This month, we are highlighting the Office of the Advocate for Service Quality (OASQ), a valued community partner that helps people and families work through complex service challenges. Inclusion BC is grateful for our collaborative relationship with Advocate Cary Chiu and his team. Together, we have supported practical, person-centred solutions for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially when multiple systems of support are involved.
Established 35 years ago, the OASQ reports directly to BC’s Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Its role is to support people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and the people who support them as they navigate barriers involving Community Living BC (CLBC), regional health authorities, and other public bodies or service systems.
The Advocate acts as an independent third party focused on finding solutions. Their mandate includes support for:
- Adults with a developmental disability (this includes Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
- Teens with a developmental disability who are almost adults
- Teens with support needs
- Family members and others who support a person with a developmental disability
Like the Representative for Children and Youth and the BC Ombudsperson, the Office of the Advocate for Service Quality also looks beyond individual concerns. By documenting complaints and identifying patterns, the office helps bring attention to broader service issues and contributes to systemic change.
We encourage adults with developmental disabilities, families, and supporters to reach out to the OASQ when they need help navigating a challenge. Resolving one issue can often lead to improvements that benefit many others.
The OASQ’s annual report will be released soon, offering another opportunity to learn more about the office’s impact and priorities. We encourage readers to watch for it.
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