Open Collaboration for Cognitive Accessibility (Open) has published a policy brief presenting key recommendations for improving the clarity and availability of information on federal and provincial disability support programs, such as the new Canada Disability Benefit. The policy brief is based on a study of 19 different federal and provincial disability support programs across all provinces. Full study findings will be revealed in a forthcoming research report, currently under peer review.
The policy brief outlines key recommendations policy makers and program administrators should adopt in order to improve the availability of disability program information and enrollment for the benefit of Canadians who experience cognitive disabilities, currently estimated to be around 5 million people.
The research study involved evaluation of 19 financial support programs across Canada that offer direct compensation to adults with a disability. Specifically, it examined:
1. Ease of access to program information by potentially eligible citizens
2. Clarity of eligibility and payment rules governing each financial support
Each program was evaluated on the amount of effort required by potential applicants to obtain adequate information necessary for decision making and/or enrollment. The study excluded programs that do not offer direct payments or financial support.
"We were surprised to find that only 2 of the 19 programs evaluated had key information readily available online," remarked Emily Cliche, Research Coordinator at Open Collaboration for Cognitive Accessibility. "We were especially shocked given that Canada’s Access to Information Act mandates that information of this nature be made accessible."
Results of the study indicate that the multitude of accessibility barriers presented by these support programs is likely preventing tens of thousands of Canadians with disabilities—including cognitive disabilities—from obtaining the financial support for which they're eligible.
"I was personally struck by how difficult it was to reach program administrators directly," added Cliche. "It often took multiple emails and phone calls just to connect with someone who could provide the necessary information, which creates additional barriers for users, especially those with cognitive disabilities."
Another unexpected study finding was the dizzying array of financial support program options available to Canadians with disabilities, even within the same province. In British Columbia, for example, one program offered $1,060 per month, while another provided up to $1,728.50. The study also revealed a radical disparity between support levels offered across different provinces. The lowest amount of support came from Newfoundland and Labrador’s Personal Allowance at $150 per month, while Alberta’s Living Allowance was the highest, at $1,863 per month. These options and disparities can be especially challenging for citizens with cognitive disabilities to identify, understand and navigate.
"When offering support programs to adults with disabilities, it’s essential to recognize the systemic barriers that make access more difficult, such as the lack of available information," explained Dr. Munazza Tahir, Associate Director at Open Collaboration for Cognitive Accessibility. "Making information about financial support programs easy to find, understand and action is a key step toward reducing financial exclusion and improving access to adequate support for Canadians of all levels of cognitive abilities. This study should be an urgent call to action for program administrators."
The policy brief comes at a time when the Government of Canada is rolling out their new Canada Disability Benefit program. Administered by Service Canada, it aims to combat economic and social exclusion faced by low-income Canadians with disabilities aged 18 to 64 with up to $2,400 per year. First payments from this program were expected to be made in July 2025.
"As most provinces and the federal government are currently implementing accessibility standards, it is critical that they make sure information about disability support programs are easily available to Canadians," urged Open's Executive Director, Dr. Virginie Cobigo, research director and full professor at the University of Ottawa. "There is no accessibility without access."
The policy brief is available here: https://openaccessibility.ca/policy-brief-disability-funding-support-programs/
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About Open Collaboration for Cognitive Accessibility
Based in Ottawa, Open Collaboration for Cognitive Accessibility is a Canadian social enterprise pairing persons with cognitive disabilities with organizations aiming to make products, services and experiences accessible to everyone. Established in 2020 by Dr. Virginie Cobigo, through a partnership with the University of Ottawa, Open provides cognitive accessibility solutions and training, and neuroinclusive research and development to public and private sector organizations around the world.
https://www.openaccessibility.ca/
Media contact:
media@uottawa.ca