Dismantling Ableism in Ontario

Summary

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Takeaways

• 😀 Youth empowerment is key to creating social change, and young people can be powerful political agents when they are given the opportunity to lead.
• 😀 Politicians should be held accountable by the people, as they are elected to represent the public, not to operate beyond accountability.
• 😀 Young people are often misrepresented as politically disengaged or uninformed, but they are highly aware of societal issues and capable of offering solutions.
• 😀 Collective action and community support are essential for achieving positive outcomes in activism and advocacy.
• 😀 The changing definition of disability and the offloading of ODSP responsibilities to municipalities pose significant challenges for people with disabilities.
• 😀 The rollback of the Basic Income Pilot Project in Hamilton has harmed people with disabilities, further exacerbating existing inequities.
• 😀 Youth-led campaigns, like the snow removal initiative in Hamilton, demonstrate how young people can create change through strategic organizing and online activism.
• 😀 There are significant gaps in the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) that leave people with disabilities without adequate support for vital healthcare needs, including repairs and accessible devices.
• 😀 The political system should be restructured to ensure that marginalized groups, including people with disabilities and racialized communities, have more representation in decision-making spaces.
• 😀 People with disabilities should know that they are not isolated in their struggles, as there are supportive communities and historical movements advocating for their rights.
• 😀 More people with disabilities, particularly young and racialized individuals, should run for office to ensure that political decisions reflect the needs and rights of marginalized communities.

Q & A

What motivated Sarah to get involved in activism and advocacy?

Sarah was motivated by her experiences of feeling a lack of autonomy in her body, particularly within the medical system. Her family and mentors also played a key role in reminding her of her worth and encouraging her to believe in her ability to create change.

How does Sarah view the role of politicians in the context of activism?

Sarah sees politicians as movable and believes that they are accountable to the people who elect them. She emphasizes that citizens can hold politicians accountable and challenge them when necessary.

What is the snow removal campaign initiated by the Disability Justice Network, and what impact did it have?

The snow removal campaign was started by the youth council of the Disability Justice Network to address the unequal snow clearing in different parts of Hamilton. This campaign created significant dialogue in the city, led to op-eds being written, and resulted in a motion being moved to include snow removal in the 2020 city budget.

How does Sarah view the political engagement of young people?

Sarah believes that young people are highly politically engaged and aware of societal issues, such as the environmental crisis. She criticizes the misconception that young people are politically disengaged or unintelligent, noting that they often have insightful ideas for solutions.

What are the most significant policy changes that Sarah sees as detrimental to people with disabilities?

Sarah highlights the changing definition of disability and the offloading of decision-making about who qualifies for ODSP to municipalities as particularly harmful. She also points out the rollback of the Basic Income Pilot Project in Hamilton, which had a significant negative impact on disabled individuals.

What solutions does Sarah propose to address the challenges faced by disabled people in Hamilton?

Sarah and her organization focus on local advocacy through initiatives like the campaign for adequate welfare and disability support, which includes clinics to help people sign up for ODSP before changes take effect. They also work on addressing issues with the Assistive Devices Program, such as coverage gaps and delays.

What does Sarah suggest as a way to improve the accessibility and support for people with disabilities in Ontario?

Sarah advocates for treating assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids as integrated parts of the healthcare system, ensuring they are fully covered by health insurance without extra costs or delays. She also calls for more efficient systems for repairs and support for disabled individuals.

What advice does Sarah offer to young people with disabilities navigating systems that may be difficult to access?

Sarah advises young people with disabilities to remember that they are part of a larger community and that they are not alone. She emphasizes that systems are often designed to isolate individuals, but there are communities and histories of activism that can support them.

Why does Sarah believe there is a need for more young people with disabilities in political office?

Sarah believes that having more young people, especially those with disabilities and from racialized backgrounds, in political office is crucial for ensuring that policies reflect the needs of these communities. She sees political representation as a key step in creating systemic change.

How does Sarah respond to the current government and its handling of issues related to disabilities?

Sarah is highly critical of the current government, stating that she believes their actions demonstrate that they do not value the rights of people with disabilities or those in poverty. She advocates for removing the current government from office due to their lack of good faith in addressing these issues.