The B.C. Self Advocacy Foundation is a unique organization whose sole purpose is to assist people with developmental disabilities to become full, participating citizens in their own communities.
For those individuals who have been labelled "developmentally disabled" or "mentally handicapped", life has often meant separation from family and friends, very few chances for even minimum wage jobs, and little or no access to education. It has often been a life where other people make decisions for them: what to wear, when to eat, who to be friends with, or which activities to attend.
Step by step all that is changing. As individuals living with developmental disabilities learn how to speak for themselves and make their own choices, they are showing people without disabilities that with a little support and encouragement, they can gain greater control over their lives.
The B.C. Self Advocacy Foundation was incorporated in November, 1985 to provide adults with developmental disabilities and their communities with the support, training, and resources necessary for individuals to learn about and advocate for their own rights. The term "self advocate" is the word many people with developmental disabilities have chosen to describe individuals who are learning to speak for themselves and make their own decisions. "Self Advocacy" comprises those activities and resources that assist people with developmental disabilities to understand and protect their rights.
The main purposes of the B.C. Self Advocacy Foundation are to:
The Foundation provides individual self advocates and self advocacy groups with practical, plain language information on basic rights. In addition, the Foundation publishes a quarterly newsletter called "The Voice" which is written by and for self advocates. Through workshops and discussion groups, the Foundation assists self advocates to gain the skills and knowledge needed for greater independence. The Foundation is supported entirely by fundraising efforts. Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the B.C. Self Advocacy Foundation, or wants more information about the work we do, should contact Karla Verschoor.
President: Richard McDonald
Vice President: Conrad Alberts
Treasurer: Maurice Freer
Director: Jo-Anne Gauthier
Director: Darryl Harand
The BCSAF gratefully acknowledges financial support from Newton Bingo Association.