Recent Events

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“Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away.”     Marcus Aurelius

 


                                      BCANDS “From the Outside Looking In…”                                                        2018 Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering 

On November 26th, 27th and 28th, 2018 during the fourth anniversary of November being declared and proclaimed as “Indigenous Disability Awareness Month” in British Columbia BCANDS will host the 2018 “From the Outside Looking In…” – Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering in Victoria, British Columbia.

To learn more about the Gathering please click on the banner below to be taken to the 2018 Gathering website. Want to keep up-to-date on all the Gathering happenings as planning moves forward?  Follow the Gathering on Twitter!

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RECENT EVENTS / HAPPENINGS

BCANDS Access RDSP Partnership 2018 Recipient of the Doctors of BC’s Excellence in Health Promotion Provincial Award!  

On June 2, 2018, BCANDS and our partners the Disability Alliance BC and the Plan Institute were very pleased and honoured to receive the Doctors of BC’s 2018 Excellence in Health Promotion Provincial Award for our joint / collaborative work in our Access RDSP Program!

It was a great night with our partners and friends and we would like to sincerely thank the Doctors of BC for this wonderful recognition!


                               BCANDS 2018 Recipient of CAMIMH’s                             Champions of Mental Health National Award!

BCANDS was very pleased to be selected as a recipient of the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health’s (CAMIMH) – 2018 Champion of Mental Health Awards – Community Organization. We would like to sincerely thank the CAMIMH for this great honour and awards gala held on May 8th!

We would also like to recognize our clients, partner / sister agencies, communities and stakeholders for their support, collaboration, insight and experience that we have enjoyed over the years. Nothing that the Society does can be done without this great network! Thank you all.

Please click here to see the press release from the CAMIMH.

             

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                        BCANDS RECOMMENDED FOR SPECIAL CONSULTATIVE                STATUS WITH THE UNITED NATIONS!

On January 30th, 2018, the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) was recommended for Special Consultative Status to the United Nation Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Special Consultative Status will provide the Society a new opportunity to present Indigenous disability issues to a global audience and work collectively for the advancement of the same.

The Economic and Social Council is the principal organ that coordinates the economic, social and related work of the 14 United Nations specialized agencies, functional commissions and f­ive regional commissions. It serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues, and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the United Nations system.

ECOSOC may grant Consultative Status to organizations whose work are of direct relevance to the aims and purpose of the United Nations. Having Consultative Status will allow BCANDS the opportunity to provide expert analysis on Indigenous disability issues including serving as an early warning agent; assisting to monitor and implement international agreements, including but not limited to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD); raise public awareness of relevant issues within the disability and Indigenous sector; make written and oral statements and so forth. BCANDS will be required to submit a report of our activities every 4 years, known as the quadrennial report, which includes information about the contributions of the Society to the work of the United Nations.

Special Consultative Status with the United Nations also allows the Society to designate specific BCANDS representatives for annual access to United Nations facilities in New York, Geneva and Vienna.

We look forward to our new relationship with the United Nations and our continued work within the Indigenous disability sector of Canada and the world!.


BCANDS Invited to Attend First Meeting of Federal / Provincial and Territorial Human Rights  Government Department in 29 Year

December, 2017, BCANDS was one of four disability groups and one of approximately 40 Civil Society organizations invited to attend the first meeting of federal / provincial and territorial Human Right government leads, held in the last twenty-nine years.  We look forward to working with the various government in the future and being involved in next steps to ensure the voice of Indigenous persons living with a disability are heard and acted on.


BCANDS meets with federal Minister in Ottawa leading up to December 3rd International Day of Person with Disabilities

November 2017, BCANDS met with Minister of Disability and Sport and the offices of Minister Bennett and Philpott of Indigenous Relations / Services  in Ottawa to discuss the urgency in relation to Indigenous disability. They were productive meetings and we look forward to next steps with each department. BCANDS also had the opportunity to attend the the International Day of Person with Disabilities event hosted by the government of Canada.

 

Left: Neil Belanger of BCANDS and Taylor Glaspey, opening speaker, at the December 3rd event.

 

 

 


BCANDS Panelist at National Disability and Work Conference hosted by the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work 

BCANDS was requested to participate at the National Disability and Work Conference in Ottawa in the days leading up to International Day of Persons with Disabilities, BCANDS participated as a member of the Visionaries Panel. Great event and great work by CCRW!


BCANDS celebrates the third anniversary of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month and presents 2nd Annual BCANDS Indigenous Partnership Award!

On November 16th, 2017, BCANDS was joined by colleagues and friends from across BC and Canada to help recognize and celebrate the 3rd anniversary of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month being proclamation in BC and also to witness the BCANDS presentation of our 2nd annual  Indigenous Partnership Award.  The 2017 recipient was the well deserving Honourable Carla Qualtrough –  former Minister of Sport and Disability.

Minister Shane Simpson – Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction was also in attendance and we were very pleased to have him participate and speak at the event!  A great time was had by all!


Craig Oliver Interview BCANDS and BCANDS Indigenous RDSP Program

Well known Canadian news icon, Craig Oliver interviewed Neil Belanger and Evelyn Huntjens of BCANDS in two separte interviews in relation to BCANDS overall services and the BCANDS Indigenous RDSP Program. It was a great opportunity and we were very pleased to meet and speak with Craig about Indigenous disability!


BCANDS Presents at National – Changing the Conversation / Webinaire – Changer la conversation, for disability groups and provincial and federal government employees!

In September 2017, BCANDS was invited to present at “Changing the Conversation : A Disability Lens for All Canadians” webinar. The webinar was broadcasted to an audience including public servants and members of the disability stakeholder community.

The webinar was designed to facilitate discussions on the development of a disability lens for application to government initiatives. BCANDS  presented on the experiences of and issues faced by Indigenous persons living with disabilities.


BCANDS Presents at Canadian Human Rights Symposium

In September 2017, BCANDS was invited to present at  the Beyond Labels – 2017 Human Rights Symposium in Ottawa as part of a four person expert panel on intersectionality and disability.


BCANDS Presents to Network of Offices for Disability Issues and Premiers’ Councils

In July 2017, at the request of the federal government BCANDS was asked to speak about Indigenous disability issues, barriers, possible solutions and BCANDS services to government representative from across Canada, responsible for disability services / policy.


BCANDS Presents to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Person’s with Disabilities in Geneva, Switzerland.

In April, 2017 BCANDS, with support from the federal government, presented to the CRPD Committee and made recommendations for future change / directions in Canada as it relates to the disability sector. BCANDS was part of an exceptional representation of Canadian Civil Society agencies and presented during Canada’s first review of progress since signing on to the CRPD. BCANDS was the only Indigenous organization presenting and was successful in seeing many of it recommendations being recommended by the committee for action by Canada.

Left: Martha Hall (Government of Canada) Neil Belanger (executive director of BCANDS) and a representative from Japan’s CRPD delegation at the reception held by Canada’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, after the CRPD review concluded.

 

To view the CRPD’s 2017 Concluding Observations to Canada, click HERE.


BCANDS begins Federal Accessibility Consultation with Indigenous communities and Stakeholders across Canada

Commencing in December 2016, BCANDS began consulting with Indigenous communities, government stakeholders and individuals and families living with disabilities in relation to the new Federal Accessibility Legislation presented by Minister of Sport and Disability – The Honourable Carla Qualtrough

BCANDS will engage Indigenous communities, leadership and individuals and families living with disabilities to learn of their experiences, barriers faced and recommendation for the future legislation to ensure that all people can be active and included members of their communities and when accessing federal government regulated programs and servcies.

BCANDS will conduct the consultation via, telephone, email, on-line and in-person until March 31st, 2018.  To participate and for more information click HERE to be taken to our Federal Accessibility page.


Assembly of First Nations (AFN) declares November, 2016 as Indigenous Disability Awareness Month in Canada!

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has declared November 2016 and all future November’s as Indigenous Disability Awareness Month in Canada!

In 2015, the First Nations Summit, the Métis Nation BC and the province of British Columbia all recognized and proclaimed the month. Such recognition specific to Indigenous disability has never been seen before anywhere in the world! In February 2016, Saskatchewan also committed to proclaiming the month in 2016 and in the future!

BCANDS is continuing to work with other provinces, territories and Indigenous leadership organizations across Canada to gain their support and recognition for the month.

AFNClick the AFN logo to see the AFN Indigenous Disability Awareness Month Resolution.


BCANDS selected as 2016 Recipient of the Canadian Medical Association’s National Award for Excellence in Health Promotion

The BCANDS Board of Directors and team are very honoured and pleased to have received the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) 2016 National Excellence in Health Promotion Award! BCANDS received this wonderful honour at the CMA’s 149th annual meeting held in Vancouver in August, 2016.

2016 CMA Award

The Canadian Medical Association’s National Excellence in Health Promotion Award honours those outside the health sector for activities and initiatives that have contributed to improvements in the health and wellness of Canadians.

Thank you CMA!

For more information please click on the following link: CMA Award – BCANDS

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BUS Pass Changes for PWD’s in British Columbia

On September 1st, 2016 changes to the PWD Bus Pass will come into effect across British Columbia. For more information please visit the following links / documents.

Transportation Support / BC Bus Pass for people receiving disability assistance (MSDSI)

Bus Pass letter sent to PWD’s from Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation (MSDSI)

Bus Pass letter sent to Band Social Development Workers (BSDW) Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) regarding PWD’s residing in BC’s First Nation communities

 


Stephen GG 2016

Above – BCANDS Board President Stephen Lytton with his Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston – Governor General of Canada, receiving the Caring Canadian Award on March 4th, 2016.

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BCANDS 2016 Vancouver Island Disability and Wellness Gathering 

The 2016 Gathering ended on February 24th, 2016 and we sincerely thank all delegates, volunteers, vendors, sponsors and presenters in attendance. Please click on the  images below to see some of the Gathering happenings.           Minister Michelle Stilwell - Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation

Click on image to see Minister Stilwell’s message to the Gathering (a new window will open and you will be re-directed to BCANDS YouTube site)

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Minister Carla Qualtrough - Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

Click on image to see Minister Qualtrough’s message to the Gathering (a new window will open and you will be re-directed to BCANDS YouTube site)

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Flag_of_SaskatchewanProvince of Saskatchewan to declare November 2016 and all future Novembers as “Aboriginal Disability Awareness Month” within the province!

Great Job Saskatchewan!

Click on the link below to view the confirmation letter from Saskatchewan’s Minister of Social ServicesThe Honourable Donna Harpauer.

Government of Saskatchewan – Aboriginal Disability Awareness Month 2016


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         November 2015 Proclaimed Aboriginal Disability Awareness Month!!!

November 2015 has been declared Aboriginal Disability Awareness Month in British Columbia by the BC First Nation Summit, the Métis Nation BC and the Province of British Columbia! The proclamation of November as Aboriginal Disability Awareness Month is the first such proclamation / recognition of its kind in Canada and we believe the world!

The proclamation of November as Aboriginal Disability Awareness Month will assist in raising awareness and knowledge of the unique issues facing Indigenous individuals and families living with a disability and a venue to help celebrate and recognize the contributions and value Indigenous persons living with a disability bring to our communities and province on a daily basis.

The rate of disabilities within the Indigenous population of Canada is twice that of the national rate seeing the disability rate among young adults almost three times higher for Indigenous people than for non-Indigenous people

Please click on the links below to learn more about this exciting and ground breaking announcement! 

FN Summit Aboriginal Disability Awareness Month Resolution

MNBC proclaims November 2015 as Aboriginal Disability Awarness Month

Province proclaims Aboriginal Disability Awareness Month  

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BCANDS recipient of the March of Dimes Canada – 2015 Judge George Ferguson National Award!!!

071BCANDS is very pleased and honoured to have been selected for this truly great honor and accepted the award on September 30th in Toronto!!

The March of Dimes Canada Judge George Ferguson Award was created in 1981 and named in honour of Former March of Dimes President Judge George Ferguson. The award is presented annually to a recipient who contributes in an outstanding way by enabling equality and full community participation for people with disabilities throughout Canada.

March of Dimes Canada Celebration

Thank you March of Dimes Canada!

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In partnership with the Dream Catcher Foundation BCANDS recently was able to assist one of our clients in obtaining a much needed scooter!

“I just wanted to say thanks for all your help in getting me the scooter. I have used it it to get out to the dentist on my own, again I’d like to thank you for all your help!”  Charlie B.

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 Pictured above: A note sent to BCANDS from Charlie with photo’s of him in his community enjoying more independence with his new scooter! (Click on photos to enlarge)

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June, 2015

BCANDS developed “BC without Barriers” has raised $3,200 to date to help assist Aboriginal individuals and families living with a disability!
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BCANDS submitted Resolution for “Support for VisitAble Housing within First Nation communities within Canada” accepted by the Assembly of First Nations for review at the July National meeting.
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BCANDS led First Nations VistiAbility Task Force was successful in its submitted Resolution for Support for VisitAble Housing within BC First Nation communities to the BC First Nation Summit!. Click link below to view!

First Nations Summit – VisitAble Housing Resolution

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May, 2015

AANDC announces BCANDS to commence PWD / MNS adjudication for British Columbia’s First Nation communities.

AANDC May 8th, 2015 Notification Letter to BC’s Chiefs and Councils

AANDC May 22nd Letter to Band Social Development Workers

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BCANDS was pleased to have had team members from the province’s Accessibility Secretariat visit our office and the BCANDS team for a morning of great conversation, information sharing and partnership!

Members of the Accessibility Secretariat and BCANDS Teams

From Left to right: Susan Mader. Executive Director – Accessibility Secretariat; Tom Morrell BCANDS Volunteer, Carrie Tom – BCANDS Resource Centre, Trina Lohr (Back) – BCANDS Finance Manager;  Ali Davies – BCANDS Case Manager; Larris Eyres – BCANDS Case Manager;  Amanda Arnet – Administrative Assistant – Accessibility Secretariat; Lisa Hill – Policy Analyst – Accessibility Secretariat; Matthew Simpson – Accessibility Secretariat; Katie Brand – Project and Administrative Coordinator – Accessibility Secretariat; Tim Cottrell – Director – Accessibility Secretariat (Back) and Leanne Kicks – BCANDS UVic Practicum Student.

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December 9th

The Disability Without Poverty Network (DWPN), of which BCANDS is a member, issued a joint media release in relation to the Annualized Earning Exemption (AEE) announced by the provincial government on December 3rd. To view the DWPN media release, please click on the link below.

DWP News Release – December 2014

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December 3rd

The Province is recognizing the unique circumstances of people with disabilities by making it easier for those receiving disability assistance to earn more money with annualized earnings exemptions.

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae made the announcement while marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Starting in January 2015, B.C. will become the first province in Canada to ensure people receiving disability assistance will be able to calculate their earnings on an annual basis instead of monthly, reducing barriers to employment.

This supports Accessibility 2024, government’s 10-year plan to make B.C. the most progressive place for people with disabilities in Canada. It also supports government’s goal of having the highest labour force participation rate for people with disabilities in Canada by 2024.

To see the full press release, please click on the following link below:

Annualized Earnings Exemptions

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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY – December 3rd, 2014

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October 2014

BCANDS appointed to the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation’s RDSP Action Group.

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Action Group is an advisory committee to government that includes prominent financial and social leaders who will work to realize government’s Accessibility 2024 commitment to build and maintain B.C.’s position as the province with the highest per capita uptake of RDSPs in Canada.

For more information on the RDSP Action Group, please visit: http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/pwd/rdsp/index.html

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September 2014

BCANDS Recipient of the Social Planning and Research Council of BC         (SPARC BC) 2014 Provincial Deryck Thomson Award!!

On September 5th, 2014 the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society received the 2014 Provincial Deryck Thomson Award from the Board of Directors and management of Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC BC).

The award, named in honour of the late Mr. Deryck Thomson, one of SPARC BC’s founders who demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the social well-being of British Columbians, the Deryck Thomson Award honours an individual, group, or organization that has made a significant contribution to social planning and social justice within British Columbia.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Society,- Board President Stephen Lytton noted, “Ruby (Ruby Reid – BCANDS Board Treasurer) and I have been on the Board of BCANDS for a number of years and we can say with no hesitation or reservation that receiving this award from SPARC BC is truly a highlight in this organization’s history.”

The award was presented to the Society at a  community celebration hosted by SPARC BC at the BCANDS office and included a welcoming from Councillor Barb Lecoy of the Esquimalt Nation, entertainment by the  Esquimalt Singers and Dancers and a catered dinner for honoured guests witnessing the prestigious event.

The BCANDS Board of Directors, team members and partners would like to sincerely thank SPARC BC for this great honour and for hosting the award celebration as well as the Esquimalt Singers and Dancers for their performance. The award ceremony was truly a very memorable day and enjoyed by all!

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BCANDS Board President Stephen Lytton and Board Treasurer Ruby Reid accept the 2014 Deryck Thomson Award from SPARC BC Board President Steve Havard and Executive Director Lorraine Copas

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Esquimalt Singers and Dancers performing at the BCANDS office at the 2014 Deryck Thomson Award celebration

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September declared Disability Employment Month in British Columbia

As part of the provincial governments Accessibility 2024 plan, September has been declared Disability Employment Month, with the goal of raising awareness about individuals living with a disability and the importance of creating inclusive and diverse workplaces.

One in five people worldwide live with a disability, 15% of the population of British Columbia lives with a disability.

For more information please visit: www.enage.gov.bc.ca/disabilitywhitepaper

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Neil Squire Society

Neil Squire

BCANDS met with representatives of the Neil Squire Society to discuss both organizations services, potential partnership and how both organizations can work together to assist Aboriginal communities and organizations.

The Neil Squire Society gave an overview of two of their services: 1) The Employ-Ability Program, a national program developed for Canadians with physical disabilities to assist in preparing individuals for possible future employment opportunities and: 2) The Computer Comfort Program, which provides a starting point for adults with physical disabilities who want to develop basic computer skills, offering one-on-one computer tutoring at no cost in a supportive, individual-centred environment.

BCANDS will be working with the Neil Squire Society to provide information and link interested Aboriginal communities and organizations to these two programs.

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BCANDS noted in the new edition of the  First Nation’s Health Authority’s Spirit Magazine “The Youth Issue” – Summer 2014 

FNHA Spirit

For more information on the First Nation’s Health Authority (FNHA) visit their website at: http://www.fnha.ca or to view the FNHA’s Spirit Magazine – The Youth Issue in its entirety, please click on the following link: FNHA – Spirit Magazine – The Youth Issue – 2014

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August 2014

CLBC Services within BC’s First Nation Communities to Eligible Individuals

On August 14th, 2014, in a special meeting called by the leadership of Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) with the CLBC Aboriginal Advisory Committee, of which BCANDS is a member, it was announced that, effective immediately, CLBC services would now be available to eligible individuals and families residing within First Nation communities (on-reserve) across British Columbia.

As outlined by CLBC during the meeting  – “The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation has been working with CLBC to better align CLBC-funded programs and services for Aboriginal adults with developmental disabilities living on- and off-reserve. As of August 2014, CLBC services will be provided on-reserve wherever possible for eligible individuals. The approach to service delivery on-reserve is the same approach used for all CLBC eligible individuals across the province.”

This is a major shift in policy for CLBC and BCANDS applauds the new direction and the much needed elimination of this jurisdictional barrier that has restricted access to CLBC services and support to on-reserve First Nation individuals and families living with a developmental disability for many years.

BCANDS will be working closely with CLBC and the CLBC Aboriginal Advisor to engage First Nation communities and organizations, as well as Aboriginal leadership across British Columbia to help assist a smooth transition and that those eligible individuals and families are aware of potential CLBC support and services.

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document relating to this new direction has been  posted on the CLBC website and can be seen here: FAQ CLBC Services for Individuals and Families

Further information on CLBC can be accessed on their website at http://www.communitylivingbc.ca __________________________________________________________________________

June 2014

On Monday, June 16th, 2014, the B.C. Government hosted a Summit to talk about how we, as a society, can increase accessibility and decrease barriers for people with disabilities in B.C.

The summit brought together the disability community, government and the business sector to present an overview of short-, mid- and long-term strategies to support the goal of B.C. becoming the most progressive place in Canada for people living with disabilities.

Summit invitees included senior officials involved in supporting accessibility, leaders of disability groups who took the time to submit a written submission and key members from local government, First Nations and the business community. In addition, one hundred spots were made available to disability community members through a random selection process administered by the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities.

To ensure all British Columbians have the opportunity to participate, the summit was also webcast province-wide.  

To view the BC Government’s Accessibility 2024 Action Plan released at the Summit, please click on the link below.

Accessibility 2014 – BC Government Release

The Disability Without Poverty Network (DWPN), of which BCANDS is a member, issued a joint media release in relation to the governments Accessibility 2024 Action Plan. To view the DWPN media release, please click on the link below.

Disability Without Poverty Network Media Release

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BCANDS Nominated for 2013 Nesika Award

On April 4th, 2014, representatives of BCANDS attended the 5th annual Nesika Awards which were held in Vancouver. BCANDS is very honoured to have been nominated for a Nesika Award and congratulate this year’s recipients and all the other nominee’s.

The Provincial Nesika Awards recognize people, organizations and businesses whose exceptional work helps bring diverse cultures together.

For more information on the Nesika Awards pleae visit the Embrace BC Website by clicking on the logo below.

Nesika 3

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BCANDS AGM

The Society’s Board of Directors hosted their annual General Meeting at the Society’s main office on March 24th, 2014. The AGM was a great success seeing two new Directors elected to the Board, Ms. Lisa Isaac of Victoria and Mr. Ray McGuire of Nanaimo. Both Lisa’s and Ray’s Bio’s can be seen under “Governance” on this site as well as the annual report which is located under “BCANDS Documents”. The Board of Directors and BCANDS Team members would like to thank all who attended and those who stayed to enjoy refreshments after the meeting.

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2014 Winter Challenge!

Challenged by the Sumas First Nation and the Ministry of Children and Family Development, members of the BCANDS team, family and Board of Directors braved shark infested, artic waters and fullfilled the 2014 Winter Challenge!

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The full video of the BCANDS 2014 Challenge can be seen on the BCANDS Facebook page by clinking the link below.

BCANDS 2014 Winter Challenge ____________________________________________________________________

Provincial Disability Consultation Closes – March 11th, 2014

On December 3, 2014, British Columbians were invited by the provincial government to share their thoughts about how government, businesses and communities could better support persons living with a disability to fully participate in our communities. The consultation ended March 11th, 2014 seeing the consultation website receiving 27,965 visits and over 1,100 on-line comments  At the 23 in-person community consultations in 15 communities across BC, 1,149 individuals participated, with over 400 additional submissions including emails, phone messages and mail received by government.

BCANDS staff played an active role in the consultation process including contributing on-line, meeting with the Minister’s Council on Employment and   Accessibility, attending and facilitating at the community consultation meetings and supporting the submitted recommendation of the Disability Without Poverty Network (DWPN) to government , which included recommendation ensuring that disability related supports and services were available and equitable within BC’s First  Nation communities.

Click the following link (below) to view the DWPN submitted recommendations.

Comments and ideas will now inform the develop of a document that will reflect the voices of British Columbians and form the foundation of a Summit to be held in June 2014 on the issues facing people with disabilities in British Columbia. The Summit will bring together leaders within the disability community, government and the business community to discuss how ideas and actions can be developed and implemented in communities, workplaces and across government.

For more information on the consultation and upcoming Summit please visit: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/disabilitywhitepaper

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Disability Without Poverty Network (DWPN) Report / Recommendations

The Disability Without Poverty Network is a working partnership between six organizations, of which BCANDS is one, which works toward positive change for persons living with disabilities within British Columbia, with a focus on those who are living in poverty. Please click on the link below to review the recommendations made by the Network to the Government of British Columbia through the recent Disability Consultation process.

Disability Without Poverty Submission to Government

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BCANDS radio interviews with Cameron Wells on CJAM (Handi-link). CJAM is an Ontario based radio station that focuses on disability issues. Click on the links below to be redirected to the CJAM / BCANDS recording.

BCANDS CJAM  Interview # 1

BCANDS CJAM Interview # 2

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February, 2014

Long time BCANDS Board Member and supporter, Mr. Frazer Smith announced his retirement from the Board of Directors earlier this month and we wish him much success, health and happiness and thank him sincerely for his many years of service to the Society!.  Frazer will continue to remain active within the Tsartlip Nation though continuing to volunteer with both the Nation’s Men’s Group and Elder’s programs. Huy tseep q’u Frazer!

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BCANDS and Vancouver Island First Nation’s – National Visitability Project

BCANDS,  the Esquimalt Nation, the Tsartlip First Nation and the Beecher Bay (Sc’ianew) First Nation are involved in a national Visistability Project being conducted by the Canadian Centre on Disability Studies.

For more information on the project please visit: http://visitablehousingcanada.com/

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United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) – News Release

Click for full UN News Release – “Breaking down barriers for persons with disabilities”

Many of the world’s one billion persons living with a disability remain excluded from development in areas such as education, employment and healthcare. As a result, they experience higher rates of poverty and unemployment, and lower life-expectancy than the general population.

Disability remained invisible

Despite the support of the Convention, disability has remained largely invisible in most mainstream development agenda and processes. Even if the commitment to development includes people with disabilities, a considerable gap remains between the commitment and what happens on the ground. The international community as well as individual governments are committed to achieve development goals for all, but a perspective of disability and concerns of persons with disabilities were too often absent in development frameworks and processes.

Without taking actions such as allocating resources, developing disability-inclusive policies and programmes, as well as monitoring and evaluating progress, disability will be left out of development.

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British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) recipient of the 2013 British Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division’s Dr. Nancy Hall Public Policy Leadership Award

It is with great pleasure that the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability   Society (BCANDS) announces that the Society has been selected as a recipient for the 2013 – Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – BC Division’s Annual Dr. Nancy Hall Public Policy and Leadership Award. The Dr. Hall award is the highest honour that the CMHA bestows on an organization or individual within British Columbia. BCANDS received the award on September 20th, 2013.

The CMHA’s Dr. Hall Award  recognizes an individual or group in BC that has influenced mental health policy and contributed to positive mental health.

BCANDS is sincerely grateful for this honour and thanks the CMHA selection committee for their recognition of the work performed by our team within our health and disability programs and services and through our involvement on various local, regional and provincial, health and disability advisory  committees. .

The Board of Directors, senior management and BCANDS team would like to recognize and thank each of our funding and partner agencies, our communities and our clients for their support and collaboration over the years, without which, this honour would not be possible.

For more information on the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – BC Division and the Dr. Nancy Hall Award please visit their website at: http://www.cmha.bc.ca/get-informed/events/cmha-bc-60th-annual-general-meeting

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British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) recipient of  the 2013 British Columbia Medical Association’s Council on Health Promotion Award of Excellence

It is with great pleasure that the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) announces that the Society has been selected as a recipient for the 2013 – British Columbia Medical Association’s (BCMA), 14th Annual Council on Health Promotion Award of Excellence within the Non-profit Sector. BCANDS received the award on June 1st, 2013.

The BCMA’s Council on Health Promotion Award of Excellence recognize individuals and organizations working to improve the health and safety of British Columbians by celebrating those who demonstrate leadership in health promotion. Nominations received by the BCMA are judged against the degree to which they promote the health and/or safety of people in British Columbia and demonstrate “health promotion” as defined by the World Health Organization.

BCMA 2013   IMG_0715   Larissa acknowledging and thanking the Musqueam people whose traditional territory the award ceremony was held, while accepting the BCMA Award on behalf of the Society.

BCANDS feels sincerely privileged for this honour and thanks the BCMA selection committee for their recognition of our services and our selection for this prestigious award.

The Board of Directors, senior management and staff of BCANDS would like to thank each of our funding and partner agencies, our communities and our clients for their support and collaboration over the years and to say that we look forward to our continued and expanded work together into the future.

For more information on the British Columbia Medical Association (BCMA) please visit their website at: https://www.bcma.org/news/bcs-doctors-recognize-excellence-health-promotion