Our Voice

April 2022 | Issue 137
Transition Magazine: What's New
Transition Spring 2022 cover which features 3 POC standing and sitting in front of a rainbow flag
FYI: Transition Magazine Distribution
DABC has recently switched to mostly online-only distribution of our flagship magazine, Transition. Hard copies will only be produced in small quantities upon request.

If you previously received hard copies, would like to receive the magazine by email, and have not yet provided us with your email, please email us.

You can also read current and previous editions of the magazine on our website.
speech bubble containing many different ways to describe people with a disability
What language do people living with disability use to describe themselves or their disability?
The upcoming Summer edition of Transition magazine is asking the above question about the importance of disability language and identity.

What language do you choose and want other people to use? Do you use person-first language, like “I’m a person with MS” or “I live with depression?” Or, do you prefer identity-first language, like, “I am a disabled person?” Or, do you use other language altogether like, “I’m a punk with bipolar?”

If you would like to be part of this conversation and share with Transition readers, please write to us at transition@disabilityalliancebc.org. Send up to 100 words about how you identify yourself and why you prefer this language.

Any comments received by May 15th, will go into a raffle draw for a $20 gift certificate to Starbucks or London Drugs.
Julie Melanie is the creative mind and nurturing soul behind Enviro Bag Evolution.

A trained seamstress, she hand makes storage bags that are specifically designed for wheelchairs, scooters and walkers.

“The inspiration comes from my experience as a walker and scooter user. The product I am creating is a handy storage bag for whatever you need at your fingertips.”
Do your taxes on your own with the support of a tax advocate!
DABC’s Tax AID partnership has teamed up with Prosper Canada‘s Virtual Self-file program!

Through the program, you can use TurboTax software to help you get started on your taxes for free. You will also receive guidance and support from one of our tax preparers before you file.

Interested? Email us.
Letter to Canada Post about DTES Service Suspension
A number of legal advocacy and peer organizations, including DABC, have written to Canada Post management about the harms caused to some DTES residents by the suspension of service to two blocks along East Hastings Street.
Introducing Optical!
Optical logo and icon and simplified web extension illustration
Optical is a font family and a free web tool that enhances and customizes letters to varied low vision.

It’s the result of a year of collaboration between Emily Carr University of Art + Design, the Accessible Technology Program, Disability Alliance BC, and a small team of designers and developers led by Tyler Hawkins.

Try it out and read more about the process behind the project at opticalfont.com.
New DABC Anti-Violence Resources
two women standing facing away from the camera one has her hand on the others shoulder
In partnership with Inclusion BC and Ending Violence Association of British Columbia, DABC has created two new resources addressing gender-based violence as it impacts people with intellectual disabilities - one for service providers and another in plain language for people with intellectual disabilities.

For full details and to download the guides, please visit our blog.
Statement on the BC Government’s Announcement on Accessibility Requirements for Organizations Under Part 3 of the Accessible BC Act
Disability Alliance BC (DABC) wishes to first express our support and appreciation of the actions the BC Government is taking to move forward with the implementation of the Accessible BC Act (ABCA). Since the Act became law in May 2021, the BC Government has successfully appointed a Provincial Accessibility Committee and has begun developing regulations under the Act.

When the ABCA was first introduced in BC’s Legislative Assembly as “Bill 6” in early May 2021, DABC and a group of disability advocacy organizations produced a review document outlining our six major concerns with the bill. This review can be found on DABC’s website.

In a recent news announcement, the BC Government has contracted DABC over the course of the next three years to allocate, distribute and administer one-time grants to Hub Organizations that will provide support to Prescribed Organizations under Part 3 of the Accessible BC Act.

The BC Government has announced that over 750 organizations in the public sector have been listed as Prescribed Organizations under Part 3 of the ABCA. The Government and each of these organizations will be required to create an accessibility committee, an accessibility plan, and a public feedback mechanism on accessibility.

These Prescribed Organizations come from the following areas of the public sector: school districts, municipalities, municipal police, libraries, post-secondary institutions, health authorities, crown agencies, tribunals and other independent agencies, boards and commissions under the BC Government.

DABC believes this is a good start in implementing Part 3 of the Act, and encourages the BC Government to consider expanding its list of Prescribed Organizations to the private sector in future. 

DABC raises the concern that without the involvement in the private sector in creating accessibility plans and public feedback mechanisms on accessibility, Part 3 of the ABCA may have less of a direct effect on meaningfully addressing barriers to accessibility in many essential areas, for example, at grocery stores, pharmacies, malls and shopping centres, taxis and privately-owned bus services. 

To read our full statement, please visit our blog.
hands in a circle
Thank you for your support from our Board, staff and volunteers. 
  
If you would like to speak to us about our work, please email feedback@disabilityalliancebc.org.

Best regards,

Justina Loh,
Executive Director: Operations-----------------------------H
Helaine Boyd,
Executive Director: Programs and Policy

P.S. Your donation will help realize our vision of a world where people with disabilities live with dignity and independence, contributing fully in our communities.  
Disability Alliance BC | https://disabilityalliancebc.org