In 1998, federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for Social Services released In Unison: A Canadian Approach to Disability Issues. This document describes the vision and long-term policy directions for promoting the full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of Canadian society. Based on the values of equality, inclusion and independence, it addresses three major areas of concern for people with disabilities: employment, income and disability supports.
In Unison: A Canadian Approach to Disability Issues is closely tied to the Social Union Initiative and reflects the objectives and ideals of the Social Union Framework.
To ensure sustained progress towards the full participation of people with disabilities, the Government of Canada has outlined priorities for action within its own departments and agencies, with provinces and territories, and with the disability community and other partners.
These priorities for action are based on:
Obstacles Report (1981) - Report of the Special Parliamentary Committee on the Disabled and the Handicapped.
Reflecting Interdependence: Disability, Parliament, Government and the Community (1999) - Sixth Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
Sub-Committee on the Status of People with Disabilities - This committee reports to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.