Greetings everyone and I’m Christian Robicheau welcoming you to a typical summer weekend.
Today our president Donna J. Jodhan muses in her weekly editorial about the possibility of A possible Canadians with disabilities consumer movement.
What do you think?
Send your feedback to us at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca
Enjoy your weekend!
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A possible Canadians with disabilities consumer movement?
By Donna J. Jodhan
Is Canada Ready to Listen, and Act?
In 2016, a bold and necessary conversation began: What would it take to build a
powerful, unified consumer movement for Canadians with disabilities?
Over the next two years, this idea was explored through several virtual town halls, drawing voices from across the country. The vision was clear—Canadians with disabilities wanted to be seen not just as clients or service recipients, but as consumers with purchasing power, expectations, and rights.
The message from many participants was strong: yes, they wanted this movement. Yes, they were tired of being left out of economic conversations. And yes, they were ready to shape how services, products, and policies reflect their lives. But after those discussions ended, the momentum seemed to stall. Nothing substantial has emerged to carry the torch forward. So, what happened?
Perhaps it’s time to ask not only why this movement faded but also what it will take to bring it back—stronger, louder, and more organized. A true consumer movement isn’t just about demanding better services or more accessible products. It’s about leveraging collective power, influencing markets, and holding both government and industry accountable. It’s about reminding Canada that accessibility isn’t charity—it’s business, it’s policy, and it’s a right.
To resurrect this call, there needs to be investment—not only financial, but political and social. Federal, provincial, and municipal governments must treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves. Agencies must stop speaking for disabled people and start listening to them. Private companies must learn that accessibility isn’t optional if they want to reach millions of Canadian consumers.
But government and industry won’t move unless the community does first. So we must ask: Are Canadians with disabilities ready and willing to stand up again?
We believe the answer is yes. The desire hasn’t disappeared—it’s just waiting for the right spark. Today, with the rise of digital organizing, new platforms for advocacy, and a growing awareness of equity and inclusion, the conditions are ripe to reignite this movement. The time has come for a coalition—led by disabled Canadians, fueled by allies, and recognized by policymakers.
Let’s not wait another decade to ask the same question. Let’s answer it now—with action.
I’d like to leave you with this picture for your consideration.
A diverse group of individuals with visible and invisible disabilities are standing together in a symbolic formation, like the shape of a maple leaf — Canada’s national symbol. The individuals include a person in a wheelchair, someone using a white cane, a person with a hearing aid, a neurodivergent person with noise-canceling headphones, and someone with a service dog. Their clothing features subtle symbols of empowerment — slogans like “Access is Power” or “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
They are in front of a modern storefront that has barrier-free access: automatic doors, wide ramps, clear signage in braille and large print, and even digital options for virtual participation shown on a screen nearby. The background includes iconic Canadian imagery — a soft outline of Parliament Hill, a hint of mountains or prairies, or the CN Tower — to ground the scene in national context.
Above them, rays of light or a stylized wave of color flows forward like a banner — representing momentum, unity, and consumer power. The overall tone is one of optimism, dignity, and strength, emphasizing that this movement is not just about inclusion, but about influence, equity, and economic voice.
Image = Two individuals are shaking hands firmly in front of a prominently displayed Canadian flag, symbolizing agreement, partnership, or diplomacy. One person wears a blue dress shirt while the other wears a white one, indicating a professional or formal context. The red and white flag with its bold red maple leaf in the center creates a strong national backdrop, emphasizing a Canadian connection or setting for the handshake.
To learn more about me as an award winning sight loss coach and advocate visit www.donnajodhan.com
