SOUND OFF: Building a barrier-free B.C.

This legislation will support the development of new accessibility standards in a range of areas, including employment, the built environment and the delivery of services. By proactively identifying, removing and preventing barriers to inclusion, this legislation will directly improve the lives of people with disabilities in every corner of our province.

In accordance with the principle of “nothing about us, without us,” and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, this legislation has been shaped by those with lived experience. And it’s with their continued input that we’ll be able make sure we get this right.

But it’s important to recognize that this legislation will not only impact people with disabilities. The truth is, whether it’s age, genetics or in cases like mine – a workplace accident – disability has a way of reshaping all our lives.

And if it’s not you personally, there’s a good chance a loved one, friend or co-worker of yours will develop a disability. Building a barrier-free B.C. is in the best interests of all of us.

Once passed, the Accessible British Columbia Act will require government to establish a provincial accessibility committee that represents the diversity of British Columbia. Next steps will also include the development of a new forward-looking government accessibility plan, along with annual reports identifying our progress in building a barrier-free B.C.

As part of my work as Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, Premier Horgan has asked me to work alongside advocates, communities and businesses to ensure that the accessibility legislation is both effective and easy to understand. This is a responsibility I take seriously, and I look forward to continuing to engage with advocates, Indigenous people and business owners across the province.

Passing legislation that requires organizations to remove barriers to accessibility is one thing, but if we want to live in a province that’s truly accessible, we all have work to do in tackling our own biases. These ‘attitudinal barriers’ are often the most pervasive and will require our collective understanding of disability to evolve.

People with disabilities are not unhealthy or unwell. Nor are they lesser than because of their disability. They do however have needs that aren’t being met by their environment – be that physical, social or technological.

By proactively taking action to eliminate these barriers, we can make serious headway in building a better province that works for all of us.

While our conversation about accessibility and inclusion in B.C. is not over, I know that by working together, we can build a barrier-free B.C. that works for everyone.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

by Dan Coulter, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility

SOUND OFF: Building a barrier-free B.C.

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