In discussing each area, Innovation, Personal Supports, Work& Contribution, Housing Accessibility &Built Environment, Social Networks and Asset Accumulation, we found our responses to the questions were often overlapping and repetitive. In this brief we have formulated responses to the first three questions that apply equally to all six discussion areas. We also have listed for each discussion area a list of the barriers which need to be removed along with suggested solutions. Why do you think it’s important that we reduce barriers and increase accessibility for people living with disabilities in B.C.? Reducing barriers for Persons with Disabilities is good for everyone, by making our environment accessible for disabled persons we make it accessible for everyone; curb cuts for elders and mothers with strollers, for those who can’t speak English can benefit from captioning, markings indicating level changes in the floor help everyone not only those with visual impairments, Sign Language interpreters allow Deaf persons to make meaningful contributions to others in society. If everyone is able to participate our communities are richer and stronger. Persons with disabilities can contribute their skills and talents if we provide ways to reduce barriers. By becoming a leader in innovating in services and solutions for persons with disabilities, BC has the opportunity to develop innovations that could lead to economic gains for industries wishing to market new products and services. And most importantly, we have an obligation to reduce barriers for persons with disabilities as a signatory to the UN Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities What would make it easier for people with disabilities to make contributions to the community? What needs to be in place? 3. What would B.C. be like as the most progressive place in Canada for people and families living with disabilities? Create new legislation that will preserve the rights of Persons with Disabilities to accessibility and accommodations. BC already has such an act especially for persons with Cognitive disabilities, the BC Community Living Act which could act as a model for new laws as well as the model that exists in Ontario, the Ontarians with
Disabilities Act, 2001 and the American Law, the Americans with Disabilities ACT, 199), 2001, 2008, 2010 Adopt and follow the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Innovation in disability services and more freedom for persons living with disabilities Barriers to Innovation The lack of Persons with Disabilities in real decision/policy making roles in regards to how and what services and programs are developed for them is a barrier The lack of funding to develop technical and program solutions to barriers for a “small” market which keeps equipment costs high as consumers have limited choice of suppliers Solutions: Persons with Disabilities and their Associations would enter into partnerships with government and business to design and fund innovative programs and services. PWD would contribute their labour and expertise while Govt and Business would provide their expertise, funds and connections to use as leverage. Adopt the principles and Values of the Participation Model that places the person in the centre of the solution. The Deaf, Deaf Blind or HOH person becomes a participant and driver of the solution, not the patient receiving it. BC can be a leader in the development of innovative solutions to barriers by providing resources and investments to business and nonprofits that can pilot innovative solutions such as Video Remote Interpreting, Personal Support Centres for PWD which would include links to existing programs as well supporting local initiatives that work for their unique community Establish Individualized Funding programs for PWD where they are given access to funding to purchase services and equipment for themselves, this serves to cut administration costs associated with many government programs Establish a TV Channel for Deaf and HOH issues much like the Aboriginal Network