The lived experience of women, people of colour, gender-diverse people, and people with disabilities tells us we have more work to do to build a more inclusive province.
– 2020 B.C. Speech from the Throne
B.C. is set to join the growing number of provinces in Canada that have accessibility legislation in place. Almost 25% of B.C.’s population has some form of disability. The province is committed to developing laws, standards and policies to support people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities.
In the spirit of “Nothing about us, without us,” the province held a public consultation to gather feedback from British Columbians on what the proposed legislation should look like. The recently released Summary Consultation Report outlines some of the key themes that emerged in the public’s response.
Source: engage.gov.bc.ca/accessibility
The consultation, which took place from September 16 to November 19, 2019, included an online questionnaire, virtual town hall, and community meetings. More than 7,000 British Columbians—individuals with disabilities, family, friends, advocates, and community members—shared their personal experiences, thoughts, and ideas.
Of those who responded, many stated that they faced barriers to accessibility and inclusion in daily life. The responses expressed a need for accessibility legislation which addressed three main things: breaking down barriers, advancing human rights, and promoting fairness and equity.
People recognized that the definition of “disability” needs to be broad and inclusive. Participants in the community events and virtual townhall noted the importance of considering intersectionality and understanding that people with disabilities come from diverse backgrounds. People also expressed the need to go beyond accessibility to create a culture of inclusion, and for government to lead the way. Some of the suggestions for bringing about this cultural change included more visibility of people with disabilities in the media and ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities to participate in the development of legislation.
People called for equity over equality—accessibility legislation shouldn’t treat everyone the same, but should instead provide the necessary support for people of all abilities to fully participate in their communities. There was strong support for legislation as outlined in the Framework for Accessibility Legislation, which highlighted the principles of inclusion, adaptability, diversity, collaboration and self-determination.
Finally, one important point that emerged from the feedback was that creating more accessible communities benefits everyone, not just people with disabilities. The ultimate goal of the legislation is to ensure that everyone can fully participate in community life. It’s an important step on our path to becoming a more inclusive province.
This government will continue the work to advance equality, diversity, human rights, and mutual respect. Because a better B.C. is one where everyone is included and free to be who they are.
– 2020 B.C. Speech from the Throne
To read the full summary report, and written submissions from groups across B.C., visit the B.C. Government Accessibility through Legislation page.
I should not have to depend upon my husband for support! My marriage or partnership does not mean that I am not entitled to care from the government. This is discrimination against me. If I was to leave my partner I would have no income of my own to support myself and it would take a long time to set up payment for disability, I should not be financially dependent upon him. This is absolutely unacceptable!
Thank you for commenting, Rose. You raise an important issue. Have you worked with other advocates like Inclusion BC or the Disability Alliance of BC? Also wondering if you have ever sat down with your Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) or their staff to talk about your concerns? I use this resource to look up MLA contact info: https://www.leg.bc.ca/content-committees/Pages/MLA-Contact-Information.aspx. If you click on their names, more detailed contact info comes up, as well as your MLA’s biography.
Our doctors in BC need to be better advocates for people living with chronic illness. They need to stop descriminating against us and our needs to align with govt policies and financial supports. 90% of people living with chronic diseases have become sicker as a result of poor care and understanding and treatments needed to make them lead better lives! Health care is the problem it does not heal anymore!
Thanks for raising this important issue. Have you ever sat down with your Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) or their staff to talk about your concerns? You can look up your MLA’s contact info here: https://www.leg.bc.ca/content-committees/Pages/MLA-Contact-Information.aspx. If you click on their names, it opens a page with more detailed contact info and your MLA’s biography.
Speak ACCESS is being built to get more people with limitations, like visual impairment or difficulties using a keyboard, back to work. We’re almost there but will need help to get the word out so as many people as possible know about this innovative program that will make using a computer so much easier.
Thanks for sharing!