Starting December 4, 2013 and going to March 11, 2014*, the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation (MSDSI) is conducting an extensive consultation process with British Columbians to identify what we, as a society, can do to reduce barriers and increase accessibility for people living with disabilities.
From the MSDSI Website:
Join the Conversations
Whether living independently, landing that dream job, mastering life skills or competing in the Paralympics, people with disabilities are living independent, full lives – but there is more that can be done to reduce barriers and increase accessibility.
Whether you’re someone living with a disability, or a friend, family member, neighbour, employer or co-worker, you’re invited to share your thoughts about how government, businesses and communities can better support people with disabilities to fully participate in our communities.
Your comments and ideas will inform the development of a White Paper – a document that will reflect the voice of British Columbians. This White Paper will form the foundation of a Summit to be held in June 2014 on the issues facing people with disabilities in British Columbia.
There are many different ways you can participate in the conversations
Ways to Participate
Join the online conversation
On this site, there are six different discussions you can participate in. Each one focuses on an important area of concern for people living with disabilities. Please join one or more of the conversations and have your say about how we can increase accessibility and reduce barriers for people living with disabilities in B.C.
Participate in an In-person Community Consultation
In-person community consultations will take place around the province. See what’s happening in your area and register here.
Host your own discussions using our Conversation Toolkit and submit it
This Disability White Paper Conversation Toolkit includes everything you need to host a discussion with your colleagues, clients, family or friends about what we, as a society, can do to increase accessibility and decrease barriers for people living with disabilities in B.C.
To use this Toolkit, you simply have to: Download the toolkit (PDF).
If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download it here.
Gather together a group of people interested in issues facing people with disabilities and have your discussion – make sure someone is taking notes! Capture your comments and ideas in the document and submit to disabilitywhitepaper@gov.bc.ca.
Mail your comments
You can also mail your written submissions to:
Disability White Paper
PO Box 9936 Stn Prov Gov, Victoria BC, V8W 9R2.
Tweet your ideas
You can tweet your ideas using #disabilitybc
Phone in your ideas and comments
Leave us a message with your idea or comment – please ask to be transferred to the Disability White Paper Consultation message line:
Victoria: 250-387-6464
Vancouver: 604-660-2421
Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-663-7867
Outside B.C.: 604-660-2421
Telephone Devise for the Deaf (TDD)
Vancouver:604-775-0303
Elsewhere in B.C.:1-800-661-8773
Please join one of the six online conversations:
The topics are:
*The consultation will close at 4 pm on March 11, 2014.