December 3rd, 2019

NDP statements on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Day of Persons with Disabilities statement from NDP critic for Accessibility and Persons with Disabilities

QUEEN’S PARK — Joel Harden, Ontario NDP critic for Accessibility and Persons with Disabilities, released the following statement on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

“People with disabilities in Ontario have worked tirelessly to make this province a more just and inclusive place. Thanks to their efforts, we have the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

We now have a responsibility to fulfill the legislation’s promise of full accessibility in our province by 2025 — a goal we are nowhere near achieving. Too many people continue to be prevented from living their fullest lives because of inaccessible public spaces, transportation, housing, health care, education and workplaces.

There are 1.9 million people with disabilities in Ontario, and that number will only grow as our population ages. We need to ensure that more supports, not fewer, are available for people with disabilities, and that we take much swifter action to dismantle barriers preventing them from living their fullest lives.

Today, and every day, Ontario’s New Democrats will work alongside people with disabilities as allies in the struggle for inclusion, equality and justice.”

International Day of Persons with Disabilities statement from NDP critic for Community and Social Services

QUEEN’S PARK — Lisa Gretzky, Ontario NDP critic for Community and Social Services, released the following statement on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

“The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established to promote the rights of people with disabilities, and reminds us all of our responsibility to create a more equitable and inclusive society. This is a responsibility that we must all take very seriously — and one that demands the attention of the provincial government.

People with disabilities in Ontario deserve to be able to access the services and supports they need to thrive. That means funding autism, FASD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and other developmental services based on need, expanding supportive housing to address the decades-long waitlist, and providing robust social assistance that actually keeps people out of poverty. These are just some of the things the Ontario NDP remains committed to advocating for as it recognizes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.”