BCCPD received a request for participants in a new photography project:

I am looking for 1 –2 models to pose nude for a photography project. This is a riff on the ‘I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur’ PETA advertisements. This project aims to reduce the stigma associated with living with a disability. The models must be on disability assistance or living with a serious disability of any sort. These will be casual sitting or standing poses and you will be photographed wearing just your disability bus pass. In respecting your privacy, the name/ year of birth on the pass can be altered. If you do not have one, it will be provided.

I will need to meet with you first to discuss the project and again for the photo shoot. The pictures will be taken outside at a chosen quiet bus stop at about 6:30 am on a Sunday in April/May. The models will be shot on separate days. I will need only 20 minutes with each model where we will shoot prearranged poses. The model will be unclothed for only 15 seconds at a time. This cycle of being unclothed, then clothed, will happen about five times to get different shots. If you do not have a long coat to wear in between shots, one can be provided.

I currently have 2 models and I am seeking a couple more. These photographs will be enlarged to 6’ x 3’ and shown at various disability-related art exhibitions. A small honorarium will be provided. I have received funding for this project from the DTES Small Arts Grant.

I am directing this shoot. Photography is provided by gracephotography.ca

Please contact Tina at rathernaked@gmail.com if you are interested in being part of this project or if you have any questions!

Congratulations to Acoustic Guitarist Don Alder, who has recently been presented with the Brand Laureate “International Brand Personality Award!” Don will be performing at our gala fundraiser on April 4th.

This distinctive award from the Pacific Asia Brands Foundation in Malaysia is endorsed by many dignitaries, including the King of Malaysia. The award is conferred to individuals who have contributed significantly to the lives of people around the world through their areas of expertise.

Don Alder becomes the 2nd Canadian to receive the prestigious award for his work as a world-leading fingerstyle guitarist and his significant contributions to the lives of people around the world.

Past recipients include HE Nelson Mandela, Hilary Clinton, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and Canadian Astronaut Chris Hatfield. Some of the renowned musicians to receive the award include Deep Purple, Kenny G., Earth Wind & Fire and Chaka Khan.

The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities has received the notification below from the Ministry of Social Development about an office closure in the Vancouver Coastal Region:

                                               Vancouver Coastal Region
                                                 Service Delivery Change

As a result of Service Delivery changes in the Vancouver Coastal Region, the Fairview Employment and Assistance office located at:

                                                201 – 828 West 8^th Avenue,
                                                           Vancouver, BC

will no longer be providing face to face services to the public effective February 4, 2013. Current clients of the Fairview office will be assigned to other offices as follows:

Clients living in the following postal codes: V6J, V6K, V6L, V6R, V6S, V6T

The new office is:
China Creek Employment and Assistance Centre
201-475 East Broadway, Vancouver BC, V5T 1W9
1-866-866-0800

Clients living in the following postal codes: V5Y, V5Z, V6H, V6M, V6N

The new office is:
Mountainview Employment and Assistance Centre
300-5550 Fraser Street, Vancouver BC, V5W 3Z4
1-866-866-0800

In order to further equalize distribution of files
Clients living in the V5P, currently Mountainview postal code:

The new office is:
Killarney Employment and Income Assistance Office
2280 Kingsway, Vancouver BC, V5N 5M9
1-866-866-0800

All clients with these postal codes will be notified of this change by letter and telephone. Posters regarding the change are visible in the transferring offices. If you have any questions, please contact:

Jean Lofthouse, Manager
Community Relations & Service Quality
Vancouver Coastal Region
604-660-2212 Jean.lofthouse@gov.bc.ca