This editorial was written by Christine Gordon, and originally appeared in the edition of DABC’s Transition magazine, Following Their Path: How disability trailblazers are guiding today’s advocacy (Fall/Winter 2025).
Read the full edition in PDF format here and in text-only format here.
If you’re interested in contributing to Transition as an individual or an organization, please email transition@dabc.ca.
This issue of Transition honours some of the trailblazers in the disability rights movement in British Columbia.
The movement is not very old–only a couple of generations–and it has struggled to redefine disability as a social rather than an individual problem, and to wrest control of the definitions of disability away from the medical domain and lodge them squarely in the political and economic world where they rightly belong.
What makes a trailblazer? Generally, it is the force of circumstance which is encountered by individuals who are not content to live within the constraints imposed upon them. Trailblazers always have a clear vision of what the world could be. They are ingenious problem-solvers and fearless advocates. They lead by example and by taking action. In most cases, they are reluctantly thrust into the spotlight because there is a vacuum to be filled and they heed the call. Authentic trailblazers are usually not self-promoters.
In this edition of Transition, Roger Jones reflects on some of the people that he regards as trailblazers, while downplaying his own contributions as a lightning rod for galvanizing new approaches to assistive technology, accessible transportation, individualized funding and economic development. Roger has been an ambassador of the disability movement to power brokers and entrepreneurs and has mentored a whole generation of young people.
Robin Loxton describes the evolution of DABC’s Advocacy Access program and forgets to mention that he was the glue that held everything together for 27 years. His expertise in the byzantine world of disability benefits was unmatched and he applied it tirelessly not only for the individuals that he served, but also in pursuit of systemic changes that would lift people with disabilities out of poverty.
This edition is dedicated to Pam Horton. Pam was a quiet person with steely determination who never said no to an opportunity to speak truth to power. She volunteered for more committees than anyone could dream of and she took every one of them seriously.
Monica Gärtner shares some of her story of living with a genetic disability and evolving as an advocate, writer and performer.
Dave Symington was an artist at heart and he found a way to use music and performance to redefine public perceptions of disability.
Heather McCain’s article describes many home-grown trailblazers converted by the force of circumstance and applying their moral compass and sheer determination to make change.
What can we do to celebrate trailblazers?
First, we must be thankful for their individual contributions and appreciative of their sacrifices.
Then we must recognize that trailblazing means exactly what it says: creating a path forward. If we don’t use a path then we will lose it. A trailblazer’s most fervent wish is to change the world. They demonstrate the power of individual action to do just that. Trailblazers also teach us about the value of persistence which in itself is a synonym for hope. Lasting change must be constantly reinforced at its roots and never taken for granted.
This edition is dedicated to Pam Horton. Pam was a quiet person with steely determination who never said no to an opportunity to speak truth to power.
All of the trailblazers featured in this Transition encouraged and built collective approaches to changing the world. They help us to focus on the fact that individuals, no matter how gifted, are not enough. Sustainable change lies within developing coalitions, associations, organizations and inviting people to join in.
During these troubled and dystopic times, trailblazers might urge us to double down on moral clarity, strategic ingenuity, fearless collective action and the power of the voice of lived experience.
Christine Gordon has had a lifelong commitment to ground-up community development, and law and policy reform that shifts traditional power balances.
In her work with Disability Alliance BC and other organizations, she coordinated the decade long reform of the Adult Guardianship laws, helped to develop the Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program and engineered the creation of Technology for Living. she also coordinated the Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative, developed the CARMA program and the Right Fit program, initiated the Individualized Funding project and mentored the BC Persons with Aids Society.
She has been actively engaged in health care reform including the Healthy Communities movement, the design of the Medicare Protection Act and the deinstitutionalization of the George Pearson Centre.
Untapped Accessibility and Easy Surf are pleased to present a webinar that will help BC organizations take action on accessibility in 2026 by connecting attendees to funders with accessibility-focused funding streams.
Panelists include representatives from funders including SPARC BC, Disability Alliance BC, Trans Canada Trail, Rick Hansen Foundation, and Vancouver Foundation.
Join moderators Trish Kelly, Managing Director of Untapped Accessibility and Noah Senecal-Junkeer, co-founder of Easy Surf as they explore with the panel:
Why funding accessibility is important
How to access each funding stream
Stories of successful projects
Supports available to help your organization develop a project concept and execute the project
Accessibility information
Live captions and ASL interpreters will be provided. An accessible slide deck is available in advance by request. Did we miss anything? You can request additional accessibility features when you register or email info@untappedaccessibility.ca.
Open: January 15, 2026 Closes: January 30, 2026 Location: Vancouver BC Category: Community and Social Services Type: Full-time Salary: $48,000 – $52,000 depending on experience
Who We Are
Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We are a non-profit, charitable organization that champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities. Our mission is to promote a more inclusive and equitable society for people with all disabilities through direct services, community partnerships, systemic advocacy, research, and publications. through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.
Program Description
Access DTC Program
The Access DTC program works through several partnerships and initiatives to provide direct support through the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and related benefits including the Child Disability Benefit, Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Our aim is to promote financial literacy and financial security for people with disabilities in British Columbia. Access to the DTC and related benefits has become more relevant, as many people with disabilities will need the DTC to apply for federal programs like the Canada Disability Benefit.
Tax AID
Tax AID is a DABC program that partners with the Together Against Poverty Society, the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, and the Active Support Against Poverty Society, to provide free support to people with disabilities across BC to file income taxes for current and previous years. In addition to simple tax filing, we help with self-employment income, outstanding amounts owed to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), applying for other tax related government programs/benefits, and matters related to financial literacy.
Job Description
DABC is seeking a Program Assistant for our Tax AID and Access DTC programs. This role contributes to maintaining the quality and sustainability of program services. The Program Assistant will assist managers of both the Tax AID and Access DTC teams in supporting the day-to-day operations of both programs by supporting client intake and inquiries, maintaining program policies and procedures, developing program materials, coordinating outreach activities, and other tasks as reasonably required.
Responsibilities:
Working alongside the Tax AID and Access DTC Program Managers,
Respond to client inquiries over the phone, email, and in-person
Screen clients for eligibility of Access DTC and Tax AID services and conduct initial client intake
Ensure regular update of any program materials, including program manuals, educational resources, community resources and contacts list
Maintain and organize physical and digital files, as well as other program materials in the office
Provide accurate statistical information on participant activities for evaluations and reporting purposes
Provide information and support to people with disabilities on the DTC, RDSP, CDB, and other tax related issues
Keep up to date on any changes to policy and procedures relevant to the Access DTC and Tax AID programs
Liaise with community partners to schedule and arrange specific outreach activities
Assist in the development of marketing and communications strategies
Support the Tax AID and Access DTC advocates with daily tasks
The successful applicant must:
Have a minimum 2 years combined post-secondary education and/or applicable work experience
Have strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts in plain language
Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients and staff across many diverse backgrounds
Be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a team as well as independently
Maintain a professional, respectful, and empathetic demeanor with clients and have the ability to manage client expectations as it relates to the capacity and scope of DABC’s services
Have excellent organizational and critical thinking skills
Be computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook.
Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of client information
Be able to manage and sort through a significant volume of incoming communication.
Strong assets for this position:
Working knowledge of federal tax and financial programs for people with disabilities including the Disability Tax Credit, Registered Disability Savings Plan, Canada caregiver amount and other deductions
Knowledge of tax law
Experience with community outreach or program planning
Experience in the non-profit sector
Experience with a disability and/or supporting people with disabilities
Knowledge and understanding of community resources available to people with disabilities
Understanding of anti-oppression principles
Experience working with design tools including Canva, or Adobe Creative Suite
A driver’s license
Salary: $48,000 – $52,000 depending on experience.
This position offers the following benefits after a three-month probationary period:
15 days of paid vacation annually
18 days of paid sick leave annually
100% of the cost of extended health and dental care benefit premiums
2 weeks of paid time off during DABC’s annual holiday office closure in December
Employee wellness benefit
Working hours and location
This position is full-time for 5 days per week at 8 hours a day (including 1 hour as a paid lunch break) and is a hybrid work opportunity; the successful candidate may be required to work at the Downtown Vancouver office two or three days a week, and at home the rest of the time. The position may also require occasional travel to other BC communities and beyond. During your initial training, you will be required to be in the office 5 days a week until successful completion of training.
The position is located in downtown Vancouver, on the traditional, ancestral and stolen lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples
Commitment to Equity
DABC is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of inclusion, anti-ableism, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented, including Indigenous persons, people of colour, and people of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.
Importantly, we are looking for people who want to make a long-term commitment to our organization and have a strong desire to uphold the rights and dignities of people with disabilities.
To Apply:
Please submit a resume and brief covering letter addressed to Cynthia Minh, Director of Access DTC & Tax AID at cynthia@dabc.ca using the subject heading “Job Application: Program Assistant” no phone calls please.
Applications are due no later than midnight on January 30, 2026. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Applicants must be legally allowed to work in Canada.
This editorial was written by Christine Gordon, and originally appeared in the edition of DABC’s Transition magazine, Following Their Path: How disability trailblazers are guiding today’s advocacy (Fall/Winter 2025).
