Overview
The Episodic Disabilities Network brings together organizations working on issues affecting people with episodic disabilities and serves as a pan-Canadian forum for issues relating to episodic disabilities and specifically to:
- Identify relevant evidence and policy initiatives;
- Serve as a hub of expertise and information about episodic disabilities;
- Disseminate information to raise the profile of episodic disabilities and
- Advocate to governments and the private sector to promote the inclusion of Canadians who live with episodic disabilities.
The objectives of the EDN are:
- To increase the awareness of episodic disabilities and their impact on society and individuals.
- To support a comprehensive and coordinated approach to influencing governments and the private sector to promote the financial independence and social inclusion of people living with an episodic disability, including:
- Acceptance of a common definition(s) of episodic disability;
- Increased collaboration among existing programs and services;
- Improved accessibility of programs by Canadians living with an episodic disability; and
- To promote exchange of knowledge and resources among the members to foster support for the Network’s mandate;
- To promote the inclusion of Canadians living with an episodic disability.
Participating organizations
Realize has acted as secretariat to the EDN since its inception in 2004. Episodic Disabilities Network member organizations include::
- Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work
- Canadian Working Group on HIV and Rehabilitation
- DAWN/RAFH Canada
- Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
One of the Network’s early initiatives was the development of Episodic Disabilities Network (EDN) Statement of Common Agenda on Episodic Disability, Full Participation & Employment (PDF) on income support and employment issues for people with episodic disabilities.
For more information on the Network and its activities please contact us or see the Episodic Disabilities Network website.