Lily Cao learned about the importance of self-advocacy after a housing issue left her with no place to go.
“In early January, I heard gurgling noises in my bathroom,” says Lily. “I called my landlord and was told that the issue had been resolved. Everything was fine for a while, and then the sound started again. I contacted my landlord and was told that a maintenance team would assess and resolve the situation the next day. When I returned from work, I was informed that the problem was a sewage backup and that my apartment would be uninhabitable for at least a week.” 
While Lily would need temporary accommodation for at least a week, the rental company only offered her a guest suite for one night.
"I researched and learned about the Ontario Human Rights Code, which explained the duty to accommodate. With an understanding of my rights, I was able to advocate for myself and receive appropriate accommodations for the entire duration of the repairs.”
But Lily’s struggles weren’t over. “While the repairs were taking place, my unit was flooded, damaging my belongings. My landlord refused to compensate me for the damages.”
Lily says she was angry, frustrated, and anxious, but she knew she had to take action. She contacted the Vice President of the rental company's local branch. What followed was an emotionally draining two-month journey.
“As a person with sight loss, I refused to be bullied by my landlord,” says Lily.
Lily was eventually compensated for the damage to her belongings and the cost of relocation.
“Self-advocacy shouldn’t mean doing it all on your own,” she says. “Look to friends and community organizations for support and resources. I found it vital to be well-informed, firm, and composed. I hope that, by sharing my experience, I can motivate others to fight for their rights, no matter who they are up against.”
Know Your Rights
CNIB is rolling out our Know Your Rights projects in many provinces to empower people who are blind, partially sighted or Deafblind to better understand their rights, navigate provincial legal systems and self-advocate to challenge discrimination. To access these resources, please visit www.cnib.ca/knowyourrights.