Greetings everyone and I’m Christian Robicheau welcoming you to a typical April weekend.
Ah yes April showers brings May flowers and here’s hoping!
Today our president Donna J. Jodhan has a very thoughtful editorial to share with us.
It’s all about the duty to accommodate.
Donna is waiting to hear from you.
Send along your email to donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca
Enjoy your weekend.
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The Duty to Accommodate: A Forgotten Commitment?
By Donna J. Jodhan
In years gone by, the Canadian Federal Government frequently invoked the term “the duty to accommodate” in discussions surrounding accessibility. This phrase, laden with promise, suggested a moral and legal obligation to ensure that all Canadians, regardless of their abilities, could participate fully in society. But what did it truly mean? Was it a duty to commit, or merely a duty of best effort? And who was really being asked to shoulder this responsibility?
The duty to accommodate emerged from a desire to create a more inclusive society, yet its interpretation often felt vague and inconsistent. On one hand, it implied a strong commitment from the government and institutions to remove barriers and provide support. On the other, it sometimes came across as a half-hearted effort, a mere checkbox in a policy agenda. For many individuals with disabilities, this duality raised questions:
How much effort would be deemed sufficient? What resources were being allocated to ensure these accommodations were not only promised but enacted?
The onus of this duty often fell on various entities—employers, schools, and public institutions—leaving many grappling with the complexities of what accommodating actually entailed. The lack of clear guidelines sometimes resulted in inadequate support and a frustrating experience for those who needed it most. With various stakeholders involved, it became easy for the government to pass the buck, leading to a patchwork of accessibility standards across the nation.
As time has passed, the phrase “the duty to accommodate” seems to have faded from our collective consciousness. Has it been buried somewhere in the depths of policy documents and bureaucratic jargon? Or has it simply lost its resonance in a world that often prioritizes efficiency over equity?
Today, the question looms: Is anyone truly listening? The ongoing dialogue around accessibility remains crucial, especially as we strive to create environments where everyone can thrive. Yet, it is evident that more needs to be done. Advocacy groups, individuals, and communities continue to push for stronger frameworks and accountability. But without the government’s proactive commitment to reinvigorate and clarify its duty to accommodate, these voices risk being drowned out in the noise of everyday governance.
As we reflect on the concept of accommodation, it is essential to revisit the promise that the term once held. We must demand not just a duty of best effort, but a genuine commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all Canadians. It is time for the government to reaffirm its responsibility and for society to hold it accountable. Only then can we ensure that the duty to accommodate becomes more than just a phrase; it should be a fundamental principle guiding our shared future.
Just my two cents for today
Image = canada-government-flag
For the barriers in Canadian government, I have a droopy Canadian flag in front of the Parliament buildings.
To learn more about me as an award winning sight loss coach and advocate visit www.donnajodhan.com
