Will the federal election bring good news to those who work with those who sufer from disabilities?

Well here in Canada we are in the process of electing a new Government. It is a time to reflect on how the past Government dealt with the issues and concerns of disabled community and how those who want to govern, purpose to deal with those same issues and concerns. I am not going to bore you with what the Canadian Government has been up to, but rather I wish to prod those of us who work with those who are disabled to ensure we enlighten the candidates as to the issues and concerns we are facing.

Of course, disability related issues are not high on most politician's lists, in fact they most likely aren't even on their radar screens. For the most part there are no earth shattering revelation from the politicians concerning topics associated with disability related issues.

There are two major times when the politicians will consider discussing disability related issues, elections and budgets. Recently, we saw an example of this when the Government of Canada presented it's budget, and included within the budget was the Family Caregiver Tax Credit, to help family members care for other members of the family who are experiencing a disabling condition. Since the Government fell, we are faced with an election.

Now is the time for those who work within the disabled community to ensure that the politicians understand the issues. We are in the unique position of being on the front-lines, this allows us the ability to educate the politicians concerning what has been happening and what may happen in the future. In Canada, like many countries in the world, we are facing an increase in the number of individual being diagnosed with severe disabling conditions, such as Alzheimer, dementia, etc. We are neither prepared nor are we able to handle the present level of these conditions within our society. Now is the time to ensure the those that will form the government of tomorrow understand the needs of today and the future.

So let's let the politician know what the issues are effecting the disability community and that we expect action. Remember to vote on May 2, 2011.