Disability White Paper
Open Space Session
January 15, 2014
Discussion Session Reports
Creekside Community Centre
Vancouver, BC
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
2
DISCUSSION SESSION REPORTS
3
BC WOULD HAVE LAW RESPECTING CIVIL RIGHTS
3
WHEN YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS ARE VIOLATED, YOU DON’T NEED A HUG, YOU NEED A LAWYER
5
EVERYONE WHO HAS A MENTAL ILLNESS RECEIVES TREATMENT, SUPPORT AND HOUSING
7
INDIVIDUALIZED FUNDING
9
HOUSING
12
GUIDE/ASSISTANCE DOG ACT
13
PRIVATE AND INDEPENDENT VOTING OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE IN BC
15
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION TO BE HONOURED AND SUPPORTED BY GOVERNMENT AS PARTNERS 16
RECOGNITION & SUPPORT OF YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT PHYSICAL, MENTAL & INVISIBLE DISABILITIES
17
NO BARRIERS TO TRANSPORTATION
19
COMMUNITY LIVING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
21
RAISE ASSISTANCE RATES
23
ACCESS TO FULLY INTEGRATED PERSONAL SUPPORT USING THE PARTICIPATION MODEL +
CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR EATI
26
BETTER TRANSITION FROM PWD ASSISTANCE TO EMPLOYMENT
28
ADEQUATE HOME SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: NO INSTITUTIONS
30
K-12 EDUCATION IN BC PREPARES ALL STUDENTS FOR POST-SECONDARY MEANINGFUL
CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY AND OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE WEALTH AND TO BE A CONSUMER.
32
ASSUME EVERYONE HAS A DISABILITY
33
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SOCIAL VENTURES
34
INDIVIDUAL STATEMENT
36
OTHER TOPICS IDENTIFIED
37
PARTICIPANTS
40
1
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Introduction
The Disability White Paper Leadership Team invited members of the disability
community to share their views about how we, as a society, could increase
accessibility and decrease barriers for people living with disabilities in BC.
On January 15, 2014, 100 participants came together at the Creekside
Community Centre in Vancouver to participant in an Open Space Forum that
gathered ideas in response to the following question:
What would BC look like if it were the most progressive
province for people living with disabilities?
During the five-hour forum, participants identified over 40 ideas. In the time
available, discussion groups were convened around 18 of these ideas.
This document contains the results of those discussions as documented by the
participants. It also provides a list of the topics that were not discussed and the
names and organizations of the participants.
The material developed during the Open Space session reflects the voice of
British Columbians living with disabilities and will be a vital component in the
development of the White Paper.
2
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
BC would have law respecting civil rights
Convener:
David Marley
Participants:
7 participants
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?

BC needs a law respecting civil rights

Nothing will happen without a law!

Ensuring charter, section 15 has practical force and effect in the lives of person with
disabilities.

A law like the ADA Act in the USA is necessary in Canada.

Many people are unaware, apathetic, overwhelmed, not sure what to do.

Many people believe that all of our rights are protected in Canada – of course this is
not true

Presently there are 2 two states that are trying to be passed
o
Community Care (Direct Payments)
o
The Civil Rights of Persons in Community Care Act

There are many competing issues that affect people with disabilities. We are fighting
for so many things that are very important to us, but without a law it is difficult to
enforce our legal rights!

If someone is abused they do not need a hug – they need a lawyer!

There is no political will to embed ‘entitlement’ in the statute
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

Political will is needed to develop law

We need to start now!

Need taxes to increase to fund action

It needs teeth! Without a law it is hard to test the law. This is necessary when
evoking change

This topic should have had the most people in it because without a civil rights law we
do not have protection and are at risk of not being treated fairly....everything
discussed today will have a more positive impact if there was a law
3
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports

This room should be filled with MLA’s and other politicians. This is an important
meeting today and our representatives should be present!

This presentation should be full with many people today – but there is a perfect storm
brewing...many issues effecting people with disabilities e.g. lack of access to
services and supports. Apathy amongst the general public, access to medical
services in a timely manner, lack of real ‘individualize funding’ – people need real
money to live in the community, lack of accessible housing and supports, no to
institutions; many barriers to remove.

Poverty decreased
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?

Provincial Strategy is needed re. Empowering people to make changes (laws etc.)

Organizing and uniting communities in working together to lobby for a law

We need to raise the awareness issue, e.g. that there is an absence of legislation in
Canada and how that impact effects us as citizens!

Inviting MLAs and politicians to meetings and explaining the importance of why this
meeting is important e.g. Civil Rights Now meetings

Individuals with disabilities do have power, but often we are so busy advocating and
fighting for our rights. We need to be educated and informed on how we can best
make a difference

Voter registration is decreasing, and politicians know that. Our vote does matter!

Develop a provincial voting strategy across many different groups and domains on
how we (individuals) can best affect change and work together in using our political
influence. We can vote!
4
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
When Your Civil Rights are Violated, You Don’t Need a Hug, You
Need a Lawyer
Convener:
Civil Rights Now!
Participants:
Paul Caune, Fiona Whittington-Walsh, Ross Chilton, Allison?, John?
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?
Disabled residents of B.C. are vulnerable to a provision of community or institutional
care that falls bellow a generally acceptable standard, a situation that does not allow
them to live with confidence in safety, with freedom and dignity. The main reason for this
is the excessive amount of discretion available to government and contractors
respecting the services provided to disabled people.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.
The proposed Remedy:
Two Statutes: the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act, and the Civil Rights of
Persons in Community Care Act.
The Community Care (Direct Payment) Act will provide access to portable, individualized
funding for all disabled people, at their discretion, to us efor their own personal care.
Once eligibility is confirmed, payments will be made directly to the disabled person or
their representative from the Ministry of Finance.
The Civil Rights of Persons in Community Care Act, which is to be administered by the
Ministry of the Attorney General, is designed to enable investigations and possible civil
action resulting from a breach of Charter Rights of disabled persons by government or
contractors.
Rationale:
In B.C., people with disabilities living in community or institutional care are one of the
most over-regulated and poorly served groups. The main reason for this situation is a
long history of over-bearing bureaucracy that operates arbitrarily and without effective
control and direction from our elected representatives.
Ultimately this trend will only be reversed by “root and branch” reform of the
administrative delivery model respecting the provision of services to persons with
disabilities. Central to this issue is the determination of eligibility and entitlement. It’s
here that excessive bureaucratic discretion can lead to arbitrary and undesired
outcomes.
Our proposed Community Care (Direct Payment) Act is a necessary first step in that it
introduces an element of market discipline to the provision of these services. Our intent
is that the person with the disability or their representative will be able to exercise
5
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
effective control and direction over service providers through the power of consumer
choice.
The original concept of the Ministry of Health’s CIL (Choices in Supported Independent
Living) points in the right direction. However, since delivery was made the responsibility
of unaccountable regional health authorities this program appears to have been
undermined.
Another example of bureaucratic overreach can be seen in the decision, made in
November, 2009, by the Ministry of Children and Families to cancel direct payment to
parents of autistic children respecting the provision of treatment funding.
Community Care (Direct Payment) Act implementation:
One of the major hurdles to implementing any individualized funding in B.C. has been
bureaucratic resistance. Therefore the success of implementing the Community Care
(Direct Payments) Act will be in the details. In order to encourage up-take we
recommend the following:

The program must be promoted, made understandable and easy to use

The application process must be straight-forward

There must be financial incentives to encourage use
Our proposed Civil Rights of Persons in Community Care Act is intended to meet the
challenge of there being “no right without a remedy”. We believe it will provide the
provincial government with a citizen-initiated legal tool to enforce and uphold an
appropriate standard of care for all people with disabilities living in B.C.
We believe that these complimentary statutes will provide an effective legal foundation
for persons with disabilities to gain access to some of the same rights as currently
enjoyed by other British Columbians.
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?
Please see above.
6
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Everyone who has a mental illness receives treatment, support
and housing
Convener:
Sally Hull (and Celina Jeves)
Participants:
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?

Access to treatment

More mental health teams

More funding for services and treatment

Changing the service MSDSI service model – current model creates barriers (toll free
#, loss of individual EAWs, online app, etc.)

Transparency and accessibility of MSDSI policy

Mental illness is not a recognized disability (invisible and overlooked. Supports tend
to skew towards physical disabilities)

Benefits and supports do not match the need of individuals, and particularly those
with MH issues

No services for people that cannot tolerate waiting, being in office, talking on phone
due to MH symptoms

Need to avoid crisis situations (self-harm, serious health crisis, loss of housing,
etc.) deal with issues on a more proactive basis; reduce wait times; easier access

On demand services

Create preventative measures for $ admin (right now, only available if history of
mismanagement even if requested)

How can people with MH feel normal?  choice (targeted services are great, but
also leads to pigeon holing)

Safe home and community for those with severe mental illness
7
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports

People are forced into a very negative box to access services and then have to crawl
their way out (and stay out because crawling out may risk loss of benefits). For
example, all eligibility is determined by what they cannot do for themselves  not a
model that encourages self-sufficiency

Lack of affordable, secure housing

EPI program is a model that works but if being eroded throughout the province

Medication PLUS PLUS PLUS nutrition, exercise, social, etc. (get away from
reactive, medication-focused treatment)

Person who is ill needs an advocate

Individualized treatment program where the wishes of the ill person are respected

Create a “both/and” culture instead of an “either/or” culture

PWD dental policy needs revision  people are forced to have teeth pulled instead
of proactive treatment (fees not high enough, and default should not be removing
teeth)
8
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Individualized Funding
Convener:
Susan
Participants:
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?

Pro Individualized funding for the citizens of BC

All individuals should have access to adequate and appropriate income and supports
to meet their needs and live a good quality of life

Individualized funding for AIDS, housing, home support, income assistance,
equipment and devices
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

Participation model is more purpose driven

If you’re living on a survival income, you are really included in society

Very expensive to stay in hospital beds whereas 24 hour care provided in the home
would be more cost-effected and more desirable to the individual – but often not
available.

Health authorities are no accountable to people

Some persons with disabilities do not have access to any funding for example, if you
are employed you cannot get funding for a hearing aid unless you are a BCEA client
or unless you have your employer submit a letter stating that you will be fired if you
don’t get a hearing aid. NDP government used to provide hearing aids for employed
people

EATI is a good model organization because it’s participation based (although you
cannot access EATI unless you are low-skilled or un-employed) and you are given a
super-navigator to help you through the process

CSIL should be offered to all in need

PWD live in fear that their living supports will be reduced each year (in reference to
CLBC and CSIL)

CSIL is home care based on personal care needs (this is the preferred model)

Services that are good models but have been taken away: EATI, Giving in Action

Transition into adulthood and/or onto federal benefits is difficult. One person says:
“Disabled is disabled for life. I don’t become able bodied when I turn 65.”

Service is discriminatory based upon age.
9
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports

Stop funding bureaucrats, bureaucracy is sucking the system dry

Tension between health authority and CLBC

Everyone has their own lengthy assessments (and they don’t share info)

When I move to a new jurisdiction within BC I have lose funding because the funding
is not available in the new area (home care, community supports)

Current funding is piecemeal and uncoordinated

What is the goal of government? provide service or save money?

Being 3rd party administered has lessened the access to service. 3rd party
administration has gone on for 4 years. Unable to access funding for a scooter,
unable to access assistance for loss of hydro. Lack of advocacy in the Fraser
Region. The best advocacy was the British Columbia Aboriginals Society.

Aboriginal people feel that they are disabled in the eyes of the ministry just by virtue
of being aboriginal

Recognize that if you have a disability you don’t have the energy to fight the system
The proposed Remedy:

Individualized funding should include all ministries and should be applied to all
services

Consumers should have control over their services

Services should be portable across the province and across provinces

Lessen restrictions to getting funding

Move away from medical model assessments and move towards functional
assessments

More streamlined supports between ministries

Funding should be distributed through a needs based, participatory or social model

Allow people to find purpose

Person centred support rather than service provider centred supports

Funding should be adequate for inclusive living not just enough to survive

Take funding out of the hands of the bureaucrats and put it in the hands of the
volunteers (there needs to be competition for the funding in order to drive down the
costs and increase the quality)

Disability should be taken out of the ministry

Recruit hosting agencies to help people navigate the resources

Re-allocation of funds – from hospital funding to community based supports

Personal supports should be optional (not forced as is sometimes the case with
CLBC)

Create mini, community based hospitals
10
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports

Integrate services so that people do not have to deal with multiple orgs who are often
at odds with each other or even combative with each other

One assessment for all Government

One set of rules across the board

Government should undertake an effort to bring down the silos and eliminate
duplication of service. Eliminate multiple assessments

Call upon the auditor general to do a mass audit of all ministries in order to discover
where money is being wasted. This may help to create more ‘allies’ in the endeavour
towards improving services for pwd.

More housing subsidies for people with disabilities to broaden the scope of housing
options. This may also encourage developers to build accessible housing if there are
more pwds who can afford higher rent

More advocacy for aboriginal people

Build more accessible gyms for people with disabilities – could be a social venture
Rationale:

Individualized funding is cost effective because people are only accessing what they
need

It’s inefficient to have to multiple agencies due multiple assessments of the same
thing

It’s destabilizing to move from one area to another and lose vital supports

See above for more rationale
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?
11
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Housing
Convener:
Lynda Barnett
Participants:
Chris Mc Bride- Spinal Cord Injury BC, Jill Weiss – City of Vancouver
Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee, Ana Maria Bustamante
– Gordon Neighborhood House, Karen Williams, Sparc BC, Tim
Cottrell- Ministry of Social Development, Terry Leblanc - and Duane
Geddes – Sam Sullivan Foundation
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?
Housing should be usable and visit-able by all people of ages and abilities. There
should be some mechanism to make rental housing affordable and adaptable to people
with disabilities.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

Huge benefit because everyone would be able to live independently in appropriate
housing in the community. Also, everyone will be included in the community
because everyone would be able to visit anyone else and not be isolated.

The cost implications are minimal. This has been in place in England for 15 years
and the cost is negligible.
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?
1. The province adopts the city of Vancouver adaptable housing bylaw for the whole
province with the addition of one accessible path to one entrance of all new
dwellings.
2. The province should require at least 5% of new housing to be fully wheel chair
accessible.
3. The province should have a housing subsidy available to all people with disabilities
to ensure housing is affordable.
The province should adopt CMHC flex housing standard that can be adopted by cities
and municipalities throughout BC if they wish.
12
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Guide/Assistance Dog Act
Convener:
Louise Gaudry
Participants:
Rob Sleath; Jane Dyson; Henry Stuive; Sarah Khan
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?
To have new legislation implemented governing the use of guide dogs/assistance dogs.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

New guide dog/assistance dog legislation.

Benefits: people who use guide/assistance dog have better access rights

Challenges: Government must have the political will to change the legislation

Time requirements?
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?
1. Current legislation is decades old and the weakest in Canada. Access rights (public
and housing) are extremely weak.
2. Community organizations (for example, CNIB, BCCPD, PADS, Access for Sight
Impaired Consumers) have been urging the government to pass new legislation for
over 15 years.
3. Current Act has virtually no provisions for fines. $200 is the maximum amount.
4. There is no recourse when a guide dog/assistance dog is injured by another dog or
person.
5. There are no access rights for puppies in training.
6. Only real recourse for violation is human rights code.
7. Needs to be more education for business and the general public about the use of
working dogs.
8. Province needs to increase the amount it provides to PWD recipients for a dog’s
care.
9. In 2012 a draft act (The Guide and Assistance Dog Act (GADA)) was submitted to
the government by: BCCPD; CNIB; Access for Sight Impaired Consumers; Alliance
for Equality for Blind Canadians; Pacific Assistance Dogs, BC Guide Dogs and
PAWS for Independence Assistance. It includes provisions for an increase of fines
13
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
regarding access; injury to working dogs, provisions covering puppies in training; and
broadens access rights with respect to housing.
10. The Province of Alberta is currently revamping its Guide Dog legislation and is using
parts of GADA.
11. The BC government was reviewing GADA very favourably in 2012 and had made
some commitment towards implementation, but there has been no progress.
12. We urge the government to start working on the implementation of GADA.
Related issue:
Many people with disabilities and seniors depend on a dog/cat for their emotional wellbeing. It is tragic for them and emotionally debilitating when they are forced to surrender
a pet in order to access housing.
Participants in the group would like to see amendments made to the Residential
Tenancy Act so that if an individual has the support of a healthcare professional who
states they need a pet for their mental well-being they cannot be denied housing, so long
as it does not cause undue hardship. We understand that in Ontario a landlord cannot
deny someone housing if they have a pet.
14
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Private and independent voting options for people in BC
Convener:
Rob S.
Participants:
Rob S. (Heather C as scribe)
Description: What is the main idea, issue, opportunity behind the topic?

The importance of providing the opportunity for people with disabilities, vision loss,
limited mobility, gross motor problems to have access to independent and private
voting in BC.

Impacts anyone who has to rely on the assistance of others to vote.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

Under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, an eligible voter is entitled to vote in
secrecy and privately. An eligible voter should also be eligible to vote independently.
Many people who require assistance must rely on someone else (e.g., electoral
officer) to confirm that ballot is filled out correctly, which is not private or secret.

Internet voting has been used in Ontario by-elections and in New Brunswick. The
Liberal party also used Internet voting during the leadership election.

Keith Archer, Chief Electoral Officer of BC, conducted an independent panel on
Internet voting and found that too many issues did not allow the voter to vote
privately.
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?
1. Allow internet voting in BC. Run a pilot of persons with disabilities in BC. Should
make it available to any individual who wants to try it. It could be done on a trial basis
with a select group.
2. If Internet voting not an option, should allow voting by phone.
3. Why can’t we ask elections BC to use the other technology out there, such as ballot
marking technology (i.e., “auto-mark balloting system”). Rob has used this in an
election. It can be used by people with vision loss, quadriplegics who use a sip and
puff chair, and braille users. It is totally independent and private. Ballot is fed into a
ballot machine which allows the user to independently verify his or her own ballot
prior to submitting. It will benefit people with fine motor skill problems and mobility
issues. Would be possible to use only in advance voting – which would also cut
down on costs. If people are provided with a secret, private, independent form of
voting, they would likely be willing to attend the advance voting stations.
15
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Community organization to be honoured and supported by
government as partners
Convener:
Faith Bodnar
Participants:
20+
Description: What is the main idea, issue, opportunity behind the topic?
Community based organizations (CBO’s) are the backbone of community. Governments
must value the role of CBO’s in community development and engagement.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

Procurement model is inappropriate for this work. It pits organizations against each
other, uses cost as the only outcome measure.

CBO’s are able to personalize service to individuals

Gov’t needs to recognize its responsible to meet all the needs of people, holistic
approach over the entire lifespan as they are supported by CBO’s

Not all things of value can be measured as units of service.

Need to respect long term nature of CBO’s work
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?
1. Government needs to learn how to macro manage rather than micro manage its
relationship with CBO’s.
2. Governments need to fund sustainable CBO’s to support community (long-term,
ongoing funding/relationships, incl. investment opportunities).
3. Policy development must include CBO’s because they have lived experience.
4. Measure of CBO effectiveness must include outcomes from perspective of people
receiving services.
16
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Recognition & Support of Youth & Young Adult Physical, Mental
& Invisible Disabilities
Convener:
Vikram Bubber
Participants:
Carolyn & Wilfred Vacheresse, Jane Blaine, Susan W.
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?
We need ongoing and age-appropriate full-time or temporary support for youth & young
adults with disabilities, especially “invisible” disabilities.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

Currently there is a lack of communication and collaboration between the various
government departments, especially when children become adults. More seamless
transitions are needed.

By continually supporting the youth and young adults with disabilities, we can provide
more efficient and better all round service.

Individualized and age-appropriate services with vocational support will allow the
said population to gain employment & education therefore contributing towards the
economy. The duration of such support should be catered to the individual’s needs.

Everyone will have different “disabilities” and each will need specific types of support.

Facilitate the education of potential employers and co-workers of specific issues of
people’s needs.

Affected individuals should have the right and opportunity to disclose and inform
what their specific needs are.

Invisible disabilities need to be recognized as legitimate disabilities such as those of
adult survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers.

Invisible disabilities include hearing loss, infertility, and cardiovascular and other
mental effects of cancer treatment.
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?

Increase communication and collaboration between different agencies and
government departments.

Continuous support of individuals from early youth through to mature adulthood.

Begin creation of more individualized vocational and educational services.
17
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports

Begin awareness campaigns and educational workshops for employers and coworkers.

Education of disabled individuals about their rights

Invisible disabilities need be recognized as legitimate disabilities.

There’s no one solution to any of these issues
18
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
No Barriers to Transportation
Convener:
Suzan Jennings & Vanessa E.
Participants:
Linda, Sheila, Gary, Vanessa, John, Karen, Laura, Asia, Michelle,
Isabelle
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?
Transportation for people living with disabilities should be: Accessible, Affordable, Which
allows for spontaneity and quality of life.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

Door through door instead of door to door transportation

Handy Dart—disabled need to be coded #99 (hand-off)

Another style of small bus- lower floor level to allow easier access, and sedan cars.

Train all taxi drivers in accessible issues—the Vancouver Taxi Driver Training
Manual

BC Ferries need to have more dedicated staff to assist those in wheelchair transfers
to and from the vessels

Cars—give $1,700 mileage allotments, should be maintenance allotment

Encourage going green with more consistent bus/car policy

SPARC—bring back “no pay” decal for parking provide tier system of funding and
income

Blind:

o
Get a free bus passes that work on handy Dart
o
Handi-card
o
U pass
o
CNIB pass
Handy Dart—
o
is subscription heavy, there needs to be more option available, including
cross boundary and same across the Province.
o
More flexibility to cover school and employment times
o
Weather is an issue—need adaptable equipment.
19
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports

Greyhound and cross-country buses—check on ordering accessible buses with 48
hour’s notice. Attendant caregiver travels free?

Air Travel attendant travel covered for taxes only?

o
WestJet, if you have once traveled with an attendant, you can never again
travel alone.
o
Air Canada allows flexibility
Bus Signage needs to be designed to allow sight impaired to find and identify.
Public transport needs to be better signed, with phones for assistance and more
accessible washrooms with elevators.
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?
All transportation for people with disabilities needs to be accessible, affordable which
allows for spontaneous travel and quality of life.
20
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Community living for persons with disabilities
Convener:
Jerry L.
Participants:
Jerry L. & Heather C as scribe
Description: What is the main idea, issue, opportunity behind the topic?
Providing / creating a place of communal-type living (in an apartment complex) for
persons with disabilities that provides support but also allows for independence. Building
a welcoming, inclusive community where everybody feels like they belong.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

Currently, many people with disabilities have to reside with family members to
receive support and they lack independence. Families also must work hard to build
communities to support the person and this can be difficult to do.

Communal type housing is common for the elderly – they reside within their own
apartment within a larger complex housing elderly people. They have their
independence (i.e., their own physical space), but they also benefit from close
proximity of people with similar needs and this builds communities. The people in the
complex are there to check in on one another and to provide support and friendship
in times of need. For example, if the power goes out in a storm, the community
checks in on its members.

Why can’t the kind of community living that exists for the elderly also exist for people
with disabilities?

Such a community could be comprised of a mix of elderly individuals and people with
disabilities, since some of their needs are similar: companionship, a sense of
belonging, have their needs met, support from others, someone to check in on them.
People would like such a mix of people in one space.

A community living environment would require a completely accessible living space
with all of the necessary personal supports, aids and devices to accommodate the
specific needs of the residents – i.e., elevators, stair lifts, bed lifts, bath chairs, etc.
They have access to whatever will make life easier.
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?

Money – needs funding (i.e., people with money and an interest in the issue)

Land to build on or an existing property that could be used for housing.
21
Disability White Paper Open Space

Discussion Session Reports
People interested in living in such a community. There is interest out there! People in
Mission are already talking about how to build and support a community living
environment.
22
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Raise Assistance Rates
Convener:
Valerie
Participants:
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?

Rates for disability assistance are woefully inadequate.

It will not be possible to put many of the other ideas being raised in this consultation
into practice without raising assistance to a livable amount.

People need enough money to meet minimum needs in order to access all other
supports, services, etc.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.
Issues

Cuts to bottled water supplement (part of MNS)

Harder to get nutritional supplement (shouldn’t be weight-based, or subject to other
conditions—high cholesterol from cheap food, need better food); leads to other social
costs

All need enough to get healthy food (proactive solutions)

People use benefits to pay rent (shelter amount is inadequate), then do not have
enough to afford food

Couples lose out because of Ministry assumptions about co-habitation

Inflation considered in relation to everything else (i.e., allowable rent increases) but
not assistance rates

Shelter rates are inadequate
o
Even if it is cheaper elsewhere, there are fewer services in rural areas (and
rural areas are still expensive

Inadequate support forces people into bad situations (i.e., fraud, abusive
relationships)

Spouse definition is broad, so benefits are lost when someone finds a significant
other

o
People commit “fraud” or avoid relationships
o
End up living in fear
Other provinces have significantly higher rates (e.g., Alberta)
23
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports

Repayable security deposits subsequently lower benefits; people are fearful to ask
about deductions

Housing available at $375 is substandard

Despite other reforms, lack of inflation increases gets you further behind; give up
trying things

Earnings exemption does not help most people (only about 14% use it at all)
o
Also, there are no resources to help people take advantage of earnings
exemption (i.e., money for clothes, transportation, phone, etc)

Province needs to do more to encourage people to hire folks with disabilities
(education for employers)

Rates need to be tied to a calculation of actual cost of living (poverty line, market
basket measure, etc)—why are people on PWD and income assistance so far below
that?

Irrational to have such a jump between PWD and OAS/GIS

Homecare services: cuts lead to decreased standard of living (health costs, dignity
costs); end up costing medical system more

Ministries should talk to each other about a global picture of costs

MSDSI fees do not cover medical services (physio, chiro, etc); people end up
supplementing these costs with their fixed income

Government needs to think long term (and about prevention) rather than short term

Kids can’t learn without adequate food, etc

Social costs: no $ for entertainment, eating out, etc, means decrease in quality of life
and community involvement

Family caregivers denied funding as homecare service

Aboriginal people are leaving BC for fear of child support clawback

Low rates make people feel like the government thinks people with disabilities
deserve less (impact on dignity, role as parents, etc)
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?

Cost of living quantified to set rates in a rational way

Want government employees income to be PWD income

Raise PWD to $1200/month

Rent subsidies additional

Reinstate CVS program; opportunity for community engagement and extra $

Think and set policy and rates with a mind to long term (prevention)
24
Disability White Paper Open Space

Discussion Session Reports
Chiro, physio, etc. covered properly would lead to lower health care costs in the long
term
o
Increased coverage based on need

Stop child support claw back

General public actually supports a rate increase; this needs to be translated into
political will

Raise Christmas budget from $35 (currently sends message that we’re not even
supposed to celebrate)

Need to be treated with dignity and have enough to live with dignity

PWD transit pass should be useable for HandyDart

Shouldn’t have to fight for transit pass each year

Cross-cultural/ability training for EAWs; specifically designated disability offices

Accountability for MSDSI staff

Better support for families with kids (education, part of society); kids become
caregivers for PWD parents (lose independence)

We need to look at the entire system (regular income assistance and PPMB as well);
all part of the same system; people on temporary assistance have barriers too

Small increases annually to gradually improve rates? (needs to be above inflation)

Stop relying on NGOs, etc to make up the difference for people

Increase asset levels
25
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Access to Fully Integrated personal support using the
Participation Model + Continued support for EATI
Convener:
Paul Gauthier (BC Personal Supports Network, BC Association for
Individualized Supports for People with Disabilities)
Participants:
Fiona, Amy, Paul G. Christine G, Cindy Hayto, Terry Leblanc, + 2
others
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?

Personal supports are essential to full participation and the participation model is a
made in BC person directed approach to the delivery of personal supports.

The delivery of all personal supports in BC needs to be integrated under the vision,
values and principles of the Participation Model.

EATI has demonstrated that the Participation Model works and EATI needs to have a
second generation that broadens access to the program while it pushes the
Participation Model further as a tool for integration and person centeredness.

Personal supports include: equipment and assistive technology, personal care, sign
language interpretation, adapted transportation, technical training.

Delays in acquiring personal supports deepens isolation and enhances disability.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

Integrating personal supports in BC is essential and will serve to create a provincial
program that currently does not exist.

Using the participation model will ensure compliance with the UN Convention and
give BC a leadership position in Canada.

EATI has provided the groundwork upon which to build for greater integration, which
needs to happen on both the community and the government side.

It is essential to use the learning from EATI now so that momentum is not lost.
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?
The integration process should proceed in the following way:

A second generation EATI should be funded with both provincial and federal dollars
to ensure more access to all people with disabilities who are experiencing functional
barriers

Individualized funding should be incorporated into the second generation EATI
26
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports

EATI should become the front door for Work BC

A pilot project should be established with Fraser Health Authority ( Burnaby) to test
the participation model as the entry point for the CSIL program

Co- payment or deductibles should be explored as a way to broaden access to a
wider group of people with disabilities

Consumer knowledge about personal supports needs to be encouraged through
resource centres and websites
27
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Better Transition from PWD Assistance to Employment
Convener:
Heather McCain
Participants:
Heather, Gary, David, Barbara
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?

In order to replace the benefits/support of PWD assistance, a recipient would need to
secure a full time job earning $20/hour.

There needs to be supports to help transition a person between being on assistance
and earning above rates (i.e. continues housing subsidies, bus pass program)
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.
Issues:

Current transitional programs are one size fits all

Serious medical consequences of the stress associated with the transition

Marginalized employees earning below poverty but not eligible for any supports –
lose access to medical supplies and equipment

Information from MSDSI is not clear, available in writing, accessible or consistent –
shared caseload results in different answers for same question

People are being forced out of employment due to lack of funding for equipment

Persons with disabilities have to break through stigma of “can’t work”

Employment programs don’t allow for investment in people or tailoring of supports

Volunteering is not recognized as a necessary step to employment

Technology and jobs change to quickly for employment aids to keep up

By losing sight of the needs in pursuit to become more efficient, the process
becomes more expensive and less efficient

Gov’t funding new, innovative programs but established successful programs losing
funding

Not enough follow up ie Pathways Clubhouse’s TEP program
Partnership between government and employers to share cost of employment was more
detrimental to disabled employees who were seen as cheap labour and were frequently
dismissed at end of probation
28
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?
Solutions:

Individualized services

Peer support

Recognize that it is a long journey and support it

Investing long term is will provide financial and economic growth

Need to work with employers (education, training) to address stigma and comfort
zones

System has to recognize life long learning to address technology and job change

Provide living wages

Recognize and expand good programs, maintain funding

Bring back the Community Volunteer Supplement program

Create and use programs such as the Public Service training

Build more affordable housing and floating subsidies

More subsidies in rural communities

Government needs to support subsidies in cooperative housing (i.e. 2020 changes)

Step 1 to Employment: maintain disability supports – assistive technology, aids,
transportation, housing

Job development piece is inadequate: spend time on the worksite to achieve
accommodation – educate, train

Take a holistic approach

Recognize invisible and episodic disabilities in the workplace

Areas outside of Vancouver not as accepting – address this

Accurate representation of persons with disabilities in the media – media fear
mongers or often portrays PWD as hero or victim, nothing in between

Increase community understanding/inclusion
Review policies for catch 22s that become barriers to independence ie cannot get
housing until receiving medication and cannot receive medication until you find a
permanent residence
29
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Adequate home support for community living: No institutions
Convener:
Jill Weiss
Participants:
Fiona Wittington-Walsh, Sociology Professor, Jerry Self advocate;
Jeanette, Florence Flynn BC Social Workers Association, Jenny
Kwan MLA, Debbie MS Society, Bonnie Klein, Tasia Alexis
Developmental Disabilities Association, Chris McBride Spinal Cord
Injury BC
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?

Province should re-organize its home support program to provide adequate support
for all activities of daily life so that people with disabilities can live full lives in the
community as mandated by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities.

Province should commit to no institutions, but instead support real community living.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

Benefits would be huge – people with disabilities could lead healthy full lives with the
same range of choices as other people, the province would save money from not
supporting expensive institutions and from not expending significant health care
dollars for expensive acute health care interventions caused by inadequate
community services.

There is significant research that community living is less expensive and results in
better health, community integration & connections, and higher quality of life.
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?
1. Reorganize home support
a. Support for all activities of life including personal care, housework, meal
preparation, shopping, work, education, recreation, families etc
b. Adequate amounts of support for real life
c. Fair province wide assessment: assessment process developed in conjunction
with disability community
d. Security of support – support can only be reduced for the legitimate reason that a
person’s physical condition has improved
e. Independent appeal mechanism – like that used for income appeals
30
Disability White Paper Open Space
f.
Discussion Session Reports
Consumer choice & control for every client – choice of worker, choice to hire own
workers if desired, choice of agency if desired; self directed support
g. Where you live should not be based on your health care needs
h. Really & properly implement “Better at Home” and “No decision about me without
me”
i.
Individualized support plans and funding: better outcomes/lives, less expensive,
less abuse because people in control
2. No institutions for people with disabilities in BC
a. Mandated by UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
b. Institutions have been ruled discrimination or deprivation of liberty by courts (US
Supreme Court, EU Human Rights Court)
c. Institutions have been shown to result in poorer quality of life
d. Institutions have been shown to have significant abuse (BC Ombudsperson
Reports, Amnesty International)
e. Institutions are much more expensive than community living
f.
Institutions deprive people of their basic rights & freedoms
31
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
K-12 education in BC prepares all students for post-secondary
meaningful contribution to society and opportunity to acquire
wealth and to be a consumer.
Convener:
Jane Blaine
Participants:
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?
That the public education system needs to better prepare all students, regardless of
ability, for life as an adult in ways that respect the individual’s gifts and contributions.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

A major implication is that students with disabilities do not receive adequate
education and life skill training during the school years. This often leads to adult lives
that rely on paid supports, isolation and loneliness.

Potential challenges are the current underfunding of services during the school year,
inadequate training to teachers, large class sizes.

Early work in the area of job preparation, transportation, transition planning will help
to alleviate many of the negative outcomes currently facing students and alleviate the
higher costs that will occur later in life – for all of society.

Students who become consumers and who contribute in a meaningful way to society
will build a better society.
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?

Investment into teacher training, class supports now.

Work with the universities and teachers college to strengthen the curriculum to
include information on teaching to diversities.

Engagement of families, community-based organizations, specialized teachers in
order to identify solutions now.
32
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Assume Everyone Has A Disability
Convener:
Daryl
Participants:
Amy, Karen, Faith, Melanie, Jay, +2
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?

Looking at disability differently

Meeting needs.

Accommodating everyone.

Looking at the use of labels
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.

More universal language

Reduce isolation

Reframing the language of disability (the deaf community did well)
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this
a reality?

Stay curious

Ask questions

How can I accommodate you

Meet people where they are at. What “language do they speak?

Get rid of the standards of how we measure disabilities

PANEL DISSCUSSION – bring movements together. There are human rights issues.
Diversity means strength.

National Disability Act. Entrenched rights.

Look at disability as a quality.
33
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Topic Name:
Entrepreneurship and Social Ventures
Convener:
Duane Geddes
Participants:
Ted Emes, Christa Mullaly, Claire Ireland, Ken Ireland, Vanessa ?
Description: What are the main idea, issue, and opportunity behind the topic?
Facilitation and support for social ventures – small (or eventually large) businesses
owned and operated by non-profit societies.
Discussion: What are the implications, benefits, potential challenges, time
requirements etc.
The government has made a commitment to improve access and reduce barriers for
people with disabilities, but it has also made it clear that new money will not be provided.
Rather, we need to think about how existing funds can be better utilized and how
pressure can be reduced on future funding.
Many non-profit organizations want to start thinking more like businesses with many
have excellent ideas for social venture/enterprise. What they lack are the necessary
financial resources (start-up capital and initial operating funds), business planning and
marketing expertise.
Successful businesses, operated by non-profits, can provide a stream of funding that
can reduce demands on government coffers over time; funding that provides
organizations with much more flexibility and freedom than typical government subsidies,
grants and donations.
The government must find a way to recognize the value inherent in social enterprise
development and make it as easy as possible for societies to enter the world of
business.
Many examples of successful social enterprise operations already exist. For instance,
the Elizabeth Fry Society is operating “Asphalt Gals,” a business recycling used asphalt
shingles. This employs members (females exiting the prison system), provides working
training and experience, and generates positive funding for the society.
The Disability Foundation operates three such ventures: one being Martin 16 Sailing
Inc., a company that markets and builds Martin 16 sailboats, which are used in disabled
sailing programs around the world. Profits from this company support both the Disabled
Sailing Association of BC and the AbleSail Network of Canada (a national organization
that benefits all disabled sailing programs in this country).
Social enterprises can have a single benefit – a revenue stream; they can have multiple
benefits that can include training and work (often flexible hours, etc.) for people with
disabilities in addition to a profit stream. he government has made a commitment to
improve access and reduce barriers for people with disabilities, but it has also made it
34
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
clear that new money will not be provided. Rather, we need to think about how existing
funds can be better utilized and how pressure can be reduced on future funding.
The government must find a way to recognize the value inherent in social enterprise
development and make it as easy as possible for societies to enter the world of
business.
The principal concept is this: Each successful social enterprise, or social venture, will
greatly reduce pressure on limited government coffers. The government has made a
commitment to improve access and reduce barriers for people with disabilities, but it has
also made it clear that new money will not be provided. Rather, we need to think about
how existing funds can be better utilized and how pressure can be reduced on future
funding.
Recommendations and/or Next Steps – what needs to happen to make this a
reality?
This concept will be raised at public consultation sessions throughout the White Paper
process.
Disability Foundation executive director, Duane Geddes, has committed to raising the
concept with Minister Don McRae in the very near future.
35
Disability White Paper Open Space
Topic Name:
Individual Statement
Convener:
Bonnie Sherr Klein, OC
Participants:
n/a
Discussion Session Reports
If BC were the most progressive province for people living with disabilities…
We would be living in together in accessible communities with people from all
generations and all abilities, fully participating in all activities, with accessible
transportation, education, health care, everyone contributing according to their
abilities, and receiving the supports they need. An inter-dependent community.
36
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Other Topics Identified
The following is a list of topics that were identified by participants but for
which there was inadequate time for discussion during the Open Space
session:
Idea
Originated by:

Accessible, inter-generational, mixed communities
with available supports
Bonnie Klein

BC is inclusive for people with invisible and visible
disabilities. We respect diversity and support
diversity in a way which results in equitable (equal)
outcomes for a lifetime (pre-school thru seniors)
Jane Blaine

Inclusive primary, elementary, secondary and postsecondary education
Amy Nugent

Increase community accessibility and bylaws

More accessibility for people with vision loss in stores
and restaurants – such as Braille price tags, menus,
expiration dates, labels and such
Vanessa Elder

Assistance in finding work for people with disabilities
in their communities
Vanessa Elder

Technology – available, affordable, adapted,
education
Linda McGowan

Easier access to adaptive equipment (like EATI)
Heather McCain

Recognition of the cost of having a disability. Many
programs have an eligibility ceiling that is too low
Linda McGowan

Income supports that would enable people to meet
basic needs – i.e. PWD benefits double its current
rate
Connie Kostiuk

Medical Support: Some essential medical
equipment is necessary for people with disabilities.
For example, Type 1 diabetes using insulin pumps at
a cost of $7,000 - $10,000 each. How are we to
cover these costs?
Amy Amantea

Assets – accumulation trusts not required to save
money. Spend how you want; allow increase in
37
Heather McCain
Sheila Abraham
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Idea
Originated by:
assets

A barter system for individuals to exchange and
share services to meet their needs (credit system to
share & support each other

Transportation: affordable, available, accessible,
emphasizes quality of life (e.g. spontaneous)

Better Handidart funding including rural
Bonnie Klein

Transportation is accessible. The para-transit system
is a fair process; the eligibility process is nondiscriminating of those who need services the most.
Cutbacks are not on the backs of people who need
the services the most.
Tasia Alexis

Reframing disability/deaf – changing our views
leading to changing society. We as humans first –
how we want to be viewed and given/take access
to society
Leanor Vlug

Attitude change: the shift of perspective of
disability – “we are not inspiring and special”
Karen Lai

UN Convention
Jill Weiss

Housing Supports – no institutions; housing for
people with disabilities that is accessible,
affordable; where choice and autonomy is
paramount when deciding where to live. This
includes people with physical disabilities, people
that are aging, and people with mental health
issues

Increase in quantity and quality of accessible
housing (both subsidized and non) throughout the
entire province (not just Vancouver)
Heather McCain

Visibility law in BC – all new housing visit-able (stair
free entrance, wider doors, bathroom accessible)
Jill Weiss

Accessing information is key + knowledge – deaf,
deaf blind and hard of hearing needs not met
Leanor Vlug
38
Warren Walker
Linda McGowan
Tasia Alexis
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Idea
Originated by:

Accessible Government Websites: tax benefit for
employers who hire people with disabilities based
on % of their workforce.

In dire need of trustworthy aboriginal advocates
39
Rob Sleath, ASIC
Frank Martin
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Participants
Name
Organization
Sheila Abraham
Tasia Alexis
Developmental Disabilities Association
Amy Amantea
Canadian Council of the Blind, BC Yukon-Division
Barb Bawlf
RCFC
Nata Belcham
Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion
Lynda Jane Bennett
Gary Birch
Neil Squire Society and member of the Minister’s
Council on Employment and Accessibility
Jane Blaine
BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association
Faith Bodnar
Inclusion BC
Vikram Bubber
Kent Cadogan Loftsgard
Melanie C. Caple
Paul Caune
Civil Rights Now!
Ross Chilton
Community Living Society
Isabelle Colas
SPARC BC
Karen De Long
Inclusion BC
Jane Dyson
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities
Vanessa Elder
Mr. Elder
Ted Emes
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Debbie Finlay
The Voice of the Cerebral Palsied of Greater
Vancouver
40
Disability White Paper Open Space
Name
Discussion Session Reports
Organization
Darryl Flusdy
Florence Flynn
BC Association of Social Workers
Ken Fraser
Vancouver Resource Society
Stan Fraser
Grief To Action
Paul Gauthier
BC Personal Supports Network, BC Association for
Individualized Supports for People with Disabilities
Duane Geddes
Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation
Victor Glass
Progressive Intercultural Community Services
Christine Gordon
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities
Murray Hamilton
Vancouver Resource Society
Cindy Hayto
Burnaby Home Health
Asia Hollingsworth
PosAbilities
Lorraine Holmes
Stroke Recovery Association of BC
Sally Hull
British Columbia Schizophrenia Society (BCSS)
Claire Ireland
Burnaby's Access Advisory committee
Ken Ireland
Burnaby's Access Advisory committee
Debbie Irwin
MS Society of Canada, BC and Yukon Division
Suzan Jennings
AOA Access Oceanside Association
John Jennings
AOA Access Oceanside Association
Celina Jeves
Chilliwack Mental Health Centre
Louise Johnson
Sarah Khan
BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre
Connie Kostiuk
Vancouver Coastal Health
Jenny Kwan
MLA for Vancouver – Mt. Pleasant
41
Disability White Paper Open Space
Discussion Session Reports
Name
Organization
Karen Lai
BC Centre for Ability Association and member of
the Minister’s Council on Employment and
Accessibility
Jerry Laidlaw
CLBC
Deepi Leihl
Spectrum Society
Fiona Lewis
BC Association of Social Workers
Jean Lewis
Medicare For Autism Now (& Civil Rights Now!)
Barbara Lindsay
Alzheimer Society of B.C.
Robin Loxton
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities
Laura Mackenrot
City of Vancouver Persons with Disabilities Advisory
Committee
David Marley
Medicare For Autism Now (& Civil Rights Now!)
Chris McBride
Spinal Cord Injury BC
Heather McCain
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods (C.A.N.)
Linda McGowan
MS Society of Canada
Sharon Milewski
Women Against Violence Against Women
Kendra Milne
Community Legal Assistance Society
Rebecca Morris
Alzheimer Society of B.C.
Valerie Nicholson
Positive Living Society of BC (Board)
Amy Nugent
Inclusion BC
John Olldym
International Society of the Handicapped of
Greater Vancouver
Jeanette Poulsen
Civil Rights Now!
Erin Pritchard
BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre
Carla Qualtrough
Chair of the Minister’s Council on Employment
and Accessibility
42
Disability White Paper Open Space
Name
Discussion Session Reports
Organization
Bonnie Sherr Klein
Rob Sleath
CNIB BC-Yukon Division Board
Neil Stark
Abbotsford Community Services
Henry Stuive
CNIB
Yoshinori Tanabe
International Society of the Handicapped of
Greater Vancouver
Jay Townsend
CLBC
Amy Tutkaluke
Spectrum Society
Carolyn Vacheresse
Pediatric Cancers Survivorship Society of BC
Wilfred Vacheresse
Vach Group
Leanor Vlug
Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf
Warren Walker
Allison Ward
Community Legal Assistance Society
Jill Weiss
City of Vancouver Persons with Disabilities Advisory
Committee
Fiona Whittington-Walsh
Civil Rights Now!
Karen Williams
SPARC BC
Laurette Yelle
The Voice of the Cerebral Palsied of Greater
Vancouver
David Young
SOURCES
43