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.