The Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) would like to hear about the experiences of persons with disabilities with provincial laws, programs and policies. We are looking for participants in our focus groups to discuss how the law affects you, as a person living with disability.

Specifically, the LCO wants to hear your thoughts on issues such as eligibility criteria for disability-related programs and whether systems for enforcing your rights are effective. We also want to hear about your experiences in relation to learning about and understanding provincial laws, programs and services. The LCO will consider your stories and ideas in making recommendations for law reform to the Ontario government.

We are looking for a diversity of participants who live with disability for our focus groups. As a person who lives with disability, we hope you will use this opportunity to share your stories, make suggestions for improvement and highlight what is and is not working in the law as it affects the lives of persons with disabilities.

In May and June 2010, the LCO will hold accessible focus groups with persons with disabilities in Toronto, Owen Sound, Thunder Bay, Ottawa and London. The Ottawa focus group will be held in French. There may also be some focus groups on-line if there is enough interest. As a participant at an in-person focus group in your community, you will be reimbursed for child care costs (up to a maximum of $50) and for local travel expenses. You will also be Given an honorarium for sharing your experiences with the LCO.

The LCO works independently of government to make recommendations for law reform to the provincial government to increase access to justice. The LCO chooses projects to be representative and reflective of the diversity of experiences of people in Ontario.

Starting in mid-April, sign-up will be available on the LCO’s website, by mail and by phone. Please check our website for more information about the focus groups or the project, find a survey and alternate ways to consult with us or contact us at the LCO at 1-866-950-8406, by TTY at 416-650-8082, toll-free TTY number forthcoming, to be found on our website. For more details on this consultation, information about the LCO and its projects, please visit the LCO’s website at http://www.lco-cdo.org.