With more than 20,000 online visits and counting to a provincewide discussion, community members in Richmond will be joining an in-person conversation this evening as part of a comprehensive, public consultation on issues facing people with disabilities in B.C.

This evening's event is part of a series of more than 20 in-person consultations, and follows well-attended sessions that have already been held in communities on Vancouver Island and in northern B.C., as well as in the Thompson-Okanagan and on the Lower Mainland.

These consultations, guided by representatives of government and the disability and business communities, are opportunities 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.

Carla Qualtrough, human rights lawyer, vice-president of the Americas Paralympic Committee's governing board, and chair of the Minister's Council on Employment and Accessibility will be on hand to support the discussions and listen to the ideas coming out of Richmond.

The consultation is scheduled to take place at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel from7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. this evening.

Participants will provide input on six themes: 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.

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