations from across Canada, without which this would not be possible.
BC Parents of Complex Kids 
