Disability Rights in Canada: A Look at Progress and Challenges Ahead

In Canada, disability rights have come a long way since the 1970s. The country has made significant strides in advancing the rights of people with disabilities, with the adoption of various policies and legislation aimed at promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equality. However, challenges still remain, and there is still much work to be done to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which came into effect in 1982, guarantees equal protection and benefit of the law to all Canadians, including those with disabilities. The Charter has been instrumental in protecting the rights of people with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in society. In addition, the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Employment Equity Act have also been crucial in promoting equality and prohibiting discrimination based on disability.

Canada has also made progress in promoting accessibility for people with disabilities. The Accessible Canada Act, which became law in 2019, aims to promote accessibility and remove barriers faced by people with disabilities in areas such as transportation, employment, and the built environment. The act also established the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization (CASDO), which is responsible for developing accessibility standards that will be applied to organizations under federal jurisdiction.

Despite these advances, challenges still exist. One major issue is the lack of affordable and accessible housing for people with disabilities. Many people with disabilities are unable to find suitable housing due to accessibility barriers, high costs, and discrimination. Another challenge is the lack of accessibility in public transportation, which can make it difficult for people with disabilities to travel to work, school, or access other services.

Employment is another area where people with disabilities face significant challenges. Despite the Employment Equity Act, which requires federally regulated employers to ensure that their workforce is representative of the Canadian workforce, people with disabilities continue to face barriers to employment. Many employers are reluctant to hire people with disabilities due to stigma and misconceptions about their capabilities.

In addition to these challenges, people with disabilities also face a range of other barriers, such as discrimination, social exclusion, and inadequate support services.

To address these challenges and promote the full inclusion of people with disabilities in society, Canada needs to take a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of disability rights. This includes improving accessibility in all areas of life, such as housing, transportation, education, and employment. It also requires addressing stigma and discrimination and promoting the full participation and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.

Canada must also ensure that people with disabilities have access to the support services they need to fully participate in society. This includes access to healthcare, rehabilitation services, and community-based services that can help people with disabilities live independently and participate fully in society.

In conclusion, Canada has made progress in advancing the rights of people with disabilities, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. By taking a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of disability rights, Canada can continue to build a more inclusive and accessible society where everyone can fully participate and thrive.

Accessible Gaming

Gaming has long been an excellent source of entertainment for millions of people worldwide. However, for individuals with disabilities, gaming can offer a lot more than just entertainment. It can be an escape, a social experience, and even a therapeutic tool. In this article, we will explore the world of disabilities and gaming, how gaming can be made more accessible for individuals with disabilities, and how the gaming industry can make a difference.

What is gaming accessibility?

Gaming accessibility refers to the ability of individuals with disabilities to access and participate in video games. It includes a range of features and tools that can be added to games to make them more accessible to players with disabilities. For example, subtitles, text-to-speech, and colorblind modes are some of the accessibility features that can help players with disabilities enjoy games.

Why is gaming accessibility important?

Gaming accessibility is crucial because it enables individuals with disabilities to experience the joy of gaming. It also provides an opportunity for them to engage in social activities and interact with other players. Gaming can be a great source of therapy for individuals with disabilities, and it can help them with hand-eye coordination, cognitive development, and other motor skills.

How can gaming be made more accessible?

Game developers can make gaming more accessible by incorporating accessibility features into their games. For example, game developers can add subtitles, audio descriptions, and colorblind modes to their games to make them more accessible to players with disabilities. They can also use larger fonts and high-contrast colors to make it easier for players with visual impairments to read the text on the screen.

The gaming industry can also work towards creating a more accessible environment for individuals with disabilities. For example, game developers can collaborate with disability advocates to gain insight into the needs of players with disabilities and to ensure that games are designed to be accessible to all. Gaming companies can also host events and tournaments that cater specifically to players with disabilities.

Why is gaming important for individuals with disabilities?

Gaming can provide individuals with disabilities with a sense of empowerment and accomplishment. It can give them a sense of control over their environment, and it can provide them with a fun and engaging way to interact with the world around them. Gaming can also help individuals with disabilities to develop their motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social skills.

Gaming can be a powerful tool for individuals with disabilities, providing them with entertainment, therapy, and a sense of community. The gaming industry has made strides in recent years toward making gaming more accessible, but there is still much work to be done. By working together, game developers, disability advocates, and gaming companies can create a more inclusive gaming environment for all players, regardless of their abilities.

Today's Tech and Disabilities (Guest Post)

In today's digital age, technology has become an integral part of our lives. From communication to education, entertainment, and work, technology has revolutionized the way we interact with the world. For people with disabilities, technology has been a game-changer, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for inclusion that were once impossible. In this article, we will explore how technology is revolutionizing accessibility for people with disabilities and changing lives for the better.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology refers to any device, software, or equipment that is designed to help people with disabilities perform tasks that they might otherwise find difficult or impossible. This can range from something as simple as a magnifying glass or hearing aid to more complex devices like prosthetic limbs and voice recognition software. One of the most significant advancements in assistive technology is the development of screen readers and speech recognition software. These tools make it possible for people who are visually impaired or have difficulty using a keyboard to access and interact with computers and mobile devices. Screen readers use synthetic speech to read the text on a computer screen, while speech recognition software allows users to dictate text and control their devices with their voice. Another example of assistive technology is the use of prosthetic limbs. Modern prosthetics use sensors and microprocessors to detect movement and adjust their position accordingly. This makes it possible for people with amputations to perform everyday tasks like walking, running, and even playing sports.

Accessibility in Design

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on accessibility in design. This means creating products, websites, and apps that are designed to be accessible to people with disabilities from the outset. This approach is known as universal design and aims to create products that are usable by the widest range of people possible. For example, website designers can use alt tags for images, which provide a description of the image for people who are visually impaired and use screen readers. They can also ensure that their website is keyboard navigable, making it easier for people with mobility impairments to navigate the site without a mouse. Mobile devices are also becoming more accessible, with features like closed captioning, voice recognition, and haptic feedback making it easier for people with disabilities to use them.

Inclusive Education

Technology is also having a profound impact on education for people with disabilities. Online learning platforms, such as Coursera and Khan Academy, make it possible for people with disabilities to access high-quality educational content from anywhere in the world. This is particularly useful for people with mobility impairments or who live in rural areas without access to traditional educational institutions. Another example of inclusive education is the use of assistive technology in the classroom. For example, students with hearing impairments can use FM systems that amplify the teacher's voice and reduce background noise. Students with visual impairments can use Braille displays or screen readers to access digital content. Technology is transforming the lives of people with disabilities, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for inclusion that were once impossible. From assistive technology to inclusive design and education, technology is revolutionizing accessibility and changing lives for the better. As we continue to embrace technology and its potential, it is important to remember that it is only one piece of the puzzle. We must also work to create a more inclusive society that values diversity and embraces the unique contributions of every individual.

Searching for a job with a disability

My search for employment has been long and tedious. Signing up for many different companies through their individual sites. Completing 5-15 minute tests on Indeed while 2-300+ people are signing up for the same position. Many of them are more able-bodied and not looking for many hours of work. Some jobs have requirements that I am not able to meet, such as having a driver’s license or college diploma in that given area.

One of the issues that I face is that my hands are not as dexterous as most looking in that same position. Which places someone like me at the bottom of the rung. I have applied to hundreds of postings on Indeed with no response or receiving a statement of something like not having the right requirements or they have moved on with another candidate. I feel that if you cannot get into retail, restaurant, or factory/warehouse there aren’t many options to choose from without extensive education, which takes time and money.

I feel as if I am fully able to operate most of these available jobs. What is hindering my search is finding an employer to give me a chance to prove that I am able to complete the tasks necessary for the given job. Out of all the job postings that I have applied to I received seven interviews and no offers. There are fewer jobs available after the minimum wage increases to a higher amount.

As a disabled person, what do you do for support?

Almost another year past us!

This year has been a long and hectic one for sure! First, we should start with some good news. I am coming up on my second year over at Debits & Credits Accounting & Bookkeeping as Marketing Coordinator. I love my job and the people that I work with. I mostly organize the social media in-house for the company. Making sure that we keep up a presence online to remind everyone that we are here! Plus, it is a bit of a refresher to leave the house at some point. Usually, I am scheduling posts that I have already created to post them during prime time so the most people reach/able to interact with it.

Unfortunately, our Brooklyn had passed away earlier in August. With Rosie this year has also been difficult. They will both be dearly missed. Both Stella and Nala are well and healthy. Snow has started to pile in around my area, so they are probably having a blast in the backyard right now.

At this moment I am trying to work on myself and build up on my hobbies. Next year I will be working more on my blog now that I am slowly getting back into a routine. I was also thinking of starting a gaming channel on YouTube. Show you how people with my condition can play and enjoy videogames. Also, offer some perspective on making it more accessible for everyone.

I am coming closer to the most stressful part of the year. Trying to stay optimistic and look forward to what the new year will bring. One reason that I have come back to my blog is to become more productive and scheduled. Is there any kind of blog post that you would like to see or have any ideas regarding a post about which I could write. I complete several tasks in a certain way due to my disability and have methods that I use to make my life easier. One of these is that I use a button hook to assist me with any of my button-up shirts. Without this device it would take me about two to three times more to button my shirt up. Another device that I use is a bowl with a handle attached to it. This helps me remove hot foods from the microwave without spilling.

I feel like the new year is going to change for the good. I have come a far way and have miles to go until I reach my goal of owning a house and a piece of property to go with it. Upgrading my skills at my job will be one of my goals next year. I appreciate all my readers, new and current! Thank you for following me into the new year and I hope to see you there!

2022 Is Going To Be A Year To Remember

This year seems to be another roller coaster just as the previous year. First, let’s start with some good news right off the bat. I have moved out of my small bachelor apartment and into my first one bedroom! While this was occurring, I was also working on my new photography hobby. I had purchased my first camera at the beginning of 2021 and have been loving it since. I use Instagram and Facebook to showcase my photos.

Not all news here is happy unfortunately, my dog, Rosie, had contracted Lymphoma and had to be laid to rest almost a week ago today. We are all deeply saddened by this turn of events. She will always be the sweetest little girl in my life and missed every day. Rosie loved everyone and would be excited to see you when walking into the room. She would also be the first to wake me up every morning. Being a Golden-Doodle she always needed to be brushed. Her hair is everywhere that she has been. Rosie had a permanent smile on her face that only got brighter when she saw you.

I am doing my best to find more time for my blog. This year I am going to be more active on my website and introduce more content to share with you. Be safe!

 

Mason

How To Create Your First Blog Like A Pro!

What You Need

• A website or blog-publishing service provider.
• blogger.com
• wordpress.com
• A domain name and web host.
• namecheap.com
• bluehost.com
• At least five written blog articles.
• Word count is not as important as keywords.
• However, blog articles should be around 350-600 words average.
• Too short = not enough information to be relevant.
• Too long = attention spans are shorter and will not be fully read or bounce.
• Bounce = Someone who visits your website just to leave as fast as they entered.
• Fluff = extra words used for the purpose of increasing word count.
• Find keywords
• Words or phrases that people type into Google when searching for topics relevant to your website or blog.
• Patience
• If you are into this solely to make money then you might want to reconsider.
• Your articles may not see a lot of traffic at first, but they will.
• Be consistent with your posting so your audience does not forget about you or move on.
• I try for one every 1-2 weeks but sometimes life gets ahead of you.

 

Step 1

• Think of some topics that you have an interest in.
• Do you have enough knowledge on the topic to write informative blog posts?
• Does it spark any inspiration from you?
• Is it a niche idea?
• What makes your content different then the rest?

 

Step 2

• Sign up for a blogging website.
• Two popular websites are:
• Blogger.com
• Wordpress.com
• Both are simple to use and there are a lot of resources that will teach you how to use the platform to get your blog up and running!
• I used Blogger to create my blog.

 

Step 3

• Write your first article.
• Make it around 350-600 words so that Google can find it in their algorithm.
• The search bot looks for websites with content with these numbers.
• Any less and your blog will not turn up as much on any search engine.
• Post your article.
• Post it first to the service of your choice (e.g., Blogger).

 

Step 4

• Share a link to your new page on your social media accounts.
• Facebook
• Create a fan page on Facebook so that more people see your blog posts.
• Invite your whole contact list so that they can share and comment on your posts.
• Use your page to start more discussions to receive more engagement from your readers.
• Entice your page followers to find more by allowing them to share your posts with their contacts.
• The more people that share, the more people will see your blog.
• Even if they do not click the first time.
• Reddit
• Reddit is another great site to share your blog.
• You can create discussions with millions of already registered users.
• Also, join discussions to put in your two cents with a link back to your blog.
• The more links that lead back to your blog the better
• Creating links this way allows more people to engage with your blog.
• Twitter
• I use Twitter to post updates multiple times per day.
• It is used to relay short and concise messages to your followers.
• Ask your friends and family members to share your blog links so that more people can see them.
• Each share means that more and more people are seeing your blog.

 

Step 5

• Reply to feedback.
• Comments
• Questions
• The more involved you become, the more your audience does.

 

Congratulations!

You just created your first blog! If my article helped you in any way, please comment below! I would also love any feedback regarding my blog.

 

Helpful Tools for Motor Movement Disabilities

  

My tremors that are caused by my Cerebral Palsy affect my daily life in numerous ways. This gives me an opportunity to make my life easier by coming up or finding new ways to help myself grow. For example, I find myself having some difficulty buttoning up my shirts. The buttons are small and hard to navigate through the holes on the other side. One of the tools that I use is the Button Hook Tool. Putting on dress shirts has become so much easier thanks to this. I also use an automatic can opener. It’s a lot easier than using a mechanical can opener.

These two tools help me perform normal daily tasks both quickly and efficiently. Are there any tools that you use yourself for assistance daily? What tools do you think are helpful to someone with, for example, fine motor movements with their hands?

End of the Year Update (Covid-19)

 

Here we are, reaching the end of the year already. This year has gone by at an exceptionally low pace since almost the beginning. For myself, staying indoors has been easy enough but it has been stressful. Although, next year I do have a few opportunities to look forward to. One of them being the co-op position at an accounting company and the other is starting back in school to continue my studies. With this, I will be able to find a career to gain more stability in my life.

Another event that has happened was the completion of the Business Management program. I have received honor’s status as well which I am immensely proud of myself for! It has been a while since I have had some major accomplishments, so I am extremely excited, to say the least.

I am ready to see what this new year brings to the table and hopeful that it will be a better one. It has almost been a year since the lockdown had started. One good thing came out of this though. I was able to find more time for my studies and to work on my personal life. This has led me to discover new information and paths that I could take to achieve the life that I have always wanted. This gives me another reason to feel good about the near future to come.

Writing has always been a way that I could easily express myself. This is one of the many reasons that I learned when starting up my blog over ten years ago. I have also met a large community of similar bloggers with their own amazing blogs that they write for! If you have one or know of another that you would like to share please add it to the comments below so others (including myself) can find them. Thank you for an amazing year and I hope to see you all in the next!

Covid-19 From an Introvert’s Perspective

Being stuck indoors almost twenty-four hours and seven days a week can be more than a little nerving sometimes. Of course, you cannot stay inside forever. You just like everyone else need a fresh breath of air occasionally. I am lucky that I still have my education to keep me busy during these timid and scary times. I have been given another assignment to work on over the upcoming weekend. I have about two weeks to complete it, but I do not think that it will take that long to do so.

Looking for any job today can be daunting at best. Now that were stuck in this pandemic phase it has become almost impossible for someone like me to gain employment. It is difficult enough just to get by let alone save any money for my future. I have some big plans for me and my life ahead. Do not get me wrong, I know that there are people in much worse situations and have a lot less. I am grateful for my life. I would like to become as independent as I possibly can. In order to do this, I need to join the work force. There may be some hope in the virtual world where there is some sort of remote work. My current work now is my education and blog.

The hardest part I find is keeping my own sanity. Over-thinking can become a big part of your day when your stuck inside at your desk wondering what to do next. Currently my overthinking has everything to do with my career path. I am in a boat with a lot of people when I say, “I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I’M DOING!”. I can remember before this pandemic hit, I had no idea. I do admit that I have learned quite a bit since starting my program Business Management. I found some aspects, like accounting and bookkeeping, that I had found remarkably interesting.

What do you miss about your daily life before Covid-19 hit? One of the parts that I look back on is being inside an actual classroom and seeing other people. I miss going somewhere just to get out of the house. Head out for a walk, pick a direction and go. I would guess that that the worst part of it is seeing your family and friends’ fewer times than you had been used to. Being stuck inside makes a person feel trapped in their own mind.

One thing that I do to keep my mind focused is to work on some sort of hobby. Whether its learning about something or building another, keeps my mind at ease for the most part. One hobby I have is writing for my blog. I feel as if I can calm down a little bit more when I am writing something. I also love to cook and experiment with different dishes and flavours.

I am not looking forward to this new winter season during this pandemic. “Covid Christmas” does not seem to ring any bells for me. I wonder what the holidays are going to look like. I am guessing that most sales this time will come from one of many online sources like Amazon or Best Buy. I cannot see myself standing in line with a bunch of other people for hours. I would rather complete what shopping that I can from home. The only issue that I can think of would be that it is never the same as seeing the product before purchase. A lot of disappointment I find comes from when people do not read the description carefully enough and not receive the expected product. Sometimes its too easy to click the buy button and move on to find your next purchase.

That all being said I do look forward to seeing what the new year brings the table (kind of) and have some hop that something will turn out for the better. I hope that the job market will become more stable are accessible to people who do not have a job. I have been looking for employment for months, had multiple interviews and had heard from a few stating that they were moving on or found a more suitable candidate. But I am not giving up now. I will find a new job to support myself and future. Hopefully somewhere with better access to parking so my friends and family can visit without worry. Stay safe and good luck!