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NINETEEN

International Perspective

“1981 has been proclaimed by the United Nations as the Year of the Disabled. This, in itself, is very important. It shows that those who are concerned with the question (disabled and their friends) have been able to gather enough clout which is needed in order to persuade the international organization to do it. Modern societies have, in principle, committed themselves to the rehabilitation of the disabled.”

“1981 has been declared the International Year of Disabled Persons. The time for impressive speeches is past. The challenge is for you to take concrete action, now, to ensure basic human rights and freedoms for all Canadian citizens.”

“The World Coalition of Persons with Disabilities which grew out of a 1980 World Congress of Rehabilitation International in Winnipeg reflects the growing frustration of disabled people throughout the world with the traditional, professional rehabilitation system. This new international consumer body considered it necessary to foster and exchange information between consumer groups, evaluate common problems with traditional systems and services and to find means of encouraging consumer groups and individuals in their respective countries to learn how to speak out and to articulate their own particular needs. It was immediately evident at the World Congress that disabled consumers face the same frustrations throughout the entire world.”

124

REINFORCE FEDERAL ROLE IN INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Federal Government continue to play a lead role in the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP) activities at the United Nations, and with UN Agencies, and, in particular, in the development of a long-term plan of action as a follow-up to the International Year.

Important Role: Canada has already made a notable contribution to planning for the International Year. In June 1980, it hosted the World Congress of Rehabilitation International in Winnipeg. Canadian representatives have served this past year on the UN Advisory Committee for IYDP and in other international activities related to the International Year.

Long-Term: The UN Advisory Committee will table a comprehensive report on the world-wide status of disabled persons sometime in 1981. This will lead to the adoption of a long-term action plan by the UN General Assembly in 1982. The Federal Government should reinforce the lead role it has been playing, to ensure that Canadian experience and expertise is involved in the development and implementation of any long-term plan designed to prevent disability, or to improve the conditions of disabled persons in developing countries.

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125

INSTRUCT CIDA TO DEVOTE MORE FUNDS TO PREVENT DISABILITY

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Federal Government instruct the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to allocate a greater proportion of its current budget in developing countries for the following purposes:

• Projects for improvement of the water supply as a measure to reduce the incidence of disabling conditions as Canada's participation in the 1981-1990 International Water Supply and Sanitation Decade;
• Programs for immunization and other means of preventing disabling conditions;
• Community services for disabled persons which foster integration into the community;
• Establishment of prosthetic and orthotic services in countries lacking such services;
• Support for the organization and activities of consumer groups at the local, regional, national and international level.
• Establishment of an interchange of professionals in the field of rehabilitation.

That the Federal Government instruct CIDA to adopt a policy requiring the application of minimum Canadian standards for accessibility to buildings or facilities funded by that body, where feasible.

Four Per Cent: The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) provides more than $1-billion annually to assist developing countries. Less than $50-million, or less than 4 per cent, of this annual budget is devoted to solving health problems in these countries. Yet statistics show that the greatest drain on the resources and manpower energies of developing nations come from the ravages of disease. The main cause of these diseases, and of disabilities, is unclean water. CIDA should reexamine its priorities, and devote a much larger percentage of its aid to clean water programs, so that the conditions of disability can be contained and gradually eliminated.

Commitment: Overall, CIDA must show a clearer commitment to the needs of disabled persons. This can be done through a variety of prevention or rehabilitation programs. Above all, CIDA should provide assistance to self-help efforts within developing nations, so that long-term dependence upon Canada can be lessened.
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126

ACCESSIBILITY TO CANADIAN FACILITIES ABROAD

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Federal Government instruct the Department of External Affairs to accelerate the implementation wherever feasible of the same policy for accessibility to buildings aud facilities outside the country as Federal Government Departments and Agencies are required to implement in Canada.

That the Federal Government instruct the Department of External Affairs to promote the use of reasonable standards of accessibility to buildings or facilities owned, leased or funded by the United Nations and its Agencies.

Leadership: Canada is already taking a lead role in the UN's activities to assist disabled persons. One way to reinforce the country's commitment to the worldwide disabled community is to set an example for accessibility. Minimum standards should be applied to all leases, construction and renovation of Canadian Government buildings abroad, wherever this is feasible.