Canada funds projects to highlight contributions of people with disabilities

From MarketWire:

VANCOUVER, B.C. -- The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, March 20 announced funding for projects that highlight the contributions that people with disabilities make to Canada and their communities.

The announcement took place at Robson Square during the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Minister Finley announced $209,000 for the Canadian Paralympic Committee and for Ryerson University's School of Disability Studies to support two projects that pay tribute to the achievements of Canadians with disabilities.

"The Government of Canada is proud to celebrate the abilities and accomplishments of all Canadians," said Minister Finley. "Our government is investing in the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Ryerson University projects to improve accessibility and promote excellence in sport for Canadians with disabilities. These projects have been showcased at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and are testaments to their overwhelming contributions to Canadian history, culture and sports."

The Canadian Paralympic Committee received $189,000 to extend the reach of a national advertising campaign running for the duration of the Paralympics. The campaign consists of print and television ads to encourage Canadians with disabilities to participate in sports, and to promote interest in their athletic achievements.

"The hosting of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games is an historic moment in Canadian sport," said Dr. Gaétan Tardif, Assistant Chef de Mission for the 2010 Canadian Paralympic Team and member of the Canadian Paralympic Committee's Board of Directors. "Canadian Paralympic athletes are continuing Canada's tradition of excellence by giving the performances of a lifetime in Whistler and Vancouver—on home soil for the first time. The funding provided by the Government of Canada is helping us to raise awareness across Canada and inspire all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport."

Ryerson University's School of Disability Studies received $20,000 in support for its exhibit Out From Under: Disability, History and Things to Remember, which has been on display since March 8 as part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad celebration. The Government of Canada's contribution has supported the development of plain language translation, audio recordings, readers and Braille signage to make the exhibit fully accessible to people with disabilites.

"Visitors from around the world could experience fully accessible visual culture that commemorates and honours the resilience and creativity of disabled citizens," said Dr. Melanie Panitch, Director of Ryerson's School of Disability Studies. "This exhibit affirms the rights of disabled citizens to accessible and inclusive public culture."

The Social Development Partnerships Program – Disability component has supported a wide range of community-based initiatives that help people with disabilities overcome social and economic barriers to full participation in society.

The Government of Canada has introduced several measures to help people with disabilities and their families participate more fully in Canada's social and economic life. Year two of Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on the significant investments made by the Government to assist people with disabilities.

To learn more about the Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability.