Mr. Chair, honourable members of Parliament, the Canadian Paraplegic Association was founded in 1945 by a group of paralyzed World War II veterans who were determined not to spend the remainder of their lives in hospitals. Their efforts resulted in improved medical and rehabilitation services, better pensions, and perhaps most importantly, increased awareness throughout society of their true abilities and potential.
Following an injury, a person must face enormous challenges every day of his or her life. Things that used to be so simple are now huge barriers to independence. The lifestyle adjustments that need to take place following such an injury can lead to depression, family dysfunction, substance abuse, and feelings of isolation and worthlessness. Lack of appropriate means of transportation, access to personal support services, housing barriers, a higher incidence of unemployment resulting in poverty, and discrimination are significant issues affecting this population of Canadians.
The Canadian Paraplegic Association, over six decades of experience, is there to help. For the last five years the CPA, through the participation of its provincial associations, has provided employment services for persons with spinal cord and other physical disabilities. Over 40% of those achieved independent employment, so CPA understands both the challenges and the successes that can be achieved.
As stated in the study “Canadian Attitudes Towards Disability Issues”, there are still challenges to the achievement of full community participation. Seventy-four per cent of the survey respondents indicated maintaining stable employment as a key issue, while 75% indicated having access to reliable transportation was a key issue.