In 2016 the Government of Canada committed to develop new accessibility legislation to promote equality of opportunity and the increased inclusion and participation for all Canadians living with disabilities or functional limitations. As part of the development of this new legislation the government actively engaged individuals and groups through public consultation and on-line surveys across Canada in order to gain insight of the priorities , needs and recommendations necessary for the development of new federal accessibility legislation. The consultations  focused on broad but key areas. For more information on the Government of Canada accessibility consultation please click on the following link:

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability/consultations/accessibility-legislation.html


The British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability or BCANDS is engaging Indigenous communities, leadership,individuals and service providers for their input, expertise and direction in relation to this new legislation. As a valued member of this community we are requesting your participation and insight to the following brief questions.

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* 1. What, in your view, can be done at the federal level to improve services and access to care for Indigenous persons living with disabilities?

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* 2. The Federal Government provides a variety of funding and program support for Indigenous persons and communities such as housing, infrastructure, non-inured health benefits, home care, assisted living, etc. In your opinion what are the limitations of existing programs (polices, funding levels, etc.) and other federal programs you are aware of that impact indigenous people living with disabilities and their ability to be included and active members of their community?

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* 3. Communication and awareness in relation to available programs, services, best practices etc. available to Indigenous persons and communities can in some case present difficulties. This can be due to location, lack of infrastructure and  other environmental factors.  What, in your opinion, would be a strategy to assist to ensure coordinated and timely access to relevant information on programs, services and opportunities for persons with disabilities within the federal jurisdiction?

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* 4. Indigenous (First Nation) communities are provided funding support through a variety of Provincial and Federal  Government Ministries. Coordination between government programs is essential in ensuring the needs and priorities of Indigenous persons living with disabilities are appropriated and planned for.

a) When thinking about your Ministry how would you describe your intergovernmental relationships, and how those relationships incorporate the needs of Indigenous people living with disabilities in both program funding and delivery.

b) If the relationship is limited between Ministries, how would you improve it? 

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* 5. What potential / positive change do you see new Federal Accessibility Legislation bringing to Indigenous communities and Indigenous persons living with disabilities in Canada?

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* 6. When the federal accessibility legislation comes into effect, what agency / Ministry, in your opinion, should be responsible to monitor and ensure compliance within Indigenous communities?

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* 7. Please provide any other insight or comments you have in relation to areas of concern, potential outcomes, best practice or other, as it relates to Indigenous disability within the federal jurisdiction.

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* 8. While these survey questions are completely anonymous, and we greatly appreciate all and any input, we ask that you identify which department, Ministry or organization you are with below.

If you wish to discuss and/or contribute further, please contact the Federal Accessibility Coordinator at the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) at:

Telephone: 250 - 381-7303 Ext: 201
Toll Free - 1-888-815-5511 (TTY Accessible)
Main Facsimile: 250-381-7312
Email: accessibility@bcands.bc.ca
" From the Outside Looking In..."
British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society's
2017 Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering
November 28th, 29th, 30th, 2017
Victoria Conference Centre - Victoria British Columbia - Canada

The BCANDS 2017 Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering seeks to bring together a diverse representation of disability and health related stakeholders over a three day period to learn, inform, share, collaborate and create new and expanded partnerships to assist in addressing the barriers facing Indigenous individuals and families living with a disability. This includes community and organizational leadership, government representatives, individuals and families living with a disability, service providers and others, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

For more information on how to register and participate please follow and share link below!
http://www.bcands2017gathering.com/http://www.bcands2017gathering.com/

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