December 3, 2004
For immediate release

The Government of Canada recognizes the International Day of Disabled Persons

Ottawa, ONTARIO-The Honourable Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development, today marked the United Nations International Day for Disabled Persons with the release of three Government of Canada publications.

Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities – 2004, Canadian Attitudes Towards Disability Issues and Frequently Asked Questions – Guide respecting federal disability programs and services, will help Canadians to better understand the issues facing persons with disabilities and the programs and services available to support their full participation in Canadian society.

"Canadians are committed to the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society – learning, working and community life," said Minister Dryden. "We know that everyone should have an equal opportunity to contribute and participate. Working together, we will improve our collective quality of life."

In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed December 3 the International Day of Disabled Persons. This year's theme for the International Day of Disabled Persons is Nothing about us without us – expressing the critical need for persons with disabilities to be involved in the planning, development and putting into place of disability policies and programs.

For more information on the programs and services for persons with disabilities, call 1-800 O Canada or visit www.canada.gc.ca. Links to the reports are available on the Social Development Canada website at www.sdc.gc.ca.

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Call 1-866-386-9624 on a Touch Tone phone or through a teletypewriter (TTY).

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Media Relations
(613) 941-1110

Backgrounder

In recognition of the International Day of Disabled Persons, Social Development Canada has released the following three Government of Canada publications:

1. Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities 2004, the second comprehensive report on disability in Canada, presents information about Canadians with disabilities and the challenges they face in fully participating in Canadian society. It reports on the Government of Canada’s progress and contribution towards the inclusion of persons with disabilities. It was produced with input from disability community organizations, Aboriginal organizations, academics and other government officials. This second Government of Canada report fulfills a 1999 promise to the Parliamentary Subcommittee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities and the 2003 commitment under the Multilateral Framework for Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities.
   
   
2. Canadian Attitudes Towards Disability Issues, a national opinion poll studying public awareness and attitudes towards disability in Canada. Through this poll, the Government of Canada is sharing with key stakeholders knowledge gained on Canadian attitudes towards persons with disabilities and disability issues. The Government of Canada worked with disability researchers and leaders of disability organizations to ensure that the study would provide needed information. The end result is the first national, comprehensive research on this topic. This poll demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to developing and sharing knowledge to promote the inclusion of Canadians with disabilities.
   
   
3. Frequently Asked Questions, a guide providing answers to questions most frequently asked by people with disabilities, their caregivers and others concerned with a disability issue. This guide provides a reference tool with useful information about programs, services and resources offered by the Government of Canada. It also includes contact information and includes references to provincial and territorial departments and agencies.

To obtain copies of these documents, please contact:

Richard Beaulne
Program Officer
Office for Disability Issues
Social Development Canada
(819) 953-9123