THE LAW

There’s no such thing as disability rights. It’s all about
human rights.

There are many laws in Canada and around the world that protect our rights. These laws help make sure all people, including people with disabilities, are treated fairly.

People with disabilities are often told we need permission to do things that others do without question. But here’s the truth: exercising your rights isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the law.

Some of these laws are made for everyone, and some are written specifically to protect the rights of people with disabilities. That matters because for a long time, people with disabilities were excluded, mistreated, or ignored (see Module 3).

In this module, we will look at three laws that help promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities:

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Canada)
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (International)
The Adults Living with an Intellectual Disability Act (Manitoba)

Knowing your rights is the first step to using them.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Canada)

Have you ever heard of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

The Charter is the highest law in Canada. That means no other law or rule can go against it. It protects your rights and freedoms—no matter who you are or where you live.

Whether you’re in Winnipeg, The Pas, Toronto, or anywhere else in the country, the Charter protects you. It doesn’t matter if you live in a big city or a small town. The Charter is for every Canadian, including people with disabilities.

You don’t have to ask for these rights. You already have them.

Rights in the Charter

The Charter reminds us that we have the same rights as everyone else. You don’t have to ask for permission to speak up, to vote, to live where you want, or to be treated fairly.

These are not special rights.
They are human rights, protected by the highest law in Canada. We made a video to help explain this, check it out!

But Canada is not the only country working to protect these rights. There’s also a global agreement that helps promote disability rights around the world. Let’s take a look.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities (International)

We just learned about the Charter, which protects your rights here in Canada. But did you know there’s also a law that protects your rights across the world? It’s called the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, or CRPD for short.

The CRPD is a global agreement. Countries from around the world, including Canada, signed it to show they agree that people with disabilities:
Have the same rights as everyone else
Deserve to be included in all parts of life
Should be treated with fairness and respect

Canada signed the CRPD in 2010. That means our country made a promise to follow it—and to take action.

The CRPD has 50 articles. Each one is like a promise to protect a specific human right for people with disabilities.

We won’t cover all 50, but we’ll focus on the 6 that People First of Canada says are most important right now. People First is a national organization led by people with intellectual disabilities. Their message is clear: “Nothing about us without us.” They speak directly to governments and communities, helping make laws and policies fairer. They speak up about the issues that matter most, and they help make big ideas like human rights easier to understand and talk about. They chose these 6 articles because they reflect the real-life struggles and hopes of people with disabilities across the country.

The CRPD is not just about ideas—it’s about real change and real lives.

It shows that disability rights are human rights everywhere, not just in Canada. It helps shape fairer laws and services. It gives people with disabilities a stronger voice, and it reminds leaders to listen, be accountable, and take action when rights are not respected.

Take a moment to reflect. Pick one of the six articles and ask yourself:
What does this right mean to me?
Why is it important in my life?
What support might I need to use this right fully?

The CRPD sets the stage. But how are these rights protected where you live?
Let’s look at what the law says right here in Manitoba.

The Adults Living with an Intellectual Disability
Act (Manitoba)

The CRPD helps protect rights across the world. But what about right here in Manitoba?

That’s where ALIDA comes in. ALIDA stands for the Adults Living with an Intellectual Disability Act. It is the law in Manitoba that protects the rights of adults with an intellectual disability. This law focuses on making sure people are supported to live as independently as possible, with the right help, in the community.

ALIDA used to be called the Vulnerable Persons Act. It was renamed in 2023, but the purpose stayed the same: to make sure people with intellectual disabilities are included, respected, and supported in decision making.

It is important to know that ALIDA does not cover all people with disabilities. To qualify under ALIDA, a person must have a recognized intellectual disability that began before age 18 and that affects everyday living.

ALIDA recognizes that people with intellectual disabilities may need help to meet their basic needs. The law protects your right to be included in your community and to make choices about your life.

The Seven Guiding Principles of ALIDA

At the heart of ALIDA are seven guiding principles. These are not just nice ideas — they are written into law.

Here’s what they are:

These principles make it clear: it is the law to believe in people’s ability, to respect their rights, and to include them in decisions about their own lives.

ALIDA describes three ways that people can make decisions.
Think of them as steps along a line — from the most independent to the most supported.

Independent Decision Making

• This is the starting point under ALIDA.
• Everyone is assumed able to make their own choices.
• People don’t need to explain or defend their decisions.
• Choices can be about anything: daily routines, money, health, relationships, and more.

Supported Decision Making

• The person is still the decision maker.
• Trusted people (family, friends, or staff) help by:
  • Talking through options.
  • Explaining information.
  • Sharing the person’s choice with others if needed.
• This model is about building confidence and independence, not taking control away.
• It is a better option than moving straight to Substitute Decision Making.

Substitute Decision Making (SDM)

• This is the most restrictive option. It should only be used as a last resort.
• An SDM is appointed when a person cannot safely make certain decisions, even with support.
• Having an SDM does not take away a person’s rights. People still have the right to:
  • Vote.
  • Share their opinions.
  • Be included in every decision about their life.
• SDMs can only make decisions in the areas written on their appointment paper (like health care, housing, or finances).
• Usually, an SDM is a family member, friend, or other trusted person.
• If no one is available, the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) may be chosen. This is usually someone who does not know you, and relies on information from your Community Service Worker. 

It’s Not All or Nothing

Decision making is not all-or-nothing. A person might be independent in some areas, need support in others, and have an SDM for very specific things.

The long-term goal is to build skills and confidence so you can rely more on your  own voice and less on restrictions.

Message from the Team >