Inclusion BC offers advice on BC Budget 2019 priorities during annual Fall Consultation
New Westminster, BC – October 15, 2018: Inclusion BC has urged the BC government to target new provincial dollars to advance inclusion for children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Our advice for the province’s next fiscal budget was outlined by Inclusion BC’s Executive Director Karla Verschoor in a September 25 presentation (read the transcript here) and in a written brief (Read it here).
Here’s our key recommendations:
- Additional resources to address K-12 staffing gaps and educator training in inclusive education and positive behaviour support;
- More funding for CLBC to support adults and transitioning youth, and
- Rental supplements to help adults access inclusive housing.
“What’s great about advocating for inclusion is that it’s not a zero-sum game,” Verschoor told MLAs at the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. “Inclusive schools work for all kids and help build inclusive communities.”
“These are exciting times to talk about inclusion,” she added. “We’re building powerful partnerships and watching real progress unfold.”
Verschoor spoke at the annual consultation to hear from BC residents on their priorities for the next government budget .She said these new investments would support our own work with community and government partners to remove barriers and increase opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, building a stronger and more inclusive province where everyone belongs.
