Advancing Disability Rights Through Political Engagement

At Inclusion BC, we believe meaningful change happens when the perspectives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are heard by decision-makers. Recently, our team met with provincial Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to share community priorities and strengthen relationships.

These meetings created space for honest, respectful conversations about the policies and systems that shape daily life for people with disabilities and their families. We brought forward key issues shared by our members and partners, using real-life experience and evidence. Our goal was to raise concerns and share practical solutions that can lead to more inclusive outcomes.

One major theme was the importance of creating policies based on lived experience. People with disabilities, their families, and community organizations know firsthand how systems work, or don’t work. By sharing stories from across British Columbia, we showed the gaps that appear when services aren’t coordinated, and the opportunities that come when inclusion is built in from the beginning.

The meeting series campaign is informed by our position statements and their calls to action.

1. 1. Position Statement → 2. One Page Summary → 3. Meeting → 4. Follow-up Letter with Requests→ 5. Follow-up Meeting

In the last three months, we have met with the following MLAs, with more meetings planned for early 2026.

• Minister of Education and Child Care, Honourable Lisa Beare, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows
• Opposition Critic for Education, MLA: Lynne Block, West Vancouver-Capilano
• Opposition Critic for Mental Health, MLA: Claire Rattee, Skeena
• Opposition Critic for Children and Family, MLA: Rosalyn Bird, Prince George-Valemount
• Green Party of BC MLA: Rob Botterell, Saanich North and the Island
• Minister of Children and Family, Honourable Jodie Wickens, Coquitlam-Burke Mountain
• Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, MLA: Jennifer Blatherwick, Coquitlam-Maillardville
• Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Honourable Sheila Malcolmson, Nanaimo
• Opposition Critic for Social Development and Poverty Reduction, MLA: Kristina Loewen, Kelowna Centre

Several common themes came up during our conversations.

We talked about how services need better coordination, that youth with disabilities need stronger pathways to employment, and that accessibility and inclusion must be treated as priorities, not afterthoughts. We were encouraged by MLAs’ willingness to listen, ask questions, and understand the challenges people with disabilities face.

These meetings are part of Inclusion BC’s ongoing advocacy work. Building relationships with decision-makers is important for long-term change, and we will continue these conversations. Inclusion is not achieved through a single meeting or policy. It requires ongoing collaboration, accountability, and a willingness to listen.

We thank the MLAs who took the time to meet with us and engage in meaningful discussions. We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included, valued, and supported in every part of community life.