As part of broader consultations on human rights and mental health, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is hosting a series of roundtable discussions across the province. The discussion topics will focus on questions about the rights of people with mental health disabilities and addictions to be free from discrimination in employment, housing and services.
The purpose of a roundtable discussion is to:
- Collect individual stories of discrimination;
- Hear the views of consumer/survivors, people with addictions, rental housing providers, service providers, employers, advocates and others;
- Identify key areas and themes of discrimination experienced by people with mental health and addiction disabilities on an individual and systemic level;
- Identify how to help communicate everyone’s rights and responsibilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code; and
- Identify solutions and best practices to deal with discrimination.
The sessions are open to all and are being held in Toronto (February 3), Windsor (February 17), Ottawa (March 2) and North Bay (March 28). Light refreshments and beverages will be served. Private group sessions are also being held specifically for consumer/survivors and individuals with mental health and/or addictions-related conditions. For more information about these sessions, contact Vicky Masellis by phone at 416-314-4526, or by e-mail at Vicky.Massellis@ohrc.on.ca.
For more information about the OHRC human rights and mental health consultations, visit www.ohrc.on.ca. Also see the consultation paper, “OHRC Human Rights and Mental Health Consultation,” January 2011, available at www.ohrc.on.ca.