Community Living Ontario

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November 9, 2009:H1N1 Virus and Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic

Community Living Ontario has written to Health Minister Deb Matthews with concerns related to the H1N1 virus. There are two issues that are of significance to people who have an intellectual disability and their families:

• Heightened vulnerability to the virus among people who have a disability that may involve an underlying health condition; and
• Implications of the province’s pandemic plan.

Click here to view a copy of the letter: Letter to Honourable Deb Matthews

Overview

The health needs of a person who has an intellectual disability should be met in the same way as any other person with the same health needs.  As health needs change, he or she should be able to live in their home as long as possible and partake of the same community health supports that are available to others.

A person who has an intellectual disability is entitled to the same appropriate treatments as any other person.  Just like everyone else, a person who has an intellectual disability should be treated with life saving measures in an emergency situation.  

The laws that prohibit euthanasia and assisted suicide have been tested at the highest levels of the justice system and upheld.  The consensus of the courts and the position of many ethicists has been that euthanasia and assisted suicide are criminal, unethical and indefensible acts.  Community Living Ontario is opposed to acts of euthanasia and assisted suicide.

We are concerned by any developments in medicine and technology which pose a threat to the equal right of people who have an intellectual disability to enjoy life, freedom from discrimination and acceptance as contributors to our diverse society.  The medicalization of disability has often contributed to devaluing or dehumanizing people who have an intellectual disability.  For this reason, there is a need for principles and ethical guidelines to shape the development and use of medical technologies and practices and their impact on people who have an intellectual disability today, and on future generations.

Background

For a full list of resolutions passed by the membership of Community Living Ontario on health and well being, please visit our Archives.

Click here for information to assist you in contacting your local MP or MPP.

Help us ensure that people who have an intellectual disability are treated equally when they receive health care.

If you have ideas or resources to share with us please contact our policy analyst, thnatuk [at] communitylivingontario [dot] ca (Tyler Hnatuk) at 416- 447-4348, Ext. 249.