DABC, along with hundreds of other groups and individuals across Canada, recently signed an open letter to the government of Ontario, calling for urgent changes to Ontario Health’s Clinical Triage Protocol for Major Surge in COVID Pandemic. This Protocol sets out guidelines for how doctors may allocate life-saving resources, such as ventilators, if the healthcare system is overwhelmed and there is a shortage of those resources. DABC is concerned that the Protocol may mean that some people with disabilities will not get the same healthcare treatment that others receive. Although the Protocol is specific to Ontario, we are worried it may be copied in other provinces. We are now trying to find out if similar guidelines have been created in BC, and if so, what they will mean for British Columbians with disabilities. DABC will keep advocating to ensure any action taken by the government of BC is consistent with the recommendations in the open letter. If we receive any further information we will post updates on our blog and social media.

You can find the open letter to the government of Ontario at this website: https://archdisabilitylaw.ca/

The BC government has announced expanded virtual mental health programs to support people experiencing low mood, depression, anxiety, stress, or worry during the COVID-19 pandemic, available at low or no cost.

For more information, click here.

DABC was pleased to see the emergency measures introduced last week by the BC government to help people receiving provincial income assistance and PWD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, along with several other advocacy groups, we wrote to Minister Shane Simpson about several remaining issues, including supports for people receiving CPP-D.

To read the letter, please click here.