The Accessible British Columbia Act has received Royal Assent and is now law. While during the Bill passing process, DABC made it well known our concerns and disappointment over the ABCA’s shortcomings, at this time, we are aiming our advocacy sights on ensuring that the regulations and standards to be developed under the Act will be meaningful and impactful to reducing barriers for British Columbians with disabilities.

For more information about the Accessible British Columbia Act, please visit: the accessibility legislation web page where you will also find frequently asked questions about the legislation and an ASL video overview.

The Ministry is also taking applications for a Provincial Accessibility Committee. This PAC will work closely with the Ministry and its Accessibility Secretariat to pave the way for regulations and standards to be developed under the Act. To find out more about the committee, please read the notice of position.

The City of Burnaby is discriminating against people with disabilities by not allowing accommodations for voting in the upcoming By-Election. In particular, no mail-in voting will be allowed, nor will there be any voting assistance by election officials at long term care facilities. Accommodations must be made for people with disabilities, especially by any level of government, to ensure full access and participation in the voting process. DABC has sent a letter to Burnaby’s Mayor Hurley and City Council to express our opposition of their decision to not provide mail-in voting in the upcoming By Election due to take place on June 26, 2021. You can read that letter here: https://disabilityalliancebc.therightfitbc.org/dabc-letter-to-burnaby-city-council-june-2021/

Through the Government of Canada’s 2021 Call for Proposals (CFP) under the Enabling Accessibility Fund’s mid-sized projects component, not-for-profit, for profit and Indigenous organizations, municipalities and territorial governments could receive up to $1 million for the retrofit, renovation or new construction of accessible facilities or venues.

Until July 29, 2021, ESDC is accepting applications for projects that help improve and make facilities in Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities.

Information on the application requirements and process can be found within the Applicant Guide found on the EAF funding webpage. As well, information sessions will be offered to applicants in mid-June and in July. Organizations will be able to participate in the sessions online and by teleconference; details will be posted on the EAF funding page.

If you would like to apply for funding or learn more about this funding opportunity, visit the EAF funding webpage.