This is the aging with disabilities phase 2 banner. The sub-title states: Development of a comprehensive knowledge-based framework to address the needs of Canadians with long-term disabilities who are aging. The banner contains 4 images: First a View of a visitable house with well-integrated sloping pathway from the street to the main entrance. A senior using a wheelchair is approaching his friend’s house. This represents the housing component of project. Secondly, a senior is transferring out of his car into a wheelchair while a friend shields him with an umbrella from the rain. This represents the caregiving/home supports component of project. Next a senior walking his two dogs in a park like setting. This represents the community participation component of project. Finally, a visually impaired senior is waiting for public transportation with a city bus approaching behind her. This represents the transportation component of project.

Skip to content

Home

Phase I Archive

About the Project

News

Web Forum

Related CCDS Projects

Contact Us

 Home

Project Handout

AGING WITH DISABILITIES:

From Research and Knowledge to Better Practice: Building Strategies and Partnerships for Livable Communities that are Inclusive of Seniors with Disabilities May 2008- March 2009

Co-Project Leaders: Olga Krassioukova-Enns and Christine Ogaranko
Project Coordinator and Researcher: Laura Rempel Researcher: Colleen Watters
Consultant: Laurie Ringaert Funder: Office for Disability Issues (ODI), HRSDC

Background: In 2007-08, CCDS conducted a participatory action research project on Aging with a Disability, funded by ODI. The purpose of the project was to identify the needs, gaps and effective service models for individuals with long-term disabilities who are aging, specifically as it related to the areas of home supports, caregiving, transportation and housing. Activities of the project included the completion of an environmental scan and literature review, as well as roundtable consultations held with stakeholders in British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia and a national forum hosted by CCDS. The results of the research led to the development of recommendations for policies, programs and services to more effectively assist individuals aging with disabilities.

Overview: In May 2008, CCDS received a grant from ODI to continue work in the area of aging and disability, building on the previous research findings and recommendations. The intention of the current project is to assist communities to evaluate elements associated with livable and inclusive communities for seniors with disabilities; build knowledge, leadership and partnerships; and develop a plan to address the gaps identified. The elements of the community to be evaluated include: housing; transportation; support services; health and well-being; education; spiritual/cultural; recreation; natural environment; employment; volunteerism; and policy.

Goal: In collaboration with community partners, apply research and knowledge to service, program and policy development that will contribute to the establishment of livable communities that are inclusive of seniors with disabilities, in all aspects of their lives.

Project Activities:
1) Community Evaluation Instrument: Develop and test an instrument that measures the inclusion of seniors with disabilities in six communities in British Columbia,
Manitoba and Ontario.
2) Blueprint for Action: At a national think tank, share evaluation results, determine effectiveness of tool and develop an action plan.
3) Process Guide: Develop a protocol on how to use the evaluation tool, including best practices as identified by the communities.

How does this project benefit communities?

• Builds community knowledge, fosters leadership and participation of seniors with disabilities at the grass-roots, program and policy levels
• Strengthens and builds upon existing community partnerships and initiatives
• Assists community stakeholders to evaluate the extent to which their community is inclusive of seniors with disabilities and develop an plan to address the gaps identified.

For more information visit our project website at: www.agingwithdisabilities.com
For More Information Contact: ccds@disabilitystudies.ca or research3@disabilitystudies.ca
Phone: (204) 287-8411 Fax: (204) 284-5343 TTY: (204) 475-6223

CANADIAN CENTRE ON DISABILITY STUDIES CANADIAN CENTRE ON DISABILITY STUDIES
56 THE PROMENADE. WINNIPEG. CANADA. R3B 3H9 WWW.DISABILITYSTUDIES.CA

 

Project Handout

Please follow the link to download the project handout. The document can be used to distribute to colleagues, the public or anyone interested in the project. (DOC | PDF)