Position Statements

On key priority areas for inclusion and equality for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Inclusion BC: Positioning For Change

In an effort to share our members’ insights to those with the power to make structural change, we are writing a series of position statements outlining Inclusion BC’s position on key issues facing the disability community. 

We are releasing a collection of position statements in 2024, requesting meetings with ministers to discuss our calls to action.

Each of our position statements are grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and informed by people with intellectual and developmental disability, their families, our member organizations, and our Board of Directors.

Inclusion BC supports the rights of Indigenous people in British Columbia. We support the rules set by the United Nations and the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We also support the laws in British Columbia that protect the rights of Indigenous people.

Our position statements strive to challenge racist, ableist, ageist, and colonial views about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our goal is to promote the inclusion of all members of the community regardless of income, ethnicity, background, culture, gender identity and expression, sexuality, and disability,

Position Statement 1: 

On Access to Health and Coordinated Care For Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (In Plain Language)

Everyone should be able to go to the doctor or the hospital and get the help they need when they are sick. It’s important the government, people who give money, doctors, and nurses work together to make sure everyone gets the care they need. They should also make sure that people who need extra help because of a disability can get the right support to make their lives better. 

We need professionals in different areas working together to make sure nobody is left out when it comes to health care. Everyone, no matter how old they are, should always be able to get the healthcare they need. This position statement highlights the specific healthcare needs and calls to action for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We want to change racist, ableist and other unfair ideas about people with disabilities. We believe everyone should be included in our community, no matter how much money they have, where they come from, or if they have a disability. We think everyone deserves respect and a chance to be a part of our community.

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Position Statement 2: 

On Access to Health and Coordinate Care for Children and Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (In Plain Language)

Stay tuned: This position statement is coming soon.

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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 Dougen, Advocate

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Together, we can break down barriers and create an inclusive world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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