Hi! It’s Shelley DeCoste from the Diverse Ability campaign!!
I’m writing to tell you about an amazing opportunity I have been given to represent the BC Self Advocacy community to help reduce poverty for people with diverse abilities.I was nominated by Inclusion BC to sit on the BC Provincial task force for poverty reduction. I am one of many people from all walks of like who have been chosen to help the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction think about what needs to happen to make life better for people with diverse abilities. I’m proud to be on this advisory group because it’s important for people with intellectual diverse abilities to have a voice and be included in these conversations.
I have already been to two meetings and even though it’s a bit overwhelming I am getting my message across, including the need for government and others to use PLAIN LANGUAGE so we can participate on an equal basis.
Some of the main messages that I want to get across while on this committee are:
- Every bit of money helps when you are poor. Bring back the volunteer incentive so people with diverse abilities can contribute and work toward employment.
- We need more employment training that works for us- ALL of us.
- Increase employer awareness (including government employers) about customized employment and job sharing and how it can and does work for people with intellectual diverse abilities.
- Increase our PWD rates so we have a fair chance at getting ahead when we do get a job.
YOU are invited to come and talk about how poverty can be reduced in our province!
Information on how your can get involved can be found online as details become available:
http://bcpovertyreduction.ca/take-action/povertyreductionconsultation/
A tool kit is being developed for people who want to host their own Community meetings and will be available on the website in a short time people can also provide feedback
Send your input online: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcpovertyreduction/submit-your-feedback/
Send an email with your ideas on how to reduce poverty: Email: BCPovertyReduction@gov.bc.ca
Call and leave a voicemail message at 1 778 698 7746 or 1 800 663 7876. (elsewhere in B.C.)
Let’s ALL get our voice heard about how to make life better for people with diverse abilities who are living in poverty!
Here are some meeting dates coming soon to a community near you:
Prince Rupert Thursday January 11th
Terrace Kitimat Friday January 12th
Smithers Saturday January 13th
Kamloops Thursday January 18th
Nanaimo Monday January 22nd
Port Alberni Tuesday January 23rd
Campbell River Wednesday January 24
Williams Lake February 2nd
Quesnel Saturday February 3rd
Prince George Wednesday February 7th
Chromebook Thursday February 8th
Nelson February 9th
