The history of social innovation in Canada is full of the stories of rebels, innovators, and risk takers.
The organizations, people, and ideas highlighted below have fundamentally transformed the systems we live in and have collectively enriched the lives of millions.
The definition of social innovation is varied and constantly evolving. For the purpose of this exhibit, we borrowed Frances Westley’s definition:
“Social innovation is an initiative, product or process or program that profoundly changes the basic routines, resource and authority flows or beliefs of any social system (e.g. individuals, organizations, neighbourhoods, communities, whole societies). The capacity of any society to create a steady flow of social innovations, particularly those which re-engage vulnerable populations, is an important contributor to overall social and ecological resilience.”
From almost 100 social innovations, the Ottawa Global Shapers narrowed down our list of innovations. Each organization provided a photo that got to the heart of their work and their story.
Here are ten of Canada’s most impactful and transformative ideas, social programs, and human initiatives that have improved the lives of millions.
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The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): First formal savings mechanism for disabled Canadians
When my son Joshua became disabled at five months of age I was not ready for this change to my son’s life, nor to my own. Like many, I grew up in a community where individuals with a disability were segregated. I had no first hand experience of how to support a child with a disability. What I did know was that I had a responsibility to care for my son, now and in the future. Cathy and I knew that our son would not grow up to be independent. Josh would require care and support for the rest of his life. We recognized that our responsibility to Josh didn’t end when we died, rather it ends when Josh dies. Our greatest challenge was to find a way to care for our son after we died or became unable to care for him. The most valuable lesson that we have learned in our journey with our son has been that we need to think about both Josh’s social and financial wellbeing if we want to secure a good life for him. A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) will be an important part in securing Josh’s financial future. An RDSP will help to ensure that Josh will have resources to access services and opportunities that will provide him with a good life. An RDSP will enable Josh to access the latest medical advances that are often not covered by our medical system and whatever supports or services might exist in the future to ensure his health and happiness. In the meantime, his RDSP provides us with peace of mind knowing that we have planned for our son’s future. – Ted Kuntz
When my son Joshua became disabled at five months of age I was not ready for this change to my son’s life, nor to my own. Like many, I grew up in a community where individuals with a disability were segregated. I had no first hand experience of how to support a child with a disability. What I did know was that I had a responsibility to care for my son, now and in the future. Cathy and I knew that our son would not grow up to be independent. Josh would require care and support for the rest of his life. We recognized that our responsibility to Josh didn’t end when we died, rather it ends when Josh dies. Our greatest challenge was to find a way to care for our son after we died or became unable to care for him. The most valuable lesson that we have learned in our journey with our son has been that we need to think about both Josh’s social and financial wellbeing if we want to secure a good life for him. A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) will be an important part in securing Josh’s financial future. An RDSP will help to ensure that Josh will have resources to access services and opportunities that will provide him with a good life. An RDSP will enable Josh to access the latest medical advances that are often not covered by our medical system and whatever supports or services might exist in the future to ensure his health and happiness. In the meantime, his RDSP provides us with peace of mind knowing that we have planned for our son’s future. – Ted Kuntz
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See the rest of the article and all ten winners here: http://globalshapersottawa.com/projects/transforming-a-nation-canadas-greatest-social-innovations/
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