Advocacy

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SCI Ontario: A Voice For Persons with SCI

SCI Ontario has always been a strong advocate for persons with disabilities. From our beginnings in 1945, we have been a collective voice and representative for persons with SCI and other physical disabilities to government, the health care system, communities and the public.

We were instrumental in establishing the National Advisory Committee on the Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons in 1952 and continue our work today with recent community advocacy achievements including playing an active role in shaping the new Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA - http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_05a11_e.htm) and supporting the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care as they established the Local Health Integration Networks as part of the health transformation agenda.

Every day, SCI Ontario volunteers, members and staff advocate for a more welcoming society. Sometimes our victories are small, like successfully obtaining a piece of vital mobility equipment. Sometimes the results are more noticeable like influencing the course of legislation affecting persons with disabilities. But all are changes aimed at assisting people with SCI and other physical disabilities achieve and maintain independence and full citizenship.

SCI Ontario is member-based and member-focused. It is the voice of more than 12,000 people actively living with spinal cord injuries, their families, volunteers, the SCI medical research and rehabilitation communities and involved members of the public.

SCI Ontario speaks on topics such as:

  • accessibility standards and issues
  • assisted living
  • diversity
  • employment
  • health care
  • housing
  • language
  • rehabilitation services
  • safety
  • transit
  • and municipal, provincial and federal regulatory issues.

SCI Ontario's voice is strong because it has the insight and full support of its membership. For information on how you can help SCI Ontario be a more effective advocate for people with spinal cord injuries contact advocacy@sciontario.org.

 

Advocacy Handbook