Re-imagining Community Inclusion: Steering Committee
Re-imagining Community Inclusion during the Pandemic
The Re-imagining Community Inclusion (RCI) Steering Committee is now providing a direct line of communication for self-advocates, families, stakeholders, and agencies to speak with the B.C. government about its COVID-19 Response Plan. The committee is meeting weekly and is now focused on addressing the urgent issues related to COVID-19 affecting people with disabilities and their families.
RCI Steering Committee Notes (April 8, 2020)
- Bryce Schaufelberger from the Self Advocate Leadership Network expressed concern that people with disabilities tend to be treated as second-class citizens, and that it could get worse during COVID-19.
- Minister Simpson stated his commitment to persons with disabilities and that they are being treated equally during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Angela Clancy from the Family Support Institute noted that because of past history, people with disabilities are scared.
- Minister Simpson expressed his sadness about the death of a support worker at the Richmond Society for Community Living from COVID-19
- Brenda Gillette from the BC CEO Network and Angela Clancy expressed their commitment to reducing anxiety and stress.
- Minister Simpson asked people to bring forward any specific concerns where people with disabilities were not being treated equally—so that they can be addressed.
The committee is co-chaired by Karla Verschoor, Executive Director of Inclusion BC, Ross Chilton, CEO of Community Living BC, and David Galbraith, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
