People First of Canada is the national voice of people who have been labelled with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is a grassroots, self-advocate-led organization that works to advance the human rights, citizenship, and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities across the country.
Vision
A Canada where all people with intellectual disabilities are full citizens—respected, included, and free to make decisions about their own lives.
Mission
To support people who have been labelled with intellectual disabilities to speak for themselves, make their own choices, and lead change in their communities and across Canada.
Core values
- Self-advocacy: People with intellectual disabilities must speak for themselves, not be spoken for.
- Equal citizenship: Every person has the right to inclusion, respect, and full participation in society.
- Freedom from institutions: The organization was founded by survivors of institutions and remains deeply committed to ending institutionalization in all forms.
- Plain language: Communication must be clear and accessible so that all people can understand and participate.
- Nothing about us without us: People First of Canada promotes full representation of people with lived experience in all decisions and policies that affect them.
Key activities
Leadership and mentoring
People First provides training and leadership development to self-advocates across Canada. It helps people build skills in public speaking, organizing, and policy engagement.
Advocacy and policy
The organization participates in national conversations on disability rights, housing, inclusive education, employment, and deinstitutionalization. It speaks directly to government, researchers, and service providers.
Public education
People First shares the lived experiences of its members through presentations, storytelling, and awareness campaigns. It promotes inclusive language, challenges stigma, and educates the public on the history and harms of institutional care.
Collaboration and community
The organization works in coalition with provincial and territorial People First groups, disability rights organizations, and human rights advocates to strengthen the self-advocacy movement across Canada.
Governance
People First of Canada is governed entirely by people who have been labelled with intellectual disabilities. Its national board represents self-advocates from across provinces and territories, and the organization is structured to centre lived experience at every level.
Legacy and impact
Founded by survivors of institutions, People First of Canada has played a central role in the movement to close institutions, advance supported decision-making, and ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are treated as equals under the law. Its work continues to shape policy and challenge exclusion across systems.
