Safe and accessible sidewalks and passageways are a right, not a privilege.

Though, not everyone in our cities and towns across BC has access to wide enough, safe, and debris-free passageways. This avoidable societal problem takes away many people’s right to participate in and contribute to their community. Even the most basic accommodations are not consistently in place, such as automatic sliding doors.

The BCPF Advocacy Committee is working on a campaign. Writing letters and raising awareness to address the lack of accessibility in communities across BC due to poor city planning processes and policies.

Sign the petition HERE.

Words hurt. The R-word does not equal stupid.

BCPF offers workshops about language and the ‘R-word’ in partnership with People First of Canada and Canadian Down Syndrome Foundation. Geared to students in grades 5 and up, groups such as scouting/guides, and college programs across BC. It can also be offered to teachers and employees in any industry

The workshops are delivered by BCPF Members who have lived with hearing and being harmed by this word. This makes for a powerful presentation that puts a face behind the reality of the hurt that this word causes. The workshop teaches people about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and discusses the importance of language.

The current PWD single rates are $1,233. But $1233 does not cover the basic

expenses of life each month.

With CERB pandemic funding the rate for a basic living income has been set at $2000. Which is just barely enough to get by but people with disabilities are expected to live on a lot less. Things like this show how little consideration is given to people with disabilities to ensure we have a good life.

BCPF Board Members and Advocacy Committee Members book presentations with City Councils and Provincial Committees and others to speak on behalf of our Members about our daily experiences living under the poverty line.

We want politicians to understand what we go through because it is not easy.

 BCPF is proud to present the Self-Advocate Leadership of the Year Award. In celebration of someone who has shown exceptional leadership and knowledge throughout the 2020 year in the field of advocating for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

CLICK HERE for more information and the nomination form.

Are you a BCPF Member who wants to learn more about self-advocacy OR wants to help others learn more about advocating for their rights? You can sign up as an Advocacy Mentor or request a Mentor if you want someone to go to for advice about self-advocacy work.

Mentors do not do the advocacy work for their Beginners. Mentors are someone to go to for advice about self-advocacy work or advocacy projects in the community.

BCPF Members can get more information and SIGN UP HERE to become  a mentor or request an advocacy mentor.