Canadian Disability and Health News Weekly Roundup 2 October 2008

Weekly review of Canadian disability and health news from Canada for the week ending 1 October 2008.

WINDSOR - A new seniors home will be built in Falmouth, with construction slated to begin later this fall. The Windsor Elms recently received approval from the Health Department to build a replacement home for its 108 residents. After a lengthy search, a site in Falmouth was selected.

The B.C. Association for Community Living believes that disability should never be the benchmark as to whether a person is able to parent -- any more than cultural background, age, etc. Being a loving and responsible parent has little to do with education, intellect or income. Many British Columbians with developmental disabilities live in poverty, as they face serious systemic and attitudinal barriers when it comes to employment opportunities and earning an independent income. More info

TORONTO - September 30, 2008 marks the 15th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada' s ruling in the Sue Rodriguez case. Ms Rodriguez had a terminal illness, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, which can bring a slow, suffocating death. Rodrigues argued that the Criminal Code of Canada discriminated against her as a person with a disability. Because of her disease she could not end her life on her own, yet the law prohibited her from being assisted in her dying. For further information: Jane Rogers, Dying With Dignity Canada, Cell: (905) 391-8373, Email: jrogers@dyingwithdignity.ca; Donald Babey, Dying With Dignity Canada, Cell: (416) 577-5023, Email: dbabey@dyingwithdignity.ca

Call for papers On the impact of nanoscale science and technology on disability, community and rehabilitation.

Parents of kids with learning disabilities are turning to independent schools like Toronto’s Arrowsmith School, which has affiliates across Canada and the U.S. The school uses targeted exercises to stimulate specific parts of the brain, with students working on specific skills for at least half of their school day.

If you are a US citizen or resident self-employed in Canada or working in Canada you may be able to contribute to a Canadian registered retirement savings plan. As a US resident working in Canada, you would be subject to Canadian taxes as a non-resident and must file a T1NR (which is similar to the US 1040NR).  Under the Canadian tax rules you should be able to contribute to an RRSP if you have earned income subject to Canadian tax.

Three out of five parents of children with disabilities say their employment was affected by their children's condition, according to a survey, released Thursday, by Statistics Canada. However, when asked whose job was affected most, 64 per cent of parents reported it was the mother. Only 8 per cent of survey participants said the father's job was most affected. About 25 per cent of mothers and fathers believed their jobs were equally affected.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty says there isn't a lot he can do for seniors worried about their pensions. Commenting on the recent market meltdown, McGuinty said Tuesday at Queen's Park that the turmoil of the past few weeks will not force his government to cut essential services. But he also said some of the damage to the province's economy is beyond repair. More info

During the month of October we celebrate the work occupational therapists do every day through National Occupational Therapy Month. Throughout the month, the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) together with their provincial and territorial associations raise awareness and recognition for the part occupational therapists play in promoting health and well being. For further information: Graeme Burk, Communications Coordinator Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, (800) 434-2268, ext. 225, communication@caot.ca

Expanded welfare, disability benefits in effect - Changes to discretionary benefits come into effect today for recipients of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support in the city and county. More info

The Farley Foundation assists seniors (in receipt of the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement), disabled persons (in receipt of the Ontario Disability Support Payment or Canada Pension Plan-Disability) and women at risk of abuse (and their children) who are participating in OVMA's SafePet program, to access the emergency veterinary treatment of their pets.

Biogen Idec and Elan Corporation, plc announced that a post-hoc analysis showed TYSABRI® (natalizumab) treatment increases the probability of achieving sustained improvement in physical disability over two years when compared to placebo. This post-hoc analysis provides the first evidence that TYSABRI is associated with a significant improvement in functional outcome, rather than only slowing or preventing progression of disability, in those living with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). More info

A rising chorus of voices in New Brunswick has been saying we need a plan to tackle poverty. The N.B. Common Front for Social Justice, Vibrant Communities Saint John and the New Brunswick Federation of Labour are part of the coalition of groups calling for the creation of a government-sponsored working group to develop a poverty reduction strategy for our province. The government of Newfoundland and Labrador introduced its poverty reduction plan -- one that has impressed many -- in 2006, the second province after Quebec to take action. Since then, the governments of Nova Scotia, Ontario and Manitoba have begun the process of developing poverty reduction strategies. Poverty is not just about not being able to buy necessities like food, shelter, clothing and transportation. It's also about not having the means, the power and the respect required to fully participate in society.

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