Checklist for Change: HIV & Hepatitis C Stigma in Health Care produced earlier this year by DABC’s AIDS & Disability Action Program/Wellness & Disability Initiative has just been updated. The second edition incorporates feedback from health sciences students across the province. DABC thanks participating instructors and students from among 141 heath-related programs contacted, including programs such as Audiology & Speech Sciences, Community Mental Health Worker, Dental Hygiene, Health Care Assistant, Medical Radiography Technology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Assistant and Social Work.

“The purpose of Checklist for Change is to provide an overview of policies and service provider attitudes and behaviours that stigmatize, sometimes intentionally and often unintentionally. In presenting research results and service provider observations, DABC encourages everyone working with people living with HIV or hepatitis C (HCV) to reflect on their assumptions, judgments and communication skills. …In the words of one care provider interviewed: ‘I think that what happens is that people forget that every person who walks through the door is somebody’s brother, mother, sister, uncle or aunt and doing the very best they can in that moment.’ If you were speaking to your loved one with a health care need, ‘how would you approach them and can you offer the same level of respect for the person who is sitting in front of you?’” (Checklist for Change p. 3)

Checklist for Change is a short, reader-friendly orientation to HIV and HCV stigma within health care environments intended to stimulate discussion and awareness.

Download: Checklist for Change final 2nd edition

The City of Vancouver is hosting two Open Houses for members of the public to view and voice their opinion on the final design for the new Jim Deva Plaza. DABC is concerned that the Plaza’s public washroom is apparently not accessible.

The Open Houses are Thursday, October 22nd from 4 pm – 7 pm and Saturday, October 24th from 11 am – 2 pm at the Jim Deva Plaza (intersection of Davie and Bute streets).

For more information on the Plaza, visit http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/heart-of-davie-village-public-space-improvement-project.aspx

#DABCVote

The federal election is on October 19, 2015

Each poll is accessible to all: no matter what your barrier is to accessing a polling station, Elections Canada will provide a voting method to accommodate your disability.

To learn more about accessible voting, please come to a session presented by the Community Relations Officer – Accessibility, Elections Canada.

Find out how to cast your vote, and ensure that you are registered through a quick online process on the Elections Canada website.

The Officer will be able to help you register on-line or update your voting registration if necessary. You will need to bring ID to be registered or review your registration. Please also bring your SIN number. The following ID is acceptable:

–       Provincial or Territorial ID card

–       Veterans Affairs health card

–       Voter’s ID card if you have received one

–       Driver’s license

–       Any other government card with your photo, name and current address

Date:                    Friday, October 9, 2015
Time:                   1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (approximately)
Location:             Disability Alliance BC (#204 – 456 West Broadway)

Please note you must register for this workshop so that we can ensure we have room for everyone. To register please contact Val at 604-875-0188.