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Message from the Co-Chairs
Just when you were getting to know us, we changed our name! The National
Board met in Ottawa on March 30 and 31, 2006 to discuss various issues,
including a name change to National Council of Federal Employees with
Disabilities (NCFED). The new title of "Council" instead of the former
"Committee" gives the impression that this group exists permanently.
In other words, the NCFED is with you for the long haul! For more information on
other issues raised during the March meeting, please refer to the record of the
meeting on our website. So watch out, here comes the NCFEDs!!! In early April,
2006 both NCFED Co-chairs and its Executive Director met with PSHRMAC officials
and our counterparts from the National Council of Aboriginal Federal Employees (NCAFE
- formerly known as the Aboriginal National Network Initiative or ANNI) and the
National Council of Visible Minorities (NCVM), to discuss joint strategies to
work collaboratively on issues. A follow-up meeting of the Joint Partners Group,
as this is being called, took place on May 18, 2006. More on the great things
you can expect from this group in the next NCFED newsletter! A by-election was
held recently to fill a vacant position on the NCFED Board for a representative
from the National Capital Region (NCR). Congratulations and welcome to Tony Fenn,
the winning candidate in this by-election. He will join Max Brault and Carole
Willans-Théberge as the three NCR representatives on the NCFED Board.
Preparations are now underway for the NCFED regional by-elections.
Unfortunately, Golda César, the NCFED representative for the Quebec Region, has
recently resigned from the Board because of work pressures. Federal employees in
the regions outside the NCR will be called upon to participate in regional
by-elections to fill vacant positions in the Quebec Region, Ontario Region and
the North. Each region is entitled to one seat. NCFED subscribers will be kept
advised of all elections-related news. You can also check our website for
information. We would like to thank Golda César for her contribution to the
NCFED Board. Golda has a lot of passion for the cause and all NCFED really
appreciated her presence in our discussions. Thankfully, she has agreed to
continue her participation in the NCFED Subcommittee on Managers' Forum.
A tremendous amount of time and effort is being invested by your Council to
ensure that your interests and concerns are represented to the responsible
parties. Issues such as the accessibility of the Public Service Survey and an
air transportation carrier's recent decision to no longer carry some persons
with disabilities, have come up and were immediately addressed. This is in
addition to our "day jobs". We are glad and privileged to assist in
the solving of systemic issues such as these that persons with disabilities in
the Federal Public Service must face in their lives.
Carole Willans-Théberge, NCFED Co-Chair, NCR
Duane Simpson, NCFED Co-Chair, Regions
What is the NCFED?
The National Council of Federal Employees with Disabilities (NCFED)
represents the interests of federal public servants with visible and/or
invisible disabilities. Areas of action include, but are not limited to:
awareness, recruitment, retention, career progression, accommodation,
accessibility and training. The NCFED provides information, advice, analysis and
recommendations on relevant issues, as well as the actions required to address
them, to federal public service management and other key players. The ultimate
goal is a respectful and inclusive work environment.
NCFED Subscription
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 subscriber, 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 subscribe? Download the
form (Word format). Complete the registration form and send it by e-mail at lnormand@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
NCFED Activities
Interdepartmental Forum on Employment Equity
An information-sharing meeting of EE Coordinators from federal departments
and agencies takes place every two months in the National Capital Region under
the auspices of the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada (PSHRMAC).
NCFED Executive Director, Louise Normand, takes an active part in these meetings
to provide regular updates on NCFED initiatives. At the same time, up-to-date
information is obtained on the latest developments in policies and programs that
are of interest to federal employees with disabilities.
Announcement
On Friday May 5th, 2006, the Prime Minister announced changes to the senior
management at the Privy Council Office. Michael Wernick, NCFED Champion, is now
the Deputy Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Michael left the
Privy Council Office after almost three years as Deputy Secretary to the
Cabinet, Plans and Consultation and before that Associate Deputy Minister at
Canadian Heritage. During this period, he has helped lead PCO and the Public
Services through three transitions of government and three speeches from the
Throne. In addition to guiding policy and planning related to the Government's
Agenda, strategic communications and macro-economic policy, Michael oversaw the
development of key government initiatives related to the cities and communities
and Aboriginal policy. He also played an active role in renewing policy research
within the government.
We wish Michael great success in his new responsibilities.
PSHRMAC News
We would like to announce the departure of Errol Mendes, appointed as Senior
Advisor on Diversity and Special Projects at the Privy Council Office in
September 2005. Errol will leave at the end of June 2006. He will return to his
position in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa in September.
During the time Errol was with the Privy Council Office, he has been
instrumental in promoting innovative initiatives on diversity across the
government, such as the diversity mentoring pilot project and the
"Scientist as Manager" initiative taken up by the ADM S&T
community. He has also been a strong supporter of PCO's "CarEEr on the
Move" initiative. He will remain an external advisor to the government on
diversity issues.
The Office of the Senior Advisor will be transferred to the Public Service
Human Resources Management Agency in the coming weeks. The initiatives
undertaken by Errol and his colleagues during their tenure at PCO will be
continued and strengthened by the Agency in order to further promote diversity
across the Public Service of Canada.
We thank Errol for his notable contributions to the Public Service and wish
him well in his future endeavours.
Newsbites on Disability Issues
Government of Canada
Minister Blackburn releases 2005 Annual Employment Equity Report
June 15, 2006 - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of
Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions
of Quebec, today tabled the latest edition of the Annual Report of the Employment
Equity Act for the Government of Canada. This year's report commemorates the
20th anniversary of the Act.
"The findings in this latest report show undeniable progress since the
four designated groups are now better represented," said Minister
Blackburn. "I spoke in favour of the Act when it came into force in 1986,
and I remain a strong supporter of full participation by all Canadians in our
economy and society. I would like to commend employers for their continuous
efforts and commitment to ensure fairness, inclusion and equity in the
workplace, and I encourage them to pursue their efforts."
To view the full press release go to report can be viewed at http://news.gc.ca/cfmx/view/en/index.jsp?articleid=220479
Source: Government of Canada
To consult the 2005 Annual Report go to http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/lp/lo/lswe/we/ee_tools/reports/annual/2005/2005AnnualReport.pdf
Industry Canada
Assistive Devices Office
The Accessible Procurement Toolkit (APT) continues to add new content and
features to make it even easier to use. The improved search routines allow the
user to search the Toolkit for keywords or phrases. New product categories have
been added under the Office Furniture section, in a subsection called
"Office Supplies". A button has been added to click on to get a
printable version of requirement clauses to make it easier to cut and paste
requirements into procurement documents. To view the new features, go to www.apt.gc.ca.
Source: Industry Canada
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
CRTC directs funds in deferral accounts to expand rural broadband and
services for Canadians with disabilities
February 16, 2006 - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) today announced how funds from the deferral accounts of
incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) will be used. Up to $650 million from
the accounts will support initiatives to expand broadband services to rural and
remote communities and improve accessibility of telecommunications services for
persons with disabilities. The amount will be finalized shortly after the ILECs
file updated deferral account schedules, which are due by May 15, 2006.
"Canada is a world leader in broadband access and today's decision builds
on this enviable record. It serves to ensure that reliable, affordable,
high-quality telecommunications services are extended to Canadians who would not
otherwise be served, and is in the broadest interest of all consumers" said
CRTC Chairman, Charles Dalfen. For the full press release, visit http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/NEWS/RELEASES/2006/r060216.htm
Source: Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces
Development of the Universal Design and Barrier-Free Access Guidelines and
Standards for DND/CF Facilities
By Duane Simpson
In 2001 DND/CF embarked on a program of making some of their 18,000 buildings
barrier free. They realized the existing 1995 CSA BFA Document was not adequate
for many cases in particular people using electric wheelchairs. They immediately
developed a supplementary document to be used by the department for a retrofit
program. This document was meant to be an interim document until a UD document
could be properly researched, developed and implemented. The key point of this
document, issued September 19, 2003, provided for more spacious routes of
travel. Minimum door sizes were 36 inches, hallways were wider, and elevators
larger. Immediately upon completion of this document, a UD Principles Working
Group (UDPWG) was formed with the Civilian Co-chair of the National Executive of
the Defence Advisory Group for Persons With Disabilities (DAGPWD) as one
co-chair and, ultimately, the Chief Architect for DND as the other co-chair. The
UDPWG membership also included the Environmental Command Real Property Managers,
the CF Fire Marshall, National Safety representative, a representative from the
Medical Group, a representative from Housing, military and civilian policy,
military Co-Chair of the DAGPWD, Infrastructure and Environment policy and
design personnel, project managers, and Regional Construction representatives.
The oversight for this group was provided by the Assistant Deputy Minister of
Infrastructure and Environment (ADMIE) and by the Vice Chief of Defence Staff (VCDS).
The final document was accepted in January 2006. For more information, contact
Duane Simpson at simpson.daa@forces.gc.ca
Canada-Wide
Final Report of New Strategy for Library Service for
Print-Disabled Released
October 31, 2005 - The final report of the Canadian
Library Association Working Group to Define a National Network for Equitable
Library Service is now available. The report, Opening the Book, has been
endorsed by CLA's Executive Council and sent to the federal government for
action. Opening the Book is the end result of CLA Resolution 2003-1, which
called for CLA to recommend the establishment of national network for equitable
library service, enhanced alternative format collections, and standards for
service and collections. The report can be viewed at http://www.cla.ca/issues/nnels_final.htm.
Source: Canadian Library Association
Alberta
Bill 30 promotes better coordination of Alberta's disability programs PDD
program's community delivery system to be enhanced
April 11, 2006 - Proposed changes to provincial legislation will enhance the
role of the community boards that administer services through the Persons with
Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program, while improving the province's ability
to better coordinate all the programs that provide support to Albertans with
disabilities.
"We are committed to the important supports the PDD program
provides to ensure Albertans with developmental disabilities have the
opportunity to participate in everyday activities across the province,"
said Yvonne Fritz. "PDD's Provincial Board has done an excellent job in
establishing the principles of this program. Now that our programs that support
Albertans with disabilities are under one ministry, it is time to ensure that
they are being delivered in a coordinated, effective and efficient way."
Currently, a provincial board has the responsibility for establishing provincial
PDD policies, allocating funding to six community boards, and providing
province-wide coordination and oversight of the PDD program.
To view the full
press release, visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/acn/200604/197108A91907D-9C12-3BE2-98B55F7ED62579B8.html
Source: Government of Alberta
Manitoba
Report to the community - Celebrating Our Accomplishments
March 24, 2006 - Since 1999, the Government of Manitoba has made good
progress in response of the needs of Manitobans with disabilities in various
areas. To consult the report, please visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/dio/pub/report-to-community-Mar-24-06.pdf
Source: Government of Manitoba
New Brunswick
Ministerial action group for persons with disabilities releases
first status report
May 31, 2006 - The first status report of the Employ-Ability
Action Group for Persons with Disabilities was released during Disability
Awareness Week, Post-Secondary Education and Training (PSET) Minister Jody Carr
said today. "Persons with disabilities play a vital role in building New
Brunswick," Carr said. "I am pleased to report on the status of
several provincial initiatives that have come from the New Brunswick Association
for Community Living's (NBACL) report that is aimed at breaking down the
barriers to employment and training opportunities."
The report, entitled
Developing a Labour Market Participation Strategy for Persons with Disabilities
in New Brunswick, was commissioned by the NBACL. It centres on reforming
income-support policies, increasing employer involvement, enhancing successful
transitions from school to work, getting access to post-secondary education and
training, and improving employment-related support services.
"In order to
achieve true prosperity in New Brunswick, we need the participation of all New
Brunswickers," Carr said. "That's why I am pleased that the
recommendations include the collaboration of stakeholders, and provide
opportunity for ongoing input."
To view the full press release, visit http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pet/2006e0689pe.htm
Source: Government of New
Brunswick
Service New Brunswick providing services for persons with disabilities
May 30, 2006 - In recognition of Disability Awareness Week (DAW), held this
year from May 28 - June 3, Service New Brunswick (SNB) wishes to inform the
public of a section of its website listing useful information and forms which
are of special interest to persons with disabilities. "The annual DAW
serves as an important reminder to SNB that it is vital that all New
Brunswickers get their government services as quickly and easily as
possible," said Office of Human Resources Minister Dale Graham, who is also
minister responsible for Service New Brunswick. "SNB has taken a leadership
role in providing electronic services online and over the phone to ensure
efficient and convenient service delivery for all." The Persons With
Disabilities section of the SNB website includes information on various topics
of interest, such as the disabled hunter card, the vehicle retrofitting and
accessible vehicle program, and parking permit or placard for persons having a
disability. The latter is also available over the phone, toll free, at
1-888-762-8600.
To view the full press release, visit http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/snb/2006e0681sn.htm
Source: Government of New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Government Working to Address the Cost of Substance Abuse
April 26, 2006 - A study on the cost of substance abuse in Canada reinforces
the importance of the province's investment in Health Promotion and Protection
for Nova Scotia. The study, released today, April 26, by the Canadian Centre on
Substance Abuse, shows that substance abuse costs the Canadian economy $39.8
billion each year. In Nova Scotia, substance abuse costs $1.24 billion annually,
according to the study's 2002 data.
"When you see the total cost of substance abuse quantified like this
it's a daunting number and underlines the important work we are doing,"
said Health Promotion and Protection Minister Barry Barnet. "The Tobacco
Control Strategy is showing significant results and we are developing strategies
to address alcohol and drugs in the province." The majority of the costs to
society are related to tobacco and alcohol abuse. The cost of tobacco abuse
accounts for 50.3 per cent of the total cost, followed by alcohol at 33.7 per
cent and illegal drugs at 16.1 per cent.
To view the full press release, visit http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20060426002
Source: Government of Nova
Scotia
Capital Health's Mental Health Program To Get Innovative New Facilities
May 2, 2006 - Nova Scotians with mental health problems will have improved
access to appropriate mental health services as a result of a $6.7-million
construction project at the Nova Scotia Hospital. The investment will allow for
the construction of four home-like in-patient care units. Each unit will house
10 bedrooms and associated living space.
"The province is making good on its promise to enhance mental health
services in Nova Scotia," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont, today,
May 2. "This project is particularly exciting because it reflects a shift
to a more flexible community-focused model of care that will help us better
support patients and families who face mental health issues." To view the
full press release, visit http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20060502002
Source: Government of Nova Scotia
Quebec
Something new in the last budget Tax credit to promote accessibility to
buildings
April 28, 2006 - The last provincial budget for 2006-2007 announced a tax
credit to further promote the accessibility to buildings for persons with
disabilities. By introducing this measure, the integration of the barrier-free
standards (Section 3.8 of the Quebec Construction Code) in the renovation or
retrofit projects is also encouraged. All expenses incurred to abide by the
requirements of the Quebec Construction Code in relation to barrier-free design
are admissible. To read more, visit http://www.ophq.gouv.qc.ca/index.htm
(French only)
Source: Office des personnes handicapées du Québec
Web Site Corner
Accommodation Can Increase Productivity
Alan Cantor (Cantor Access Inc.) defines accommodation as "the art and
science of treating people differently as a means to treat them equally. For 18
years, this Toronto-based consultant has been working with employers and
employees with disabilities across the country to develop workplace
accommodations that improve the individual's performance and productivity. A
case study recently posted on Cantor Access Inc. web site illustrates how
keyboard training and the use of hotkey macros helped quadruple the productivity
of one of Mr. Cantor's clients. This was not an isolated case. To read the case
study, go to http://www.cantoraccess.com/csun2006-casestudy.htm
Multi-Ethnic Association for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities
The Multi-Ethnic Association for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities
is a non-profit organization that was created to give persons with disabilities
from different ethnocultural background and their families a resource capable of
supporting their steps toward integration on all levels, and direct them toward
resources that meet their needs. To know more about the association, visit http://www.ameiph.com/
Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD)
The Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD), with financial support
from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), established the Disability
Research Information Page (DRIP), which provides centralized access to
information about its disability research. It published disability information
sheets on various subjects. To view the index of their information sheets, visit
http://www.ccsd.ca/drip/research/index.html
Ontario March of Dimes - Accessability® Table
The AccessAbility Table is an innovative universal picnic table designed to
increase accessibility for everyone in the community. Ideal for indoor and
outdoor facilities, the table's posts are positioned in the centre, so they do
not present a barrier to people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
To know more, go to http://www.dimes.on.ca/programs/access_designability_table.asp?sect=access
Myths and Facts
Myths about hiring persons with disabilities
Individuals with disabilities who are not in the labour force are faced with
the misperception that they are either unable or unwilling to work. Failure to
recognize and address these myths and negative stereotypes results in
discrimination and the exclusion of individuals with disabilities from the
workplace despite their willingness and ability to actively participate in the
labour force.
Myth
- Employees with disabilities have a higher absentee rate than employees
without disabilities.
Fact
- Studies by firms such as DuPont show that employees
with disabilities are not absent any more than employees without disabilities.
In fact, these studies show that on the average, individuals with disabilities
have better attendance rates than their non-disabled counterparts.
Myth
- Individuals with disabilities should be placed in jobs where they will not
fail.
Fact
- Everyone has the right to fail as well as to succeed. Be careful not to
hold someone back from a position or a promotion because you think that there is
a possibility that he or she might fail in the position. If this person is the
best-qualified candidate, give them the same opportunity to try that you would
give anyone else.
Myth
- Individuals with disabilities are not reliable.
Fact
- Individuals with disabilities tend to remain on the job and to maintain better
levels of attendance. A US Chamber of Commerce study revealed that workers with
disabilities had an 80% lower turnover rate.
Myth
- Someone will always have to
help them.
Fact
- This is not the case with proper training. Individuals with
disabilities have adjusted to their disability in most cases. It does not affect
their ability to work unaided.
Myth
- Persons who are deaf make ideal employees
for noisy work environments.
Fact
- Loud noises of a certain vibratory nature can
cause further harm to the auditory system. Persons who are deaf should be hired
for all jobs that they have the skills and talents to perform. No person with a
disability should be prejudged regarding employment opportunities.
Myth
- Considerable expense is necessary to accommodate workers with disabilities.
Fact
- In reality and with proper planning and knowledge, most job accommodations are
simple and inexpensive. According to the Job Accommodation Network Canada, 80%
of accommodations cost less than $500. In addition, the 1991 Health and Activity
Limitations Survey (HALS) found that fewer than 30,000 or 4% of the 890,000
working Canadians with disabilities required accessible washrooms, ramps or
other building modifications. There are government programs which can defer some
or all of the cost of the accommodation. Most frequently reported accommodations
were changes in job duties and modified hours of work. Accommodations mostly
have more to do with creativity, flexibility and sound management practices than
expensive structural modifications or specialized technology. Accommodations
like ramps, automatic door openers, widened doorways, and wheelchair accessible
washrooms make the employers workplace more accessible to other potential
employees with disabilities. Clients and customers like parents with baby
strollers and people making deliveries also enjoy the comforts of a less
cumbersome environment. It is therefore misleading to consider the cost of these
changes as the cost of accommodating just one employee.
Source: Government of New Brunswick
NCFED 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
Tony Fenn
Ottawa ON
NCR Representative
Tel: 613-948-8553
Fax: 613-957-1327
TTY: 613-957-0619
tony_fenn@hc-sc.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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