An advocate for people living with disabilities is calling a new Conservative Party flyer insensitive because its message about inclusivity is written in braille that is impossible for blind people to read.

A recent mailout sent by two Manitoba MPs, including the newly minted minister of Canadian heritage and official languages, Shelly Glover, advertises how the Stephen Harper government is working to help people with disabilities enter the workforce.

But the flyer uses braille that is not tactile because it is neither raised nor embossed.


Doreen Demas said the Conservative mailout touts access and inclusivity yet leaves blind people unable to read it. (Ryan Hicks/CBC)

"They're talking about what they've done for people with disabilities around issues of access and inclusivity. And I'm thinking, 'Well, this isn't really an inclusive way to do it,'" said Doreen Demas, who was born with a visual impairment that eventually led to blindness.

"It just kind of boggles my mind why they would do such a thing. What was the purpose of it? Clearly, blind people would be unable to read it, seeing that we read by touching the braille and obviously this couldn't happen."

Demas said a more inclusive flyer "could have at least provided information where a person with a visual impairment could read about whatever was in the flyer."

In an email sent to CBC News, a spokesperson from Glover's office provided a statement from her, saying the braille text on the mailer is meant to be a visual representation only.

"Like the other graphics on that mailer, it signifies a group of Canadians who may face challenges in obtaining employment," Glover stated in the email.

"Our Conservative government is committed to supporting all Canadians in finding work, and is proud of renewing our support for the Enabling Accessibility Fund."

Elmwood-Transcona MP Lawrence Toet also sent out the mailer, as did other Conservative MPs in other parts of the country. Toet's office has not released a statement on the flyer.

Demas said what irks her the most about the flyers are the Conservatives’ claims made inside.

"They keep talking about their accomplishment, but at the end of the day, too many people with disabilities are unemployed," she said.

She said instead of an apology, she would like to see the government take real steps toward helping people with disabilities land jobs.