B.C. is launching a series of 19 in-person community consultation sessions around the province as part of a comprehensive Disability White Paper Consultation on issues facing people with disabilities.

This consultation is guided by a leadership team made up of government, the disability community and the business sector to hear from people with disabilities and their families, friends, colleagues and employers about what can be done to remove barriers and increase accessibility for people with disabilities in British Columbia.

The in-person community consultations begin on Jan. 20 and run until the end of February. The first sessions are coming soon to Courtenay, Prince George and Quesnel, with other communities and dates to follow.

• Courtenay - Monday, Jan. 20, 7 - 9:30 p.m.
• Prince George - Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7 - 9:30 p.m.
• Prince George - Wednesday, Jan. 22, 9:30 a.m. - noon
• Quesnel - Wednesday, Jan. 22, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

A list of dates, locations and times can be found at: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/disabilitywhitepaper/

On this site, British Columbians can register for an in-person session, learn more about the consultation process and submit their ideas using the online forum.

To date, more than 7,600 people have visited the online consultation site. More than 230 public comments have been received on discussion themes including innovation, housing and accessibility, work and contribution, social networks, asset accumulation and personal supports.

B.C.'s Disability White Paper Consultation continues until March 11, 2014. Consultation results will form the basis for a white paper that will be shared at a provincial summit in June 2014.

Media Contact:

Grant Kerr
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-5635