Make These Issues a Priority in the Upcoming Federal Election

1. Income Security and the Canada Disability Benefit

• Increase payments so recipients are above the poverty line, accounting for the additional costs of disability.
• Expand eligibility so all people with disabilities living in poverty, including those with Down Syndrome, can receive support.
• Ensure the benefit remains tax-exempt and is protected from provincial clawbacks.

2. Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Reform

• Automatically approve the DTC for people with lifelong disabilities.
• Eliminate unnecessary reassessments for permanent conditions.
• Cover the costs of professional assessments required for DTC applications.

3. Inclusive Employment Pathways

• Ensure all federally funded employment programs include individuals with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome.
• Invest in job training and supported employment programs.

4. Inclusive Education

• Ensure federal education policies support students with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome.
• Mandate inclusive education programs that provide individualized support in regular neighborhood classrooms.

5. Healthcare Equity and Access

• Improve training for healthcare providers on needs specific to the individual’s disability.
• Ensure timely access to specialized medical care, including cardiac and early dementia screenings.
• Invest in research and resources to improve health outcomes for people with disabilities, including those with Down Syndrome.

6. Accessible and Afforable Housing

• Increase investment in housing that is both affordable and accessible.
• Mandate accessibility standards for all new federally funded housing projects.
• Develop and enforce Accessibility Standards Canada’s housing standards, including retrofitting existing homes to meet accessibility needs.
• Support community-based living options over institutional care.