With only five more stops on the map, community members in Cranbrook are set to welcome a face-to-face discussion this evening as part of a comprehensive, provincewide consultation on issues facing people with disabilities in B.C.

Tonight's event follows well-attended sessions already held in communities throughout the province, and is being offered in tandem with other methods of contribution that include online discussions, a do-it-yourself consultation kit, and more.

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 in-person session takes place at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort from 7 - 9:30 p.m.

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.

The website, which to date has had more than 21,000 visits and almost 700 comments, will be accepting submissions until 4 p.m. on March 11, 2014.

Comments and ideas gathered from all sources will inform the development of a white paper -a document that will reflect the voices 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