Consultation In-Person Feedback Collection
Date: February 4, 2014 (evening)
Group: Community in-person session
Location: Kamloops, BC
Number of Attendees: 64
Note: all the information and feedback gathered at this session will be inputted into the overall collection of data and feedback for consideration of the
development of the Disability White Paper.
Feedback:
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Establish codes in BC building codes – human rights
Policy and legislation
People assume there are “rules”
Gov buildings are the only buildings that have to be accessible – emerg evac plan
On disability – stages – communication tools – visual, voice activated
Not everyone can use or has internet or equip to access sites – can you borrow equip - $ to buy – low income – available if looking for
employment – “on loan equip” – voice
Program/funding – specific funding for equipment
Funding for people seeking employment
Accessing employment programs – works with employers, ex. Hearing aids, wheelchairs
Community resources re: open door/Work BC
Knowledge of – accessing – joining – attending – available programs – available funding
“living wage” – people with disabilities not enough $ to live increases stress – health
Centralized data base for resource/programs
Disability tax credit (dr. note) – almost always requires people to appeal – very stressful – red tape
LTD/STD for employed people – who regulates insurance?
Medial (MSP) ie. autism – medication – PWD – “over the counter meds” – uses up support funds
Stigma people are not able to work
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Community employment action plan – working w/employers – strength bases
Ontario employer Tim Horton’s developed his business plan – 25% have to have disability
Ontario – Education, communication, AODA (Accessibility Ontario Disability Act)
Employer may act if there was legislation – fines are in place, accessibility specialists
Inspirational workshop in BC from ON
Transportation for medical services (outside Kamloops) could be part of legislation
Tax recp/subsidy/incentive to landlord (owner) to people who rent to PWC
Tax break
Rent controlled/2-3 apartments reserved
City of Burnaby – rent controlled, integrated community, 5-7 units accessible, suites were own by City and admin by Community Agency –
give and take
Tax incentive for building/creating accessible housing
Creating resources through tax resources and death taxes rebated through gift of created housing
Federal tax benefit if employed with disability
Educating caregivers and families to create opportunities to enable people – give opportunities for independence
Can be easy to be stuck in a box – need to try new things
There is a norm in society
Protection – people try to protect
Important to reach youth – take wheelchairs, para transit bus out to youth to experience and then share their experience of accessibility
Start earlier educating youth before stereotypes develop
Education – personal contact
What can gov’t do? Eg. ‘participaction’ impact on TV showing powerful message
Powerful msging about people with disabilities – positive messages
Remove barriers
Eg. message like ‘we are able’
Eg. there is advertising/logo with the wheelchair, but with arms raised
Would be nice to have a modal to show fun – change perspective about disability
Physical access – some bathrooms in new buildings and access
Older buildings – difficult to retrofit to make access
Develop funding for older buildings (eg. grants) that won’t hurt bottom line
Pete’s Pastry – can’t get in, Earl’s Kelowna – can’t get in
Eg. access bathrooms – need different specs to make accessible
Feedback:
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To reach youth – Facebook and Twitter – used to put messages out and reach youth
Finding apps – finding accessible – buildings to plan ahead – find out seating arrangements
If in wheelchair require lower eating, if not need a high table – need to meet need
Having information available – like Chef’s in the City at TRU, if could know what venues were accessible, could plan ahead to know where
could go
Now in Kamloops, folks in wheelchairs can’t go skating as is a liability – under review right now for City of Kamloops
City of Kamloops working on accessible recreation, some youth specific, some youth and adult
Hockey, yoga, swimming, floor hockey, weight training
Front line staff in city (Kamloops) doing awareness training for working with/contract with person who has disability
Good if people could try exercise equip. before signing up to see if would work
Now city allows people to try out activities before committing (eg. facilities tours, see what can do before joining)
Pool lift (hot tub lifts)
Looking into details
Building awareness
BC better place
Seeing a variety of people when you go places
Diversity – everyone is present
Unlimited mobility for everyone eg. Music in park – go where you want – if ice in street, get cleared to go anywhere you want
These meetings no longer required – becomes the ‘norm’
Why not all ramps instead of stairs – everyone can do ramp
Peoples’ homes are accessible – would be great
Phoenix – eg. of progressive place to live
Look around to other municipalities and areas to see what is being done
Phoenix seems 4 steps ahead in terms of accessibility
Could be snowbirds with $ to spend that forces accessibility
Becomes about planning for a way of life not just disability
How do you get the person the right support?
Set up agency to receive calls and have knowledge that can get people to help – make connection
Advocate services have been cut
Need 1-800 disability help line!
Source for information – people don’t know what’s out there for help
Navigators – help get through system
Feedback:
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Someone to help map interests to volunteer or get pd. employment
Raise awareness – one place to house info – would need to be progressive
Educate youth – everyone is different, that is the norm, not disability – we are all different as people
Disability – diversability
Down road disability could be gone – replaced
Indiv. Who have disabilities not to feel as a disability
Technology – google has microphone assistive search
Making technology affordable
Parking? Accessing to go to work
If the space is accessible then the sidealks and entry ways (eg. curbs) need to be accessible too
Need to have ‘let downs’ onto sidewalks – these are at the corners only not beside parking
Winter – ice on curbs can’t get out of car – sidewalks too icy to walk – get around on
Feel 18% employment rate is high – likely much lower – where is this stat from?
EPBC partnerships – Safeway has good partnership with EPBC – has employment related services even for youth
How do you get to know that is out there?
Knowing what is available is key – how can this happen in a concrete way?
Website , Facebook – how else can raise awareness of what is out there?
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1-800 #, ads
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Pamphlets
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Intl’ Disability Day Dec 3. – can this be key way
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Pamphlet at doctor, hospitals
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Posters
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High visibility areas
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Local papers (smaller publications)
Grounds to be gained in awareness
To get gatherings, eg. home shows, blazer games
Accessible web page on City of Kamloops – could put logo on main web page – move access to info from the main page
City main page website good venue – possibly a Facebook page
One stop shopping
One place to find all info
Income and retirement planning – include RDSP in this conversation – general public invited to learn about this
Simplify rules around withdrawing money
What would BC look like as…. (sic)
Feedback:
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RDSP
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RDSP
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RDSP – how many people can afford to contribute??
It would be easier to contribute if they have a job
Have automatic deduction to bank account
Have employer pay into RDSP
Financial advisor for low income people
Train people at bank on RDSP for PWD
Not well advertised
Provided with document – unclear info
Confusing
Provincial laws don’t match fed laws
All agencies unfamiliar, lawyers, etc.
Be cautious who invests – low risk – don’t make a lot of $ - but don’t get charged and fees
Complicated – form heavy
Must be fed. recognized disability
Simplify the process
Increase PWD supports so people can afford to contribute
Educate the public, the banks and credit unions so that people get the correct information – not all banks employees are familiar with
administering the RDSP
Allow people to control their own money
Coast foundation trust
Barriers: control of money, amount of money, inadequate financial ability
Empowerment: allow people to have a bank card, enough money to socialize, be responsible for their own spending
$5000 limit is ridiculous – cannot provide for independent living
Creating dependency
Very complicated
Have to be skills and savvy to navigate
Why can they not keep an inheritance
Duplication ie. RDSP is okay but tax free SA is not okay when it comes to benefit and deductions
Forces the person to be in the ‘grey’ zone
We are NOT encouraging people to be independent and successful
This is possibly the biggest stumbling block – over 800
Feedback:
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Deductions and repayments
RDSP – low income, under 49 years – gov’t will contribute – bond – variances for income level – restrictions are when you can access money
– have to be eligible for Dis Tax benefit
Ideas – access earlier for medical
Workshops for RDSPs – earlier information for parents/caregivers
Increase RDSP limit
Allow different type of investments
BC – tax break for people who contribute to RDSPs
Invisible disabilities are “overlooked” – find more challenges in employment, community – are more vulnerable – FAs, brain injury
RDSP – most PWDs are living below poverty level, pipe dream
Instead of matching contributions just give all who qualify max – why should only ones who can afford it be able to access it?
RDSP great for PWD
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Federal program and have to apeopley for dis. tax credit – this is tedious and lengthy
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Prov and fed gov’t need to simplify the process is a nightmare
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People give up trying to access this program
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National benefits assoc. will help set up
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Do the work – they take 3% when app. approved but thy do all the work
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Once set up then dine! (sic)
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Info on website
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Disabilities for Canadians – website
People live in poverty w/o family and extra support – going to food bank, no $ left after accom. and living pd.
Equip is expensive!
Is there awareness for RDSP?
Giving info to accountants and non profit societies – there is not an understanding of this program
Mackenzie investments – Edward Jones – giving info to accountants about the program and small group sessions
Clear instruction (templates) available on line to set up a trust
Expertise available and affordable for advice for PWD
No penalties to withdraw from RDSP
Easily answered questions and process of using your trust funds
Arrangements for accessible temp. accommodation in other/foreign communities – time sharing, cost sharing for less commonly used but
necessary equipment and devices
Independent living specialists – greater availability/training/education
Stronger guidelines re: safety/accessibility – lever door handles
Feedback:
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Legislation surrounding building codes
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New businesses forced to comply with the new codes rather than previous building codes
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One time grant or tax break to help with renos
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Enforcement of building codes re: sacrificing accessibility for other programs ie. baby change tables or esthetics
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Regular inspections to ensure continued compliance
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Independent living specialists could be involved re: consultation and compliance/enforcement
Building codes driven by legislation standards
Consistency across government
Access to public places
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Skating rinks in wheelchairs
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Public pools
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Accessible bathrooms in public spaces/buildings
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Utilities inside the space itself
Affordable housing
Low rent accommodation is unsafe
When big companies build housing have 5 – 10% unit be low rent – get gov’t to make policy to support idea
This supports community inclusion, integration
City could support this with policy and tax breaks
Starbucks does not have disability accessibly doors
Curbs – what are curb like in snow, some curb not lowered (sic)
People need to speak up on behalf of PWDs – get priorities owners to support – increase awareness
Most accessibility issue (sic) have been met with building codes
Include federal building code – need to be improved
Home share living in someone else’s home
Affordability
Lack of options for persons with needs
Transportation to daily needs
Transit schedules
HandiDART – book ahead – scheduled need
Need exceeds availability
Wait lists
Not inclusive
Not matched appropriately
Feedback:
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Placed where available
Bus not always accessible
Drivers leave before passengers seated
$80 taxi vouchers – this info not widely known
Information – services for people not widely known – shared
Services – move, change contact names – this info not shared freely
Services combined – not shared to public
If you don’t have an advocate – you don’t know
Services – health – found online – some success – difficult to find info/agency that takes care of a certain need
Do a directory for services/providers
Accessibility – need housing where you can easily access amenities in town – affordable – location – access to community – safe, not
stigmatized – housing with individual supports rather than home support
Need supported affordable housing mixed in with all other housing
More choice given to all the people who need it what type of housing to live in ie. group homes or home shared, etc.
Listen to the people about what they want
Give them their power back
Lower rents
Higher subsidies
Match the housing with the needs
Accessible and suitable for the individual
Keep housing stable
Change is very hard
Create universal housing design, more coops and cohousing
More $ to spend on rent and utilities
CLBC has done a lot of good things
More affordable housing
If you have a disability and mental disability processes difficult
With intellectual disabilities live in seniors centres
More care for people that have lost their mobility
Some people could live on their own with assisted living make sure they are eating nutritiously or taking their meds
A lot of red tape to get any funding
Couples whose spouse becomes ill – they want to stay a couple while still being cared for
Looking at out of the box solution – PWD help others with disabilities eg. seniors
Feedback:
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Lane housing
Affordable
PWD/pension – very few housing resources that are physically accessible
PWD – not enough $ for market rent - $375 too low
Home modification for people w/SN’s ex. Stomping/jumping/broken furniture
Transportation access bus from Kamloops
Medical
Transit – HandiDART – Increase services – city bus
Sidewalks
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Plowing snow from sidewalks and dips to streets
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Slip and fall increase
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Only 3 months city is accessible
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City should try new ways to plow or remove snow that may not cost more $
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Victoria Street – sidewalk grate – slope inward – difficult to walk or wheel
Huge wait list – not enough units
Large pressure on family
Makes it difficult to live independently or with pets
Somehow maintain the family connection so they don’t need to be separated
More options – not just group homes
Affordable, accessible and acceptable housing!
Physical access to buildings
Community planning
Expectations for both public buildings as well as new developments ie. ranch style housing, more accessible
Develop standard for PWDs to access public transit, ie. home to work within 40 min – how to accommodate that? More personalized –
maybe car pool
New builds – certain percentage allocated to being accessible ie. one unit in apartment building at min or min percentage
Proper signage, braille, large print, accessible
Low income units for singles – for PWD
Not available for families at this time
Retirement homes –using lower chairs, seniors can’t get in and out – challenges
Tables and chairs are issue in rest – eg. Swiss Chalet – tables too low
Limited to where a person can go w/o help!
Need to do home work before going out to business, facility, rest. etc.
Feedback:
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Gathering feedback form people who have a disability to improve quality of access to buildings, businesses, services
Building codes are changing not there yet – not enough – need consultant with phys. disability to go through gov’t building to see what can
be improved on and give assessment
City here has had contractor assess facilities
Reports were hit and miss, not enough impact
Appropriate housing needs to consider AGE appropriate
Do not place a young person with all elderly residents
Den housing for disabled adults
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Safe
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Supportive
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Affordable
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Den mother on site paid
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Life skills support
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independence for adults
More capacity for rehab centres to get people properly set up and ultimately more independence
Approach building and planners about innovative construction
Taxies accommodating for all rather than just a few that are wheelchair accessible
Bus (public transit) not always big enough to get wheelchairs on – training for drivers – sensitivity training
Public awareness
Maintaining equipment ie. lifts at pool al closed at once for maintenance
Wheelchairs expensive to repair and difficult to find someone to repair
Plain language and picture signage
Same equity and rights
Change the way we support people, go to more personal support
One on one services when possible
Not programing segregated spaced – integrated with community
If increase to accessibility will increase independence
Curbside
Education system, have appropriate education for PWDs
Have confidence at work
Community having a correct attitude - if you knew everywhere you went people help you – would feel confident to go out
Communality be educated to use more sign language
Feedback:
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Services adapted or each person’s goals “personalize approach”
Cell phone apps – preloaded phrases so people with speech problem can communicate
Create work opportunities
Educate the employers
Inclusive opportunities
Equal opportunities
Acceptance
Barrier – if people. Feel uncomfortable they do nothing
Build awareness – share knowledge
Create jobs – benefit person and employer
Build relationships
Volunteer positions
Work with inconsistencies of disability
Offer self-employment opportunities
Focus on people’s abilities
Employers build program – talk to other employers
Why would we leave people out? If we remove barriers we improve their quality of life – remove stigma, isolation
When barriers are removed here is inclusion – also the existing community should be respected – awareness, acceptance
Raise PWD and all benefits and supported affordable housing to eliminate homelessness, suitable housing
Address the basic human rights equity and equality, equal opportunity
Integration – with respect to post-secondary education and suitable accommodation
The people with disability define “suitable”
Improve medial and dental coverage hugely
Federal standards for PWD so it’s the same across provinces and avoids having to requalify if people move
Types of disabilities vary and are episodic
Let PWD keep all the earned income
PWD has a lifetime allowance in Alberta – no asset testing
They are basically left at the poverty line
No incentive to work and difficult to get ahead
Look at all the provinces and come to an agreement for Canada
Transportation Mon – Fri, 9 – 5 nights – weekends are difficult
Club for handicap in each community to meet
Feedback:
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Option to choose friends – developmental are not encouraged to spend time together
Get the opportunity for adaptive sports
Let the person choose!
Moving provinces – have to reapeopley
Want a seamless transition when moving
There should be a continuation of services
Bathrooms – seat heights
Parks/rec – bathrooms, unbolted seats, room for caregivers – identified bathrooms for caregivers
Throughout city, parks, stores, events
Legislation – ie. Ontario (since 2005) on disability act
US – role model American Disability Act – can expect the same law through US
Building code of BC
Finding home to rent with wheelchair
Vancouver enacted new legislation, 1bd, 1 bath on main floor
Fire regulations – care facilities, sprinklers, non-mobile
Rid the barriers and make things easier
Bus access
Transportation
Huge issue in rural communities
Less fights
Support easier way of living with families
What would make it easier – more testing, skills, abilities, physical issues, aids, buttons to open doors, funds for communities to install aids,
Dragon Speech
Contributions – what can we do to make it easier to show people what we’re good at? Get rid of bias/prejudice
Educate the public
Empathy – sensitivity – training – understand the client’s needs/abilities
What would make BC fabulous – scooter lane, paved/lighted safe lane – talking signs – extended cross walk time
Assistive technology program now cancelled possibly look at revamping – useful for daily living tool, not just employment – bring back –
regardless of employment status still expensive
Process of bus pass/PWD apeopleication, STS
Once you have CNIB card should not have to get dr. note for bus pass, parking pass, etc. – one designation should cover it
Restricted by funding and supports – very specific
One government approach – meet the need first figure out funding after
Feedback:
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Not meeting basic transportation needs – huge waiting list for HandiDART
Rural vs. urban
Funding too specific
System based vs. person based
Being innovative w/funding – outside the box
Activities of daily living that are comfortable for the individual
Universal barrier reduction for all members of community ie. ramps for wheelchairs and baby strollers
Everyone has the right to live and work to their full ability regardless of what their disability is
Physical barriers and technology
Some barriers are invisible and the tech is expensive
Some solutions not only benefit the intended population but someone without a disability
Look at the abilities instead of the disabilities
Public education to remove stigmas
Input from the PWD in development of tech and assistive devices
Strategic planning for 100% of population rather than the ‘abled’ only
Increased transportation – flexibility, access, schedules for HandiDART
Legislation from federal level or provincial, regional, municipal to ensure basic human rights and access, opportunities
Strategy to make expensive and common technologies available to low income persons and those that fit different criteria – procurement –
more level playing field
Resource allocation based on need
Better integration of technology services for PWDs – CAYA, TIL, ATBC, CNIB
Life quality
Opportunity back to contribute to community
Not feel like a minority
Enriches lives – for person with challenged and community
Removes stigma – easier inclusion
Education allows for acceptance and sensitivity
Request a disability call centre – provide current advocacy info – program referrals
Easy forms to complete
More funding for PWD – why so low in BC
Regionally specific
More flexibility to meet individual needs instead of concrete criteria
Feedback:
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Technical/computer based – people don’t know about resources
Available (community systems)
Need expert to help with
Create more awareness about tools
How can we support these services?
Monthly meetings on how to use devices
Bringing awareness of what devices are available, how to use them properly
More resources
Acknowledge communication styles
Providing information virtually: webinars, need training to teach people to receive knowledge in this way
What innovations are PWD excluded from? – personal finances play a role
May not access as don’t know resources exist
Information, fear of using
Partnering with school to teach (leadership or IT class)
Review processes
Using retailers to educate on how to use technology
Universal design
Mayor’s advisor counsel for PWDs
New develops (sic) question who we are excluding
Is it optional for developers to include universal design? Or is it automatically included?
Are there appeals for the construction of accessibility?
Should be lobbying the construction associations to consider inclusion design on all commercial buildings
Utilizing cell phone, computer, other tech for daily life management and support, telephones “daily calls”
Telephones for daily reminders as needed
Issue – devices very expensive – gov’t should help with cost
One on one workers to provide support – ie. shower in the morning
Ie. 24/7 on call support person – mobile in Van (sic) – short intervention help
Help employers understand worker need for accommodation
More personalize higher education
More advocates in the community to help people get through the system – help people along
Natural support – people in community who can help in any way ie. walk to the bus, help put bra on
Employment – employer reluctant to buy in
Feedback:
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Help the employer to find suitable jobs
Real paying job
Flexible hours
Jobs employee don’t want to do
Coveralls with a name tag – inclusive
Provide fulfilling interactions
Realistic – not suitable for everyone
Personal care/respite care are insufficient
The recipient of the device needs to be the person who identifies what specifically they need
Networking around accessing services for caregivers and individuals
Transportation
Available pre-planning
Access to your own information and access to an explanation of that information
Keep MSO files open
Move PWD out of income assistance into health
Shouldn’t have to prove financial need
It is just the right thing to do
When they do activies they need understanding people that understand them to assit them
There are vast (sic) different levels of disability
Continue to give choices
Some disabled people do not think of themselves as disabled
Moving from school to work – supports
Open door group is exceptional – need more
Kudos to TRU and their life skills program – need more
Specialized to each level of disability
Simplify the process for aids and devices
Look at the best practices in Canada
Process is so complicated who takes care of them when partner or advocates can no longer available
Dealing clients (sic) that are not computer savvy
Special sensors, alert for seizures, etc.
Independent living aids – how to get the word out when new things become available
More support workers
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More options for all clientele
More physical activity options
Supervised or not for clientele
Technology – information - $ - access
Open door society
access
Physical access/tech access
Separate offices for PWD or separate workers
More outreach workers
Positive release document for youth transition for PWD simplified
Broadening the scope of the STAAD program for clients that fall out of that scope
One person contact and assess the need for how much support
Contact through schools – educate with programs and funding options
Establish a better relationship between schools and agencies/government
What supports can we offer to help carry out daily living activities – what’s needed to get there, how to accom. It
Government sites simplified – too much clutter
GPS canes
Sip and puff
Augmentative comm. devices
Visual aids
Auditory aids
Community visual aids – ie. bathroom auto lights, taking crosswalks
Visibly accessibility controls/access points – low level for wheelchair people – lighting (also for seniors)
Integrate planning w/architecture – municipal planning guidelines
Advertising grants for orgs.
Community webpage
811
So they can be more independent
Lot of systems foster dependence – need to development peoples skills
Eg. someone who can’t drive – created joy stick for driving and helping others
Making things inclusive – access to what others have access to – physical access, opportunity to choose to do something
Liked knowing where could work with a disability – orientation to places could work with a disability
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Was a program offered in 1998
Red Cross had volunteer who redistributed wheelchairs, scooters, etc. that no longer needed (eg. person passed away – not available any
longer
No $ to repair scooters – not support or funding to get it fixed
Everything is really expensive! – have to save for it, some people can’t afford
What personal support make easier?
Advocates – legislation can help fill out CPP forms
People are not connected
Who can help fill out forms like PWD
People w/o support or $, are not connected and need help – where do you refer?
Increase public awareness
People need advocates to help with forms, systems
More qualified appropriate supports in schools – NOT just what’s available
Bus pass should cover HandiDART – no additional charge
Why not more scheduled HandiDART so more people ride same bus
Public facilities, dr. offices, gov’t offices provide chairs that can accommodate physical disabilities (higher)
Too expensive medical equipment – a library of loaning items – equip, learning aids, etc.
Advocates and consultants readily available
Cost – wheelchairs, walkers – is there a way to subsidize these costs?
Limited funding for customizations
Outdated thinking and equipment
Why isn’t here a choice
Needs change frequently – need flexibility
As people change their needs change
Think through funding they are meeting needs
Need fundamental shifts in how we think about providing equipment, ie. hospital bed for home use instead of a customized home-like bed
Universal design if customizations automatically built in wouldn’t need customizations ie. adjustable countertops – with right design,
wouldn’t have to look like modified bed counter, etc.
Educating on what resources are available – where you can get equipment like wheelchair
How do we get information out to general public? – forums, transition fair, employment fairs with booths about accommodations,
symposiums
Various locations – volunteers to be available to provide awareness of accessibility – accessibility coordinator ie. unable to wear the paper
band around wrist at people (sic)
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Educating front line staff
Disability services at university to ask questions
Education opportunities to educate how to accommodate disabilities, how to do it appropriately
Chambers of commerce to have companies know what is needed for accommodations
Business owners to factor in costs
Raise awareness of accommodation
Volunteer assistance
Caregiver availability for community activities including appts. For person requiring attendant
Less arbitrary valuations of disability – level the playing field
Resource date base – volunteers – disability resource centre
Public awareness campaign around social needs/aspects of PWDs
Are really important is people with mental health issues (sic)
Educate community how to step forward to help
Have community bulletin board for community events by text message, community event page on computer sites
Bus running later to support evening events
Increase HandiDART times, not enough people qualify to use HandiDART
Transit system as whole not good enough yet
Have networking groups
Need to market what we have
Need to strengthen neighbourhood networks for supports
Neighbour know each other – can turn to them – borrow a cup of sugar
Important to work with people to get out in the community try new things
Difficult to get out – may require assistance
Lack of desire to go out
Discover likes and do more of that
Have the social network come in to home – build a relationship
Peer support – provide training to peer leaders – match to a youth/adult to assist in accessing social network
Families talk to families – share info/experiences
Lack of knowledge of peer support
Match club in community to likes of person
Challenging – find someone to spend an hour with
Do nice things for others – find a friend – be a friend
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Challenge – put yourself out there – say hello
Organize friendly visits for those who can’t get out
Transportation improvement
Educational opportunities for social technology
Peer support programs
Adapt activities for people’s needs
Work place acceptance
More choices around adaptations and supports
Establish networks/friendships that last
Social skills workshops
Do not dictate! Allow people to choose the groups
Kamloops seniors outreach – great!
Like a 411 – for information on disability - known to the community
Navigators are great but what happens when they are older
Lonely for PWD or illness
City YM/YWCA
ARCH program
Parks/rec has 0 programs fir disabilities
Open advertising, programs that can work but don’t identify
Once you are 19 yrs very difficult to navigate to find your own program
ARCH program, SR Programs, BUS programs – should be 5 years or longer not one year at a time
Chamber awards does not have one award to honor diversity or abilities
Pool access limited (TCC)
Community awareness ‘feels’ like it has improved
‘waiting’ for services and increases anxiety, stress and behaviours
BC needs a disability act
Legislative – disability education
Positive examples – USA, England
Community database for pp who want to help or participate in programs – too many small groups/committees
Gov’t has to find new ways to communicate – email is not the only way – internet is not always accessible
Funding to access functions in the community
Access to cell phone with pre-programmed emergency numbers
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Voice activated
Ways for programs to reach the clients (who might not know about the program)
Helps to learn to deal with other people
Access to counselling (grief, growth, change) – specific to my needs – that I trust
School support for kids with needs
Incentives for people supporting the person with a disability so friends/family are willing to help
Reducing barriers to employment will result in building those social networks – needs to be engaging in social aspects at work
Facilitate more information support networks
Bridge between services – school, SDSI, MCFD, CLBC, etc.
Assist with fostering social networks
Peer interaction – facilitate interaction
Social workers need upgrading/education
Caregivers should have to take courses, get certification to help foster independence as opposed to dependence
Should have to go back to learn current practices/norms (eg. staff have worked 10 – 15 years)
Accessible mental health for children and adults – support, treatment, diagnosis
Respite available for families – more flexibility how autism funding is spent
Social groups for ages 10-14 spec. needs
Creative funding to meet specific needs
Parenting classes for parents of SN children
Building support systems outside of paid staff – including PWD and without – finding common interest
Educating people
Movie away from isolation into inclusion
Work with city and recreation programs to advocate for accessibility
Reduce segregation in sports, professional development, etc.
City to do ad asking if clubs or organizations include all individuals in society?
Can feel curious about how they will do something, connection with resources to ask questions
May feel like they can’t say no to something, connect with resources to reduce these barriers
How do we promote inclusion in smaller communities
SFU buddy program – viewed as reducing barriers – some saw as too prescribed
Start education early
Inclusion early in school and etching about PWD
Having expectation PWD can participate in any group
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Empowering families giving voices back – families need point of support
It is important for me to have a job – to pay bills, rent, it makes me feel great to be independent, I am a part of something in my community
People need to make more money if they are going to live alone
Barriers – lack of training, employers need to be on board, lack of funding for work clothes, need more paid vs. volunteering
For BC to be progressive every person who wants a job would have a job
Gov’t encourage employers with tax incentives, fund accommodations in work places
maintain long term connections with employers to assist as opposed to short term bandage solutions
Coordinated program that supports person to dress, do interview and continues follow up to support the job
Customize employment
Tax break for employers to hire PWD
Wage subsidies
Focus on talents
Match job/employer
Bring work in
Explore options – find out likes
Knowing the person get to know via family day to day
Employer incentives
Barrier – acceptance – perceptions – employers seeking employees with customized needs
Lack of options
Reduce stress
See more emerging employment supports, ie. job coaches, job clubs, also get these in high school and byond such as online, private schools
Creates belonging, independence, improves quality of life
Universal accessibility
PWD bring innovation to the workplace
Positive attributes include higher productivity, quality work, many friendships, can increase business by drawing people with similar
needs/skills
Sharing and building on employment success stories
Peer support programs
Access to reliable transportation to and from work (shift work)
How do these individuals manage the electronical work (sic)
Just have a monthly rate
Some incentive for employers
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We are not giving incentive – we are penalizing them
More jobs in community – possible unions involvement
Have a designated advocate to approach employers
They often need a specific safe environment
Government take a more proactive approach to hiring – walk the walk, talk the talk
Creative ways to support the disabled
Open a business to employee people with autism for example
Don’t want funding, want support
Need equipment? Need safety gear, etc. - $
alternative forms of accessing $ for transportation – to get to work
important to work because then I’m just like everyone else
It’s fun!
Like to get out and see things
Social aspect – pay cheque!
Price in learning new things
How to make it easier for people to hire us?
Support person – until comfortable with the job
Work share – job shadow programs
Implementing programs – job match, job creation
Flexible employers, different tasks, what can I do?
I want to be able to keep working – stable work/consistent – skills – training/certificates
Change societies attitudes towards PWDs not a charity hire, they are an asset
Make own tools accessible
Employer champions talk to other employers regarding benefits of hiring PWDs – Mark Wafer
Make people aware with employment programs that already exist
Employment first instead of looking at other programs – promoting independence
Positive – increased earning exemptions
No time limits to MSO or no time barriers to reinstate them
Ongoing employment support or access to employment support
More aggressive employment training and development
Tier system of funding to affect cost of training and development
Flexible working arrangements, ie. job sharing
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Tax grants for programs such as job sharing to encourage employers
Wage subsidies for employers
BC would have the most people per capita working with disabilities
Establish a fund for “quick win” – elevators, ramps, bathrooms, visual aids
Comm. vol. supeopleement - $100 – been phased out – has gotten people into society, volunteering and $ to do so – people refer to this
support as ‘going to work’ (when volunteering)
Suggestion – bring program back
Even taking courses – South Kamloops High – have a stairlift to take course – people don’t apeopley as don’t know if access
Sugg. parks and rec. guide should say what fac. are accessible
Ads now on tv – employers advertising that positions available with disability
Could job postings indicate accessibility?
WorkBC – has workers to support people. with disability find employment
Converging used to be proactive hiring PWD
Accessible parking is available, but sidewalk is blocked to get into business
In plaza across from Aberdeen (fabutan, etc.)
Publicize the value given and received for employment in the mainstream
Tax break – incentives for hiring PWDs
Public and employers must be willing to have the interaction to learn the value
Ministries to walk the walk – have pt. disabled help (sic)
Educate employer and public that PWD children/adults are people first….personalities
Real pay for real work
Mark from Tim Horton’s hires PWD for financial reasons for the employees
Speaking with business owners about their bottom line
PWDs are also consumers
Tend to think of the charity model
Changes a culture of a business, more respectful, work more as a team
When working increase self-worth that can shift into other areas of their lives increase in health, self-esteem
Hiring – fear of unknown, afraid to ask questions
Need to work with employees to figure out kinks along the way
USA mandate to accommodate – fear of the financial costs
Increase awareness
Mentality of what am I going to lose?
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Celebrating and highlight experiences
Inform that when hiring the bottom line will increase
There is a lack of awareness
Hidden disabilities
Education is needed
Comparative data – are we making progress?
Measuring employment equity
Approach employment equity in a compelling way – through inspirational stories
Solution Wall Posts:
Disability ombudsmen or advocate – provincial
Coordination for distributing used equipment (w/c, scooters) to PWD – PIM get calls they have equipment to drop off and there is no one to
distribute it (people in motion)
Changing public perception of PWDs – break pre conceived ideas and bias
Chamber awards has no award
Check parking lots to ensure handicap parking is ice free and once you are parked you can get up the curb
Foster independence and development of skills not “dependence”
Tax incentives/rebates for privately owned accessible rental units
Solutions: PWD should have the right to manage their own funds, with support – RDSP
More funding for the exploration of skills and talents of PWD
Housing – affordable accessible and acceptable
Choices of housing money
Navigator – assist clients/families access all information and services that they would be eligible for …(sic)
Aides for non-accessibility
Access to education/training
Peer to peer support
Property tax reductions to owners of apt. bldgs. for ‘affordable’ housing units
Build housing coops co-housing controlled by PWD persons
Increase PWD
Main thread is education on disability awareness
Choice in housing, friends, money, activities
Choice from those with the disability
Rural community – transportation access!! Social, employment, housing
RDSP accept PWD (BC) designation instead of disability tax credit before PWD are eligible
Develop the United Way 211 directory of resources in each community
Technology support that meets a person’s needs rather than based on arbitrary categories of disabilities
Post-secondary programs that build employability skills and social networks
Designated units in any new building complexes for special populations – promotes affordable housing and community inclusion
Building awareness at local community level – right info to right people
Need navigators to help PWD and non-profits and the public know where to get help
Marketing and awareness for PWD in community jobs
Sensitivity training and awareness of success stories, natural advocates
More funding for support outside of “worker” hours – assistance for family members, evenings, weekends
Increase PWD
Employment – educating employers – job shadow/work share – carve out appropriate work for people
1-800 # for advice, like 1-800-nurse
Consider housing options for PWDs in seniors centres where they could be employed as well as live
Passing info forward teaching youth how to handle negative responses
Dr. office change door handles
Embrace social media to spread information
Level playing field for all person (sic) requiring supports across disabilities
Universal barrier reduction
Have someone with disabilities access accessibility of buildings
Parenting classes for children with special needs
Education and information for different stakeholders – community forum to advise about all the resources – job fairs
Resource allocation based on need
Change will come if it is legislated – as in Ontario
Overarching legislation regarding disability, right and services
Independent living specialists re: accessibility
Disability resource services
Look at combining needs to support each other…ie. PWD living/working in senior care/home
Extend the HandiDART hours to weekends and evenings for PWD to work
Public facilities to have proper seating etc.
Universal design – has a lot to do with everything – inclusiveness and accessibility – current design excluded
Eat healthy – highlight reading, help people buy groceries, lose weight
Building codes, bylaws et. Need to be driven by high level legislation that guarantees right for PWD
Ontario employer Tim Horton – 25% of his employees are “challenged”
Provincial accessibility legislation modeled off the ADA or Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005)
Ease of access streamline the processes all levels of gov’t – information in one place – really make families first
Ministries to lead by example – walk the walk, talk the talk
More capacity for rehab centres – no rushing to discharge
Transportation available through BC Medical for PWD to access medical appts. in Lower Mainland or Kelowna
Bus passes – for 5 years reapeopleications for PWD ARCH program each year – needs to change
Den housing for disabled adults
Library to loan equipment
PWD needs increased ie. Alberta is $1800 BC is $906
Advocates and consultants more readily available
Cutting Red Tape:
Eliminate silos of funding and use one government approach
The asset ($5000) accumulation docs not support independent living!
The asset accumulation and the income over $800 deduction is the biggest stumbling block to moving forward
Building code of BC must be changed to ensure accessibility is mandated throughout BC
Services more integrated
Monthly income deductions against benefits does not incent people to work…be independent
Allow choice for individuals – one philosophy does not work for everyone
Provincial/community information hub
Processing and accessing disability related grants benefits…too many steps, conditions, etc.
Safe, accessible transportation needs to be available at a variety of hours, not just 9 – 5
ARCH program, SR program, Bus Program – should be 5 years not annual
Usually denied PWD applications and have to appeal
Give help to PWD to complete forms ie. CPP disability, PWD appeals
Looking at other cities that are progressive and model services
Certification program for caregivers (pd. By gov’t) every 3 to 5 years where they will take courses to upgrade their skills
Applying for any government program – BCCFD advocacy access – should be much easier
Caregivers supporting caregivers with youth in transition support group
Have an advisory board made up of individuals with a range of disabilities
Make ROIs easier or more efficient for those in a care home situation
Process cumbersome – no agencies talk to each other – gov’t financial agencies – must dig and fight for everything
This meeting not well advertised
Roll over to CPP at age 65, don’t make people apply