Individual & Family Advocacy

You are not alone. Get support and help from a skilled community inclusion advocate.

Advocating for Inclusion, Together

The Inclusion BC advocacy team is here to listen, support, guide, inform, and advise you as you advocate for your child, your family member, your friend, or yourself.

This could mean connecting you with resources in your community. It could mean offering you information. It could mean creating a plan, and supporting you as you advocate for the supports and services you need. If you’re not sure where to start or who you should be talking to, we can connect you with the right person or organization.

Our advocates are guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, which recognizes the full citizenship and human rights of people with intellectual disabilities.

We serve with patience, empathy, and a deep knowledge of the systems and policies you are facing. Our advocacy is person-centered, rights-based, collaborative, and solution-focused to build a world where everybody belongs.

Connect with the Advocacy Team

We are here to listen, support, guide, inform, and advise you in your advocacy journey.

We strive to create a safe and respectful supportive space. Abusive language or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.

Inclusion BC Advocacy Line
1-844-488-4321

Questions We Can Answer Now

You may be wondering if our advocacy team can help you. If you are a resident of British Columbia, and are facing barriers to inclusion yourself, or have a family member who is, the answer is yes! Here are answers to a few more questions you might be asking. 

Do your advocates provide legal advice or referrals?

Our team of advocates are not lawyers or legal experts. Providing legal advice or referrals is not something we can do.

How much do your advocacy services cost?

Our advocacy services are free for people and families living in British Columbia who are facing barriers to inclusion. All of our resources are also free.

I live in a very small community. Can you still help me?

Absolutely. The advocacy team is here for you no matter where you live in the province. We can email and phone, and meet virtually. 

We serve the entire province, so while we can’t attend meetings in-person, we can join important meetings virtually to be the supportive presence you need.

We are a group of people or families looking for support, can you help us?

Yes! Please connect with our Advocacy Line and a member of our team can meet virtually with your group and offer some ideas and strategies to support your group’s advocacy goals.

What happens when I call or email the Advocacy Team?

Great question. We know waiting for answers or help is hard. When you phone our Advocacy Line at 1-844-488-4321 or email us at advocacy@inclusionbc.org you can expect a response back in 24-48 hours. This is not a crisis line. If you or your family member is in crisis, please call 9-1-1.

If your needs are within our areas of expertise, we’ll work with you to set up an initial appointment with an advocate. Your advocate will book follow-up calls and meetings with you directly. 

Your advocate will make every effort to be there for important meetings (with community organizations, schools, or employers, for example), if you ask.

Our Advocacy team works during regular business hours.

Our approach to advocacy is guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, which recognizes the full citizenship and human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Kerridan Dougan, Advocate

Discover the services, supports, and systems we can help you access

Barriers to inclusion look different for different people and families. Explore the services, supports, and systems we can help you access.

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