This editorial was written by Christine Gordon, and originally appeared in the edition of DABC’s Transition magazine, Following Their Path: How disability trailblazers are guiding today’s advocacy (Fall/Winter 2025).

Read the full edition in PDF format here and in text-only format here.

If you’re interested in contributing to Transition as an individual or an organization, please email transition@dabc.ca.

This issue of Transition honours some of the trailblazers in the disability rights movement in British Columbia.

The movement is not very old–only a couple of generations–and it has struggled to redefine disability as a social rather than an individual problem, and to wrest control of the definitions of disability away from the medical domain and lodge them squarely in the political and economic world where they rightly belong.

What makes a trailblazer? Generally, it is the force of circumstance which is encountered by individuals who are not content to live within the constraints imposed upon them. Trailblazers always have a clear vision of what the world could be. They are ingenious problem-solvers and fearless advocates. They lead by example and by taking action. In most cases, they are reluctantly thrust into the spotlight because there is a vacuum to be filled and they heed the call. Authentic trailblazers are usually not self-promoters.

In this edition of Transition, Roger Jones reflects on some of the people that he regards as trailblazers, while downplaying his own contributions as a lightning rod for galvanizing new approaches to assistive technology, accessible transportation, individualized funding and economic development. Roger has been an ambassador of the disability movement to power brokers and entrepreneurs and has mentored a whole generation of young people.

Robin Loxton describes the evolution of DABC’s Advocacy Access program and forgets to mention that he was the glue that held everything together for 27 years. His expertise in the byzantine world of disability benefits was unmatched and he applied it tirelessly not only for the individuals that he served, but also in pursuit of systemic changes that would lift people with disabilities out of poverty.

This edition is dedicated to Pam Horton. Pam was a quiet person with steely determination who never said no to an opportunity to speak truth to power. She volunteered for more committees than anyone could dream of and she took every one of them seriously.

Monica Gärtner shares some of her story of living with a genetic disability and evolving as an advocate, writer and performer.
Dave Symington was an artist at heart and he found a way to use music and performance to redefine public perceptions of disability.

Heather McCain’s article describes many home-grown trailblazers converted by the force of circumstance and applying their moral compass and sheer determination to make change.

What can we do to celebrate trailblazers?

First, we must be thankful for their individual contributions and appreciative of their sacrifices.

Then we must recognize that trailblazing means exactly what it says: creating a path forward. If we don’t use a path then we will lose it. A trailblazer’s most fervent wish is to change the world. They demonstrate the power of individual action to do just that. Trailblazers also teach us about the value of persistence which in itself is a synonym for hope. Lasting change must be constantly reinforced at its roots and never taken for granted.

This edition is dedicated to Pam Horton. Pam was a quiet person with steely determination who never said no to an opportunity to speak truth to power.

All of the trailblazers featured in this Transition encouraged and built collective approaches to changing the world. They help us to focus on the fact that individuals, no matter how gifted, are not enough. Sustainable change lies within developing coalitions, associations, organizations and inviting people to join in.

During these troubled and dystopic times, trailblazers might urge us to double down on moral clarity, strategic ingenuity, fearless collective action and the power of the voice of lived experience.

Christine Gordon has had a lifelong commitment to ground-up community development, and law and policy reform that shifts traditional power balances.

In her work with Disability Alliance BC and other organizations, she coordinated the decade long reform of the Adult Guardianship laws, helped to develop the Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program and engineered the creation of Technology for Living. she also coordinated the Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative, developed the CARMA program and the Right Fit program, initiated the Individualized Funding project and mentored the BC Persons with Aids Society.

She has been actively engaged in health care reform including the Healthy Communities movement, the design of the Medicare Protection Act and the deinstitutionalization of the George Pearson Centre.

Open: December 15, 2025
Closes: January 9, 2026
Location: Vancouver BC
Category: Accounting and Finance
Type: Full-time
Salary: $54,000 – 58,000 depending on experience

Who We Are

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We are a non-profit, charitable organization that champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities. Our mission is to promote a more inclusive and equitable society for people with all disabilities through direct services, community partnerships, systemic advocacy, research, and publications. through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.

Job Description

DABC is seeking an experienced tax preparer who is passionate about community work to join our team. The Tax AID Advocate will work one-on-one to assist people with disabilities with their income taxes and raise awareness about the program through strategic partnership and community outreach. The successful candidate will have other administrative responsibilities related to the program’s operations including developing and conducting workshops and participating in team meetings and training on an as needed basis.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and file accurate tax returns for current and previous years in compliance with CRA standards
• Liaise with clients and the CRA on specific issues related personal taxes
• Manage multiple client files simultaneously
• Report any questions or concerns to the Program Manager
• Compile and organize client records
• Attend trainings to further develop accounting taxation knowledge as part of an ongoing professional development program

The successful applicant must:

• Have more than 2 years of proven experience for clients using income tax preparation software (e.g., UFile) to prepare income tax returns
• Be able to work effectively with people with disabilities
• Possess a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience
• Meet the requirements to be a tax filer through CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (CVITP) program
• Be self-motivated and adaptable and able to work effectively with a team
• Be detail-oriented and have excellent organizational skills
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills
• Understand the importance of preserving the confidentiality of sensitive client information
• Be computer literate and proficient with word-processing software, including the Microsoft Office Suite
• Be comfortable working in the office and remotely
• Be available for occasional travel to communities across Lower Mainland

The following are strong assets for this position: 

• Knowledge of tax law
• Volunteer or coordination experience with the Canadian Revenue Agency’s CVITP Program
• Working knowledge of income tax programs for people with disabilities including the Disability Tax Credit, Canada caregiver amount and other deductions
• Completion of an accounting or tax certificate or diploma/degree

Salary: $54,000 – $58,000 depending on experience

This position offers the following benefits after a three-month probationary period:

• 15 days of paid vacation annually
• 18 days of paid sick leave annually
• 100% of the cost of extended health and dental care benefit premiums
• 2 weeks of paid time off during DABC’s annual holiday office closure in December
• Employee wellness benefit

Working hours and location

This position is full-time for 5 days per week at 8 hours a day (including 1 hour as a paid lunch break) and is a hybrid work opportunity; the successful candidate may be required to work at the Downtown Vancouver office two or three days a week, and at home the rest of the time. The position may also require occasional travel to other BC communities and beyond. During your initial training, you will be required to be in the office 5 days a week until successful completion of training.

The position is located in downtown Vancouver, on the traditional, ancestral and stolen lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples

Commitment to Equity

DABC is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of inclusion, anti-ableism, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented, including Indigenous persons, people of colour, and people of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

Importantly, we are looking for people who want to make a long-term commitment to our organization and have a strong desire to uphold the rights and dignities of people with disabilities.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and brief covering letter addressed to Cynthia Minh (Director, Tax AID) at cynthia@dabc.ca using the subject heading “Job Application: Tax Preparer & Advocate” no phone calls please.

Applications are due no later than midnight on January 9, 2026. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Applicants must be legally allowed to work in Canada.