Community members are sharing their priorities and making their voices heard during discussions happening in Kelowna as part of a comprehensive, provincewide public consultation on issues facing people with disabilities in B.C.

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

The discussions, two of more than 20 in B.C., take place at the Holiday Inn Express Kelowna Conference Centre on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014. The afternoon session goes from 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. and the evening session goes from 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Participants at both the Thursday 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.

There are a number of ways to participate. People unable to attend can 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 more than 18,000 visits to the online consultation site.

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

Media Contact:

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