Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act 2017 became law on November 28, 2017.
Bill 148 may impact expenses for people and families in receipt of direct funding. The bill may also affect families and individuals hiring support workers for someone in their family.
For more information about Bill 148 and whether it applies to you and your family, your responsibility to the worker, and what steps you should take in response to Bill 148 changes, Catulpa Community Support Services recommends you visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/plan-fair-workplaces-and-better-jobs-bill-148
You may have to work hard to get others to understand what you want. People will be more apt to listen to you if you have respect for yourself and for the person you are speaking to. By speaking up for what you believe, think and feel, you are using your right to live your life in the way you wish. At the same time, you have to take responsibility for your plan and decision.
Sometimes your plan or goal may need to change or need some other supports.
Negotiation is about speaking and listening. Always stay calm and relaxed. By working together, you can solve disagreements and work towards a solution or plan that can make both of you happy.
Do you know your rights?
Everyone has basic rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights/Convention on the Rights of the Child/Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities; the Child and Youth Charter of Simcoe County Child, Youth, and Family Coalition. These rights protect you from discrimination due to:
You have the same responsibilities as all other Canadians. These include:
Obeying the law
Taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family
Serving on a jury
Voting in elections
Helping others in the community
Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment
You have the right and the responsibility to give any agency or service provider feedback and tell them how they can give you the best possible service.
How do you solve a problem?
It is usually a good idea to solve one problem at a time. Write down the problem and what you would like to happen so you can start planning how to solve the issue. Ask yourself:
What is the problem?
How do I feel when the problem happens?
Why do I feel that way when the problem happens?
Who is causing the problem?
When does the problem happen the most?
Where does the problem happen the most?
What do I want to happen?
What do I need to change?
Who is the best person to speak to?
It’s all part of the work you need to do to solve your problem. Be confident that you have worked hard to solve the problem when you speak to others. The more decisions you make for yourself the more things you will learn you can do and the better you will feel about yourself.
Be confident
Sometimes you may need to be a little more assertive to solve your problem. This does not mean you should behave badly. Respectful speaking and listening and knowing your rights give you the confidence and understanding to be firm as you work to solve your problem.
Support networks can help
The person you choose to support you mustn't speak for you. They should let you decide what you want to do. They are there to encourage you and to assist you as you talk about how you are feeling and how you are going to solve your problem. They can help with letter writing or speak in meetings if you need assistance.
Information will be needed
Be prepared. It is important you gather as much information, including documentation, as you can about your problem. Know your rights and responsibilities.
Come up with a solution
Think about a few different ways to solve your problem. One will seem best to you, but others may also be okay. Talk about them with your support person. Plan how you will reach the solution. Will it be a chat, a telephone call, a letter, or a meeting? Practice with your support person.
Speaking up
You are prepared with your documents, and you have arranged to speak with the person. During the call or meeting, it is important to control your emotions. Stay relaxed so the discussion remains respectful.
It is important that you understand what others are saying. Ask questions and repeat what you hear to make sure it is correct. Write down or have someone else write down what is said by each person so you can remember later. This information can support your case. You may need to negotiate if the change you want is not the same as the thoughts of the other person. Remember to firmly ask for what you want so that you can work together to find a solution for both of you. It may not be exactly what you hoped for, but it is acceptable to you.
If an agreement is not made, you have the right to ask to speak to more senior people in the organization, ask someone to advocate for you or make a formal complaint, according to each agency’s complaints process.
You also have the right to inform your local Member of Parliament or a Cabinet Minister.
If an agreement is made, send a letter outlining what was agreed upon.
Writing a letter
Always show respect to the people you are speaking up to. Thank the people who are helping you solve the problem. A letter can be sent to do this. You may want to have someone assist you or show someone the letter you write on your own before it is mailed.
A problem-solving letter should include the reason you are writing and what the problem is, why the problem needs solving, the solution you have decided would be best and a thank you for their help.
A thank you letter should include what has happened and a thank you to the person who supported the change.
Community Self Advocacy
Self-advocacy is not only for individuals but also for communities. Catulpa envisions a future where the people we serve are recognized and valued as contributing members of their community and fully integrated into their community’s activities.
We know this is a vision shared by many children, youth, adults, and families with developmental or mental disabilities. As individuals, agencies, and governments, we must work together to face the growing need for inclusive supports and services within our communities.
By advocating for better resources and funding for each child and family, we can make a difference.
No matter how you choose to advocate it’s important to follow some simple guidelines:
Be polite and reasonable
Be consistent when speaking about your issue. Keep it as simple as possible
Stay informed about changes to your issue
Be clear about your objectives and the need for a commitment, as well as desired next steps
Connect with others interested in your issue. Not only does this provide you support, but together you can be more effective
Follow up regularly with decision-makers so they know you are engaged and committed
There are several different ways you can choose to raise awareness about your issue. Some of them are:
A personal letter from you, your support group, or a larger community network to local, provincial, or federal politicians detailing your story and how the issue(s) affects you can be very impactful
Talk with local, provincial, or federal politicians. Phoning or meeting can have an impact, especially if they are not familiar with your issue
Start an online petition and present it to decision-makers, showing the issue is a concern to many
Post your story online. Social media sharing can reach a large number of people
Tell your story to community groups so they become engaged with your issue
Contact the media and provide them with your personal story and how the issue affects you or your family. Include facts and statistics they can use as background