Community partnerships and engagement are at the heart of Inclusion BC’s work. By collaborating with employers, local organizations, and national networks, we create opportunities for connection, learning, and advocacy. Programs like MentorAbility BC, along with our work in key coalitions, strengthen relationships, expand access to employment and community participation, and advance systemic change, helping build a more inclusive and equitable province where everyone belongs.
MentorAbility
Over the past year, MentorAbility BC has continued to create meaningful opportunities for people to explore careers across the province. Through guided mentorship experiences, participants connected with professionals, asked questions, and learned about different industries and roles. In total, 121 mentorships were completed, with 87% taking place online, demonstrating the program’s ability to reach people regardless of location.
Participation also grew this year, with 40 facilitators, 71 mentors, and 132 mentees involved across British Columbia. Each mentorship offers job seekers the chance to explore careers of interest while building confidence and making new professional connections. These experiences are designed to be welcoming and low-pressure, helping participants learn about workplace expectations, job roles, and the skills needed to succeed.
MentorAbility encourages curiosity and meaningful conversation. Participants share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another. For mentees, this provides valuable insight into what a job is really like. For mentors, it offers an opportunity to reflect on their own career paths while supporting a more inclusive workforce.
Mentorships took place across a wide range of fields, including hospitality, technology, trades, administration, and the creative sector. These experiences help participants discover new possibilities, while allowing employers to showcase inclusive workplaces. Many mentors described the experience as meaningful and rewarding, with several expressing interest in continuing their involvement.
As the program grows, MentorAbility BC continues to adapt to meet the needs of both urban and rural communities. The high number of virtual mentorships highlights how technology can reduce barriers, particularly in areas with fewer in-person opportunities. At the same time, in-person mentorships remain an important part of the program, offering valuable, hands-on workplace experiences.
MentorAbility BC remains committed to building strong relationships between employers, community partners, and job seekers—opening doors to career exploration and supporting a more inclusive workforce across the province.
Key Partnerships
We are proud of the partnerships we have strengthened over the past year. Collaboration is a core part of our work, and we are committed to building reciprocal relationships with organizations that share our values of inclusion, equity, and social justice. Together, we amplify our impact and advance meaningful change toward more inclusive communities.
BC Poverty Reduction Coalition
The BC Poverty Reduction Coalition (BCPRC) has played a key leadership role in advocating for legislation that recognizes housing as a human right. Working alongside partners, including Inclusion BC, the coalition has built momentum for this important issue. In spring 2025, 10 municipalities passed motions supporting this approach. This is an important step toward ensuring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have access to a full range of community-based housing options.
BCPRC has also been a strong advocate for ending Persons with Disabilities (PWD) spousal clawbacks, aligning with Inclusion BC’s call for individualized disability benefits. While the provincial government announced partial changes in December 2025, the coalition continues to push for full reform to address legislated poverty.
First Call
For 30 years, First Call has advocated for the rights and well-being of children and youth in British Columbia. With 108 affiliated organizations, the network focuses on issues affecting children and families. Its annual Child Poverty Report Card highlights trends in income inequality, housing, and food insecurity.
Over the past year, Inclusion BC collaborated with First Call on key issues, including income security for families raising children with disabilities, access to early intervention and child care, and improved supports for children and youth with disabilities.
Inclusion Canada
Inclusion Canada is our national federation representing organizations across all provinces and territories, working to advance the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. The organization leads on federal issues such as the Canada Disability Benefit, Disability Tax Credit, employment supports, housing, health, and access to justice.
This past year, Inclusion BC met with Members of Parliament from across British Columbia to advocate for inclusive federal funding, ensuring investments do not support segregated housing and that employment programs are accessible to people with intellectual disabilities. A significant success was the Senate’s inclusion of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the National Strategy for Children and Youth, strengthening the legal foundation for advancing disability rights.
Family Well-Being Coalition (West Coast LEAF)
Inclusion BC is one of 27 members of the Family Well-Being Coalition, led by West Coast LEAF. The coalition works to transform child welfare systems by centring family well-being and reducing harmful practices associated with family policing.
Through collaboration, research, and shared learning, coalition members work to advance systemic change. Meetings provide space for knowledge-sharing, organizing, and solidarity, with a strong emphasis on lived experience. A key highlight this year was the development of the Access Toolkit, a resource designed to support advocacy for meaningful access in child and family services proceedings.
Share this with your network:
