Serious Problems Experienced by Diverse People with Disabilities: Western Canada

Acknowledgements

This acknowledgement is to the people who participated in this research.

It was clear that being involved in these discussions was often not an easy task. As you will hear in this report, diverse people’s lives are difficult as they battle through inaccessible systems, pervaded with sexism, racism, queerphobia, and ableism. Yet participants jumped at this opportunity because they felt it was important to bring often invisible experiences to the forefront. It was important that their experiences be known and validated because, as many stated, their experiences matter, and by telling their story, the voices of people with disabilities will be heard.

Therefore, thank you to each and every person who took part in this research project for your honesty and generosity in sharing your experiences. Your strength, confidence, and clarity will contribute to advancing inclusion for people with disabilities in Canada, because…

I believe that the people reading this report are listening.