B.C.’s third annual accessibility progress report was released today, providing an update on the past year’s work and partnerships with people with disabilities. The release of the report was timed in honour of the 25th anniversary of the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Hundreds of people with disabilities will be able to achieve greater independence and find meaningful employment, thanks to the extension of the Province’s popular Technology@Work program.

Vulnerable people experiencing homelessness will now have access to additional safe shelter spaces during the cold winter months and times of extreme weather in communities around British Columbia.

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson and Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Shane Simpson have issued the following joint statement in recognition of Homelessness Action Week, Oct. 8-14:

Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, annual bus passes will be available to people on disability assistance through a new transportation supplement.

While more than 22,000 British Columbians with disabilities are accessing the benefits of having a federal Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP), there are still almost 45,000 people with disabilities who may be eligible for the federal grants and bonds available to them through an RDSP, but are not signed up.

In the Province of British Columbia, October is recognized as Community Living Month to celebrate inclusion and to raise awareness of people with developmental disabilities as fully participating members of our society. 

The British Columbia government is eliminating tuition fees on Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learning (ELL) programs, opening the door for tens of thousands of people to upgrade their education and skills every year.