FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024

HALIFAX, NS – Dulcie McCallum’s new book, The Audacity of Inclusion: Fighting for the Equality of Persons Labelled Intellectually Disabled was released this week.

Dulcie, a renowned human rights lawyer, long-time advocate for persons with an intellectual disability, author of the Need to Know report on systemic abuse at Woodlands, and a key member of Inclusion Canada’s Strategic Litigation Committee, has released a new reader-friendly book that sheds light on the pervasive legal challenges and barriers faced by individuals and families in their pursuit for equality.

“The Audacity of Inclusion is a powerful reminder that at the core of the disability rights movement are families and individuals labelled intellectually disabled who want what all families want: for their family member to be supported, included, and respected. Dulcie’s book of true stories captures the resilience and determination of families and self-advocates and provides a much-needed exploration of how the law, rather than continuing to be the cause of injustice, needs to focus on how to achieve meaningful equality and full inclusion for every person with an intellectual disability,” said Krista Carr, Executive Vice-President of Inclusion Canada, reflecting on the significance of the book.

Dulcie has played an integral role in advancing disability rights for decades. As a member of Canada’s delegation during the negotiations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Dulcie was instrumental in shaping Article 12, which emphasizes equal recognition before and under the law for persons with disabilities. Her work as part of Inclusion Canada’s Strategic Litigation Committee has continued to be pivotal in pursuing vitally important legal cases that challenge pervasive discrimination and systemic injustices.

“Writing The Audacity of Inclusion has given me the opportunity to share stories about the legal struggles for equality over many years,” says author Dulcie McCallum, “Written with the support of my companions; Barb Goode from BC and Harold Barnes from Alberta known for their standout intervention in the Re Eve sterilization case in the Supreme Court of Canada, Dave Weremy from Winnipeg of People First Freedom Tour film fame and the late Sir Robert Martin from New Zealand whose international reputation shone bright at the UN, their contributions and insights were invaluable. Having their guidance was a great gift. Now, to see the book published, pure joy.”

Available now on Friesen Press and soon to be available on Amazon/Indigo as an ebook, paperback, or hardcover, The Audacity of Inclusion serves not only as an insightful historical account told through true stories, but also as a call to action for all Canadians to foster and promote meaningful inclusion for people labelled intellectually disabled.

Inclusion Canada encourages everyone to read The Audacity of Inclusion and to reflect on the path forward together to achieve a fully inclusive society.

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact:

Marc Muschler
Senior Communications Officer
416-661-9611 ext. 232
mmuschler@inclusioncanada.ca

About Inclusion Canada

Inclusion Canada is a national federation of 13 provincial/territorial associations and over 300 local associations working to advance the full inclusion and human rights of people with an intellectual disability and their families. Inclusion Canada leads the way in building an inclusive Canada by strengthening families, defending rights, and transforming communities into places where everyone belongs.