Welcome to Disability Without Poverty
Disability Without Poverty (DWP) began when advocates across the country came together to work on eliminating disability poverty. Their work was immediately focussed on the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) introduced in the 2020 Throne Speech. Through DWP’s numerous petitions, open letters, Op-Eds, rallies, partnerships and non-partisan efforts, the CDB reached unanimous Royal Assent in June 2023. Our work continues in order to ensure that the CDB is a benefit that actually benefits disabled people by lifting them out of poverty.
We are led by people with disabilities supported by our families, friends, service providers, allies and organisations.
We respect the human rights of persons of every race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and social status and welcome your involvement.
We strive to represent the full diversity of our community. Disabilities may be physical, mental and cognitive; visible or invisible; chronic and episodic.
DWP Is
Fully inclusive, led by disabled people, grassroots based and independently financed.
Our Vision
A Canada without poverty for People with Disabilities.
Our Mission
To build a movement that lifts People with Disabilities out of poverty in Canada by mobilizing grassroots power, working with Government and securing public support for ending disability poverty. Our Goal: To ensure the Canada Disability Benefit is of an adequate amount to lift disabled people out of poverty.
Our Goal
To ensure the Canada Disability Benefit is of an adequate amount to lift disabled people out of poverty.
7 Principles For A Successful CDB
1.
Urgency:
the benefit must happen quickly; July 2025 is a long time away from now.
2.
Dignity:
a successful CDB should actually lift disabled people out of poverty, providing an income that is above Canada’s Official Poverty Line.
3.
Added Costs:
according to the Canada Disability Benefit Act, the additional costs associated with living with a disability must be taken into consideration regarding the amount of the benefit.
4.
Inclusive Eligibility:
disabled people who already receive a federal, territorial or provincial benefit should get immediate access to the CDB.
5.
Simple Application:
the application process should be easy, seamless, fast and simple. The form should be written in plain language and available in multiple languages as well as various accessible formats.
6.
A Fair Benefit:
the CDB should be responsive to the changing circumstances of applicants. This includes adequately addressing the higher cost of living, the challenges of finding and keeping steady employment and the additional financial burdens that come with disabilities.
7.
Keep Disabled People Involved in the Process:
the government should include people with disabilities in developing, implementing and monitoring the CDB program.