Community members are sharing their priorities and making their voices heard during face-to-face discussions happening in Surrey as part of a comprehensive disability white paper consultation on issues facing people with disabilities in B.C.

The consultation, guided by representatives from government, the disability community and the business community, is an opportunity for people with disabilities, their families and communities to come together and discuss what can be done to remove barriers and increase accessibility in British Columbia.

The Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae and human rights lawyer, two-time Paralympian and chair of the Minister's Council on Employment and Accessibility Carla Qualtrough will be on hand to support the discussions and listen to the ideas coming out of the community.

The discussions, two of more than 20 in B.C., take place at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel on Thursday the 30th. The afternoon session goes from 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. and the evening session takes place from 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Participants at both the Tuesday afternoon and evening sessions will provide input on six themed areas, including innovation, housing and accessibility, work and contribution, social networks, asset accumulation and personal supports.

People unable to attend are encouraged to visit www.engage.gov.bc.ca/disabilitywhitepaper to take part in the online discussions underway and learn more about the consultation process.

To date, there have been almost 16,000 visits to the online consultation site.

B.C.'s disability consultation continues until March 11, 2014. Comments and ideas submitted during the consultation will inform the development of a white paper - a document that will reflect the voice of British Columbians. This white paper will form the foundation of a summit to be held in June 2014 on the issues facing people with disabilities in British Columbia.

Media Contact:

Joanne Whittier
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-6490