Disability Rights Advocate Recipient Of 2022 Canadian Women Of Influence

A disability rights advocate from Saint John has been recognized as a recipient of the 2022 Canadian Women of Influence.

Kaitlyn Layden has been on a mission for approximately seven years to drive awareness and policy changes to better the lives of people living with a disability.

Layden’s focus is on the province’s Household Income Policy (HIP) for social assistance recipients.

She got engaged in 2017, and under the policy, she found out under the policy she would lose her financial support because her fiancé is able-bodied and employed.

“She just wants the right to get married like any other Canadian would have, but because she’s disabled and not able to work she relies on social assistance,” said Shelley Petit, chairperson of the New Brunswick Coalition of Persons with Disabilities (NBCPD).

“The way social assistance is set up in New Brunswick you are not allowed to get married, and for whatever reason supports do not deem this discriminatory, so she’s been fighting to the point where I think the change is going to come,” continued Petit.

Petit mentioned Layden has really “come out of her shell” and has found a “great sense of self.”

“She’s even looking to go back to school and get some type of degree so she can work and help other people with disabilities become the best version of themselves.”

Petit added that Layden is very deserving of this recognition.

“Kaitlyn is known across the country for her effort … I’m so proud of her and every day I see the confidence continue to build.”

Kaitlyn is also one of the primary organizers of Axe The HIP, an initiative that resulted in over 200 letters being sent to provincial representatives asking for the abolishment of the HIP.

The 2022 Canadian Women Of Influence award ceremony will take place on International Women’s Day on March 8.