Expanding the Arts: Deaf and Disability Arts, Access and Equality Strategy

With the Canada Council for the Arts’ publication of the Moving Forward: Strategic Plan 2008-11, disability was named as a new area of exploration within Direction 3: Equity. Soon after, the Equity Office began a series of consultations with Deaf artists and artists with disabilities and through the organization of three focus groups.

In keeping with the Council' s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusive policies it was determined that developing a Canada Council specific strategy on Deaf and disability arts was a priority. The Canada Council then created a term position of Disability Arts Officer to lead the development of the strategy and provide expertise to staff across divisions. The Strategy provides definitions, background and context, including Canadian and international legislation, and information about the Canada Council’s consultation process.