Whether for our own loved ones, or simply fellow citizens, Canada needs more dignified supported housing and respite care for disabled individuals. Supported housing for the disabled could, and should, be opened up to the private sector to create competition and therefore, better choice. Economic incentives for developers can be created. The status quo is untenable. Governments have had a monopoly on this for far too long, and look where it has brought us.
We need to do better. To avoid tragedy, disabled individuals and their families need political support. They deserve meaningful, dignified lives, not isolated lives in front of a TV all day. There are organizations like Jean Vanier’s L’Arche that fulfill this mission, but many more are needed.
