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 has been involved with various disability organizations as a member, volunteer, employee or director for most of his life. He created PooranLaw to provide support to this community and to influence disability law and policy throughout Canada.

Prior to founding PooranLaw, Brendon worked for a large multi-national law firm where he practised labour and employment law and at a boutique law firm that specialized in accessibility issues. Before entering the legal profession, Brendon spent several years as a management consultant where he regularly provided strategic advice to human services clients in the United States.

In addition to practising law, Brendon teaches Critical Disability Law at York University, is the Past-President of Community Living York South and is a founding director of both PLAN Toronto (now Partners for Planning) and Microboards Ontario. He is also a former Senior Lawyer Member on the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board.

Brendon can be reached at PooranLaw.