Understanding experiences of newcomers with disabilities training program: A training program for settlement workers working with immigrants and refugees with disabilities
Abstract
Canadian immigrant policies have systemically excluded individuals with disabilities from immigrating to Canada due to ‘excessive demand’ and ‘medical inadmissibility’ clauses. Ableism, racism, and colonialism affect all aspects of pre-application, application, settlement and integration. However, a gap in resources and knowledge of working with newcomers with disabilities exists. This reports on the training program requested by Immigrant Services Calgary on supporting newcomers with disabilities.
Notes
Community organizations:
- Calgary Ability Network
- Alberta Ability Network
- Immigrant Services Calgary
Key populations: newcomers with disabilities and their settlement workers
Open access: Yes
Future research / gaps identified:
- Expand training program to increase reach
- Advocate for policy reform that upholds the rights of newcomers with disabilities
Integration timeline: newcomers not defined
Key findings
- Due to the excessive demands clause and medical inadmissibility policies, individuals with disabilities were historically and still currently viewed as an inadmissible group of newcomers
- Ableism, racism and colonialism intersect to impact the immigration process of newcomers with disabilities
- Lack of service provider knowledge, training and resources on this topic exists
Key recommendations
Evaluate efficacy of this training program for settlement workers that work with newcomers with disabilities
Location: Calgary, but applicable to Alberta and Canada more broadly
