Organization
Confédération des organismes de personnes handicapées du Québec(COPHAN)
COPHAN is the largest French-language cross-disability confederation in North America, directly or indirectly defending the rights and full social participation of more than 1.5 million people with functional limitations in Quebec. Led by people with disabilities, it unites approximately 40 provincial member organisations in systemic advocacy, legal reform, and community action across the province.
About
COPHAN (Confédération des organismes de personnes handicapées du Québec) was founded by people with disabilities and remains governed by them, making it one of North America's most significant disabled-led advocacy bodies. Its national office is located in Québec City. The confederation operates in French and reflects the distinct disability rights movement in Quebec.
What They Do
COPHAN intervenes in government consultations, legislative reviews, and policy processes affecting education, employment, transport, housing, healthcare, and income support for people with disabilities in Quebec. It produces policy briefs, accessibility guides (including a Universal Accessibility Guide), and awareness resources. The organisation has filed formal complaints with the United Nations regarding Quebec government policies it considers discriminatory toward people with disabilities.
Who They Serve
COPHAN serves people with all types of physical, sensory, cognitive, and psychiatric functional limitations in Quebec, alongside their families and member organisations. Its federated model ensures that the voices of people with diverse disabilities shape policy at both the provincial and federal level.
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