On October 20th, 2023 – the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion & Persons with Disabilities – Honourable Kamal Khera – hosted a round table to discuss the Canadian Disability Benefit ( that gained royal approval this past July) to learn its impact on young persons with disabilities.

On October 20th, I had the distinct honour of representing the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association and the University of Toronto at the Honourable Kamal Khera—Ministry of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities’ Canadian Disability Benefit (CDB) round table.

The CDB legislation which was passed this summer, is aimed to be implemented next year.

The roundtable consisted of disabled individuals, youth, those who represented key stakeholders and disability organizations to discuss how may we improve the CDB .

One of the things Minister Khera focused on was to hear the voices of disabled youth, young adults who will be affected by this new benefit.

We discussed issues such as knowing wether you are disabled enough. Existing problems with accessing programs and services such as ODSP, OW and the difficulty of being diagnosed. The gaps in transitioning from high school to university in terms of getting accommodations/support, and how that impacts students as they find high paying jobs in the future. As well as existing discrimination and inaccessibility in the workplace all impacts persons with disabilities and are all issues we must consider and address if we are to ensure that this Canadian Disability Benefit is to serve the community.

“Today I was also privileged to hear from youth with disabilities who shared their experiences & thoughts on the Canada Disability Benefit regulations. The CDB will be an important support for youth with disabilities, enabling them to reach their full potential.” — Honourable Kamal Khera

We need to continue advocating for this bill by ensuring persons with disabilities — especially young people—are at the table, shaping this legislation and future ones to further support and strengthen the community.
To make this happen, it is important that the government collaborate with disability organizations.