Election
2004 Vote for Equality - Home
> Issues > Assistive
Devices Election 2004 Action
Sample
letter to MP, from Canadians
who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind
Please
copy cnibadvocacynetwork@cnib.ca
on any correspondence
that you send to your MP or if your MP replies to your letter.
Dear Member of
Parliament:
As a visually
impaired Canadian, I rely on low-tech devices in order to function
independently. For example:
1. a magnifier
to read prices in the grocery store
2. a tape recorder to listen to library books on cassette
These devices
and others like them spell the difference between dependence and independence
for me. However, they cost money. When I cannot afford them, my level
of independence is significantly reduced.
I have the same
right to participate in the community as anyone else. Without an assistive
device, however, I am held back from participating fully in society.
Several provinces
help cover the cost of adaptive equipment for the disabled. But my
province does not. Making assistive devices affordable for all Canadians
who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind is both the right thing
to do and the economical thing to do. Therefore I would ask that the
Government of Canada specify health transfer payments in order to
ensure that all Canadians receive access to affordable assistive devices.
I am not asking
for charity. I am simply asking for an equal opportunity to serve
as an active member of my community.
I would hope to
hear your response to my request in the very near future. Please do
not reply in writing. Due to my visual impairment, I would prefer
that you reply with an e-mail message or a phone call.
Sincerely
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