Introduction
The Nunavut Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society (NDMS) is an independent, territory-wide, not-for-profit society based in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
NDMS developed out of grassroots community-based action. In 1999, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. provided support, in the form of office space and staffing, to a small group of individuals who sought to bring awareness and justice to people living with disabilities in Nunavut. In 2005, NDMS was incorporated as a society, and became the representative organization for people living with a disability in Nunavut.
Since its inception fifteen years ago, NDMS has undertaken a variety of important actions intended to improve the lives of people living with disabilities. NDMS has held several significant territorial conferences, with topics ranging from employment to disability rights and advocacy. It partnered with the Nunavut Trade Show to showcase economic inclusion as part of the new economy. It initiated the Inclusion Café, focused on hiring workers with disabilities in the food and catering industry; this project was subsequently acquired by the Iqaluit Food Centre. NDMS has placed people living with disabilities in goods and services workplaces across Nunavut. It successfully negotiated to create a designated Disabilities Committee at the City of Iqaluit, to include the voice of people living with disabilities in the capital city’s decision-making. These actions have been significant in raising awareness of disability rights, advocating for inclusion, and developing employment programs for people living with disabilities.
Legislative mandate
NDMS is mandated as the non-profit organization in Nunavut that supports persons with disabilities. NDMS was created in 2005 with the support of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the society became independent in 2009.
NDMS supports all people living with disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and as equal and full participants in the community. It seeks to champion issues impacting the lives of people living with disabilities through community partnerships, advocacy, research, and communications. NDMS is dedicated to the inclusion of persons living with disabilities in Nunavut, and the mandate is to foster community inclusion and promote self-determination and independence.
As a result of this advocacy and frontline support work, NDMS, as a non-governmental organization, upholds the Nunavut Human Rights Act, which states that “disability” means “any previous or existing or perceived mental or physical disability and includes disfigurement and previous or existing dependency on alcohol or a drug.” It also upholds the Canadian Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the Equality Rights Section of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees people living with disabilities have equal benefit and protection before and under the law. NDMS endorses the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Scope of representation
The NDMS has a responsibility to represent the needs of people living with disabilities in Nunavut. This includes working together with government departments to ensure client and community member needs are met in:
- Transportation: airplanes, airports, ports, harbours
- Housing: housing accessibility, universal design
- Physical health: homecare, equipment, diagnoses, specialized needs (foods, tools)
- Mental health: diagnoses, treatment, trauma, addictions
- Law/justice: legislation, human rights
- Economic development: job supports, legal accommodations for work, workplace rights, entrepreneurship
- Family services: social services, home care, entrepreneurship
- Education: rights to accommodation
- Community and Government Services: community planning