Strengthening Systems Advocacy
Over the past year, Inclusion BC has focused on strengthening our systems advocacy by clearly outlining our priorities and bringing them directly to elected leaders across British Columbia. Two key tools guided this work: our Position Statements and our ongoing MLA Engagement Campaign.
Inclusion BC’s Position Statements identify what is needed to create a more inclusive province. They are informed by the perspectives and experiences of people with disabilities, their families, and community organizations across BC. These statements transform lived experiences into clear policy ideas that governments can understand and use.
Our Position Statements cover issues that matter most in people’s lives, including:
- access to health and mental health care
- disability supports
- income security
- community living
- strong coordinated systems of support
These clearly defined positions help ensure our advocacy remains focused on removing systemic barriers and advancing the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This year, we made a strong effort to bring these ideas directly to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Through our MLA engagement campaign, we connected with elected representatives across the province to discuss the importance of inclusive communities and the policies needed to support them.
These meetings created space to share the real experiences of people, their families, and community organizations. They also helped build relationships with decision-makers and ensured that disability inclusion remains part of important policy discussions in British Columbia.
A key message throughout these discussions was the vital role of community-based organizations and the importance of a rights-based approach. Across the province, Inclusion BC’s member organizations provide trusted support, local knowledge, and meaningful connections that help people participate fully in community life. Continued investment in these organizations is essential to building coordinated and effective systems of support.
In addition to these conversations, Inclusion BC worked with partners to explore new ways to better support people with complex needs, meaning people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are also experiencing substance use and/or mental health challenges that increase their vulnerability to adverse health and well-being outcomes.
We also began to focus on emerging areas, including access to justice and supported decision-making, as key priorities moving forward.
Through our Position Statements and by engaging directly with MLAs, Inclusion BC continues to ensure that the perspectives and experiences of people with disabilities, their families, and communities are heard. Together, we are working toward a British Columbia where everyone belongs.
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