A great little video from the Winnipeg Safety Network. Self-advocates from Winnipeg, Manitoba talk about why community makes them feel safe.  

On Wednesday, December 2, 2015, People First of Canada and the Canadian Association for Community Living will be hosting the Sixth Annual Federal Policy Forum on Inclusion. Along with the Canadian Autism spectrum Disorders and Neurological Health Charities of Canada, and in collaboration with the Office for Disability Issues – Employment and Social Development Canada, the event will be held at the Novotel Hotel in Ottawa. The theme of this year’s forum is Closing the Gap in Access to Individual and Family Supports for People with Intellectual Disabilities, ASD and Neurological Conditions.…

The Freedom Tour is a powerful documentary that has been raising awareness about institutions both nationally and internationally. Made by People First members and featuring institution survivors, this documentary explores institutionalization from a personal level. The Freedom Tour is available in both English and French and is a great teaching and learning tool for disability organizations, disability studies courses, and interested individuals.

People First of Canada is proud to be a bronze sponsor of the Claiming Full Citizenship: Self Determination, Personalization, and Individualized Funding 2015 International Conference (October 15-17, 2015). We are very excited to participate, to educate, and to learn from the sessions of this conference. People First of Canada believes that citizenship is the foundation of control over one’s life. Citizenship is about having a voice and a choice. It is about being heard and being listened to. It is about being seen as a part of rather than apart from. The…

By Kory Earle – The writ has been dropped, the election is on, and I’m very excited! So I wanted to take a moment to speak to you all about the importance of voting. It is no secret that I am a very political person. I believe in democracy. I believe in being involved in your community. I believe that voting is important if you want a voice in your community’s future. People First of Canada is working with Elections Canada to raise awareness about voting and to make sure everybody knows…

Recently, there have been several announcements concerning institutions housing people with intellectual disabilities that are very disappointing to People First of Canada. Michener Centre in Alberta will not be closing as scheduled; Valley View in Saskatchewan has pushed back the closure by two years; and the Manitoba Developmental Centre is behind in the number of individuals who were supposed to move out of the institution and into the community this year. The People First movement was built upon the foundation of freedom and rights – freedom from institutions and the right to…

People First of Canada and the Canadian Association for Community Living recently held their 5th Annual Policy Forum in Ottawa. The topic of the forum was Ensuring Equality in the Justice System for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Presenters included people with intellectual disabilities, family members, community agency representatives, and government representatives. The forum explored interactions with law enforcement, incarceration of people with intellectual disabilities, and reintegration into the community after leaving the justice system.