People with disabilities have the right to make their own decisions about issues that affect their lives. However, there are many circumstances in which this right is challenged. Individuals may be found to lack capacity to manage their own money and property, make their own decisions about medical treatment (or other personal care matters), bring forward a legal action, or retain and instruct a lawyer. There are different legal processes to challenge findings of incapacity and many of these processes can be complex.
Many people are surprised to learn that when a child with a disability reaches the age of majority(18), their parents are no longer their legal guardians. So how can parents protect the legal rights of their adult children? Is adult guardianship a viable alternative? What is the state of supported care in Ontario?
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:
- An understanding of the law in Ontario as it pertains to a person with a developmental disability
- An awareness of consent and capacity issues
- Legal instruments families can utilize
- Discussion on real life legal scenarios
Brendon D. Pooran is the principal lawyer at PooranLaw. He is involved in all areas of the firm’s practice and regularly provides advice to individuals, families, organizations and government in the areas of: wills & estates planning; disability law; and corporate law for not-for-profit and charitable organizations.
In addition to being a lawyer, Brendon teaches Critical Disability Law at York University, is the Past-President of Community Living York South and is a founding director of Plan Toronto (now Partners for Planning). He is also a lawyer member on the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board and provides performance management solutions to organizations in the human services arena.
Brendon holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from Queen`s University and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.
Brendon can be reached at PooranLaw.