Thanks for the Feedback

By Raymond D. Cohen

Thanks for the feedback! I’m glad that you’re finding the information in ABILITIES useful. I was particularly pleased at the extent of interest in our interview with Dr. Bruce Halliday and the progress of the Standing Committee on Human Rights and the Status of Disabled Persons (Volume 2, Number 2).

Readers of this present issue might be interested to note that the Standing Committee, in an unprecedented move, has replied to the governments response to their report, “A Consensus for Action: The Economic Integration of Disabled Persons”, with a second report entitled “Unanswered Questions”. A perspective on developments surrounding this very important process can be found in “Unanswered Questions” on P.23 of this issue.

On other fronts , have you noticed how the ABILITIES “network” is expanding? It seems that with each issue different groups become willing (nay, enthused!) about utilizing our pages to share with you some of the innovations occurring within their own organizations. In addition to Diane Richler (Canadian Association for Community Living) shedding some light on the current state of deinstitutionalization in Canada with “Emerging Realities” on P.17, and Harry Beatty (Advocacy Resource Centre for the Handicapped) offering some very useful money-saving tips for the current tax season in “A Taxing Situation” on P.12. Aldred Neufeldt, a long-standing and active participant in the disability movement begins the first of a four-part series on the evolution and activities of the Premier’s Council on the status of persons with Disabilities in Alberta with “Catalyst for Change” on P.32.

Eric Boyd, Executive Director of the Premier’s Council, supports the notion of sharing this experience with other organizations and individuals across Canada, saying “If others can derive some benefit from our experience, and maybe save themselves a few cuts and bruises in the process, more power to them – more power to us all”.

I would also like to draw your attention to the presence of the Canadian Association for Independent Living Centres (CAILC) in this issue in “Colouring Outside the Lines” on P.35. this is the second installment of a five-part series on independent living in Canada, a series which should be both enlightening and useful as more and more people elect to get involved with their local Independent Living Centres (ILCs).

In addition to the editorial presence, an organizational link has been forged between CAILC and the ABILITIES Foundation – a link offering many advantages to both organizations. CAILC has agreed, through its member centres, to make ABILITIES available to local communities across Canada. So, if you are not as yet a subscriber and you are wondering where to pick up a copy of ABILITIES, your local ILC should be able to help you out! A list of ILCs can be found on P.36.

CAILC also intends to put some of its energy into securing advertisers for ABILITIES. This should provide a level of mainstream employment for some of its members, while at the same time contributing to the financial well being of both organizations.

There is a lot of enthusiasm and positive energy surrounding these developments, as the goals and objectives of CAILC and the hopes and aspirations of the ABILITIES Foundation spring from the same source: the desire for every Canadian to have the opportunity to achieve personal potential.