Over the past year, Inclusion BC has continued to work closely with self-advocate leaders, families, member organizations, and community partners to advance disability rights and strengthen inclusion across British Columbia. Guided by our new strategic plan, we focused on deepening and diversifying engagement within our movement, strengthening community-based advocacy, and advancing the long-term work needed to develop a provincial disability action plan.
To strengthen collective advocacy, Inclusion BC partnered with five other provincial organizations to research and publish four new position statements. These statements reflect shared priorities and a unified stance on key issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. By working together, our organizations amplified our impact, aligned advocacy efforts, and provided clear guidance to government and decision-makers on policies and practices that support inclusion, rights, and equitable access to services. These joint statements also serve as valuable resources for anyone working to advance inclusive policy solutions.
Building community-based advocacy remains a key part of our work. Across the province, community organizations play a crucial role in helping people exercise their rights and fully participate in their communities. Over the past year, we continued to invest in bringing people together through leadership gatherings, networks, and shared learning opportunities that build knowledge, strengthen relationships, and expand our collective capacity for advocacy.
We also know that lasting change depends on strong and connected communities. Through initiatives such as our free online course, Building an Inclusive BC: The History of Disability Rights, we are helping ensure that the lessons and leadership of our movement’s history continue to inform and guide the work ahead.
To harness our collective effort, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and our member organizations have been engaging with elected officials to share their priorities and advocate for a new approach to ensuring access to essential supports and services across all levels of government. These discussions aim to improve accountability, enhance coordination across ministries, and ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are recognized and upheld throughout the system.
Thank you for being part of this work with us.
Warmly,
Hilary Thomson – President
Karla Verschoor – Executive Director
Share this with your network:
