Disability White Paper Conversation at BCSS
The B.C. Government is hoping to get insight into what we as a society can do to make B.C. a more accessible and inclusive place to live. How can government, business, and communities increase accessibility and decrease barriers for people living with disabilities? The feedback from these community consultations will be captured in a White Paper, which will inform a provincial summit held in June to develop strategies to address the issues facing people with disabilities in B.C.
Below are the broad topics that were discussed with some Peer Supporters at the B.C. Schizophrenia Society in Victoria, B.C., along with their comments and suggestions regarding these topics. These thoughts and recommendations are gleaned from the experiences of the Peer Supportersthemselves at BCSS Victoria Branch and from the Peers with whom they’ve assisted over the years.
Questions that can be considered:
- Why do you think it’s important that we reduce barriers and increase accessibility for people living with disabilities in B.C.?
- What can British Columbians do to welcome the contributions of people with disabilities, and what barriers can we remove?
- What would make it easier for people with disabilities to make contributions to the community, and what needs to be in place?
- What would B.C. be like as the most progressive place in Canada for people and families living with disabilities?
Topics Discussed
Innovation
Innovation is about exploring a diverse range of new ways to support people with disabilities to live the life they choose, as well as looking at how we design and use existing programs and services. Innovation includes programs, technology, and independent living, to policy, processes and practices.
Thoughts/Suggestions:
-Need to make invisible disabilities such as mental health difficulties more visible
-More education needed regarding mental illness – debunking myths and misdiagnoses and labels
-Inclusion and awareness projects – where does this definition or idea of awareness or education come from? Need to ask and consult people with lived experience, all the stakeholders, family members, everybody
-Different representation and language is needed in media and in universities/ schools/ workplaces
-Issues regarding disclosure: Need to address stigma and discrimination across systems (e.g. Services Canada, repercussions for not disclosing illness or medications when getting or renewing drivers’ licenses)
-Effects of labels and diagnoses can be detrimental because of internalized stigma– perhaps these should not be needed to access benefits, services, and programs
-Medical records should not be as freely accessible by so many agencies and organizations. Mental health diagnoses, hospitalizations, home visits by police, and police escort to hospital emergency wards should not be a matter of public record. To certain eyes these things imply instability and potentially criminal or dangerous behavior. Such records have prevented people from crossing international borders.
-Mental health funding – start more funding processes for non-profits and innovative ideas especially those coming from the community and from people with lived experience
-Maybe it's more than just spending more money to maintain the mental health of everyone and rehabilitating the mentally ill - although some increase is well warranted. It's also a matter of where you put the money
-Health – access to alternative care should be covered (holistic care system needed)
-If you have a disability, you are not allowed to have the same quality of life as others – can’t take vacations, visit family that are far away, make more than a certain amount of money or save for the future
-Higher education for everyone should be free - Is it possible for higher education to be free for everyone, never mind the mentally ill. If you are managing your illness well over a certain period of time wouldn't it benefit everyone to have more highly skilled and better educated citizens?
-Explore how countries like Germany can afford to have universal free post-secondary education and 7 weeks of vacation annually. Germany is a world class economic power
Work and Contribution
Reducing barriers to employment and increasing community inclusion helps to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to work and contribute, as they are able. Fostering diverse workplaces that include employees with disabilities can improve the capacity of B. C. businesses to compete in the global economy and ensure people with disabilities have the opportunity to contribute to the economic growth of the province.
Thoughts/Suggestions:
-Review WorkSafe BC and Employment Standards to make it easier for people with disabilities to be in the workforce
-What has the government done since implementing their own program of employment and how has this been reviewed?
-Need a range of supportive options including self-employment options
-Allow people support and benefits; can be on disability and work
-Benefits should be available for those who work part-time too
-Incentivize with subsidies for companies to take on people with disabilities – be able to take jobs that anyone else can take, not specially designated jobs
-Integration needed in the workplace of those with disabilities and those without
-Once you do get a job, assisted or supported employment would be helpful in case of relapse – have someone to come in and cover for them
-Success stories needed of those who integrate back in the workplace, full time or part time
-More education grants needed for people to create success stories and get back in the workforce
-Allow space for contributions from those with mental health experience: artwork etc., showcase talents or programs or success stories – be presented/ framed in a way that does not essentialize/ tokenize
-Open ended programs to recognize the contributions that can be made, whether occasional, part-time, or full-time
-Issues regarding disclosure: Mixed support at workplaces regarding disclosure of a mental illness; certain workplaces don’t want you to disclose, or to only tell certain people who you feel safe with; or not telling employers until you get the job
-Need to initiate workplace policies regarding mental illness disclosure and inclusion/acceptance; when to disclose, what accommodations can accompany disclosure
-See Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace project (MHCC)
-Look to other countries such as the Scandinavian countries that treat mental health in a different way
Housing and Accessibility in the Broader Built Environment
When we think about the “broader built environment”, we are thinking about the world around us – our homes, communities, buildings, transit systems, and anything that has been built up in our environment. Creating and improving accessibility in our homes, towns, and cities enables people with disabilities to live life as they choose, live where they wish to live, and enjoy the same freedom as their fellow citizens.
Thoughts/Suggestions:
-Lights, air, standards of housing is not acceptable –rooms are too small
-Affordable housing is very hard to find – especially unless it is a crisis or experiencing severe Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
-Poor housing and supports can hold people with mental illness back
-More housing needed for individuals/single people
-If a person is responsible enough to take care of themselves and maintain a clean home, why can't they have a pet - a bird, a cat, even a small dog? There is much research to show how living with a pet improves ones sense of well-being, happiness, and physical as well as mental health.
Social Networks to Support People in Community
Having a strong social network is important for every British Columbian. Social networks may include friends, family, co-workers, neighbours, or more widely spread contacts within a community. A support network can be made up of people or organizations that you can turn to for help with favours, assistance during challenging times, or for just having fun.
Thoughts/Suggestions:
-More peer support
-People need to feel included and accepted
-Money for inclusive and integrated programs, not just special programs
-Accommodations within social groups for anxiety, steps towards inclusion
-Work on having general society integrated into disability world as well, not vice versa
-Have programs open to everyone, not just those with mental health issues
Asset Accumulation and Registered Disability Savings Plan
Having the ability to accumulate assets can give comfort to people living with a disability and their families, knowing that resources are available for necessary services and supports. The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a national, tax-deferred, long-term savings plan for people with disabilities who want to save for the future, as well as for families who want to help ensure the financial security of their loved ones with a disability.
Thoughts/Suggestions:
-Current situation keeps people down, poor, and ill – can’t make money, and if they do they are reviewed – this is anxiety provoking
-There is a gray area around being eligible for benefits even if not working full time – needs to be clarified and those working part-time or full-time should still be eligible
-Concerns regarding retirement and asset accumulation – right now it is difficult to save enough money to have a financially stable retirement
-Need to apply for Disability Tax Credit in order to get RDSP, but government claws back contributions if you don’t get a doctors note saying that you are eligible
-Should not be based on doctors’ opinion on whether you are deserving
-With CPP you can’t live on the amount per month if you can’t get back on PWD to get top up – not enough there in CPP often due to less time in the workforce than the general population
-Government should provide support to nonprofits for benefits and RRSPs for those who work there full-time and part-time
-More money for people – social and financial support needed