Two programs that help people with disabilities connect with services and supports in their communities will be expanding through new funding from the Province.

“We know how important it is for people with disabilities to be connected to the services and resources they need,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This funding will help these organizations reach more people, and create positive changes for people living with a disability and their families.”

British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS), Canada’s first and only stand-alone organization serving Indigenous peoples with disabilities, is receiving $180,000 to expand its navigation supports for Indigenous peoples with disabilities.

“This new funding will assist the society to expand our urban disability case-management services, enabling us to reach more individuals and families in relation to addressing their disability related needs and priorities,” said Neil Belanger, executive director of BCANDS. “This includes housing, accessing disability and health-related services, employment, disability-related equipment and technology.”

Inclusion BC is receiving $270,000 to hire community inclusion advocates, to advocate for youth with developmental disabilities and their families.

“We all play a vital part in supporting and empowering people to live good lives in their communities,” said Faith Bodnar, executive director of Inclusion BC. “This funding will help us ensure Inclusion BC is working proactively, and that our support systems are empowered to respond to the needs and hopes of those we serve.”

As the first AccessAbility Week in B.C. is being celebrated May 27 through June 2, 2018, the provincial government is recognizing disability organizations, like BCANDS and Inclusion BC, and the individuals with disabilities and their families, who work to reduce barriers to give British Columbians of all abilities a better chance to succeed.

Quick Facts:

• The provincial government provides more than $5 billion annually to fund services and supports for people with disabilities in B.C.
• AccessAbility Week is an opportunity to celebrate the work being done to make British Columbia a fully accessible, inclusive province. It is a time to recognize the efforts of people, communities and workplaces that are actively removing barriers so that people of all abilities have a better chance to succeed.

Learn More:

BCANDS’ advocacy work includes a focus on the special cultural and practical considerations important and unique to Indigenous peoples with disabilities. To learn more: www.bcands.bc.ca 

Inclusion BC is a federation of families, individuals and over 70 member agencies. They provide services throughout the province, and the demand for their services continues to grow. To learn more about Inclusion BC: http://inclusionbc.org/

View the AccessAbility Week proclamation: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/proclamations/proclamations/AccessAbilityWk2018

See what government is doing to build a better B.C. for people with disabilities: www.gov.bc.ca/accessibility

For more information on support and services, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities/supports-services