Accessibility 2024: Making B.C. the most
progressive province in Canada for people
with disabilities by 2024
June 2015 One Year Progress Update
Table of Contents
Message from the Premier 3
Message from the Minister 4
Message from the Accessibility 2024 Leadership Team 5
Building Blocks for Accessibility 2024
Inclusive Government 6
Accessible Service Delivery 9
Accessible Internet 11
Accessible Built Environment 13
Accessible Housing 15
Accessible Transportation 16
Income Support 18
Employment 20
Financial Security 24
Inclusive Communities 26
Emergency Preparedness 30
Consumer Experience 31
Appendix A: Community and Employer Partnerships in Support of Accessibility 34
Appendix B: Age-friendly Planning and Project Grants 36
Appendix C: Community Gaming Grants in Support of Accessibility 40
Message from the Premier
June 2015 marks one year since the release of Accessibility 2024 our government’s 10-year action
plan to make B.C. the most progressive jurisdiction in Canada for people with disabilities. Working
together with the disability community and the business community, we have made progress on
that vision over the past year. Together, we are moving forward on our goals, building stronger
partnerships across all sectors and communities, and seeing the ideas that came out of the
consultation take shape.
Under Accessibility 2024 we are working to dissolve barriers and build stronger, more inclusive
communities for people with disabilities. We have invested in programs that help people with
disabilities access the training, resources and technology they need to secure employment,
modernized the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, and became the first province in Canada to
introduce Annual Earnings Exemptions and fully exempt child support payments for people
receiving disability assistance.
Accessibility 2024 charted a course for us to change attitudes, create new opportunities and place
an accessibility lens on all our decisions. Of course, no one organization, person or government can
achieve our vision alone. Consistent with the UN Declaration on the Rights for Persons with
Disabilities, our government has worked closely with the disability community to implement
Accessibility 2024.
I would like to thank the community members, businesses and others who have helped move
Accessibility 2024 forward over the last year. As we reflect on our work over the past year, we can
all share in our accomplishments. Together, we are well on our way to building a more accessible
British Columbia.
Honourable Christy Clark
Premier of British Columbia
Message from the Minister
Accessibility 2024 is our government’s plan to make B.C. a more inclusive and accessible province
and this report documents the progress we have made over the last year to achieve our goals.
Across our province we are seeing a growing awareness and commitment to building communities
and workplaces that are welcoming to all. This is an exciting societal shift driven by the knowledge
that accessibility should matter to everyone.
This update reflects the shared accomplishments of the individuals and organizations in the
disability community and the business sector – champions of accessibility who dedicate their
energy, vision and commitment to pushing us forward.
In the coming years, we will continue to work closely with our partners and together we will
achieve the goals laid out in Accessibility 2024 and make B.C. a place where people of all abilities
have the opportunity to succeed.
Honourable Michelle Stilwell
Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation
Message from the Accessibility 2024 Leadership Team
When Premier Christy Clark released Accessibility 2024 in June 2014, she laid the roadmap for a
more accessible, inclusive and progressive British Columbia.
Much work has been done over the past year to move forward on the goals and commitments
included in Accessibility 2024. The Accessibility 2024 leadership team is proud of the actions taken
to date to move B.C. forward towards being the most progressive province in Canada for people
with disabilities by 2024.
Our Accessibility 2024 leadership team includes Government and external advisory groups made
up of people with disabilities, family members, business leaders, Aboriginal leaders and community
representatives The Minister’s Council on Employment and Accessibility, the Presidents Group and
the newly formed Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Action Group.
We are working hard to drive our mandates forward to support the implementation of Accessibility
2024. Over the last year, B.C. has increased flexibility for income earners by allowing people
receiving disability assistance to calculate their earnings on an annual basis instead of monthly and
modernized its Guide Dog and Service Dog Act. We look forward to marking the second annual
Disability Employment Month in September and RDSP Awareness Month in October, and
continuing our work to make B.C. a more inclusive, accessible province.
Progress updates on Accessibility 2024 are available at www.gov.bc.ca/accessibility. People with
disabilities and their families, friends, communities, advocates and employers are the true
champions of accessibility in our province. By working together, we are creating new opportunities
for people of all abilities to work, play and participate fully in their communities.
The Accessibility 2024 Leadership Team
Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation
Linda Larson, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility
Carla Qualtrough, Chair, Minister’s Council on Employment and Accessibility
Tamara Vrooman, Co-Chair, Presidents Group and President and CEO of Vancity
Norah Flaherty, Chair, RDSP Action Group
Neil Belanger, Executive Director, BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society
Jane Dyson, Executive Director, Disability Alliance BC
Inclusive Government
The Premier appointed a Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility to work with the Minister of
Social Development and Social Innovation to support the implementation of Accessibility 2024
across government and throughout the province. An Accessibility Secretariat has been established
to work across government to develop improved navigation supports and information sharing
about programs, services and resources available for people with disabilities in B.C.
A modernized Guide Dog and Service Dog Act was passed in April 2015 to safeguard public access
for those who rely on guide or service dogs while ensuring clarity and safety for other members of
the public and businesses. The Act will also extend tenancy rights for a certified guide or service
dog team to strata properties, as well as ensuring access rights for dog in training teams. This
legislation is targeted to be enacted later this year.
Over the past year, an accessibility lens has been applied to accessibility relevant legislative and
regulatory initiatives such as the modernized Guide Dog and Service Dog Act and regulations for the
Annualized Earnings Exemption. This accessibility lens includes working collaboratively with the
disability community as legislation and regulations are developed, in a manner consistent with the
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the expectations of the disability
community of ‘nothing about us, without us.’
Elections BC is committed to ongoing accessibility and inclusion in elections.
The Election Amendment Act was introduced in the spring of 2015, extending advance voting by
two days. Voters have six days to vote at their convenience at any advance voting location, all of
which are fully accessible.
The Minister’s Council on Employment and Accessibility and the Presidents Group continue to
champion strategies to increase employment and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
There has been ongoing collaboration and information sharing between the provincial and federal
governments to facilitate a coordinated approach to improving accessibility, including discussion
on a number of Accessibility 2024-related topics, including Inclusive Government, Accessible
Service Delivery, Accessible Internet, Accessible Housing, Employment, Financial Security,
Emergency Preparedness and Consumer Experience.
There has been collaboration and information sharing with municipal governments to support
improved accessibility in communities across B.C.
Accessibility 2024 Actions
Completed
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Commit to modernizing B.C.’s guide and service dog program
Enshrine the Minister’s Council on Employment and Accessibility
Launch a Presidents Group of business leaders to champion employment and improved
consumer access
Create a Parliamentary Secretary and Accessibility Secretariat
In Progress or Ongoing
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Establish an accessibility lens on regulations and legislation
Consult on options for a made-in-B.C. approach to accessibility legislation
As a leader in supporting an accessible electoral process for all British Columbians, B.C. will
continue to move forward to support participation of persons with disabilities
Government Connections
The Employee Advisory Council formed out of a consultation session hosted by the BC Public
Service Agency and the Accessibility Secretariat. The Council, comprising employees with and
without disabilities and co-chaired by the Agency and SDSI provides information and advice on
accessibility and inclusion including hiring, keeping and advancing employees with disabilities.
Accessible Service Delivery
Accessible delivery of government services continues to improve, with face to face services now 80
per cent accessible. To date, 80 per cent of government owned and leased building space that house
offices that service British Columbians are fully accessible, with more upgrades on the horizon
(where possible given heritage constraints).
New features such as call back options are being added to make phone services more accessible,
and a toll-free Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) hotline has been launched to help improve
financial literacy for people with disabilities. Online, 80 per cent of the B.C. government’s website
meets international web standards [WCAG 2.0 (AA)] and is on track for full compliance by 2016.
The accessibility website (www.gov.bc.ca/accessibilty) includes a full listing of government
programs, services and resources available for people with disabilities, as well as improved options
for finding and accessing information from across multiple ministries.
The BC Public Service has released an update to Reflecting Our Communities: Building a Diverse BC
Public Service with an enhanced focus on accessibility. The strategy includes the formation of a
Work-Able internship program to provide work experience for recent post-secondary graduates
with disabilities beginning in September 2015. As well, an accessibility audit of the recruitment
system has been completed to identify barriers for people with disabilities to access and apply to
government job postings.
The Vision for a Violence Free BC strategy includes consideration of the increased risk of violence
faced by certain groups of women, including women with disabilities.
Government is providing $5.7 million in funding to Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults
(CAYA) to support individuals with severe communication disabilities over next three years.
Working with representatives from the Deaf community, an online resource of American Sign
Language interpreter services has been compiled and is now available on the accessibility website
www.gov.bc.ca/accessibilty.
Accessibility 2024 Actions
Completed
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Launch a website and a 1-800 number service to assist people with disabilities to navigate
government services
Develop a disability strategy for the BC Public Service to enhance accessibility for hiring and
advancement of persons with disabilities within the public service
Create a single point of information about American Sign Language interpreter services
In Progress or Ongoing
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Commit to accessible service delivery phone, online and face-to-face
Ensure all government-owned and leased customer service building stock is fully accessible
by 2020 (where possible given heritage constraints)
Include accessibility as an aspect in government’s 10-year capital plan
Work on transferability of aids and devices across government programs
Community in Action
RDSP Hotline
Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network’s (PLAN) has launched a toll-free RDSP hotline: 1 844 311PLAN or 1 844 311-7526 to help improve financial literacy for people with disabilities. This centre
for financial expertise for people with disabilities makes it easier for individuals with disabilities,
and their families and friends, to ask questions about the RDSP and plan for a more secure financial
future.
Accessible Internet
Over the past year, ministries across government have been implementing web transformation
initiatives to migrate their ministry web pages onto the upgraded B.C. government web platform.
This work is on track, which will ensure the entire government website (www.gov.bc.ca) meets
international web standards [WCAG 2.0 (AA)] by the end of 2016.Image of the Government's
accessibility website.
The federal government is on track to bring video relay service to Canadians in 2016, which will
provide enhanced communications options for people who use American Sign Language.
Government has set a goal to expand high-speed Internet access to all British Columbians by 2021,
and has pledged up to $10 million over two years, to match partner contributions to finish the
project before 2021.
Accessibility 2024 Actions
In Progress or Ongoing
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Upgrade government website (gov.bc.ca) to meet international web standards: Web
Content Accessibility Guidelines [WCAG 2.0 (AA)] standard by 2016
Work with federal government to bring video relay service to Canadians, starting as early as
fall 2015
Community in Action
People who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard-of-Hearing or Speech Impaired (DHHSI) living in Metro
Vancouver, Sunshine Coast and Squamish/Whistler and Northern Vancouver Island now have the
ability to contact 9-1-1 through a new specialized text service, called 9-1-1. The service is provided
through E-Comm the 9-1-1 answer point serving the North Island, Metro Vancouver and the
northern, central and southern interiors of B.C. Register for the service www.textwith911.ca. Learn
more at www.ecomm911.ca.
Accessible Built Environment
Eighty per cent of government owned and leased buildings are currently accessible, with upgrades
planned for 2015/16 at the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations offices in
Dawson Creek. Work is on track for government buildings to be fully accessible by 2020 (where
possible given heritage constraints).
Working with the Union of BC Municipalities, government is refreshing the Planning for the Future:
Age-friendly and Disability-friendly Official Community Plans guidebook. The guidebook will
include suggested guidelines, accompanied by examples from local governments around the
province, to help communities incorporate accessibility into their Official Community Plans.
The Building Access Handbook 2014, with illustrated commentary on access requirements in the
2012 BC Building Code, is available online. The B.C. government will be reviewing new accessibility
provisions in the 2015 National Building Code and will update the next edition of the BC Building
Code to ensure it remains the most accessible building code in Canada.
A program has been set up to work with B.C. technology companies to showcase and test new
accessibility technologies in B.C. government buildings.
Accessibility 2024 Actions
Completed
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Work with B.C. technology companies to be early adopters, and to showcase and test new
accessibility technologies in B.C. government buildings
Develop guidelines for accessibility that communities can incorporate into their Official
Community Plans
In Progress or Ongoing
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Ensure all government-owned and leased customer service building stock is fully accessible
by 2020 (where possible given heritage constraints)
Continue to update the building code to be the most accessible in Canada
Community In Action
District of Sechelt
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Sechelt Accessibility Advisory Committee established in 2007
Inclusion of a vision for accessibility in District’s Official Community Plan
Workshops in collaboration with the Coast Community Builders Association to promote
accessible and adaptable housing design and construction
Development of the Sunshine Coast Accessible and Adaptable Housing Design Guidelines
Received Age-friendly BC Recognition in 2012
Accessible Housing
To help people modify their homes to meet accessibility needs, a checklist of resources has been
developed that includes information and tools that will help increase awareness of accessibility
options.
BC Housing is in the process of reviewing inventory of BC Housing stock to assess for accessibility.
This assessment will take three years to complete and is aimed at creating a registry of accessible
housing at BC Housing. BC Housing is also participating on a project, led by the City of Vancouver’s
Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee, with the goal of improving access to, and availability
of, wheelchair accessible housing, including the development of a registry of accessible housing.
Additional participants include, but are not limited to, Metro Vancouver, BC Non-Profit Housing
Association, Co-op Housing Federation of BC, Disability Alliance BC and Vancouver Coastal Health.
Accessibility 2024 Actions
Completed
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Develop a checklist to make existing housing more accessible
In Progress or Ongoing
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Introduce measures requiring a percentage of all new homes be constructed to include
adaptability requirements
Continue to explore options for a registry of accessibility housing in B.C.
Accessible Transportation
Accessibility was identified as a priority in the recently released B.C. on the Move: A 10-Year
Transportation Plan, which recognizes that planning and designing transportation infrastructure
that all British Columbians can access without impediment is essential. Priority actions include
increasing the number of wheelchair accessible taxis in communities throughout B.C. and
partnering with TransLink to make additional accessibility upgrades to Skytrain stations, including
new and improved elevators and escalators, and removing any barriers to movement.
BC Transit and TransLink are already leading the way with fully accessible bus fleets for
wheelchairs and strollers. BC Transit has also implemented a Calling Out Stops policy, which
requires drivers within BC Transit systems to clearly and audibly call out stop information for
passengers.
Through the Transit Minor Betterments Program, projects focused on increasing accessibility were
completed in 10 B.C. communities in 2014/15 including Abbotsford, the Sunshine Coast, Agassiz,
Nelson, Saanich and Prince George. These projects included extending and paving bus pullouts,
constructing wheelchair accessible raised bus stop pads, upgrading sidewalks and access paths and
installing pedestrian countdown timers. This annual program, led by the Ministry of Transportation
and Infrastructure, provides $1 million each year to improve access and increase safety for transit
users in communities across B.C.
BC Ferries continues to improve accessibility and service for people with disabilities. Three new
intermediate class ferries, scheduled for use in 2016/17, will include accessible washrooms on the
vehicle decks, elevator access from the vehicle decks to the lounge deck and sun deck, induction
loop technology for the hearing impaired and an increased number of wheelchair accessible spaces
in general lounges and food service areas. Upgrades to existing Spirit Class vessels scheduled for
2017/18 will include improved washroom and elevator safety features, the installation of induction
loop technology and new emergency safety systems suitable for passengers with disabilities.
From March 31, 2013, to June 10, 2015, the Passenger Transportation Board, an independent
tribunal, approved a 26 per cent increase in wheelchair accessible taxis available in the province.
This includes an increase of about 18 per cent overall for taxi fleets in Vancouver and an increase of
40 per cent overall for fleets operating in other Metro Vancouver municipalities.
There are currently 377 wheelchair accessible taxis approved to operate throughout the province,
including 133 in Vancouver and 175 in other areas of Metro Vancouver.
Did you know?
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There are approximately 335,000 British Columbians between the ages of 15-64 with
disabilities
Approximately half of persons with disabilities age 15-64 are employed
55% of persons with disabilities age 15-64 participate in the labour market, compared to
78% of persons without disabilities
The unemployment rate among persons with disabilities age 15-64 is 11.6%, compared to
7.1% for persons without disabilities
2012 Canadian Survey on Disability
Accessibility 2024 Actions
In Progress or Ongoing
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BC Transit and TransLink are committed to fully accessible bus fleets
BC Ferries is committed to improving accessibility and continues to improve service for
customers with disabilities
Continue to work with communities to support discussions on transit options for persons
with disabilities
Income Support
With the introduction of the Annualized Earnings Exemption (AEE) in January 2015, B.C. has
become first province in Canada to ensure people receiving disability assistance will be able to
calculate their earnings on an annual basis instead of monthly, providing increased flexibility for
income earners and reducing barriers to employment.
B.C. is the first province to fully exempt child-support payments for families receiving income and
disability assistance, with the new policy taking effect in September 2015.
B.C. has responded to requests from stakeholders during the Accessibility 2024 consultation to
review the lifetime ban for clients who have committed criminal fraud, and this has now been
repealed.
Government is making the transition to employment easier for families receiving income assistance
who have a child with a disability by increasing their monthly income exemption and allowing them
to keep their basic health supplement coverage for a full year when they leave income assistance
for employment.
$24.5 million is being invested in the Single Parent Employment Initiative. This is a significant
change to the income and disability assistance program that will provide a range of supports to help
break down barriers single parents often face when trying to find a full-time job, including tuition
and education costs for approved training programs that last up to 12 months for in-demand jobs.
This program will launch in September 2015.
Accessibility 2024 Actions
Completed
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Consult on family maintenance payments for families receiving disability and income
assistance
In Progress or Ongoing
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Commit to policy reforms to address income assistance issues raised in disability
consultation, including separating disability assistance from income assistance
Consider disability assistance rate increases as the fiscal situation allows
Quote
Roy Mitchell, Building Services Worker
The Cleaning Solution
”The reason I like the annualized earnings exemption is because I don’t have to worry anymore
about going over my $800 monthly exemption limit. Two times a year I get paid three times a
month and now with the new program I can keep all of the money I earn. The ministry lets me
know how much I’ve made so far and how much I have left to earn before I reach my annual limit of
$9,600. The AEE program helps me budget, feel more self-sufficient and encourages me to work.”
Employment
Government demonstrated its commitment to supporting employment goals for people with
disabilities by declaring September as Disability Employment Month, with events and activities
taking place province-wide to celebrate employees with disabilities and their employers.
A number of WorkBC Community and Employer Partnership projects are underway, focused on
work experience and improved employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities with a total
value of $1,560,259 (see Appendix A). Work is also underway to strengthen the transition from
school to work for post-secondary graduates with disabilities by leveraging WorkBC employment
services. One such example is a networking event held April 2015, connecting lower-mainland postsecondary institutions with WorkBC Employment Services Centres to identify opportunities to
enhance collaboration and information sharing in order to better help students with disabilities
transition from post-secondary studies to employment services.
The BC Public Service has released an update to Reflecting Our Communities: Building a Diverse BC
Public Service with an enhanced focus on accessibility. The strategy includes the formation of a
Work-Able internship program to provide work experience for recent post-secondary graduates
with disabilities beginning in September 2015. As well, an accessibility audit of the recruitment
system has been completed to identify barriers for people with disabilities to access and apply to
government job postings.
The Presidents Group continues to champion employment opportunities and improved consumer
experience for people with disabilities in the private sector.
A new $3 million per year Technology@Work program, providing assistive technologies that
support employment for people with disabilities, has launched with the Neil Squire Society to help
ensure access to technology isn’t a barrier to securing employment.
Twenty public post-secondary institutions will each receive one-time funding of $50,000 in
2015/16 to develop and expand training and resources aligned with in-demand occupations in a
range of sectors for public post-secondary students with disabilities, in alignment with B.C.’s Skills
for Jobs Blueprint. This funding complements $1.5 million that was awarded to the 20 institutions
in 2014/15 to pilot innovative training and initiatives to increase the success of people with
disabilities in high demand occupations.
Langara College will receive an additional $100,000 toward the Centre for Accessible PostSecondary Education Resources (CAPER-BC) for accessible learning and teaching materials in math
and trades. British Columbia Institute of Technology will receive an additional $100,000 toward the
Post-Secondary Communication Access Service (PCAS) to support students with visual impairment
or hearing loss. The Program for the Institutional Loan of Adaptive Technology (PILAT) will also
receive $75,000 toward equipment and software to help students with disabilities. CAPER-BC, PCAS
and PILAT support public post-secondary schools throughout the province.
The Ministry of Education has connected with school districts who are leaders in the area of
connecting youth with disabilities with employment opportunities to understand their programs
and explore ways to expand these opportunities to other schools districts. The Ministry of
Education has also made a request to the government committee for children with special needs for
funding to create a pilot program that would expand these innovative approaches across the
province.
Did you know?
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About 18% of people with a disability in B.C. have a university degree and 32% have a nonuniversity post-secondary certificate.
Did you know?
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Workers with a disability are five times more likely than other workers to stay on the job.
Did you know?
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Cost of workplace accommodations for a person with disability are $500 or less, on average.
Government Connections
The Technology@Work Program is designed to support employment for people with disabilities in
British Columbia who require Assistive Technology, such as mobility supports, assistive devices
such as alternative keyboards and voice input equipment, hearing devices and workplace
modifications to overcome disability-related barriers in the workplace. A Resource Centre is
available for employers and anyone interested in Assistive Technology. Jointly funded by the
provincial and federal government and operated by the Neil Squire Society, the program will also
work with employers and organizations to help them better support their employees with
disabilities. bctechatwork.caPhoto: Neil Squire Society.
Accessibility 2024 Actions
Completed
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Declare September Annual Disability Employment Month
$1.5 million to implement a pilot program for innovative training and initiatives at public
post-secondary institutions to increase the success of people with disabilities in
trades/technical programs or high labour market demand programs
Provide $3 million in annual funding for assistive technologies that support employment for
people with disabilities
Develop a disability strategy for the BC Public Service to enhance accessibility for hiring and
advancement of persons with disability within the public service
Mandate Presidents Group to increase employment for people with disabilities in the
private sector
In Progress or Ongoing
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Improve WorkBC services for people with disabilities, including up to $1 million annually in
research and innovation funding aimed at enhancing services and improved outcomes for
individuals with disabilities
Explore options to enhance work experience opportunities for youth with disabilities in the
education system
Financial Security
B.C. was the first province to support the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Part of this
support included ensuring that people could open an RDSP and also keep their full income or
disability assistance. People in B.C. have nearly 20 per cent of all RDSPs in Canada, with a total of
almost $318 million invested in RDSPs by over 17,000 people with disabilities and their families.
October has been proclaimed RDSP Awareness Month in B.C. to help raise awareness among people
with disabilities, their families and friends about the benefits of RDSPs as a tool to save for the
future. To support this, RDSP information is now available at B.C. government offices around the
province.
A new RDSP Action Group has been created to champion RDSPs throughout the province. This
group, made up of leaders from the disability, financial and legal communities, will provide advice
to government on how to increase awareness and participation in the RDSP program in B.C.
An updated edition of Safe and Secure: 2014 Expanded RDSP Edition has been released by PLAN to
help people with disabilities and their families plan for a secure financial future. This step-by-step
guide, available online at plan.ca, CLBC offices and through BMO branches, includes updated
information on the RDSP, housing, government benefits and programs, resources and more.
To help improve financial literacy for people with disabilities, a toll-free RDSP hotline 1 844 311PLAN has launched to create a centre for financial expertise for people with disabilities.
A partnership has been established with Vancouver Foundation and the Disability Alliance BC to
implement Tax Filing Initiatives.
The Vancouver Foundation has expanded eligibility for Endowment 150 to include more children
with disabilities in low-income families. The program provides one-time gifts of $150 to RDSPs to
help people save.
Accessibility 2024 Actions
Completed
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Declare October as Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Awareness Month
Build and maintain B.C.’s position as province with the highest per capita uptake on RDSPs
Market RDSPs and Registered Education Savings Plans through government offices
Work with leaders in financial and disability communities to create a centre for financial
expertise for persons with disabilities
Create an RDSP Action Group
In Progress or Ongoing
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As part of government’s review of the Court Order Enforcement Act, consider exempting
RDSPs from being seized to satisfy a court monetary judgment
Government Connections
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Champions
The RDSP Action Group is focused on helping people with disabilities realize the benefits of RDSPs.
The group brings together leaders from the disability, legal and banking communities to find
practical, innovative and effective solutions for increasing the uptake of RDSPs in B.C. resulting in
increased financial security for persons with disabilities and their families. gov.bc.ca/accessibility
Inclusive Communities
Working with the Union of BC Municipalities, government has refreshed the Planning for the
Future: Age-friendly and Disability-friendly Official Community Plans guidebook. This guidebook
includes suggested guidelines, accompanied by examples from local governments around the
province, to help communities incorporate accessibility into their Official Community Plans. For a
list of Age-friendly Planning and Project Grants, see Appendix B.
In March 2014, CanAssist received $2 million in funding for the CanStayHome program, and in May
2015 an additional $3 million was provided to fund the development of new technology specifically
geared to support independence for those with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Accessibility in Prince George, host of the 2015 Canada Winter Games, and other B.C. communities
is being enhanced thanks to Canada Winter Games legacy projects including permanent facility and
sidewalk upgrades, as well as $335,000 for the Northern Sport Accessibility 2015 partnership to
help build more inclusive northern communities.
In November 2014, the Ministry of Health announced a $4.5 million, three year partnership with
the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility. The partnership will support seniors who are receiving
home care support and seniors who live in the community and are at moderate or high risk of falls,
and elders living in First Nations communities.
Healthy Minds, Healthy People: A Ten-Year Plan to Address Mental Health and Substance Use in
British Columbia works to improve coordination and access to services to support better inclusion
across settings such as schools, workplaces and communities.
Government’s 10-year plan to address mental health and substance use in B.C. Healthy Minds,
Healthy People is a road map to further improving mental health, reducing problematic substance
use and addressing mental illness for all British Columbians through prevention, early intervention,
treatment, harm reduction and sustainability. In 2013/14, the Ministry of Health spent
approximately $1.38 billion to address mental health and substance abuse issues in British
Columbia.
The Community Action Initiative (CAI), a provincewide program that supports mental health and
substance use groups throughout B.C., awarded $2.9 million in grants to 16 community-based
projects that promote positive mental health for British Columbians.
In May 2015, government announced $3 million in funding over three years to the Brain Injury
Alliance to support those with brain injuries.
Construction is nearing completion on the Paralympic component of the Richmond Olympic
Experience an exciting new legacy of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
expected to open later in 2015.
Community Gaming Grants are provided to a wide variety of non-profit organizations delivering
services in support of accessibility throughout British Columbia. In 2014/15, L’Arche Comox Valley
received a grant of $250,000 towards its ‘I belong’ facility aimed at integrating young people with
developmental disabilities into the life of the community. In addition, approximately $11 million
was provided to organizations dedicated to supporting persons with disabilities (see Appendix C).
In April 2015, construction began on the new Pacific Autism Family Centre in Richmond, thanks in
part to $20 million in funding from the B.C. government. The facility will support individuals and
families affected by Autism Spectrum and related disorders in the Lower Mainland and across B.C.
Accessibility 2024 Actions
Completed
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Develop guidelines for accessibility that communities can incorporate into their Official
Community Plans
Provide $2 million in one-time funding for the University of Victoria’s CanAssist program
that develops and assesses new devices and technologies that help people with disabilities
increase independence
Ensure the 2015 Canada Winter Games enhance accessibility in Prince George
Build on the success of the two-year after-school disability sport pilot in the Surrey School
District to include arts and culture programming in 2014/15
In Progress or Ongoing
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Launch a recognition initiative for B.C. Paralympic athletes at the Richmond Oval
Community In Action
Prince George
Vision: Aiming for Access to remove physical and social barriers which impede the full participation
of all citizens in every aspect of community life.
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Advisory Committee on Accessibility established in 1987
Established Access Award of Merit to recognize local businesses or community
organizations that improve accessibility and inclusion
Partnered with local non-profit to implement the StopGap temporary ramp program for
downtown businesses
In 2012, first accessible playground in Prince George was developed
Community In Action
Ride Don’t Hide
In 2010, Michael Schratter cycled 40,000 kilometres through 33 countries and six continents to
raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Today, Ride Don’t Hide has become one of Canada’s largest annual participatory mental health
awareness events. On Sunday, June 21, 2015, 28 Ride Don’t Hide community rides across the
country raised funds for mental health awareness, services and supports created by the Canadian
Mental Health Association. www.ridedonthide.com
Emergency Preparedness
Government has taken continued action on earthquake preparedness following the release of an
Earthquake Consultation Report in March 2015, which includes recommendations for working
collaboratively to address the needs of people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations in
the event of an earthquake.
Accessibility 2024 Actions
In Progress or Ongoing
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Ensure consultation on all aspects of disaster preparedness and response includes full
involvement and consideration of persons with disabilities. Stakeholders will be asked to
identify key issues, challenges, and recommended solutions across a wide range of issues.
Consumer Experience
Over the past year, key projects were completed to improve accessibility in BC Parks, including
improvements to the change buildings and hot springs pool at Liard River Hot Springs and
construction of an accessible boardwalk and viewing platform at Naikoon Park’s Tow Hill. The new,
fully accessible Sea to Sky Gondola opened in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, giving people of all
abilities the opportunity to enjoy some incredible coastal mountain terrain. There is also a new,
accessible viewing platform in Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park, making it easier to view the
spawning salmon. More recently, the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge opened in Elk Falls Provincial
Park with accessible barrier-free platforms for views of the iconic falls.
Plans are underway for new rest areas featuring higher accessibility standards, and work has been
completed at the upgraded Kiskatinaw rest area on Highway 97.
A review is underway of services and changing consumer needs to ensure Visitor Centres are
meeting the evolving expectations of the travelling public.
The Hello BC website (hellobc.com) is updated regularly with information about existing and
emerging accessible tourism opportunities in B.C., including accessible transportation,
accommodation, things to do and other information.
Government has partnered with the Rick Hansen Foundation to provide employment opportunities
for six people with disabilities to assess accessibility for about 300 businesses, venues and public
spaces in the Lower Mainland and provide accessibility ratings on Planat TM, a tool that gives
people a way to find and share accessibility reviews of businesses and public locations. By
expanding the information available on Planat TM, British Columbians and visitors to the province
can quickly and easily find information about accessible hotels, restaurants and public spaces.
Accessibility 2024 Actions
Completed
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Undertake key accessibility parks projects Liard River Hot Springs, Tow Hill, and Sea to Sky
Gondola in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
Partner with Rick Hansen Foundation to expand Planat TM tool in B.C.
In Progress or Ongoing
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Ensure Visitor Services are meeting the evolving expectations for accessibility of the
travelling public
Upgrade rest stop accessibility
Profile the existing and emerging accessible tourism opportunities on key travel sites such
as HelloBC (hellobc.com)
Community in Action
Planat
What are the most accessible organizations and spaces in your community? British Columbians can
assess and provide accessibility ratings for businesses, venues and public spaces across the
province on the Rick Hansen Foundation Planat website. Making venues accessible makes great
economic sense and helps to improve the lives of people with disabilities. www.planat.com
Business Matters
Vancity
Vancity, a values-based financial cooperative, is recognized for providing an accessible, inclusive
business environment for both members and employees with disabilities. Vancity has adopted new
policies, improved hiring practices, and renovated their locations to eliminate and prevent
unintentional barriers for the community and staff.
Appendix A: Community and Employer Partnerships in Support of Accessibility
2014 Community and Employer Partnerships
Community and Employer Partnerships have five active agreements aimed at enhancing services
and improved outcomes for individuals with disabilities with a total value of $1,560,259 two Job
Creation Partnership Projects and three Research and Innovation Projects.
For more information on Community and Employer Partnerships, visit:
https://www.workbc.ca/Job-Seekers/Employment-Services/Community-EmployerPartnerships.aspx
Project Name, Description, Approved Funding
Mapping Inclusive Employment Practices Research and Innovation Project
Between November 12, 2013, and June 30, 2015, the BC Centre for Employment Excellence (Social
Research and Demonstration Corporation) will conduct community-based participatory research
aimed at transforming employment practices for individuals with developmental disabilities in
British Columbia and develop, implement and evaluate the BC Employment Mapping Tool, a webbased, online platform.
$153,275
The Open Door 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Diamond Centre For Living Job Creation
Partnership
Between November 3, 2014, and June 27, 2015, the Vancouver Friends for Life Society will provide
two EI eligible participants with valuable work experience and skill enhancement in the areas of
event planning and multimedia production and in the areas of computer application, office
administration and staff training by developing and delivering the 20th Anniversary Celebration
and updating the Constituent Resource Management System.
$61,157
Rick Hansen Foundation Job Creation Partnership
Between November 3, 2014, and July 31, 2015, the Rick Hansen Foundation will provide work
experience for a minimum of six unemployed eligible participants in the communities of the Lower
Mainland. The participants will receive work experience as Accessibility Experts and gain skills
with computer applications, interviewing techniques, researching, customer service, relationship
management and public speaking.
$146,569
BC Partners Workforce Innovation Pilot Project Research and Innovation Project
Between March 16, 2015, and March 16, 2018, the BC Centre for Employment Excellence (Social
Research and Demonstration Corporation) will carry out a pilot project to establish a centralized
coordinator body within participating employer sectors that would facilitate the hiring of people
with disabilities, from across all spectrums of ability and who are referred and supported by local
disability-serving agencies and employment-ready agencies. The project will determine whether
such a coordinated, demand-side focused approach is more effective at meeting the needs of
employers and job seekers with disabilities.
$637,650
Occupational Recovery after First-Episode Psychosis: A Critical Period Research and
Innovation Project
Between March 1, 2015, and February 28, 2018, the Fraser Health Authority will use the Individual
Placement Support model of treatment and assess the incremental effectiveness of this model when
treating unemployed Early Psychosis Intervention clients. The intent is to enhance understanding
of interventions related to employment success in a representative sample of clients with early
psychosis.
$561,608
Appendix B: Age-friendly Planning and Project Grants
2014 Age-friendly Planning and Project Grants
The age-friendly community planning and project grant program is a partnership between the
Government of British Columbia and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. Each successful
local government receives up to $20,000 to help undertake a variety of activities from setting public
policy to delivering information and services that address the needs of older residents.
For more information on Age-friendly Planning and Project Grants, visit
http://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/funding/lgps/current-lgps-programs/seniors-housing-supportinitiative.html
*Indicates communities that have not received funding under this program since 2009
Community, Application Description, Approved Grant
100 Mile House
Becoming an Age-friendly Rural Community
$20,000
Armstrong
Age-friendly Community Committee Active Seniors Initiative
$20,000
Bowen Island
Caring Circle Resource Centre Coordinator
$20,000
Campbell River
Fit for Health program
$5,000
Clearwater
Community Circles for Seniors
$17,260
*Fraser Valley Regional District (Rural area)
Addressing Aging in Rural Communities
$20,000
*Golden
Age-friendly Plan for Golden & Area
$19,600
Granisle
Good Food Boxes and monthly lunch/healthy eating program at Granisle Seniors’ Centre
$20,000
*Harrison Hot Springs
Age-friendly Plan
$20,000
*Houston
Age-friendly Assessment and Action Plan
$20,000
*Invermere
Age-friendly Awareness Campaign: Business Directory, Companion Program, Monthly Luncheons
and Mentor Program
$19,310
*Langford
Age-friendly Langford Action Plan
$18,000
*Lumby
Official Community Plan Update: refining policies to create a sustainable and age-friendly
community
$20,000
*Mackenzie
Mackenzie project to develop better BC housing for seniors
$20,000
*North Vancouver (District)
Ageing Well in My Community
$20,000
*Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District
Okanagan Falls Age-friendly Assessment
$20,000
*Pemberton
Seniors Interacting Through Art
$20,000
*Port Moody
Age-friendly Community Assessment
$20,000
*Richmond
Planning for an Age-friendly Richmond
$20,000
*Sun Peaks
Age-friendly Sun Peaks
$19,980
*Tumbler Ridge
Elder Abuse Workshops and ‘Train the Trainer’
$13,217
Sayward
Seniors’ Drop-In Activity Centre Health and Wellness program
$20,000
Silverton
Social and Recreational Programming
$12,000
Smithers
Age-friendly assessment, plan and programs
$18,550
Vanderhoof
Vanderhoof Community Garden Seniors Support Initiative
$20,000
*Victoria
Assessment of Social and Housing Needs of Victoria’s Aging Populations
$20,000
26 communities
2015 Age-friendly Planning and Project Grants
*Indicates communities that have not received funding under this program since 2010
Community, Application Description, Approved Grant
Abbotsford
Take a Walk! Improving Walkability for Older Adults
$18,000
Burns Lake
Let’s Get Active 365: Burns Lake & District Seniors’ Leisure Programming Pilot Program
$14,975
*Chilliwack
Chilliwack Seniors Living Well Resource Directory
$12,000
Clearwater
Seniors’ Health and Safety Toolbox
$20,000
*Columbia-Shuswap Regional District
Engaging the Communities of the South Shuswap
$20,000
*Colwood
Age-friendly Plan
$20,000
*Hope
Age-friendly Community Needs Assessment
$20,000
Islands Trust
Age-friendly Community Plan for North Pender Island
$16,500
*Keremeos
Keremeos Age-friendly Action Plan
$20,000
*Kootenay-Boundary Regional District
Charting a course for an age-friendly Christina Lake
$20,000
*Lake Cowichan
Age-friendly Community Action Plan
$19,850
*Lions Bay
Seniors’ Social Circle
$20,000
Maple Ridge
Seniors Engaged, Energized and Collaborative Age-friendly Action Plan
$20,000
*Merritt
Age-friendly Action Plan
$20,000
New Westminster
Dementia-friendly Community Action Plan & Action Guides
$20,000
*Oak Bay
Age-friendly Action Plan
$20,000
Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District
Age-friendly Communication Strategy & Workshops: Okanagan Falls
$20,000
*Oliver
Creation of an Age-friendly Outdoor Fitness Park
$20,000
Pemberton
Pemberton Valley Men’s Shed
$20,000
*Pouce Coupe
Pouce Coupe Age-friendly Official Community Plan
$20,000
*Sicamous
Exploring and Enhancing Age Friendliness in Sicamous
$20,000
Sooke
Study of Support Needs of Sooke Seniors
$7,600
Sparwood
Age-friendly Sparwood Community Plan
$18,500
*Squamish
Men in Motion: Increasing physical activity, social opportunities and health and wellness
knowledge in older men
$5,159
Telkwa
Transportation & Trails Assessment and Action Plan
$6,100
*Ucluelet
Age-friendly Action Plan Assessment/Accessibility
$19,450
*Valemount
Age-friendly Community Assessment & Action Plan
$20,000
West Vancouver
Aging Well Creativity in Motion
$20,000
28 communities
Appendix C: Community Gaming Grants in Support of Accessibility
2014/15 Community Gaming Grants
Community Gaming Grants are provided to a wide variety of non-profit organizations delivering
programs and services to British Columbians. The program supports five sectors: Arts & Culture,
Sport, Environment, Public Safety and Human & Social Services. In addition, the program provides
grants to Parent Advisory Councils.
Approximately $11.5 million annually is provided in gaming funds to organizations that are
dedicated to supporting accessibility programming. Funding is distributed to close to 200
organizations in more than 50 communities. The nature of the programming ranges from disability
sports to public health and community education.
For a full list of community gaming grants please visit: https://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/
Non-Profit Organization, Community Programming, Approved Funding
L’Arche Comox Valley
The development of the ‘I belong’ program in Comox Valley is aimed at integrating young people
with developmental disabilities into the community.
$250,000
Special Olympics British Columbia Society
Sports programming is delivered in 57 communities across BC enabling athletes to experience joy
and acceptance, cultivate friendships and self-confidence, and feel empowered to overcome
obstacles and achieve their goals
$250,000
Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver Burnaby Branch
Community outreach, education and volunteer support programming is delivered in the Vancouver
Burnaby Region.
$80,000
Multiple Sclerosis Society BC-Yukon Division
Community outreach, public education and information and equipment supply programming is
delivered across the BC Yukon Region.
$250,000
Autism Society of British Columbia
Community outreach, resource development and public information programming is delivered
throughout the province.
$227,500
Canadian National Institute for the Blind BC-Yukon
Recreation services for people with visual impairment including supports for sports, literacy and
braille.
$68,000
Project Literacy Kelowna Society
English and Math Literacy Tutoring program.
$100,000