VICTORIA – The contributions of people with disabilities are being celebrated during British Columbia’s first AccessAbility Week, May 27 to June 2, 2018.

“AccessAbility Week is a time to recognize the people, communities and organizations that are actively increasing opportunities and removing barriers, so people of all abilities have a better chance to succeed,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “It’s an opportunity to focus on making our neighbourhoods more welcoming for people with disabilities, and working together to build the most accessible, inclusive province in Canada.”

Events and announcements are being held throughout the week, wrapping up with Access Awareness Day June 2. Communities throughout the province are hosting events and supporting activities that promote the importance of inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities.

The celebrations are supported by $10,000 in provincial funding to the Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC BC).

Quick Facts:

• More than 500,000 British Columbians aged 15 and older, or 15% of the population, self-identify as having a disability.
• The population of people with disabilities is growing rapidly. One in seven Canadian adults has a disability, and as the population continues to age, this number is expected to grow to one in five by 2036. 
• The provincial government provides up to $5 billion annually to fund services and supports to people with disabilities in B.C.

Learn More:

To get information on government accessibility initiatives, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/accessibility

To find out more about Access Awareness Day events on June 2, 2018, visit: http://www.sparc.bc.ca/