Overview

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has been used to strike down 58 statutes that permitted the exclusion of persons with disabilities, women, ethnic minorities, or gays and lesbians. While some conservatives see this trend as 'rulings for the many by the few,' those representing excluded groups view their successful court challenges against unjust laws as a long-awaited coming of age, allowing them to finally obtain a seat at the table. This text documents the participation of disability activists and organizations in public policy making in Canada. The authors combine studies of contemporary federal and provincial policy making with a historical perspective on the progress made by disability groups since World War I. The cases they discuss illustrate the tension between issues of human rights and personal capacities that the disability movement must deal with, but which have implications for other groups as well. An analysis of contemporary social policy networks in Canada makes it possible for the authors to suggest reasons for the inconsistent success that disability organizations have had in translating their requirements into policy. The book illuminates the key social-political factors of resources, roles, and reputations that must be taken into account by excluded groups seeking to gain a seat at the policy table. The insights it provides are important for the development of more professional lobbying practices by disability stakeholders as well as by women, aboriginals, ethnic groups, the elderly, and the poor.

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9780773521803

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Reviews

A fascinating book that makes an important contribution to the field of disability studies and public policy. It deepens our understanding of the disability movement and the complexity of participation of citizens with disabilities. John Lord, disability researcher, founder, Centre for Research and Education in Human Services

A fascinating book that makes an important contribution to the field of disability studies and public policy. It deepens our understanding of the disability movement and the complexity of participation of citizens with disabilities. John Lord, disability researcher, founder, Centre for Research and Education in Human Services

Author Information

William Boyce is professor of community health and epidemiology and education and director of the Social Program Evaluation Group, Queen's University. Jennifer Roche, a writer and freelance consultant in Kingston, has been associated with producing a num

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