Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL

Mary Walsh is one of more than 125,000 people in our province living with disability. In fact, one in every four Newfoundlanders and Labradorians identify as having some form of disability.

Mary is an actor, writer, comedian, and activist who identifies with mental health and addictions disability. She is partnering with the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL to share information and help recognize and remove the barriers encountered by so many of us, including our family, friends and neighbours.

Breaking Barriers

Mary chats with some friends about the barriers they face in everyday life.

Stephanie

St. John’s

As a Canada Games athlete and soon to be social worker, Stephanie identifies with physical/mobility disability. She was able to find appropriate support to help her rise above the expectations of others.

Dennis

Happy Valley Goose Bay

After a stroke 9 years ago, Dennis acquired aphasia, a neurological and communications disability. Through supports and sheer determination, Dennis continues as Vice President of Operations at Woodward Group.

Brandon

Lewisporte

As a recent medical school graduate and person with low vision, Brandon feels that his experiences advocating for himself will better enable him to effectively advocate for others as a doctor.

Further Information about Resources for Persons with Disabilities

Accessibility Funding

Building Codes and Standards

Communication Disabilities

Directory of Disability Organizations

Education

Employment

Housing and Home Support

Human Rights

Intellectual, Cognitive and Neurodiverse

Mental Health

Physical, Mobility and Chronic Pain

Self Advocacy Tips

Self Advocacy Letters

Sensory Disabilities

Transportation

Making our world more accessible is a team effort

Introducing a Social Model of Disability

It’s time to change the way we perceive the world around us and recognize a social model of disability. This means barriers often exist because of poorly designed built environments, policies, and services, as well as the inappropriate attitudes and assumptions of other people. These barriers often limit a person’s access and inclusion.

Once someone knows where and how to look for them, the barriers become easier to recognize – and even easier to remove.

Changing attitudes

Some of the most difficult barriers to overcome emerge from negative and uninformed attitudes. Just like the teachers who told Stephanie she’d never make it through university, these barriers come from people’s limited understanding of disability and the opportunities for success.

Making the system work for everyone

Designing systems that consider and include everyone, benefits us all. For example, during an election process having the choice to vote in-person in a traditional polling station or through a mail-in ballot or advance poll lets people vote in the way that is accessible for them.

Building environments we can all use

Physical barriers are created when we don’t design public spaces or services in a way that provides access to everyone. Ground level entry, power-operated bathroom doors, and wider doorways; these provide opportunities instead of creating barriers.

We are the Coalition of Persons With Disabilities – Newfoundland and Labrador.

To learn more about our organization, and for access to online resources for people with disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador, hit the button below.

Find Resources

We all have a role to play.

Website Accessibility Statement

We at the Coalition of Persons With Disabilities strive to conform with the highest standards of accessibility.

We want everyone to be able to use our website, no matter their disability or technology they use. If you’re experiencing any challenges navigating this page, please let us know by contacting us at info@codnl.ca or calling 709 722 7011.