In 1992, the UN designated December 3^rd the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). The observance of the Day “aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.”[1]

DABC’s mission is to support people, with all disabilities, to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in the community. We understand the importance of recognizing IDPD. We want to acknowledge that this year has been particularly emotionally charged for many Canadians with disabilities. As a number of Canadians with disabilities have turned to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) due to a lack of financial/social supports and safe, affordable housing, organizations and individuals have continued to urge the government to make the Canada Disability Benefit a reality.

We celebrate the resilience and strength of people with disabilities, while striving for a world where our community doesn’t need to be quite so resilient in order to survive, let alone thrive.

To learn more about IDPD, visit: https://www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/2022/10/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-2022/.

[1] https://www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/2022/10/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-2022/

As part of the Province’s goal to improve accessibility for people with disabilities in BC, DABC was first selected by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR) in 2018 to distribute funding to community based “Accessibility Projects.” With the successful administration of the Accessibility Project Grants in 2018-2021, DABC was again selected to administer Accessibility Project Grants in 2022. On December 2nd, 2022, MSDPR announced the successful projects for 2022.

Read about this year’s successful accessibility projects here: Successful Accessibility Projects (2022)

For more information about Accessibility Project Grants as well as past funded projects, visit:
https://disabilityalliancebc.org/program/accessibility-projects/.

You can also read the Province’s media release here.

We are very excited to see the 12 successful organizations take on these diverse projects promoting inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities!

We’re very pleased to announce that DABC Executive Director Helaine Boyd has been appointed by the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction to the technical committee that will be developing the accessible service delivery standard under the Accessible BC Act!

Learn more here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022SDPR0068-001813