On November 13 & 14, 2024, Inclusion Canada and People First of Canada hosted the 15th annual federal policy forum on inclusion. This year’s theme was Roofs and Rights – Inclusive Housing Policy and People with Intellectual Disabilities.
This event brings together policymakers, self-advocates, families, academics, and the disability community to discuss current issues and explore solutions. Presentations included lived experience perspectives from people with an intellectual disability and families, as well as research and policy expertise from both the government and the community.
Inclusive housing is important to persons with disabilities because it can be difficult to find. People with disabilities are often placed in housing that is isolated from the rest of society. This includes large institutions, nursing homes, special care homes, and other institutional settings. When suitable housing is available, it is often too expensive for many persons with disabilities, who also experience high rates of poverty.
This year’s event was held online over two half-days. It offered a wide range of accessibility features like French simultaneous interpretation, American Sign Language (ASL), Quebec Sign Language (LSQ), and English and French CART captioning.
Day 1 of the event looked at the current state of housing in Canada for people with an intellectual disability. We discussed the barriers that prevent the creation of truly inclusive housing.
On Day 2, we learned about innovative housing solutions that promote real inclusion. We talked about actions we can take at individual, community, and government levels to create inclusive, accessible, and affordable housing in Canada.
You can read more about the Policy Forum and access speaker PowerPoint presentations by clicking here.
If you’re interested in learning more about Inclusion Canada’s position on housing, please read our position statement. A plain language version is also available here.
