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Message from the Co-Chairs
One of the questions often asked is how the work of the NCFPSD is of concrete
benefit to the individual federal public servant who has a disability or
multiple disabilities. In general terms, our mandate is to advance the broader
interests of persons with disabilities with respect to employment equity issues
across the federal public service. Our successes are measured in the actual
enhancement of the Government of Canada's larger policies, frameworks and
initiatives, and those of its departments and agencies, aimed at providing a
work environment that is consistently inclusive of persons with disabilities.
Here are a few examples of recent achievements. The 2005 Public Service
Employee Survey (launched November 2, 2005) was carried out using paper
questionnaires only, in a manner that was more fully accessible than the
previously intended on-line survey mechanism that was under development. Special
thanks go to Steve Buell and his IT group for bringing this matter to the
NCFPSD's attention!
The NCFPSD has laid the groundwork for collaborative discussions with our
counterparts, the Aboriginal National Network Initiative (ANNI) and the National
Council of Visible Minorities (NCVM) to discuss common issues. For example,
career advancement is one issue that concerns all three groups. A joint meeting
is planned for April, 2006 to discuss a collaborative approach to address this
question more strategically, as well as other shared issues to be identified.
Thanks to the hard work of Duane Simpson and his team, DND/CF has accepted a
new Universal Design code. This code will be presented for adoption by the rest
of the Government of Canada, at the earliest opportunity.
The NCFPSD website and this NCFPSD newsletter have been one of our most
popular successes to date! Thanks to Louise Normand, Team Leader for the NCFPSD
Subcommittee for Communications and Membership Drive, and to Carole Coutlée,
NCFPSD Communications and Administration Officer for their outstanding efforts
in ensuring outreach to our members and our soon-to-be members. To join, please
complete the membership form at the end of this newsletter. We need you! And
it's free!!!
Finally, thanks to Max Brault, Team Leader for the NCFPSD Subcommittee on
Management Awareness, a pilot project of Managers Forums will be taking place in
June 2006 in the NCR. It is hoped that this series of forums will be ready for
export in the regions in 2007.
You may have noticed that since the NCFPSD 2005 Elections we were saddened to
accept the resignation of two persons who had been elected: Rachelle Halpenny
(NCR) and Cathy Scott (Ontario Region). In addition, during the elections, there
was no candidate running for the position for the North. For logistical reasons,
the NCFPSD has decided to start with by-elections for the vacant NCR position.
You will find information on the by-elections on the NCFPSD website. Once this
first electoral process is completed, a call for nominations will go out for the
two regional positions, i.e. Ontario Region and the North.
On March 30 and 31, 2006, the NCFPSD Board Members will be meeting to review
the group's current achievements, to review the status of the work in the
various subcommittees and working groups, to make broad policy decisions as may
be required, and to strategically plan for the future - including changing
attitudes so that federal public servants are always viewed and treated as valid
contributors to the work of the Government of Canada - even when they have
disabilities.
Carole Willans-Théberge, NCFPSD Co-Chair, NCR
Duane Simpson, NCFPSD Co-Chair, Regions
What is the NCFPSD?
The mandate of the National Committee of Federal Public Servants with
Disabilities (NCFPSD) is to promote awareness, represent, and advance the needs
of federal public servants with both visible and invisible disabilities in the
Public Service of Canada, in areas including but not limited to those of
recruitment, retention, accommodation, accessibility, training and development,
career progression, succession planning, promotion and advancement, workplace
barriers, and respectful, welcoming, and inclusive workplace environments, and
provide information, advice, analysis, and recommendations on those needs and
the actions required to address them to senior federal Public Service
management.
NCFPSD Membership
We would like to invite you to become part of our national network of people
working together for a Public Service that is inclusive of all Canadians,
including persons with disabilities. Everybody is welcome to join…you do not
need to have a disability. There is no membership fee…it is free.
As a member, you will receive the quarterly newsletter, notice of web site
updates and advance notice and personal invitation to the next big NCFPSD event
in 2008. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in various
surveys and to provide input on important issues.
How to join? Download the
form (Word format). Complete the registration form and send it by e-mail at ccoutlee@justice.gc.ca
, by fax at (613)948-2236 or by mail at the following address:
National Council Of Federal Employees With Disabilities
360 Albert Street, 14th Floor
Ottawa ON K1A 0H8
NCFPSD Activities
NCFPSD Presentation at Department of Justice
On December 13, 2005, Carole Willans-Théberge made a ten-minute presentation
to the Deputy Minister of Justice's Advisory Committee on Persons with
Disabilities (ACPD) at the opening of their annual retreat. Information was
provided on the origins and mandate of the NCFPSD, as well as its Board and its
Subcommittees. It was also a great opportunity to make a major pitch for the
NCFPSD membership drive. Both the ACPD Champion (Myles Kirvan) and the ACPD
Chair (Michael Sousa) expressed their appreciation to the NCFPSD for its work
and for collaborative efforts this year that led to a very successful joint
celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 2,
2005 under the leadership of Tidjani Djalal (Regional Employment Equity
Coordinator at Justice Canada). Michael Sousa also announced that the
appointment of an ACPD Co-Chair, Melinda Andrasi (Justice Canada, Ontario
Regional Office).
PCO's Employment Equity Advisory Committee
Carole Willans-Théberge, Co-Chair (NCR), made a presentation to the PCO
Employment Equity Advisory Committee (EEAC) on January 18, 2006 to introduce
this group to the NCFPSD and its initiatives. The mandate of the EEAC is to
promote PCO's vision for employment equity with respect to the four designated
groups (i.e. Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible
minority groups, and women in traditionally under-represented groups). The
outcome of this meeting is that the EEAC will provide assistance to the NCFPSD
membership drive within the PCO context. In addition, the NCFPSD and the EEAC
will be looking for other opportunities to work together in the near future.
PSHRMAC Interdepartmental Forum on Employment Equity (IDFEE)
On March 8, 2006, Carole Willans-Théberge provided an update to EE
Coordinators from across the country on the NCFPSD, focusing on three key
messages:
(1) an announcement regarding the call for nominations for the NCFPSD
by-elections to fill one vacant position on the Board for a representative from
the National Capital Region - as well as a request that EE coordinators actively
help to "get the word out" regarding this call for nominations;
(2) a
reminder that the NCFPSD is actively pursuing its membership drive and that all
federal public servants are eligible for membership - and an appeal to EE
coordinators that they themselves register as members and that they provide real
assistance in encouraging federal public servants in all departments and
agencies across the country to register as members; and
(3) an update on recent
NCFPSD achievements, including collaborative work with government to ensure that
the Public Service Employee Survey 2005 would be accessible to persons with
disabilities, as well as a very successful and well attended Celebration of the
International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 2, 2005 in
cooperation with the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Justice Canada,
Correctional Services Canada and Canadian Heritage.
Ms. Willans-Théberge also
indicated that she is looking forward to discussions with the Aboriginal
National Network Initiative (ANNI) and the National Council of Visible
Minorities (NCVM) to explore issues of common interests between the different
interest groups and could potentially benefit from a collaborative united
strategy.
London CRA Wellness Fair
By Gary Doerr
On Thursday February 9, 2006, the Canada Revenue Agency office in London,
Ontario hosted a Wellness Fair organized by the local EAP. Over 30 exhibits and
practitioners set up displays which more than two hundred attendees perused,
sampled and made inquiries about during the one-day event.
I was fortunate to be able to set up a display for the NCFPSD, which was very
well received by many who wanted to know more about our organization. London is
no different than any other city or town; there is a lot of work to do to
educate management, employees, EAP and the unions. In the coming months, I hope
to make more presentations to these groups promoting the need to improve the
lives of government employees with disabilities.
I would like thank the NCFPSD, specifically Carole Coutlée and Louise
Normand for reviewing my PowerPoint presentation and providing hand out
material. I also would like to thank the PIPSC Branch and Sub Group in London
who paid for the printing of my brochures. Your contributions helped to make my
display a success.
PSHRMAC News
Plans are underway to table the President's Annual Report on Employment
Equity in the Federal Public Service in Parliament in April.
The Diversity Policy and Directives on Employment Equity and the Duty to
Accommodate are on track for submission to Treasury Board for approval in June
2006. Statistics Canada is currently analyzing the results of the Public Service
Employee Survey. The results are expected to be released in June 2006.
Newsbites on Disability Issues
Government of Canada
Government of Canada to establish a Canadian Mental Health Commission
November 24, 2005 - Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh today announced that
the government of Canada will establish a Canadian Mental Health Commission, in
consultation with the provinces and territories and stakeholders. The Canadian
Mental Health Commission will enable greater collaboration among governments and
stakeholders in order to better address mental health and mental illness in
Canada. For the full press release, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/2005/2005_130_e.html
Source: Health Canada
National project to address substance abuse among people with disabilities
November 3, 2005 - Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh today announced the
contribution of more than $430,000 over the next three years to the Canadian
Association for Independent Living Centres for their national project, Responding
to Substance Abuse: An Independent Living Approach. The funding for this
project is delivered under the Drug Strategy Community Initiatives Fund (DSCIF).
"Substance abuse and addiction are serious issues that don't
discriminate," said Minister Dosanjh. "They affect Canadians from all
walks of life, including those with disabilities. The goal of the project is to
increase the capacity to address substance abuse among persons with disabilities
in all regions of Canada. It will include a national needs assessment and
survey, outreach activities and partnership building with addiction
professionals, training for staff of the 26 Canadian Association for Independent
Living Centres located across the country, workshops and peer support
initiatives. For the full press release, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/2005/2005_116_e.html
Source: Health Canada
Canadians invited to provide views on policies and programs for persons
with disabilities
June 29, 2005 - Minister of Social Development, Ken Dryden, today
launched online consultations on the topic of persons with disabilities. The
consultations, which are on the department's website, will give Canadians an
opportunity to share their stories and provide feedback into Social Development
Canada's effort to advance the full social participation and well-being of
persons with disabilities. "We want to hear from as many people as possible
about disability issues that are important to them," said Minister Dryden.
Social Development's Online Consultations website is at www.sdc.gc.ca
Source: Social Development Canada
Government of Canada report on disabilities issues
Advancing the Inclusion of People with Disabilities 2005 is the Government of
Canada's third report detailing its progress on disability issues. Prepared with
the input of some 30 departments and agencies, as well as stakeholders,
researchers and members of Aboriginal organizations, it presents an overview of
developments in Government of Canada disability policy and a profile of
expenditures on disability. This year's report also includes a special focus on
seniors with disabilities. To view the report, go to http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/hip/odi/documents/advancingInclusion05/toc.shtml
Source: Social Development Canada
Correctional Services of Canada Reaching Out to the Forgotten Few
By G. Chartier, Communications Officer, Communications and Citizen
Engagement, for the magazine Let's Talk
Sue Bruff has just returned from the mainland to St. John's, Newfoundland,
where she works as a community parole officer for the Correctional Service of
Canada (CSC). "I was visiting prisons," she says of her week away
touring several Atlantic Region institutions on the mainland. "We have 10
offenders, originally from Newfoundland, incarcerated in the federal system."
Bruff works with what is termed "complex-needs offenders with
significant mental health issues." "A lot of them have had long-term
institutionalization, been in the system for years and years," she says.
"I call them 'the forgotten few,' the more vulnerable population. For lack
of better words, they fell through the cracks of the mental health system and
they fell into the criminal justice system." Sue Bruff herself is a federal
public servant with a disability, she is hard of hearing. To read the full
article, visit http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/pblct/letstalk/2005/30-3/10_e.shtml
Canada Revenue Agency
New multiple format service for visually impaired persons offered by the
Canada Revenue Agency
February 16, 2006 - The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Canadian
Human Rights Commission (CHRC) announced today that effective immediately, the
CRA will offer a new multiple format service for visually impaired individuals.
The new multiple format service will allow visually impaired Canadians to
self-identify to receive CRA printed material in the alternate format of their
choice by making a one-time alternate format request to the CRA. To view the
full press release, visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/newsroom/releases/2006/feb/nr060216-e.html
Transport Canada
Canada welcomes TRANSED 2007
Canada is proud to host the 11th International Conference on Mobility and
Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED), to be held June 18-21,
2007, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal under the theme
"Benchmarking, Evaluation and Vision for the Future". The conference
will review advances in research, profile international breakthroughs and
explore perspectives for technological innovations in order to respond to the
mobility challenges of an aging population and of persons with disabilities, as
part of an inclusive society. The conferences are held triennially under the
auspices of the U.S. Transportation Research Board, and are regarded as
extremely important in the field of accessible transportation, attracting
researchers, policy-makers and other specialists to share innovation and best
practices. To know more visit http://www.tc.gc.ca/pol/en/transed2007/home.htm
Canada-Wide
National Access Awareness Week: May 30 - June 4, 2006
National Access Awareness Week brings together people with disabilities,
organizations which serve people with disabilities, government and businesses to
facilitate change which allows the full participation of people with
disabilities in all aspects of Canadian life; in the areas of education,
leisure, transportation, housing and employment.
Manitoba
Province to fund diagnostic testing to prevent permanent vision loss
$583,000 to be provided for additional tests for macular degeneration
February 08, 2006 - The province will invest $583,000 to increase
diagnostic testing and help prevent permanent sight loss due to macular
degeneration, Health Minister Tim Sale announced today. "Age-related
macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over
the age of 50," said Sale. To view the full press release, visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/press/top/2006/02/2006-02-08-02.html
Source: Government of Manitoba
Manitoba announces $6.7 million in mental health and addictions strategy
December 14, 2005 - Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald today
announced details of a $6.7-million comprehensive strategy to enhance and
increase mental health and addictions programs and services as well as
additional training of front-line workers to deal with crystal meth, other
addictions and mental health. "Today I'm pleased to announce investments
that will provide increased mental-health programming, enhance access to
mental-health and addictions treatment and help reduce the demand for crystal
meth and other drugs", said Oswald. For the full press release, visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/press/top/2005/12/2005-12-14-02.html
Source: Government of Manitoba
New website meeting highest levels of accessibility launched for
Manitoba's Disabilities Issues Office
December 2, 2005 - People with disabilities now have around-the-clock
access to important information with the launch of a website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/dio/english/index.html
, Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick, Minister responsible
for persons with disabilities, announced today. For the full press release,
visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/press/top/2005/12/2005-12-02-07.html
Source: Government of Manitoba
Northwest Territories
The NWT Disability Framework
The NWT Disability Framework for Persons with Disabilities addresses issues
identified by the Disability Steering Committee Partnership to improve programs
and services across the departments and community level, as well as promoting
the full inclusion of persons with disabilities throughout the NWT. To read the
report, visit http://www.hlthss.gov.nt.ca/content/Publications/Reports/DisabilityReport/2004/DisabilityFrameworkDec2004.pdf
Source: Government of the Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
The Government of Nova Scotia is asking for public comment on proposed
changes to provincial building and plumbing code regulations. The proposed
changes are available on the Department of Environment and Labour website (www.gov.ns.ca/enla).
The Nova Scotia Building Advisory Committee is seeking the opinion of the
disabled community, building owners, design and construction industry
stakeholders, and all interested Nova Scotians on barrier-free building design
standards in the province.
Source: Government of Nova Scotia
Quebec
The " Office des personnes handicapées du Québec " proposes the
recognition of Langue des signes québécoise (Quebec sign language) as a
teaching language.
December 21, 2005 - The Office launched its research report on the
status of the Quebec sign language (QSL) in teaching and recommended solutions.
The report titled État de situation de la Langue des signes québécoise -
Rapport de recherche et pistes de solutions proposés par l'Office des personnes
handicapées du Québec proposes solutions and thoughts on subjects such as
the recognition of QSL as a teaching language, deafness screening, parents
support, early stimulation, contingency plans and services, the structuring of a
tender for services in QSL by the school board, meeting the needs of services in
QSL, the development of the bilingual approach (QSL-French), and the quality and
uniformity of training for interpreters. To consult the full report, visit http://www.ophq.gouv.qc.ca/documents/LSQ.doc
(French only)
Source: Office des personnes handicapées du Québec
Saskatchewan
Affordable housing project renovates former schoolhouse in Ituna
November 4, 2005 - An innovative project in Ituna has renovated a
1950s schoolhouse into four units of affordable housing, thanks to the help of
federal, provincial, and municipal funding. The former two-room school has been
converted into one-bedroom apartments that will allow four high-functioning
individuals with intellectual disabilities to live independently with some
support services. For the full press release, visit http://www.gov.sk.ca/newsrel/releases/2005/11/04-1024.html
Web Site Corner
Diversity
Works: Accommodations in the Workplace for People with Mental Illness (PDF)
Provides employers with information about accommodating people with psychiatric
disabilities in the workplace. Source: Canadian Mental Health Association
Action
Steps to Real Work (PDF) Offers strategies for employers, mental health
service providers and consumers so that, in working together, they will maximize
the possibilities for successful employment. Source: Canadian Mental Health
Association
Bringing
health to work Discusses workplace programs which promote the overall health
and well-being of employees. Suggests ways individuals can safeguard their
health while at work. Includes information concerning young workers. Provides
links to related sites. Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and
Safety (CCOHS)
Visit the revamped PWD-Online.ca at www.pwd-online.ca
Myths and Facts
Myths about the Blindness, Visual Impairment and the CNIB
A
person must be blind to receive CNIB services
Blind people see nothing.
Blind and visually impaired people always need others to care for them.
Blind people have special gifts.
Blind people feel other people's faces.
Very few people in Newfoundland and Labrador are blind or visually impaired.
People with poor vision can no longer enjoy reading books.
All blind people read Braille.
Blind children must attend a school for the blind.
All blind people own guide dogs.
Losing my vision will jeopardize my employability
Source: The Canadian National Institute for the Blind
Schizophrenia: Get the Facts
Schizophrenia is a disease that strikes young people. The disease distorts
the senses, making it very difficult for the individual to tell what is real
from what is not real. Usual age of onset is between 16 and 25. Schizophrenia is
a medical illness. Period. Treatment works! Early diagnosis and stabilization
on modern treatment can greatly improve prognosis for the illness.
Schizophrenia is not rare: no one is immune. Schizophrenia is found all over
the world -- in all races, in all cultures and in all social classes. It affects
1 in 100 people worldwide. That's approximately 290,000 Canadians Men and
women are affected with equal frequency. For men, the age of onset for
schizophrenia is often ages 16 to 20. For women, the age of onset is sometimes
later -- ages 20 to 30. More hospital beds in Canada (8%) are occupied by people
with schizophrenia than by sufferers of any other medical condition. The cost to
Canadian society due to hospitalization, disability payments, welfare payments,
and lost wages ranks in the billions of dollars annually. Other costs -- such as
loss of individual potential, personal anguish, and family hardships -- are
impossible to measure.
Source: British Columbia Schizophrenia Society
NCFPSD Editorial Board
Carole Coutlée - Editor in Chief
Louise Normand - Executive Director
Carole Willans-Théberge - Co-Chair, NCR
Marjolaine Levert - Communications Subcommittee Member
Executive Board Members
Duane Simpson
Victoria BC
B.C. Regional Representative - Co-Chair, Regions
Tel: 250-363-5440
Fax: 250-363-7980
simpson.daa@forces.gc.ca
Carole Willans-Théberge
Ottawa ON
NCR Representative - Co-Chair, NCR
Tel: 613-944-4220
Fax: 613-947-7581
ctheberge@pco-bcp.gc.ca
Max Brault
Ottawa ON
NCR Representative
Tel: 613-990-0044
Fax: 613-998-9480
braultm@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Kevin Bruff
St. John's NL
Atlantic Representative
Tel: 709-772-5978
Fax: 709-772-4390
kevin.bruff@pwgsc.gc.ca
Golda César
Ste-Anne-des-Plaines QC
Québec Regional Representative
Tel: 450-478-5933 Ext. 6629
Fax: 450-478-5888
cesargo@csc-scc.gc.ca
Marlene Hoce
Regina SK
Prairie Representative
Tel: 306-780-8090
Fax: 306-780-6926
marlene.hoce@ccra-adrc.gc.ca
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