At the end of each year, we like to take a moment to reflect on the challenges, accomplishments, and special moments we experienced. We did some big things in 2020, including launching a podcast and hosting our first online INCLUSION Art Show. This year also saw the release of The Trampoline Effect, a new book by posAbilities’ Director of Innovation, Gord Tulloch, and Dr. Sarah Schulman. We’ve enjoyed sharing each of these moments with you here, on the blog!

Many of our top stories this year reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all parts of our lives. Join us in taking a look back at our most-read blog posts of 2020.

Two silhouettes with vintage photographs of fathers superimposed

1. Poets with Diverse Abilities Speak Their Truth

“If you think about it, if we didn’t have poetry, how would we survive in COVID? How would we survive our own lives? It’s a part of who we are.”

Our most popular post of the year features excerpts of three poet pairs, read by the poets and visualized in short videos by See Together Media. Want more poetry? Volume 1 & 2 of In Conversation by poets Tara Kimberly Torme and Rachel Taylor is now available for purchase from Silverbow Publishing or Amazon.

Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer

2. Advice on Masks from Dr. Bonnie Henry

BC’s provincial health officer shares some advice to help you make an informed choice about wearing a cloth mask or face covering.

A lot has changed since April, including the recommendations regarding masks. Keep up-to-date on the latest health information by visiting the BC Centre for Disease Control website and reading about BC’s response to COVID-19.

My Home My Community

3. My Home, My Community: Stories of Inclusive, Affordable Housing

Discover three innovative approaches to inclusive, affordable housing models that advance social inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Across Canada, you’ll find success stories of inclusive housing projects with different approaches. To learn more about inclusive housing in BC, check out the new website keytohomebc.ca from CLBC and Inclusion BC.

Artwork of two hands in patchwork colours

4. #DifferentTogether: A Pledge for Diversity & Inclusion

Building an inclusive community means taking a stand against racism and hate in all its forms.

Systemic racism and discrimination were key issues in the news this year. In June, we joined BC’s Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Janet Austin, in taking the #DifferentTogether pledge.

Two men in a group home celebrate with cake and pizza

5. Thinking About COVID-19 in Community Living

In this unique moment, we have an opportunity to reflect on what matters most and what we can learn from this experience.

During this pandemic, there’s a lot we’ve learned from our own experiences and the experiences of others. And we haven’t stopped! If you want to help by sharing your story, check out our Pandemic Learning project.

Pink and yellow hearts in a window

6. Supporting Frontline Workers During the COVID-19 Crisis

Healthcare professionals and essential workers are hard at work, and communities are stepping up to help however they can. Individuals and organizations have done their part to show their support and take care of those workers on the front lines.

One of the highlights of the year has been seeing the ways that people stepped up to help out. As we revisit these moments, let’s remember to continue showing support, kindness, and empathy to others.

7. A Look at the Arts Community During COVID-19

Since the start of the pandemic, people have turned to the arts for entertainment, comfort, and connection. How has the arts community adapted to these new times?

The local arts community in Greater Vancouver got creative during COVID-19. We explored just a few ways that artists and audiences participated in arts events during the pandemic.

PuSh festival shows collage

8. 5 Accessible Shows to Experience at the 2020 PuSh Festival

The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival aims to bring transformative performing arts experiences to as broad an audience as possible.

Remember going to the theatre? Back in January and February, when we were still able to gather, the PuSh Performing Arts Festival brought ground-breaking shows to new audiences here in Vancouver.

An accessible wood path with railings in a forest

9. 10 Accessible Hikes to Experience as BC Parks Re-Open

BC’s accessible trails allow everyone to get outside and enjoy a journey through nature. Stay healthy and safe during your visit to these parks and trails!

Our accessible hikes lists consistently make our Top 10 each year, and for good reason! BC’s parks offer many accessible trails that allow us all to escape into nature.

Accessibility through Legislation

10. Building a More Inclusive Province

The B.C. Government asked the public to give their feedback on the proposed accessibility legislation. Individuals with disabilities and community members from across BC shared their views.

The need to create more inclusive, accessible communities is one thing that hasn’t changed in 2020. Accessibility legislation is one important part of this work. However, it’s up to all of us to help create a culture of inclusion in our communities. Let’s continue that work in 2021.