National AccessAbility Week

It’s National AccessAbility Week! It’s a chance for us to take a moment for recognition of the many amazing contributions that people with disabilities have made, and continue to make, to our communities.

In Canada, we’re surrounded by examples of people with disabilities who have had a significant impact on society – from Terry Fox, to Rick Hansen, to Carla Qualtrough, to Senator Chantal Petitclerc. And beyond the people in the public eye, are countless others with disabilities making a difference every day – our family members, friends, and colleagues. They are all around us, and this is our chance to give them the recognition they deserve.

At CAMRT, we believe that society is better off when everyone can fully participate and contribute without barriers. And, we are committed to helping our members build a more inclusive healthcare system, where everyone feels welcome and is treated with dignity and respect.

All members of the CAMRT are expected to follow the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct – and the principles within of Patient Centered Care by  treating all individuals with respect and dignity, providing care regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation, age, type of illness, mental or physical ability.

CAMRT is developing education to help MRTs ensure that people with disabilities receive the best possible care, in the most inclusive way possible.

In addition, CAMRT’s Best Practice Guidelines give MRTs some practical help and resources to turn this ethical code into action. The guideline on Patient- and Family-Centered Care in Practice discusses the importance of respect, human dignity, patients as leaders and collaboration (with the patients and families) as core principles, and provides links to references and sites that deal with the topic in much greater depth.