The evolution of government independent living policies and programmes for Canadians with disabilities

Government policies and programmes in Canada have been slowly evolving from a focus on institutional care to traditional programmes in the community. Now, a new paradigm of services is emerging which emphasizes the concepts of independent living. This study collected extensive information from government officials and consumer groups across Canada regarding the trends in barrier-free housing, accessible transportation and personal supports from 1980 to the present time. The research documents some of the major issues with government initiatives as well as promising innovations. Although many positive changes were made during the Decade of Disabled Persons (1983-1992), many of these initiatives were eroded with major funding cutbacks in the mid- to late 1990s. This paper concludes with ways to change the present service delivery system to ensure that everyone can live independently in the community.