The first phase of B.C.'s disability white paper consultation, led by representatives of government, the disability and business communities, is now closed but the process is far from over.

Echoing the United Nations sentiment "nothing about us, without us," the comprehensive, three-month public consultation into issues facing people with disabilities received incredible support from community members, with and without disabilities, throughout the province.

Since Dec. 3, 2013, there have been almost 30,000 visits to the disability white paper website. Close to 1,200 people participated in 23 accessible, in-person consultation sessions.

More than 7,000 comments have been received through an online blog, by mail, phone, and in-person sessions. While the website is no longer accepting comments, the site will remain active.

Over the next few months, the B.C. government will be analyzing the submissions and using the information to develop a white paper, which will be presented at a summit in June.

The summit will be an opportunity to share the white paper with leaders in the province to examine how the ideas and actions suggested in the white paper could be implemented in communities, workplaces and across government.

Two government advisory bodies-the Minister's Council on Employment and Accessibility and the Presidents Group-will continue to support the consultation process, help to build awareness and encourage hiring for people with disabilities.

Quotes:

Don McRae, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation -

"People with disabilities are an important part of our society and face various challenges. Thousands of people joined the conversation, and now it is time to turn our attention to the development of the white paper, which will reflect the voices of British Columbians. Ultimately, it's about listening and making sure we are being responsive."

Carla Qualtrough, human rights lawyer, two-time Paralympian and chair of the Minister's Council on Employment and Accessibility -

"People with disabilities have to be innovative. We have to work differently to get the same outcomes as our peers, and I think that is what employers and the greater community need to accept and embrace. We may do things a little differently, but there is a lot of innovation and contribution waiting to be tapped within the disability community."

Wynne Powell, former president and CEO of London Drugs, president and CEO of London Group and co-chair of the Presidents Group -

"This conversation couldn't come soon enough. It is time to focus on what we can do for people with disabilities as potential employees as well as potential consumers-from changing the face of the workplace, to accommodating work spaces, to encouraging businesses as they develop products and services geared toward the disability market."

Learn More:

Watch the videos, read the blog posts and view the reports on the disability white paper website: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/disabilitywhitepaper

Learn more about the Minister's Council: www.sdsi.gov.bc.ca/pwd/ministers-council/Index.htm

Learn more about the Presidents Group: www.sdsi.gov.bc.ca/pwd/presidents-group.htm

Find government services and supports: www.gov.bc.ca/disabilityservices

Media Contact:

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