Inclusion BC’s Conference and Learning Events bring people together to connect, learn, and lead change in their communities. From large-scale gatherings to local and virtual opportunities, these events create spaces where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, professionals, and community partners can share knowledge, build relationships, and strengthen advocacy skills. Together, they support a growing movement for inclusion across British Columbia, rooted in community, collaboration, and the belief that everyone belongs.
Everybody Belongs 2025: A Celebration of Community
This year’s Everybody Belongs 2025 conference was a powerful celebration of community. Marking Inclusion BC’s 70th anniversary, the event brought together people from across the country through a national partnership with Inclusion Canada and our local partner Aspire Richmond. More than 500 delegates, including 38 scholarship recipients, came together to learn, connect, and celebrate inclusion.
From the opening performance by Reconciliation Theatre to keynote sessions led by long-time disability rights leaders, the conference highlighted the lived experiences that shape our movement. An Indigenous women’s panel shared powerful stories of strength, identity, and community.
Connection was at the heart of the event. Through workshops, conversations, and celebrations like the Dinner & Dance, participants built relationships and renewed their commitment to a Canada where everyone belongs. Attendees left feeling energized, inspired, and ready to take action to advance disability rights.
Everybody Belongs 2025 was a reminder that our strength comes from each other, and that inclusion is built through community, shared vision, and collective action.
Youth Employment Summits: Connecting Youth to Opportunity
Over the past year, three Youth Employment Summits brought together youth, employers, educators, and community partners to explore career pathways. These welcoming events gave young people the opportunity to ask questions, connect with industry professionals, and discover careers aligned with their interests and strengths.
With 808 registrations across Langley, Kelowna, and Nanaimo, the summits created engaging spaces for participants to connect with employers, post-secondary institutions, and service providers. Exhibitor booths, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities supported learning about career options, training programs, and next steps.
For many, speaking directly with professionals was a highlight, offering valuable insight into roles, expectations, and required skills. Participants also reflected on their own strengths while exploring new possibilities.
Feedback was highly positive, with more than three-quarters of respondents reporting satisfaction. Both participants and exhibitors valued the welcoming environment, meaningful connections, and opportunities to promote inclusive employment.
By bringing sectors together, Youth Employment Summits continue to make career exploration more accessible, helping young people feel informed, inspired, and confident about their futures.
Family Leadership Series: Growing a Network of Local Leaders
The Family Leadership Series supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to grow as local leaders through opportunities for learning and connection. This year, events were held in Cranbrook and Campbell River in partnership with 21 local organizations committed to building inclusive communities. A total of 87 participants attended.
Participants reported meaningful outcomes:
- 70% said they gained new knowledge or advocacy tools to support inclusion in their communities
- 83% said they built new connections or strengthened their networks
- Over 90% said the events were accessible and respectful of their cultural background
The impact of these events is best captured in the words of participants:
“The experience was very meaningful to me, especially because it helped me recognize my own advocacy, the value of my story, and the services available to support families in my community.”
“I cannot stress enough how big a difference it is to go to an event where people with lived experience are openly sharing. What was missing from other events we’ve attended was the insight and empathy that comes with a panel like this. None of those other experiences gave us the same sense of affirmation or the feeling that we are not alone. As parents, it was one of the most meaningful experiences we’ve had.”
Navigating Barriers to Inclusion: Knowledge and Strategies for Effective Advocacy
Through our Advocacy Line, we hear that many people face similar challenges when advocating for meaningful inclusion. In response, and to reach more people across the province, we launched a new virtual learning series: Navigating Barriers to Inclusion.
The series began with two key topics: Inclusive Education and Disability Services for Adults. Guided by Inclusion BC’s Advocacy Team, participants deepened their understanding of rights, explored common barriers, and learned practical strategies to navigate systems and advocate effectively.
Participants rated the sessions highly, with many sharing increased confidence and knowledge:
- 70% said they gained knowledge and feel more confident engaging on these topics in their communities
Participants appreciated:
Being able to understand the process parents have to go through for effective advocacy.
That the sessionc covered lots of information but wasn’t overwhelming and there was lots of opportunity for Q&A at the end.
You could tell the presenters were very passionate and knowledgeable about the topic.
Building an Inclusive BC: The History of Disability Rights
Last year, we launched the first-ever online course on the history of disability rights in BC in partnership with the BC CEO Network. This eight-module course explores the rise and fall of institutions, the emergence of family and self-advocacy movements, and the experiences of Indigenous Peoples. It also examines the evolution of service delivery and highlights key legal decisions that have shaped our province and country. Each module includes reflective activities and knowledge checks to help participants connect what they’ve learned to real-world change.
Since the course started last year, 798 people have registered to learn more about the history of this movement.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:
- 83% of respondents said they would recommend the course
- 92% found the course helpful
Participants shared:
“I learned so much! But I loved hearing about the history to see how things once were and where they are today. It makes me excited for the future, even though I know there is still lots of work to be done. I also enjoyed listening to all the speakers involved.”
“I feel that it is so important to share the history of how far disability rights have come. Many people who come into my line of work want to make a difference, but unless they have gone through schooling, they do not know the true history and how far individuals with disabilities have come or the barriers that they have had to face. It is a gruesome past, but so important to keep moving forward to make change for the better.”
“Really enjoyed this course, it was enjoyable and easy to navigate. I also enjoyed that there were reflection sections as they opened up many opportunities for conversations with others.”
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