Community members in Victoria have three face-to-face opportunities to make their voices heard as part of a comprehensive public consultation on issues facing people with disabilities in B.C.

Two public community consultation sessions are taking place at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour today. The afternoon session goes from 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. and the evening session takes place from 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. The third and final of 23 provincewide sessions is being held on March 7, 2014.

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.

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

While the in-person consultations end March 7, 2014, people can take part online and explore alternate methods of sharing their ideas by visiting: www.engage.gov.bc.ca/disabilitywhitepaper

The website, which has had more than 23,000 online visits and nearly 1,000 comments to date, is accepting submissions until the close of the consultation at 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.

Find services and supports for people with disabilities: www.gov.bc.ca/disabilityservices

Media Contact:

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