The BC Government released their Accessibility Legislation Consultation Report. Among many highlights, the report confirms that our campaign to address stigma and safeguard against discrimination towards people with mental health and substance use-related disabilities was a success! Our call for consideration and change is reiterated throughout the 48 page document.
There is acknowledgement of the need for a broad inclusive definition of disability that includes “people with invisible disabilities.. [such as] mental health challenges” and recognition of how stigma and judgement create barriers to inclusion and participation. The report goes further to note that such barriers should be removed in a “systemic way” rather than in response to individual complaints.
CMHA BC is similarly pleased to see mention of one of our core recommendations. To achieve a culture of inclusion, the report identifies “the development of targeted education and training programs for different professions that provide service to the public”. We are hopeful that this will lead to all service provision staff receiving mandatory literacy training that is co-produced and co-delivered by people with mental health and substance use-related disabilities.
The Accessibility Legislation Consultation Report is a promising indication of the forthcoming laws and standards, and another example of how our collective efforts to #GetLoud have been heard.
Thank you for supporting our call for an accessible BC.