COVID 19 Vaccination for People with Disabilities

Ontario has prioritized people with disabilities across the three phases of its COVID-19 vaccination program, but there is a difference between availability and accessibility of vaccination. Ontario’s 34 public health units are responsible for leading the local distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines, and their public facing websites serve as entry points for information on the accessibility of vaccination. On average, these websites contain information about 5 of 18 key accessibility features, across three domains: accessible communication, physical accessibility, and accessible social and sensory environments. 

Ontario needs a multi-pronged strategy to reach all people with disabilities that includes improving information about communication accessibility, physical accessibility, and social and sensory environment accessibility throughout the COVID-19 vaccination journey. Ontario’s progress on vaccinating people with disabilities needs to also be measured through enhanced data monitoring efforts. 

For more information click here.

COVID-19 National Disability Survey

The purpose of this survey is to identify the needs of our community, and develop meaningful strategies, actions, and advocacy that will work towards meeting those needs. The longitudinal focus ensures that needs are identified and addressed over the long term, and questions are and will continue to be informed directly by our disability community. Furthermore, the disability community will have access to the information from the surveys, in addition to key messages and other related information and resources that may support organizations and individuals in their continued advocacy efforts, and in addressing identified needs.

This survey will take approximately 20 minutes and can be accessed at https://abilitiescentre.org/disabilitysurvey

Accessible Rides to COVID-19 Vaccination Sites

The Ontario government announced it is investing $3.7 million in a partnership with the Ontario Community Support Association to help people with disabilities, including seniors with mobility issues, get to and from vaccination sites so they can get their shot and help stop the spread of COVID-19.
 
The Accessible Drive To Vaccines program will ensure that anyone who wants a vaccine is able to by connecting eligible individuals with staff and volunteers who will drive them to and from local vaccination sites across the province. This includes individuals who have not yet received their first shot, or anyone who may require additional support to access their second.
 
This initiative will focus on helping people who do not have access to accessible transportation through family, neighbours or community organizations. Getting as many Ontarians as possible vaccinated is a critical part of the government’s strategy to fight COVID-19.
 

Quick Facts

• Individuals must have a vaccine appointment booked for the date of transportation requested.
• Eligible individuals must be a person with a disability within the meaning of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
• Depending on logistics it may be the same driver both ways or two separate drivers.
• One caregiver or support person will also be permitted to accompany the person on this accessible transportation initiative.

Meet the Expert Series with Dr. Peter Rosenbaum

CP-NET is hosting a Meet the Expert Series with Dr. Peter Rosenbaum! Join him LIVE on Monday, June 28th to ask your burning questions from his Science and Family Day Talk (2020). Watch his talk here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOpAdwkT6l0) and register TODAY!

Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/meet-the-expert-with-dr-peter-rosenbaum-tickets-159114266053?fbclid=IwAR3uC9Xwq2L-a0xaxm27D3sU1wmjVx7gR8Nb3t6Qes2FuiPsLKOkGh1GA74

The Great Canadian Giving Challenge Has Now Started!

The Great Canadian Giving Challenge has now started! Happening all of June, 2021, every dollar you donate to OFCP qualifies us to win $20,000. Get all the details at www.givingchallenge.ca #GivingChallengeCA 

The Great Canadian Giving Challenge is an initiative from CanadaHelps that encourages Canadians across the country to donate to charities throughout the month of June.

For 2021, we're pleased to announce a grand prize of $20,000! The giving challenge runs from June 1st to June 30th, and is an opportunity for charities to rally their supporters and drive more donations for their cause.

Every dollar donated to any charity by an individual in June via GivingChallenge.ca, CanadaHelps.org, or CanadaHelps fundraising tools is an automatic entry for the chosen charity to win a $20,000 donation.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/gcgc/7813

The OFCP would appreciate if you spread information about this campaign and share with your friends, family and network.

ONLINE RESOURCES: