A Disability Inclusion Policy Framework-We Can Support

With the release of the Disability Inclusion Policy Framework in June of 2007 we were hopeful that the voice of the disability community had been heard and a new era was beginning in Saskatchewan

What we hoped for was a vision of Saskatchewan as fully inclusive. We hoped for, even expected, a vision as inclusive as that stated in the 2001 Disability Action Plan 

“…a society that recognizes the needs and aspirations of all citizens, respects the rights of individuals to self determination, and provides the resources and supports necessary for full citizenship.”

-  Saskatchewan Disability Action Plan, 2001, p 17

What we received was something less.

“Saskatchewan people with disabilities participate fully in the economic and social life of their communities and the province.”

-  The Disability Inclusion Policy Framework, 2007 p. 8

The Policy Framework’s vision is a statement by the rest of the province, those who do not have a disability, of their vision for people who do have a disability. It is a reflection of the dualistic thinking with respect to people with disabilities that has dominated the history of Saskatchewan and Canada.

The Policy Framework includes some laudable goals with respect to disability services, employment and equality of outcomes for people with disabilities.  It also contains a curious list of what “should” happen for Saskatchewan citizens who have a disability.  While we are pleased to see that the policy makers recognized what should happen it seems that a Policy Framework ought to provide direction and leadership, not a wish list.

Many people will see these concerns and say they are semantics, that they are insignificant issues.  To them we say that exclusion has always been based on the subtle issues of gender, colour, ethnic origin and disability. 

To the Government and people of Saskatchewan we say:

“As people with disabilities, we continue to be socially, economically and culturally excluded.  This exclusion continues despite our repeated and long-term efforts, as individuals and members of organizations, to obtain our equitable place in society through negotiation and promoting awareness.

It is now time for the disability community to demand nothing less than full citizenship.  We will no longer wait “cap in hand” for the long promised “response” to the comprehensive principles and approaches that have been proposed by our community in regard to disability issues. 

Too many people are suffering and dying each day to make further inaction tolerable.  We will not be implicit in facilitating the ongoing oppression of the world's most excluded group; people with disabilities.  We will become the 'disability lens’ to hold our fellow citizens and governments accountable for their promises, actions and inaction.”

-The Regina Disability Manifesto, 2006

Thus, we propose for discussion…

In conclusion, IDEA Regina believe that the process for developing and implementing a Saskatchewan Disability Policy should be guided by the United Nations Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities and the “Standard Rules” for implementation derived from it.  Canada is a signature to this Convention “that applies to all parts of a Federal state” – (General Obligations Article 4 (5)).  Examples are available from other countries as to how disability policy can be addressed in an environment of full partnership envisioned in the Convention.