Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)

Helpful Documents:

Barrier Free Design Guide

Community Development and Systemic Change

Overall Goal: Inform and influence the development of interventions to improve systemic response to priority needs and to build inclusive communities.

Short Term:

  • Educate community partners on issues and trends related to persons living with SCI and other physical disabilities
  • Improve social attitudes towards people with SCI and other physical disabilities
  • Make the CPA (Alberta) team more aware of challenges and better able to represent persons with SCI and other physical disabilities
  • Advocate for provincial minimum standards for barrier-free access in public structures and their enforcement
  • Increase opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in activities outside of their homes
  • Strengthen media relations in Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton

 

Intermediate/Long Term:

  • Decrease the number of persons with SCI and other physical disabilities living in long-term care facilities by increasing the number of options for designated assisted living sites and home living supports
  • Increase uptake by housing developers to use minimum standards related to accessibility and visitability
  • Increase government and stakeholder support for, and commitment to, provision of key supports and initiatives related to full citizenship
  • Positive policy and systemic change
  • Barriers to independence reduced
  • Persons with SCI and other physical disabilities able to participate in community activities to the level of their choice
  • Improved media relations in centres with a Community Development Coordinator