In 1991, there were an estimated 534,430 children and youth, aged 0-19 living in Canada who were disabled in some way. Almost 10 years later estimates indicate that these numbers are substantially higher. Recent consultations with families exposed the unrelenting level of responsibility being assumed by families for the quality of their child's life. Responsibilities which other families are able to share with the community, neighbours and society are borne exclusively by families who have a child with a disability. Services are hard to find and are often only accessible after many months and even years on wait-lists.
Parents are often too exhausted to advocate on behalf of their families.
Typical children family members suffer from reduced attention. And all the while, they are ever eager to celebrate their child's precious personality and unique gifts. Government recognition of the needs of families with disabled members in terms of support services, suitable care facilities and tax relief is commendable but severely inadequate. Wait lists are far to long. At the same time, the artistic community is producing more music than ever before.