Feedback on this Resource
CRPD Article 12 ensures the right to equal recognition before the law, or legal capacity. The provision outlines how legal capacity can be ensured. The key to the process is putting appropriate safeguards in place, and no safeguard is more important than clear and open communication free of conflict of interest. CDAC’s resources take this high-level concept enshrined by the CRPD and really flesh them out at the ground level. I’ve reviewed some of the resource modules and it’s clear that the information and concepts examined will be extremely helpful for both people with communication disabilities and those seeking to support them. It’s exactly the sort of resource that we would have imagined nearly 20 years ago when we commenced the work of drafting the Convention. Steve Estey, former advisor to the Canadian Government during the drafting of the CRPD 2002-2006
These resources are important, extremely well-done, respectful, reflect the important perspectives of people with disabilities and, most importantly are very needed. They do not exist anywhere else in the world. Sarah Blackstone, PhD. United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication
This resource clearly describes what healthcare providers need to do when interacting with patients who have disabilities that affect their communication. Personally, I am of the view that it both augments and compliments the work of our committee in developing effective accessibility standards in healthcare in Ontario. Sandi Bell, Chair, Health Care Standards Development Committee for Ontario
Much of this information will assist with ensuring applications have the supports they require to communicate with their lawyer/the Board. It also assists us in looking more critically at the capacity assessments themselves and the manner in which they were conducted. Lora Patton, Ontario Consent and Capacity Board
Our policy colleagues will take into account communication disabilities and accommodating people with communication disabilities as they look to review disability resources currently available on our website over the coming months. We are looking for opportunities to integrate the issues raised in our work monitoring the CRPD. Carleen McGuinty, Canadian Human Rights Commission
These resources allow for a better understanding from the perspective of the person with a disability. The information provided helps to better prepare if dealing with communication and/or cognitive disabilities. We have provided links to the recorded webinar and resources for capacity assessors in Ontario. Shelley Toland, Office of Public Guardian and Trustees
CDAC’s “Communication Supports in Exercising Capacity, Choice and Autonomy” are a helpful set of resources for lawyers, adjudicators, judges and legal sector workers. CDAC’s tools raise awareness about barriers experienced by people with communication disabilities and how these barriers can interfere with people’s rights to make decisions and choices. The tools provide information that will assist lawyers to navigate complex and challenging legal issues concerning their clients’ decision-making rights. They offer much needed practical suggestions, supports and strategies that lawyers and the legal sector can use to facilitate communication with people with communication disabilities. Kerri Joffe, Staff Lawyer, ARCH Disability Law Centre
Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC), the national professional association representing speech-language pathologists, audiologists and communication health assistants – values the resources developed by CDAC. SAC has shared and promoted theses resources to our membership and our international partners. Meredith Wright, Director of Speech-Language Pathology and Communication Health Assistants
These webinars are very important to raise awareness of the issues facing people with communication disabilities. The CDAC resources are invaluable for both people with disabilities and those who are working to support them. Kathy Howery, President. ISAAC Canada