People receiving disability assistance benefits will now have the opportunity to take part in new projects aimed at increasing community inclusion and accessibility in B.C. thanks to $450,000 in funding from the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation.

The funding, distributed through the Disability Without Poverty Network, will support community groups to create projects that offer participation in volunteering, organized community activities, employment, learning new skills and building personal supports.

In September 2013, the Disability Without Poverty Network issued a call for proposals to B.C.-based community organizations to apply for funding. They received 85 applications from throughout the province.

Twelve projects have been selected, representing a broad range of disabilities and communities including Port Alberni, Castlegar, Prince George and Kelowna. The projects begin over the next few months and will be completed by November 2014.

The Disability Without Poverty Network formed in 2011 to work on positive initiatives for British Columbians with disabilities. Four of its member organizations have supported this project:

• BC Coalition of People with Disabilities
• Canadian Mental Health Association - B.C. Division
• Inclusion BC
• Social Planning and Research Council of BC

Quotes:

Minister Don McRae -

"We have a goal of becoming the most progressive place for people living with disabilities in Canada. Working collaboratively with groups that are encouraging community inclusion and accessibility helps us further our vision - and theirs. Groups like the Disability Without Poverty Network will be key in helping the province achieve that goal."

Jane Dyson, BCCPD Executive Director and DWP spokesperson -

"We greatly appreciate the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation's decision to provide funding for these projects. We believe the quality of life for people participating will be greatly improved, and we look forward to seeing each of the projects succeed."

Quick Facts:

• Until March 11, 2014, the B.C. government is holding a public consultation on ways government, businesses and communities can work together to decrease barriers and increase accessibility for people living with disabilities.
• British Columbians are invited to take part online or at one of the many in-person consultations scheduled in January and February throughout B.C.

Learn More:

Take part in the Disability White Paper Consultation: engage.gov.bc.ca/disabilitywhitepaper/

Find out more about the Disability Without Poverty Network: www.bccpd.bc.ca/dwpnetwork.htm

View a list of cross-government services for people with disabilities: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=CBD8D48F126A462FBF1DE597318DE5AE

Media Contacts:

Lisa Leslie
Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-6489 or 250 213-7724

Jane Dyson
Executive Director
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities
604 875-0188 or 778 895-6150

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Funding increases participation and social inclusion for people receiving disability benefits

The following 12 community groups will receive funding for projects that improve social inclusion for people with disabilities.

1. West Kootenay Brain Injury Association - CONNECT
$9,495.00
Castlegar

The project will give 25 disability assistance recipients with brain injuries the support they need to break barriers that hold them back from participating in social activities, volunteering and community events.

2. Victoria Women's Transition House Society - LEAD Project for Women (Lead, Engage, Aspire, Dream)
$28,500.00
Victoria

The project will assist 10-16 disability assistance recipients with multiple barriers. Through the LEAD project, women who have experienced relationship abuse will organize or lead workshops and outings for their peers. This will provide opportunities to reduce isolation, participate in the community, develop new skills and improve health.

3. Mission Association for Community Living - Community Connections
$18,941.25
Mission

This project will assist 5-10 adults with developmental disabilities living in a home share environment who have identified a desire and capacity to learn new skills and contribute to their community. The project provides one-on-one support, learning opportunities and participation in three new community activities. This project will give the business community the chance to see how people with development disabilities can be active, beneficial participants in community life.

4. KUU-US Crisis Line Society - KUU-US Social Inclusion Project
$48,930.56
Port Alberni

Approximately 2,725 disability assistance recipients will participate in community activities, employment, volunteerism, social networks, a support group, seminars and personal supports (eg: crisis line services).

5. PosAbilities Association of British Columbia - Can You Dig It: Together We Can All Plant a Seed
$49,600.00
Burnaby

The Can You Dig It project helps ensure the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities through the creation and co-ordination of inclusive food-producing gardens. The program provides mentoring, project development and will create a Coalition of Community Garden Leaders with 10 disability assistance recipients. The project's Food Give Back program assists those in need by working with Quest Food Exchange. Twenty disability assistance recipients will receive training in food harvesting and handling, while volunteering to give back to their communities.

6. Community Connections (Revelstoke) Society - Community Link
$45,093.13
Revelstoke

Community Link will assist 10-20 cross-disability assistance recipients who face barriers in employment. The project will also provide an opportunity to stay connected and engaged in an inclusive, supported environment through community events and activities.

7. Canadian Mental Health Association, Prince George branch - Rebuilding Connections
$48,175.00
Prince George

Rebuilding Connections will assist 10-15 disability assistance recipients who identify as being isolated from the general community or their family. Staff will work with them to reach their goals and help to organize supports for families who may have become alienated from the individual impacted by mental illness.

8. Nanaimo Disability Resource Society - Technology Training Outreach for Social Inclusion
$12,380.00
Nanaimo

This project is a portable, no-cost computer school that will partner with other non-profits to provide computer and technology training for 35-75 disability assistance recipients. Key learnings will include email and social media; paying bills; and work-related skills.

9. Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna branch - Meals Matter: Nutritional Resources, Education and Training
Partners: Central Okanagan Food Council, First West Foundation, Colin and Lois Pritchard Foundation
$41,795.20
Kelowna

Meals Matter seeks to enhance the wellness of mental health disability assistance recipients by providing access to proper nutrition, education and training. Twenty-four people will take part in a kitchen training program and 185 disability assistance recipients will have access to frozen meals at low or no cost.

10. Pacific Training Centre for the Blind - Blind People in Charge
$50,000.00
Victoria

The Pacific Training Centre for the Blind will deliver Blind People in Charge, classes for 60 blind adults who are disability assistance recipients. Blind facilitators and mentors will serve as role models, teaching independence and blindness-specific employment skills. The group will also engage in activities that encourage community participation. Leaders will work with participants to develop employment plans, find internships and employment.

11. Eastside Movement for Business & Economic Renewal Society - Temporary Employment for Disability Assistance Recipients: a Supplemental Income Project
$45,000.00
Vancouver

This project will help 35-40 people with multiple barriers to employment, many from Vancouver's downtown eastside, by offering flexible, paid employment supported by job coaching to help clients adapt and transition to the workplace, potentially leading to longer-term employment. Staff will also provide support after participants have finished, acting as references and with one-on-one meetings.

12. Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre - Employment Opportunities for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
$46,646.00
Victoria

This project will improve accessibility and help secure employment for disability assistance recipients who are deaf and hard of hearing. A "job developer" will research and contact 250 Island businesses to provide education and understanding of the abilities of the project participants. The Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Society aims to see 20-40 people who are deaf or hard of hearing employed by the end of the project.

Media Contacts:

Lisa Leslie
Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-6489 or 250 213-7724

Jane Dyson
Executive Director
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities
604 875-0188 or 778 895-6150