Posted: Mar 03, 2021 4:00 AM ET | Last Updated: March 3
In 1982, Justin Clark battled his family in court for the right to leave the institution he was placed in at age two. (David Gutnick/CBC)
An Ottawa man is being remembered for his contributions to disability rights, his fight for recognition and his strong desire to be with the family he was isolated from at a young age.
Justin Clark, born with cerebral palsy, won a landmark case in 1982 to live independently. He died last week at The Ottawa Hospital at 58 years old.
Born in 1962, Clark was institutionalized at the now-defunct Rideau Regional Centre located in Smiths Falls, Ont., by age two at the recommendation of doctors.
Last Updated: Monday, March 1, 2021 10:40
Justin Clark, a man who never learned to take no for an answer, died Thursday at the age of 58.
Born in 1962 with cerebral palsy, unable to walk or talk, he leaves a legacy few Canadians will ever match.
Clark became a pioneer in the fight for the rights of disabled people–determined that they should be treated as full-fledged human beings.
Justin Clark, who died Thursday at the age of 58, is pictured with his friend and former teacher Robbie Giles as they attend Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa. Their friendship was fast and lasted (see below) a lifetime. (Submitted by Robbie Giles)
How Justin Clark s fight for independence transformed disability rights in Canada cbc.ca - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from cbc.ca Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.