Disability & Accessibility Knowledge Hub

June 15, 1831

The first residential school for Deaf students in Lower Canada paved the way for Deaf education. In 1833, former student Antoine Caron became Canada’s first Deaf teacher. Over time, Deaf schools opened nationwide, fostering education, cultural identity, and strong Deaf communities.

March 21, 1928

On March 21, 1928, Alberta enacted the Sexual Sterilization Act with Royal Assent, permitting the involuntary sterilization of individuals labeled as “mentally defective.” The Act aimed to align with eugenics principles, targeting those considered unfit to reproduce and significantly impacting marginalized populations.

Jan. 1, 1928

The Alberta Eugenics Board (1928–1972) enforced sterilization of disabled individuals based on eugenics principles. It included two medical practitioners nominated by the University of Alberta and the College of Physicians, plus two non-medical members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. The board operated until 1972, overseeing the sterilization of over 2,800 individuals without full consent.

Jan. 1, 1951

Ontario became the first province to include a disability pension under its social assistance programs. This was a step forward in recognizing the financial support needs of people with disabilities, later influencing similar measures in Alberta and beyond.

Jan. 1, 1958

Disability rights activists established the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) to promote the de-institutionalization and de-segregation of individuals with intellectual disabilities, advocating for inclusive communities and equal opportunities.

Jan. 1, 1960

Psychiatric deinstitutionalization in Canada began in the 1960s and varies regionally due to differing policies, governments, and healthcare approaches. Weyburn's Saskatchewan Mental Hospital, the last Victorian-style asylum in the British Commonwealth, led the closures, shutting down in 1963.

Oct. 2, 1963

The Saskatchewan Mental Hospital in Weyburn closed. It was the first Victorian-style asylum in the British Commonwealth to shut down, symbolizing a shift toward deinstitutionalization in mental health care across Canada, including Alberta.

April 17, 1982

Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms was enacted, explicitly prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in Section 15. This landmark moment reinforced the push for disability rights and accessibility, influencing advocacy in Alberta and nationwide.

Aug. 6, 1990

The Disabled Persons’ Rights Act became law in Alberta. It recognized the rights of people with disabilities to equal access to housing, services, and workplaces, marking a pivotal step toward eliminating systemic barriers across the province.

June 21, 1993

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in Eaton v. Brant County Board of Education that inclusive education must prioritize the best interests of students with disabilities, reinforcing accessibility and equity in schools, a principle embraced by Alberta schools.

Dec. 3, 1996

Canada formally recognized International Day of Persons with Disabilities, strengthening awareness of accessibility and disability rights. Alberta marked the day by highlighting inclusive policies and services for persons with disabilities in the province.

Jan. 1, 2001

British Columbia introduced the Community Living Authority, shifting services for people with disabilities from institutional to community settings. This echoed broader Canadian efforts toward deinstitutionalization, influencing Alberta's practices.

Sept. 4, 2005

The Alberta Disabilities Forum was launched, bringing together advocacy groups to tackle key issues such as transportation, housing, and employment for people with disabilities, reinforcing the province's commitment to accessibility.

March 10, 2010

Canada ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Alberta, as a signatory, pledged to uphold rights, including access to education, work, and community participation, bolstering its accessibility initiatives.

Nov. 1, 2018

The Accessible Canada Act (Bill C-81) was introduced to Parliament. While federal, its goals to eliminate barriers influenced Alberta's accessibility policies, inspiring improvements in public infrastructure and services across the province.

July 11, 2019

The Accessible Canada Act received Royal Assent, mandating accessibility standards across federal sectors. This inspired provincial actions, including Alberta’s review of its accessibility practices in line with federal guidelines.