7th Annual Federal Policy Forum on Inclusion

2016 Policy Forum Focus: Access to Affordable Housing in Safe and Inclusive Communities

Canadians with intellectual disabilities face severe difficulties in meeting basic housing needs – because of lack of affordability, adequacy and suitability. Tens of thousands have what Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation calls ‘core housing need.’ Many cannot afford housing that meets their basic needs. Many live in poverty.

People with intellectual disabilities want a chance to be part of the middle class, just like other Canadians currently living in poverty. Quality and affordable housing is an essential first step, but only if it is integrally linked to enabling access to needed individualized and flexible supports designed to promote safety and inclusion in their local communities.

Format: As with previous Annual Policy Forums hosted by CACL and People First of Canada, the format will include a series of panels and group discussion. Panels are designed to include a perspective of lived experience of people with intellectual disabilities and families, research, and policy expertise – both from government and community perspectives.

Panel 1: Housing Challenges: Personal Experience and National Scope

Panel 2: Federal Policy Framework and Initiatives

Panel 3: Innovative Approaches: Leveraging capital assets for affordable housing and social inclusion

Panel 4: Partnerships for Inclusive Housing and Community Development

Additional Information: Forum begins promptly at 8:30am. Light lunch and refreshments provided. The forum will be held in English; slide presentations will be available in both English and French where available.