Michael Baker – The Conversation

The Canadian flag blows on the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 26, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

June 7, 2026

Canada’s possible expansion of MAID for mental illness is worrisome, including for high schools

Michael Baker, University of Manitoba and Nancy Hansen, University of Manitoba

In 2027, Canadians 18 years and older with mental illness who are deemed to meet age and other eligibility criteria could potentially access doctor-assisted death in Canada.

Education systems must confront ableist processes, attitudes and practices if all children, including those with dyslexia, are able to realize the right to read. The exterior of the Manitoba legislature in Winnipeg in November 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

January 5, 2026

Dyslexic students have the right to read — and Manitoba has joined other provinces to address this

Michael Baker, University of Manitoba

The Manitoba Human Rights Commission released the first phase of their report exploring students’ rights to access evidence-based reading interventions in Manitoba’s public education system.

Schools need to hire, support and promote disabled educators and administrators to help model and envision inclusive communities. (Shutterstock)

March 9, 2025

How school systems can honour the human rights of people with disabilities

Michael Baker, University of Manitoba

Students with disabilities should receive dignified educational and vocational preparation for work where they are paid for labour without prejudice.

The term ‘neurodiversity’ comes from autistic communities and means that all brains and ‘bodyminds’ work in diverse ways. (Shutterstock)

January 5, 2023

What exactly is ‘neurodiversity?’ Using accurate language about disability matters in schools

Michael Baker, University of Manitoba

Language used to speak about disability changes over time, and preferences shift due to advocacy and allyship, legal proceedings and empirical research.

Remote learning doesn’t work for all children. Students sit behind screened-in cubicles at St. Barnabas Catholic School in Scarborough, Ont., on Oct. 27, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

November 23, 2020

Students with disabilities should have the option of in‑person learning during COVID‑19 school closures

Michael Baker, University of Manitoba

As provinces consider extended holidays, or school closures loom as a possibility under COVID-19, schools should commit to providing in-person schooling for students with disabilities.

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