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CUPE’s disability rights campaign, A solidarity of abilities, continues with the launch of a new brochure. Titled Ready and able: Creating an ability-smart work environment, the brochure offers some basic information on the services CUPE offers to support persons with disabilities.

Samples of the brochure will be sent to your local through CUPE’s national general mailing. As part of their work to support the campaign, CUPE’s Persons with Disabilities National Working Group is also distributing copies of the brochure and our new disability rights poster in locals and at division conventions this spring.

One of those working group members, Ann Ramsay, has been working hard to raise awareness in her region, Prince Edward Island.

Disability changes lives. It happened to me, it could happen to you,” said Ramsay, a former vice president of CUPE 1145, and current member of CUPE 1770 (English Language School Board in P.E.I.). “I am very proud to be the PEI spokesperson for this new campaign. ‘A Solidarity of Abilities’ showcases our members with disabilities who are dynamic people on the job and in our communities.”

Ramsay, 55, suffered a disability as a result of an accident in 2009. She continues to work with her union and her employer on accommodation.

Being a union member makes a difference. You don’t have to face the challenge alone. Members and staff offer support and ideas that make a big difference,” said Ramsay.

In my opinion, that’s the purpose of the disability rights campaign—to educate members about their rights and the duty to accommodate. Dealing with a disability is tough enough. I hope the campaign raises awareness of workplace rights among members, and that it lets people with disabilities know who they can turn for help understanding their rights.”

Ramsay has been spreading the word to CUPE locals and other groups in her province. She was recently featured in an ad promoting the campaign in the Charlottetown Guardian.

Keep an eye out for more disability rights materials in the coming weeks.