In order to make our publications and resources available to more people, Disability Alliance BC has recently had many of our Help Sheets translated into four additional languages (Arabic, Persian, Punjabi and Spanish). Translation services are being carried out by MOSAIC, who is also our partner on our Accessibility for Newcomers project within our Advocacy Access program. Under this project, immigrants and refugees with disabilities have greater access in connecting with advocates for disability support services.

Translation of our Help Sheets would not have been possible without generous funding provided by the Law Foundation of BC. The Law Foundation is also the Advocacy Access program’s primary funder. In addition to financial support to run the program, the Law Foundation is also covering the costs of on-demand, live translation and interpretation services for client appointments with our advocates.

Our BC Disability Benefits Help Sheets are our most popular downloads. These self-help guides explain various benefits and programs, and how to apply for them.

These translations and English versions of the Help Sheets are located at the following link: https://disabilityalliancebc.org/publications/publications-bc-disability-benefits-help-sheets/.

MOSAIC is in the process of translating the remainder of our Help Sheets and our Canada Pension Plan-Disability (CPP-D) Guides into the four languages listed above. Once those translations have been finalized and uploaded, we will send out an additional Community Update and post an announcement on our blog and social media.

Follow us on social media:

X (formerly Twitter): @DisabAllianceBC
Facebook: @DisabilityAllianceBC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/disability-alliance-bc

Join the Disability Alliance BC Board: Make a Difference!

Are you passionate about disability advocacy? Do you want to use your lived experiences to drive positive change? Disability Alliance BC (DABC) is looking for individuals to join our Board of Directors in 2024!

Who We’re Looking For:

• • Dedicated Advocates: If you have a passion for disability rights and advocacy, we want you!
  • Diverse Voices: We welcome candidates from all over BC, especially those from Vancouver Island and Northern, Central, and rural regions. We encourage applications from BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
  • Experienced Leaders: Prior experience on non-profit or community boards is a plus, but not required.
  • We value lived experiences that reflect the diversity of our community.

Why Join Us?

Since 1977, DABC has been a powerful voice for people with disabilities in British Columbia. We are a provincial non-profit and registered charity dedicated to supporting people with all disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and as equal participants in the community. We promote disability issues through direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research, and publications.

What You’ll Do:

As a Board Member, you will:

• Oversee the performance of our Executive Director.
• Ensure fiduciary and legal oversight.
• Guide the implementation of our strategic plan.
• Use your experiences to advise on systemic advocacy and policy recommendations.

Commitment:

Our Board meets virtually, six times per year, making the time commitment manageable. In addition, you may be asked to join one of DABC’s committees.

Eligibility: To join, you must be:

• A person with a disability.
• A member in good standing with DABC (membership fee: $15).

How to Apply:

Ready to make an impact? Email our Board & Communications Coordinator, Chloe Krause, at chloe@dabc.ca for a nomination package. This will include:

• A nomination form (completed by a nominator).
• A form detailing your reasons for seeking nomination.
• A list of Board duties and responsibilities.
• DABC’s Annual Report.

Deadline: Applications are open on a rolling basis and will be considered until Friday, August 15, 2024. We look forward to hearing from you!

Download a copy of the Call for Nominations here.

The Province in collaboration with the Provincial Accessibility Committee is inviting British Columbians to share their thoughts and experiences on how government can best address barriers that restrict people with disabilities from equally participating in the workforce and accessing services in community.

 The public engagement on the draft accessibility standards is open from May 31 until July 31. The public and organizations can share their input/feedback on the draft standards in a variety of ways, including an online questionnaire. The questionnaire can be found here: https://feedback.engage.gov.bc.ca/555886?lang=en.

To learn more about the engagement and ways to participate, please visit the accessibility Standards webpage at: Home – Accessible BC Act Standards (gov.bc.ca).