PLAN is excited to be participating in Inclusion BC 2025: Everybody Belongs! and we can’t wait to connect with families, advocates, and allies from across the country.
This conference represents more than just three days of learning—it’s an opportunity to be part of shaping a Canada where everybody truly belongs. When families, self-advocates, organizations, and communities unite around this shared vision, remarkable things happen.
We believe that the future we’re building for our families depends on these connections, these conversations, and these collaborations. Inclusion BC 2025 provides the perfect platform to strengthen all three.
PLAN’s Sessions: Real Stories, Practical Solutions
Join us for five powerful sessions that tackle the challenges and celebrate the possibilities of building inclusive communities:
Balancing Generations: Navigating the Caregiver Club Sandwich
June 19 | 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m. PT | Lillooet Room
Are you caring for aging parents, raising children, AND supporting a family member with a disability? You’re not alone. Join Aine and Selena as they address the unique dynamics of multi-generational caregiving, offering insights, strategies, and community support for families balancing these responsibilities. Featured in this session is the heartwarming book “My Auntie Annie” – a love letter celebrating the unique relationship between a young daughter and her aunt who has Down Syndrome.
Getting Political: Julia’s Journey of Activism Can Be Yours Too!
June 19 | 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. PT | Capilano-Birkenhead
Get inspired by Julia’s incredible activism journey! Through slam poetry, Julia will share her top moments from this past year – from presenting to MLAs in Victoria about the Disability Without Poverty movement to leading rally chants and celebrating policy victories. You’ll even have the chance to create your own slam poetry on topics that matter to you. Come ready to be empowered!
Invitation is Everything!
June 20 | 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. PT | Whistler Ballroom A
In our increasingly digital and fast-paced world, isolation is a growing risk. Join Shelley, Anna and Rebecca for this interactive presentation that explores the power of nurturing relationships – both new friendships and longtime connections. You’ll learn practical strategies for creating invitations that build community, especially for people at risk of being isolated. Because we need each other!
Solution-Based Advocacy: Moving Beyond Problems to Practical Action
June 20 | 2:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m. PT | Whistler Ballroom A
Ready to move beyond frustration and create meaningful change? Rebecca, Dallas and Joe will guide you through this transformative workshop that introduces Solution-Based Advocacy – shifting focus from problems to practical, collaborative solutions. You’ll learn to build trust, foster relationships, celebrate small wins, and inspire lasting impact. Perfect for families, self-advocates, and anyone committed to driving inclusion in their communities.
Aging with Confidence & Trust in the Future
June 20 | 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. PT | Whistler Ballroom B
Every aging parent faces the same profound question: What happens when I can no longer provide the care my loved one needs? Join our panel featuring Jule, Dallas, Marilyn and Rachelle – aging parents, family members, and a self-advocate – as they share real-life stories of what they’ve implemented to age with confidence. You’ll learn practical strategies for ensuring your loved one continues to receive the care, respect, and dignity they deserve as you all grow older.
We’re looking forward to three days of sharing innovative ideas, discovering new information, and exploring resources that advance inclusion and diversity in our communities. But most importantly, we’re excited to connect with YOU—the families, self-advocates, professionals, and community members who make this work possible.
When you’re at the conference, please find us and say hello! Whether you’re a longtime PLAN family, someone curious about our work, or a new connection we haven’t met yet, we’d love to chat about:
– How PLAN supports families in creating networks and building futures
– The relationship based approaches we’re using in planning a Good Life for now, and in the future
– Ways we can collaborate to strengthen inclusion in your community
– Your experiences, challenges, and successes in building belonging and solutions-based advocacy
We’ll see you there, ready to connect, learn, and work together toward a future where everybody belongs.
Can’t wait to see you at Inclusion BC 2025!