Dear John D. Cruickshank (Publisher), Michael Cooke (Editor) and Rosie DiManno (Columnist),
I am writing to you to express strong concern over a reference made by Rosie DiManno in the article Rob Ford's sorry excuse for an apology: DiManno that appeared in today's Toronto Star.
We take no issue with the content of the article, other than the first line. Specifically, the line that reads: "If that sorry were any lamer it would have needed a wheelchair." We take serious issue with the use of the derogatory comparison between Mr Ford's apology and that of a person with a mobility issue that requires the use of a wheelchair.
For decades People with Disabilities have been the butt of jokes, mocked, and treated as second class citizens. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, that received royal assent in 2005, was designed to drive change in opinion and behaviour, leading to a province free of barriers.
Comments such as the one made by Ms DiManno continue to stigmatize People with Disabilities. As one of Canada's leading media outlets, the expectation is that you will set an example for your readership, acting in a manner that is above reproach. Comments such as this one are no different than racial or religious slurs that would be considered entirely unacceptable.
I would strongly encourage you to print an apology from Ms DiManno regarding this unacceptable language, educate your staff on the situation faced by People with Disabilities, make a concerted effort to include content that shows the value People with Disabilities bring to society, and establish standards for the paper that would ensure this type of language is never used again.
I appreciate your consideration on this matter.
Sincerely,
Michael Bach, CCDP/AP
Founder and CEO, CIDI
