written by: stephanie mcconnell 2014 disability white paper presented by:

Written by: Stephanie McConnell 2014

DISABILITY WHITE PAPERPRESENTED BY:

Stephanie McConnell 2014

Your voice, making a diff erence.

DISABILITY WHITE PAPER


WHAT IS THIS WHITE PAPER?

BC Government Launches Community Consultations on Disability

http://www.inclusionbc.org/whats-new/bc-government-launches-community-consultations-disability




The BC government has launched a province wide consultation on disability in British Columbia

This consultation includes online dialogues and face-to-face meetings.

BC is marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with the launch of a province wide consultation on issues facing people with disabilities in British Columbia

"This is something that aff ects almost every British Columbian at some point in their lives," said Social Development and Social Innovation Minister Don McRae. "We all have a stake and a role to play-family, friends, communities, employers, non-profi ts and governments. This consultation gives us the opportunity to work together toward becoming the most progressive place for people with disabilities to live in Canada."

WHAT ARE THEY DOING?


InnovationPersonal SupportsWork & ContributionHousing & AccessibilitySocial NetworksAsset Accumulation

WHAT TOPICS WILL THEY COVER?


In-Person Community Consultation

February 26, 20141:30-4:00pmVictoria Marriott

Inner Harbour

From a distance

Email/mail comments

Post to community forums on the website.

HOW DO I CONTRIBUTE MY THOUGHTS?


The Summit Your comments and ideas will help to develop a White Paper

A white paper is a document that reflects the voice of British Columbians.

The 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.

This summit will involve leaders in the disability community, government representatives, and individuals from local businesses.

The Summit will discuss short - mid – and long-term goals and strategies using the white paper as a source of ideas and inspiration

These goals and strategies will be implemented in communities, workplaces and across government.

These are the fi rst steps to BC becoming the most progressive place in Canada for people living with disabilities.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH MY OPINIONS?


Government has made a commitment as part of their election platform to develop a White Paper

They are hosting a Summit on reducing barriers and increasing accessibility for people with disabilities in British Columbia

They are striving to make BC the most progressive place for individuals with disabilities in Canada

This can only happen by fully engaging all British Columbians in a shared commitment to make BC a welcoming and inclusive place for all persons to l ive and thrive

Canada ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2010

BC is ready to support this decision

This commitment means that the BC government will ensure that discussion of disability issues is done through active participation of the disability community

“Nothing about us without us.”

SO THIS IS KIND OF A BIG DEAL?


The Province is building a public process to reduce barriers and increase accessibility for people with disabilities in British Columbia.

The consultation will be guided by a team comprised of: government, the disability community and the business community.

They have two basic objectives:

1) Determine what government, businesses and communities in BC can do to reduce barriers and increase accessibil ity for people l iving with disabil it ies.

2) Ensure that the broader societal involvement in providing support to people with disabil it ies is clearly communicated with and supported throughout the process. This could include friends, family members, community, non-profi t agencies and employers, in addition to government.

WHO AND WHY?


THE TOPICS ON THE TABLE


Innovation is about: exploring a diverse range of new ways to support people

with disabilities to live the life they choose looking at how we design and use existing programs and

services.From youth programs, technology, independent living,

policy, processes and practices, innovation can lead to greater community inclusion, increased freedoms, and greater choices for people living with disabilities.

Josh Dueck is a member of the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team – he’s also the fi rst sit-skier to ever successfully complete a back fl ip on snow, which earned him international attention.

You will know why he is in demand as a motivational speaker after you watch this video about his ski story.

INNOVATION IN DISABILITY SERVICES AND MORE

ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=F25CDzEkVWg


Personal supports, aids and devices enable people with disabilities to carry out the activities of daily living and fully participate in the life of their community.

Personal supports are the building blocks for improving access to income, employment and increased freedoms.

Danielle Hayes is a talented photographer and travel writer who found out about the Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative (EATI) program during her rehabilitation after a stroke.

As Danielle says, “Creativity never stops” and thanks to a few simple modifications, Danielle continues to work in her chosen field.

PERSONAL SUPPORTS, AIDS AND DEVICES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dLmw-rv5uQ&feature=youtu.be


Reducing barriers to employment and increasing community inclusion helps to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to work and contribute as they are able.

Fostering diverse workplaces that include employees with disabilities can improve the ability of BC businesses to compete in the global economy and can ensure people with disabilities have the opportunity to contribute to the economic growth of the province.

Lets look at how the government is already helping to develop work and contribution opportunities.

WORK AND CONTRIBUTION

http://www.youth.gc.ca/eng/audiences/disabled/


When we think about the “broader built environment” we are thinking about the world around us — our homes, communities, buildings, transit systems and anything that has been built up in our environment.

Creating and improving accessibility enables people with disabilities to live life as they choose, live where they wish to live, and enjoy freedom and independence.

There are a variety of programs in place in Victoria, BC and around the province that address some of these needs.

HOUSING AND ACCESSIBILITY IN THE BROADER BUILT

ENVIRONMENT


Having a strong social network is important for every British Columbian.

Social networks may include friends, family, co-workers, neighbours, individuals at businesses that you interact with on a regular basis, bus drivers, support groups, etc.

A support network can be made up of people or organizations that you can turn to for help.

Opening Minds is an anti-stereotype and anti-discrimination project from the Mental Health Commission of Canada which shows off a variety of respected and diverse Canadian celebrities who discuss their personal experiences with stigma and mental illness. Olympic swimmer and medal winner Mark Tewksbury talks about his struggle with depression.

SOCIAL NETWORKS TO SUPPORT PEOPLE IN COMMUNITY

http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/initiatives-and-projects/opening-minds?routetoken=5336b2bb21c3d5acd19a15e74cfe65d0&terminitial=39

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbiMJGCDz0M


Having the ability to accumulate assets can give people living with a disability and their families comfort, knowing that resources are available for necessary services and supports.

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan for people with disabilities who want to save for the future

It is also a tool for families who want to help ensure the financial security of their loved ones with a disability.

Stories about RDSPs

ASSET ACCUMULATION THROUGH THE REGISTERED DISABILITY SAVINGS PLAN

http://rdsp.com/tutorial/is-the-rdsp-right-for-you/rdsp-stories/


STARTING THE CONVERSATION


While having a conversation about a topic that is close to our hearts, it’s important to have a code of conduct that we use. Let’s brainstorm

some things we should keep in mind.

THIS WILL BE OUR CODE OF CONDUCT


INNOVATION


WHAT IS INNOVATION?

Innovation is all about exploring a diverse range of new ways to support people with disability to live the life they choose, as well as looking at how we design and use existing programs and services.

From programs, technology, and independent living to policy and processes and practices, innovation can lead to greater community inclusion, increased freedoms, and greater choices for people living with disabilities.

Innovation in Action

http://youtu.be/qaOvHKG0Tio


Why do you think it’s important that we reduce

barriers and increase accessibility for

people living with disabilities in British Columbia?

QUESTION #1


What can British Columbians do to welcome the contributions of people

with disabilities, and what

barriers can we remove?

QUESTION #2


What innovations would make it easier for people with disabilities to make

contributions to the community? What needs to

be in place?

QUESTION #3


PERSONAL SUPPORTS, AIDS &

DEVICES


Personal supports, aids and devices enable people with disabilities to carry out the activities of daily living and fully participate in the life of their community.

Personal supports help people with disabilities as they are the building blocks for improving access to income, employment, and increased freedoms.

WHAT ARE THEY?


ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

http://youtu.be/x2G1U6U3zh8

http://youtu.be/x2G1U6U3zh8


What are some activities of Daily Living?

QUESTION #1


For each act of daily living, what supports,

aids, and devices could help an individual with a

disability take part?

QUESTION #2


QUESTION #3

What personal supports, aids or

devices could help you?


Reducing barriers and increasing supports for individuals with disabilities helps both groups.

Businesses that employ individuals with disabilities have the increased bonuses of these individuals’ skills as well as an opportunity to stay competitive in the global market.

With more supports and less barriers individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to be actively engaged in their communities and give back in a meaningful way.



Follow this link to learn more about The Community Navigators for Aboriginals with Disabilities in the Okanagan Program and how they are supporting individuals with disabilities to gain employment.

Community Navigators

AN EXAMPLE

http://youtu.be/yY2kPhcDcU8


What would make it easier for people with disabilities to work or

contribute to the community?

QUESTION #1


What supports

need to be available?

QUESTION #2


QUESTION #3

What could the government do?


QUESTION #4

What could businesses

do?


HOUSING AND ACCESSIBILITY IN

THE BROADER BUILT ENVIRONMENT


Freedom is something that many people in the world strive for and dream about.

When speaking about housing it means options about where an individual and with whom they live.

Accessibility in the broader built environment is about having access to the places where wants or needs to go: public transit, stores, libraries, recreation centres, businesses, etc.

HOUSING AND ACCESSIBILITY


QUESTION #1

What housing options are you aware of right

now?


What would make these existing

housing options better?

What are some other options that you would like to

see?

QUESTION #2 & 3


QUESTION #4

What could be done to make the community more accessible to

individuals with disabilities?


SOCIAL NETWORKS TO SUPPORT PEOPLE

IN COMMUNITY


Social networks are important for every individualThese social networks can be comprised of friends,

family, co-workers, community members, neighbours, etc.

Social networks can be important in times of crisis, change, to have fun, and many other times throughout life.

SOCIAL NETWORKS


QUESTION #1

What prevents you from having the social

network you want?


QUESTION #2

What would make it easier for people with disabilities to create

social networks in your community?


What programs are already in place or could be in place to help people with disabilities

create social networks?

QUESTION #3


ASSET ACCUMULATION


Being able to save money allows individuals and their families to feel reassured that they will be financially secure throughout their lifetime.

This security can be facilitated through and RDSP- a Registered Disability Savings Plan off ered through the government.

ASSET ACCUMULATION


What would make it easier for you to contribute to an

RDSP?

QUESTION #1


What barriers do you face in saving money?

QUESTION #2


How could the government, community, and businesses make saving money more

accessible?

QUESTION #3


CONGRATULATIONS ON ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF

AND OTHERS! YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS WILL BE SENT TO BE INCLUDED IN THE

DISABILITY WHITE PAPER.

written by: stephanie mcconnell 2014 disability white paper presented by:

Documents

disability stephanie

disability community

person community consultation

voice of british columbians

government representatives

progressive place

province wide consultation

community forums