The Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living has made a “Call for Action” to have supported decision-making recognized in law in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The chair of the Steering Committee on Citizenship and Legal Capacity for All, Ray McIsaac, says right now, persons with intellectual or cognitive disabilities cannot speak for themselves when it comes to legal decisions affecting their lives.
If they don’t have a family member to speak or act on their behalf, they are usually placed under guardianship by the state, which McIsaac says is discriminatory and doesn’t afford them the dignity they deserve.
The managing director of the Institute for Research and Development on Inclusion and Society, Dr. Michael Bach, recently completed a report on the issue.
Supported Decision Making is currently recognized in British Columbia and the Association for Community Living, as well as groups like COD-NL and the Autism Society, is joining the call for provincial parties to address the issue.