DABC stepping away from X (formerly Twitter)

Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has decided to join other nonprofits and service providers in stepping away from the social media platform X ( formerly Twitter). We will keep our account but will no longer actively use the platform, and we will not be reachable through it.

X owner Elon Musk appearing to give a Nazi salute at Donald Trump’s inauguration was the final straw. We have been concerned for some time about X’s policy shifts under Musk’s ownership; it’s clear that its users are no longer sufficiently protected from harassment and hate speech. This goes against DABC’s organizational principles of providing a safe environment for those interacting with us and using our services.

This is not a decision we made lightly, as we understand that there is still a vibrant disability community on X and we regret that we will no longer be able to use the platform to share important information with this community.

We encourage our followers to stay connected with us through our Facebook  and LinkedIn accounts (facebook.com/DisabilityAllianceBC & linkedin.com/company/4863769). We have also set up a Bluesky account (bsky.app/profile/disaballiancebc.bsky.social) and will be learning the ropes in the coming weeks.

You can also keep an eye on our blog (dabc.ca/blog), contact us through direct communication methods, and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter by visiting this link: https://signup-can.keela.co/newsletter-subscription52.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of DABC.

Small Group Dialogue on Building Trust in Health Data, Safety and Privacy

IPS, a public engagement group working with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Health Canada (HC), is currently working on a project regarding the use and sharing of health data, as well as the need to improve data literacy among Canadians.

IPS is holding an online virtual dialogue via Zoom, during which they’d like to hear from people with disabilities about the sharing of health data in Canada. For example, to allow doctors to share medical records, help patients monitor their own health, and improve health care. They’re particularly interested in hearing participants’ concerns, needs, and perspectives—especially as a member of an equity-deserving group—to increase how data is understood and to find ways to improve health data sharing.

The dialogue takes place on February 11th at 12pm ET and IPS is offering participants an honorarium of $100 for their contribution and time.

IPS would greatly appreciate your participation. If you’re interested, please register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1096385260829?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you have any questions or would like any assistance in the registration process, please feel free to email the event manager, Maura at mmartina@publivate.com.

Stories of Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) People with Disabilities in Accessing Gender-Affirming Care in BC, Canada: A Narrative Inquiry

Study recruitment poster which features the information provided in the post and on the study website. The poster is green and includes a QR code to learn more about the study, as well as cartoons of people with and without visible disabilities. A note on the poster says "please note, 'liking,' following, and/or commenting on this poster online may publicly identify you with this study.'


A PHD Candidate at UBC’s School of Social Work is conducting research aimed at generating knowledge on the experiences of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people who identify as disabled regarding their access to gender-affirming care (GAC) in British Columbia, Canada. They are leading this study, under the shared supervision of Dr. Hannah Kia (UBC School of Social Work) and Dr. Tim Stainton (Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship), and are currently recruiting participants.

Selected participants will complete a 60-90 minute interview on Zoom and receive a $50 e-transfer upon completion of an interview. A person may be eligible to participate in this study if they:

  • Identify as transgender, non-binary or gender diverse (TGD).
  • Identify as a disabled person- This study validates all aspects of disability identity including invisible ones.
  • Are 19 years or older and live in British Columbia, Canada.
  • Have experience with any aspect of gender-affirming care (GAC), including medical interventions and/or psychosocial support.

Anyone who is interested in participating can learn more by either following this link https://blogs.ubc.ca/gacdisabledtgdstudy/ or scanning the QR code on the poster.