The Disability Rights Promotion International is human rights research project conducted by people with disabilities. Locally, BCCPD human rights monitors interviewed 48 people about their disability experiences in the Lower Mainland and in the Penticton area.  Globally, other sections of the DRPI project monitor systemic human rights abuses.

In October 2011, BCCPD and DRPI held a forum to present the survey findings to the community. We were fortunate to have as our guest speakers: Susan O’Donnell Executive Director of the BC Human Rights Coalition, Normand Boucher of DRPI-Canada/Laval University, Jewelles Smith, DRPI monitor and Laura Mackenrot, DRPI interviewee. Normand presented the research findings and forum participants were invited to comment on the findings and respond to questions designed by BCCPD and DRPI. The forum participants’ responses will be incorporated into the report’s final recommendations.

See more about DRPI here.

BCCPD continues to work closely with the Woodlands survivors in their struggle for justice and compensation. As of the end of 2011, the Province continues to exclude former Woodlands residents who were at the institution before August 1, 1974. These oldest survivors have not been given the opportunity to have their abuse recognized through the settlement agreement that has been signed by the Province. The compensation process for survivors who were at Woodlands after August 1, 1974, is extremely slow: as of October 2011, only 8 claims have been filed, out of the approximately 850 survivors who have come forward.

See more on our ongoing work on Woodlands.

Every organization should be prepared for an emergency but are you? Is your organization prepared to deliver its services to your most vulnerable clients if a disaster hits? How will your organization respond to a large scale emergency? What will your role be in the community?

Volunteer Richmond Information Services and Richmond Centre for Disability team up to deliver a valuable workshop to help your organization plan for an emergency. This workshop will get you talking about Service Continuity and Emergency Preparedness with a focus on ensuring that people with disabilities are not left without support.

Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Time: 9:00am Registration, 9:30am – 3:30pm Workshop

Location: Room M2.004, Richmond City Hall (6911 No. 3 Road)

Cost: FREE – Breakfast and Lunch Provided. Please inform us of any dietary or accessibility needs.

Register by April 15: call 604 – 232 – 2404 or email ian@rcdrichmond.org

This training was developed through a joint project of the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities and Volunteer Canada, funded by the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnership Program – Disability Component.

Click here for more information about BCCPD’s Emergency Preparedness Project.