Inside:

News from CACL 2

Canadian

documentary:

The R Word

3

International Day

of Persons with

Disabilities

4

Community Homes

Action Group

Rally

5

Up On The Hill 6

TYZE Online

Networks

Local Chapter

Contact Info

7

More From CACL

Family Forums

8

Nova Scotia

Association

for

Community

Living

Winter 2012

You are invited to the NSACL Open House

Wednesday, December 19th, 2012

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. NSACL Office

22-24 Dundas Street, Suite 100 Dartmouth

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2

NEWS from CACL:

Victory at the Supreme Court of

Canada on the Right to Education

The Canadian Association for Community Living

(CACL) and the BC Association for Community Liv-

ing (BCACL) applaud the ground-breaking judgment

delivered by the Supreme Court of Canada on the right

to equal access to education Moore v. British Colum-

bia. The case began 15 years ago with a complaint to

the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal on be-

half of Jeffrey Moore who has significant learning dis-

abilities and at the time was a student receiving special

education services. The complaint alleged discrimina-

tion on the basis of disability by the North Vancouver

School District and the British Columbia Ministry of

Education for the period of June 1992 to June 1995,

when the special education services he was receiving

were cut and no other alternative was provided.

The complaint was made on the basis that Jeffrey was

denied a “service customarily available to the public”

under s. 8 of the B.C. Human Rights Code. As the

case made its way through the Tribunal, the B.C. Su-

preme Court and Court of Appeal, and eventually to

the Supreme Court of Canada, it became clear that one

of the central issues was the nature of the ‘service’ to

which Jeffrey was denied. If the service was simply

special educational services and Jeffrey was treated

the same as all other special needs students whose ser-

vices were cut, as the respondents argued, then the

claim of discrimination would not be allowed. This is

precisely the conclusion that the B.C. Supreme Court

and Court of Appeal arrived at, against the finding of

discrimination found by the B.C. Human Rights Tri-

bunal.

CACL intervened in this case to take a very strong

position that the ‘service’ to which Jeffrey was entitled

was public education, and the students he should be

compared to were all other students who were entitled

to general education. Our view is that special educa-

tion services should be seen as a support and as a

means to enable access to and inclusion in quality

public education, to which all citizens are entitled.

Special education is not an end in itself, and Jeffrey’s

access to special education should not be compared

simply with other students who may require special

education services. Rather, the question must be, are

students with disabilities obtaining the supports they

require to fully participate and be included in educa-

tion services like any other students?

Today is a watershed day for access to quality inclu-

sive education in Canada," said Laurie Larson, presi-

dent of the Canadian Association for Community Liv-

ing (CACL). "The Supreme Court of Canada got it

right. It may be too late for many of our kids who are

graduating from school this year and in the past. But

the direction to governments is unequivocal. Special

education in many parts of this country needs radical

redesign.”

“Special education has been a ‘dead end’ for far too

many students with disabilities," said Michael Bach,

CACL Executive Vice-President. "This judgment

makes it clear once and for all that children with dis-

abilities are entitled to the educational supports they

require to be fully included in school. The real test of

special education services is whether they provide the

‘ramp’ to educational services to which all children

are entitled. And, as required under the UN Conven-

tion on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, now

ratified by Canada such services must, by definition

and by law, be inclusive. All public education must be

redesigned to ensure inclusion for all children in Can-

ada.”

3

The Canadian Association for Community Living con-

gratulates Pierre Tétrault and Doris Rajan of Pierre

Tétrault Media Inc for their documentary The R Word

- winner of the TASH 2012 Positive Images in the

Media Award to be screened at their annual confer-

ence in Long Beach California on Nov 28th 2012.

TASH is a national organization based in Washington

that has been a leader in advocacy for people with in-

tellectual disabilities in the United States for over 35

years. The Canadian Association For Community Liv-

ing has a similar mandate in Canada and supported the

development of The R Word in its initial stages be-

fore it went on to full production with OMNI Televi-

sion. The R Word shares the experiences of people

with intellectual disabilities and their families through-

out Canada, as they often experience a pronounced

lack of financial and other supports, discriminatory

attitudes, and wide spread abuse and victimization.

The film was nominated by TASH member, parent,

activist and assistive technology specialist Marty

Sweeney. “The R Word is a powerful and important

documentary that reaches beyond the rhetoric of inclu-

sion to explore the daily challenges and practical reali-

ties faced by persons with developmental disabilities

and their families. “The R Word shares the experience

of living with a developmental disability from the per-

spectives of real people and real families” says

Sweeney. “These stories are about us—our children,

our brothers, our sisters, our friends, our neighbors

and our loved ones. It reminds us of how much we

share in common yet how far we still must travel to-

ward a truly inclusive society.”

Parent and Co-Chair of the Canadian Association for

Community Living Foundation, Zuhy Sayeed shared

her story as part of the film and in pleased to know

that the stories in the film continue to inspire and edu-

cate. “Stories that are shared demonstrate just a small

part of the lives we lead and serve as colourful snap-

shots on screen that become real to the general audi-

ence. We hope that our stories will serve to create

change in community- a change in attitudes, enabling

understanding that goes beyond a hurriedly fixed la-

bel- to the true person that shines.”

CACL President Laurie Larson says: “The R Word is

a very important film for the Community Living

movement because not only does it recount the history

of people with intellectual disabilities and their fami-

lies, it does so from the very real experience of those

who lived it. This important perspective is often over-

looked.”

Intellectual disability touches the lives of a wide diver-

sity of Canadians, including ethno-racial minorities,

immigrants, First Nations people, all income levels,

genders, and ages. It spans all regions of this country,

west to east, north and south – urban and rural. This

film profiles the lives of diverse individuals as they

face their challenges towards greater societal inclusion

and understanding.

Filmmakers and writers Pierre Tetrault and Doris Ra-

jan give audiences of The R Word a framework for

understanding the systemic marginalization experi-

enced by people with disabilities, by introducing view-

ers to the people and the families who survived abuse

and institutionalization into the experience of current

day barriers – yet whose hope and tenacity, never

breaks the human spirit.

Pierre Tétrault launched his film career with the award

winning documentary This Beggar’s Description pro-

duced by the National Film Board of Canada. Previ-

ously he developed theatre for Carousel Players before

(Continued on page 8)

Canadian documentary The R Word hon-

oured by American non-profit organization

for its portrayal of people with intellectual

disabilities and their families.

4

December 3, 2012

Over one billion people, or approximately 15 per cent

of the world’s population, live with some form of dis-

ability.

Persons with disabilities, “the world’s largest minor-

ity”, often face barriers to participation in all aspects

of society. Barriers can take a variety of forms, includ-

ing those relating to the physical environment or to

information and communications technology (ICT), or

those resulting from legislation or policy, or from so-

cietal attitudes or discrimination. The result is that per-

sons with disabilities do not have equal access to soci-

ety or services, including education, employment,

health care, transportation, political participation or

justice.

Evidence and experience shows that when barriers to

their inclusion are removed and persons with disabili-

ties are empowered to participate fully in societal life,

their entire community benefits. Barriers faced by per-

sons with disabilities are, therefore, a detriment to so-

ciety as a whole, and accessibility is necessary to

achieve progress and development for all.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Dis-

abilities (CRPD) recognizes that the existence of barri-

ers constitutes a central component of disability. Un-

der the Convention, disability is an evolving concept

that “results from the interaction between persons with

impairments and attitudinal and environmental barri-

ers that hinder their full and effective participation in

society on an equal basis with others.”

Accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities

are fundamental rights recognized by the CRPD and

are not only objectives, but also pre-requisites for the

enjoyment of other rights. The CRPD (Article 9, ac-

cessibility) seeks to enable persons with disabilities to

live independently and participate fully in all aspects

of life and development. It calls upon States Parties to

take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with

disabilities have access to all aspects of society, on an

equal basis with others, as well as to identify and

eliminate obstacles and barriers to accessibility.

In spite of this, in many parts of the world today, lack

of awareness and understanding of accessibility as a

cross-cutting development issue remains an obstacle to

the achievement of progress and development through

the Millennium Development Goals, as well as other

internationally agreed outcomes for all.

The commemoration of International Day of Persons

with Disabilities in 2012 provides an opportunity to

address this exclusion by focusing on promoting ac-

cessibility and removing all types of barriers in soci-

ety.

Taken from the UN web site

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. - Lao Tzu

5

On December 5th, Community Homes Action Group

(CHAG) organized a rally called “Crisis! Lack of Ap-

propriate Homes for Nova Scotians with Developmental

Disabilities” at the NS Legislature. NSACL was proud

to support this rally, and we were pleased with the out-

come. Approximately 100 people gathered in the rain to

raise their voices. People came from all over the prov-

ince for this event, and a smaller event also took place at

the Provincial in Sydney.

In Halifax we listened to speakers talk about the need for

a range of community based choices, and the stress the

wait lists and lack of capacity are causing. Jocelyne

Tranquilla, from NSACL gladly accepted the responsi-

bility of introducing the fabulous speakers that were on

had to share their stories and perspectives. Wendy Lill,

co-chair of CHAG, gave a synopsis of the situation.

Nova Scotia needs:

more supportive residential choices in community,

commitment to deinstitutionalization

real choices for persons with developmental disabili-

ties.

Donna Murphy and Alan Harris, both from People First

Yarmouth, took the mic and made it clear that people

belong in communities and not institutions. Jean Cole-

man, NSACL, read a powerful letter Judy Van Ameron-

gen, parent advocate. Dr. Brian Hennen spoke about

how the wait lists and lack of appropriate residential op-

tions impact the health care system. NSGEU group

home worker, Kelly Murphy, talked about the pressure

building on staff and residents because no choices exist.

We heard from Anna MacQuarrie, Inclusion Interna-

tional, about Article 19 of the UN convention on the

rights of persons with disabilities. She gave a passionate

plea to respect the human rights for choice and real

homes. Minister Peterson-Rafuse spoke, as well as

MLA's from the Liberal and Conservative parties.

Wendy Lill wrapped it up and urged everyone to con-

tinue to:

put pressure on MLAs,

get involved in the Continuing Care/Services for

Persons with Disabilities consultation process,

talk to families & friends and

let politicians know we are watching for action.

The CBC did a report on Information Morning on De-

cember 4th. Global Maritimes had coverage on the 6:00

and 11:00 news. Many thanks to Robert Devet from the

Halifax Media Coop for the coverage that he provided:

http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/story/caring-nova-scotias-

most-vulnerable/14946

We hope and pray that this grassroots expression will

have a positive impact and lead to some real commit-

ments in dollars and policies. Stay tuned for more action

in the New Year!

Rally at the Legislature “Nova Scotia raise your voices! Better homes and better choices!”

6

NSACL meets with MPs in Ottawa to

talk about Labour Market Inclusion

In November representatives from all of the provincial

ACLs, along with People First reps, met with MPs,

Ministers and other Parliamentary Officials on Parlia-

ment Hill to talk about labour market inclusion for

people with developmental disabilities.

The Canadian Association for Community Living re-

leased a book of employment stories from across the

country, titled "Ready, Willing and Able." (http://

www.cacl.ca/news-stories/blog/ready-willing-and-

able). The book and the meetings with MPs are part of

a new national CACL initiative to increase employ-

ment options for people with developmental disabili-

ties.

After a parliamentary breakfast with MPS, the ACL

staff from the different provinces met with their MP’s

to offer the information in a more up close and per-

sonal format.

We met with Peter Stouffer, Scott Bryson and Mark

Ekying.

Some of our MP’s were not available on the Hill

(Gerald Keddy, Robert Chisholm ) but met with our

Board Members at their office. They were given the

information and message.

Nova Scotia Association for Community

Up On The Hill

Jean Coleman (NSACL), Calvin Wood, (People First) Sharon

Whiteway (NSACL Board) & Scott Bryson (MP)

7

Resource for self-advocates, fami-

lies, support groups and allied or-

ganizations offered FREE through

NSACL

Tyze Online Networks

With Tyze online networks, we

can extend our services and reach

within the community. Tyze was

developed by Planned Lifetime

Advocacy Network (PLAN), and

can be used in a variety of ways to

support and connect. These secure

and private online networks help

people make plans together, share

stories, track to-do tasks and sup-

port the individuals that NSACL

serves. Tyze helps people help

each other in a meaningful and

empowering environment.

Tyze is much more than a way to

make appointments and track

tasks.

It’s a place to celebrate contribu-

tions and achievements - a way to

stay in touch with friends and

loved ones. It can also be used as a

forum for parents to connect with

one another.

For more information or to set up a

network, contact Jocelyne at

nsaclinclusioncoordintor

@gmail.com

Check out the NSACL Tyze

homepage at www.nsacl.tyze.com.

Website

http://nsacl.wordpress.com

Facebook

facebook.com/nsacl

Both our website and our facebook page are regularly updated.

Check them out!

Local ACL chapters in Nova Scotia

Amherst

Phone: 667-5871

Email: bradjecs@eastlink.ca

Enfield

Phone: 758-2739

Email:

sharon.whiteway@ns.sympatico.ca

Clare

Phone:

Email:caclclare@eastlink.ca

Halifax

Phone: 463-4752

Email: exdirhacl@eastlink.ca

St. Margaret's Bay & Area

Phone: 826-7232

Email: linjim@eastlink.ca

Antigonish

Phone: 863-5024

Email:j eff@caclworkshops.ca

8

R Word (continued from page 3)

joining Young People’s Theatre in Toronto as Artistic

Director. Doris Rajan is a producer, actor, writer and

filmmaker. She has enjoyed her productions of her

one-woman play Doris Does Damage and in film she

worked on This Beggar’s Description and her short

film Healing Rani which she wrote and performed in

screened at the New York International Independent

Film Festival. Their combined experience as storytell-

ers highlight important issues and bring to non-

traditional audiences an urgency to create conditions

where all people can maximize their potential without

fear of discrimination and how that process in turn

makes us all more fully human.

The R Word is available for loan at NSACL

The UN’s International Volunteer Day was estab-

lished by the UN General Assembly on December 17,

1985. Since then, governments, the UN system and

civil society organizations have successfully joined

volunteers around the world to celebrate the Day on

December 5th.

As President of NSACL I would like to take this op-

portunity to express my deepest gratitude to the many,

many volunteers, past and present, who have contrib-

uted and who continue to contribute so much of their

time, skill and passion to our cause of creating a world

that is inclusive of individuals with intellectual dis-

abilities and their families.

From our humble beginnings over 50 years ago, gath-

ered around kitchen tables, our volunteers have built a

movement with global reach.

The ways in which our volunteers contribute are many

and varied. Our volunteers began their efforts by cre-

ating a place – a space by and for families - where

they could share their fears, hopes and vision for their

child's life. They took their efforts from kitchen tables

to church basements and by the early 1960s parents

and community volunteers had created over 1000 ser-

vices in communities across Canada. They worked to

close institutions, have human rights for individuals

with disabilities included in the Charter of Rights and

Freedoms, supported the birth of the self-advocacy

movement in Canada and contributed to the creation

of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities. Today, thousands of volunteers have ex-

panded their activities to support boards of directors,

sit on school boards, and human rights commissions,

and volunteer their time to create inclusive communi-

ties through their support to friends and families,

teachers, employers, and community agencies. And

we are growing the many ways that volunteers engage

in our movement - from contributing online to blogs

and through social media, to engaging government

and elected officials in conversations about how to

build an inclusive and accessible Canada. The efforts

of our volunteers have driven so very many positive

and progressive changes to Canadian society over the

past decades.

We all acknowledge that we have far to go to achieve

complete success but remain committed heart and soul

to reaching our goals. It is due to this unshakable be-

lief in our vision and the commitment and dedication

shown by our volunteers that I am confident in our

ability to reach those goals.

Once again, thank you to our volunteers! We would

not be where we are today without you!

Lew Crews, NSACL President

OVER THE YEARS I'VE LEARNED THAT LIFE IS

TOUGH, BUT I'M TOUGHER

9

A registered nurse and the single mother of a 15-year-

old son with disabilities is both delighted and compe-

tent to provide respite care for your child/loved one

with significant disabilities and or medical needs, in my

home.

Located in Dartmouth, close to the McKay Bridge,

your child will enjoy the comfort and privacy of his or

her own bed room with a hospital bed or crib, and the

safety of constant supervision and/monitoring. My fully

accessible town-house features a private fenced in back

yard, private parking and security alarm. I am able to

provide constant supervision to children through appro-

priate monitors and 1:1 nursing care. I have oxygen in

my home.

With my bachelor of science in nursing from Dalhousie

University, my professional nursing experience in-

cludes Burns and Plastics and Vascular surgery at the

Halifax Infirmary, as well as, RJF and VON providing

nursing home care. My personal experience includes

caring for my only child. My son has cerebral palsy and

uses a wheelchair for mobility. He attends Junior High

School. He is non-verbal and uses a G-tube for nutri-

tion. We manage a seizure and movement disorder.

Sometimes he needs oxygen and oxygen monitoring

and suctioning. I employ a full-time care provider to

assist me with my son.

My experience includes:

Trachs

Oxygen and suctioning

Nutritious meals, feeding tubes and special diets

TPN and other infusions

Seizure management

Administering medications including injections

Personal care and bowel management and catheter care

Current FA/CPR, Police and Child Abuse Checks, and

CRNNS Registration

CRNNS Registration

Fees range between $10 and $30 per hour and are

based on the care and monitoring needs of your

child.

Hours are generally up to 24 hours at one time, al-

though shorter and longer periods and flat rate fees

can be negotiated on an individual bases. Week-

ends are available. New born babies and very

young infants (with or without disabilities) are also

welcome.

Please Contact:

Jennifer RN

Phone: 902-225-5993

E-Mail: g_jennifer19@hotmail.com

Website:

www.respitenursern.com

10

Jean Coleman

Executive Director

Phone: 902 469-1174

E-mail: nsacl@eastlink.ca

Jocelyne Tranquilla

Community Inclusion Coordinator

Phone: 902 817-5391

Email: nsaclinclusioncoordinator@gmail.com

NSACL website: nsacl.wordpress.com

Facebook: facebook.com/nsacl

CACL website : www.cacl.ca

22-24 Dundas St.

Suite 100, Dartmouth, NS

B2Y 4L2

Contact Information

Parents Supporting Parents - NSACL Family Forums

Over the past 50 years, families have built momen-

tum and created a ripple effect for a tidal wave of

positive change in the Community Living movement

by advocating for a better life for their sons and

daughters with disabilities. Families and self advo-

cates have always been at the forefront of this move-

ment. We have seen our communities brighten as a

result of communities being more welcoming and

providing more opportunities for choice.

THE STRUGGLE IS NOT OVER

In order to secure a bright future for our sons and

daughters, we need to come together and continue to

ride the wave towards a bright future. NSACL family

forums will provide an opportunity for parents to

learn from the past, understand the current situation,

and plan for the future.

Family forums are being organized in communities

across the province. Contact Jocelyne for more infor-

mation or to start organizing a forum for your com-

munity.