Victoria Friday, June 3, 2022 8:30 AM
“Since the passing of the Accessible B.C. Act last year, we have been dedicated to removing barriers, so that all people living with disabilities have an equal chance to succeed,” said Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “And I am so happy that we are continuing to support the BC SCI Community Services Network, as the work they do across the province is critical to achieving this goal.”
The BC SCI Community Services Network includes the Neil Squire Society, the BC Wheelchair Basketball Society, the BC Wheelchair Sports Association, Spinal Cord Injury BC (and BC Paraplegic Foundation) and the Disability Foundation.
The network’s services aim to remove social isolation by helping to support people with disabilities be physically and mentally healthy, find accessible housing, get jobs, participate in sport and recreation, and access the information and resources they need to participate and succeed in their communities.
Partnerships within the health care, research and tourism sectors, and community-based organizations allows the BC SCI Community Services Network to provide unique educational and wellness activities for people with disabilities and their families. Initiatives in peer support, active living and recreation help people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities adapt and thrive.
While the BC SCI Community Services Network serves people with spinal cord injuries, each partner organization also serves a range of individuals, including people with different forms of disability, family members, caregivers, students, athletes of all abilities and others who provide support and care.
Government is working to break down barriers to accessibility, promote fairness and equity and to build a better B.C. that integrates accessibility into everyday lives.
Quick Facts:
- Last year, the BC SCI Network provided services to more than 18,000 people provincewide.
- Collectively, the organizations that make up the BC SCI Network have provided more than 220 years of service delivery in B.C.
Learn More:
Spinal Cord Injury BC’s website: https://sci-bc.ca/
More information about the Neil Squire Society can be found here: https://www.neilsquire.ca/
Learn more about the BC Wheelchair Basketball Society: https://www.bcwbs.ca/
For more information on the BC Wheelchair Sports Organization website, visit: http://bcwheelchairsports.com/
For more information about the Disability Foundation, visit: https://disabilityfoundation.org/
Accessibility in B.C.: gov.bc.ca/accessibility
A backgrounder follows.
Dan Coulter, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility –
“I know that the past two years have put additional pressure on non-profits, and this renewed partnership is a reflection of our commitment to supporting those organizations that go above and beyond every day, in every community, to work with people with disabilities, and to help us build a barrier-free B.C.”
Chris McBride, executive director, Spinal Cord Injury BC –
“Individually, our organizations are known for doing a lot with a little, but we know we can do a whole lot more by working together. This welcome support from the Province allows our network to continue being a constructive and innovative partner with government in working toward our common goal of establishing B.C. as the best place for people with physical disabilities and their families to live, work and be active.”
Gary Birch, executive director, Neil Squire Society –
“The Neil Squire Society is delighted to receive this funding support for the BC SCI network as it plays an instrumental role in helping our organizations work together more effectively, efficiently and seamlessly supporting persons with disabilities in B.C. This results in greatly reduced chances of them falling through the gaps so that they get the co-ordinated services that will enable them to be fully included and thriving members of our society.”
Sian Blyth, BC Wheelchair Basketball Society –
“The generous support from the Province of B.C. will go a long way to supporting the BC SCI network’s collaborative work! BC Wheelchair Basketball Society continues to be a part of this incredible work supporting not just our own participants to be physically active through our programs, but work with the other network partners to reach and support all British Columbians with a physical disability.”
David Fong, Disability Foundation –
“With this funding support from the Province of B.C., the Disability Foundation and its affiliated societies will be able to harness the collective strengths of our BC SCI Network to broaden the reach and impact of our programs and services that help British Columbians with physical disability to re-imagine their journey through outdoor recreation and activities, musical arts, community participation and overcoming physical barriers at work, home and play.”
Gail Hamamoto, BC Wheelchair Sports Association –
“The financial support of the province of B.C. for the BC SCI Network ensures that our collective impact on the lives of individuals with physical disabilities can not only continue, but can expand – leading to full, active and healthy lives for all British Columbians. BC Wheelchair Sports values the opportunity to be a part of this network of organizations working toward a common vision and purpose.”
This on BC Govt website go to the link here