For Self Advocates
Welcome to the self advocacy page. If you have any questions or comments about information on this page, please contact Karen Delong, Director of Community Development, at kdelong@bcacl.org or 604-777-9100 extension 530.
To contact the BC Self Advocacy Foundation, email info@bcsaf.org.
What is self advocacy?
Self Advocacy means speaking up and speaking out for your rights. Many people with developmental disabilities who are speaking up for their rights call themselves "self advocates."
...Read more about self advocacy here.
How does BCACL support self advocacy?
BCACL works with self advocates and self advocacy groups in many different ways, including through the BC Self advocacy Caucus and the BC Self Advocacy Foundation... Read more about how BCACL supports self advocacy here.
Are there any other self advocate groups in B.C?
There are many local self advocacy groups across B.C., but there are also a few big groups that represent self advocates all over the province. You can visit their websites below for more information.
BC Self Advocacy Foundation is an independent organization whose sole purpose is to assist people with developmental disabilities to become full, participating citizens in their own communities. Visit their new website here.
BC People First is an independent group of people who have been labelled, and have been a provincial voice for rights since 1981. The president of People First is Lorie Sherritt. Meaghan Feduck is the People First advisor. Meaghan can be reached by email at meaghanfeduck@yahoo.com.
Self Advocate Net (www.selfadvocate.net)- This is a great website written and created by self advocates, for self advocates. The website has information about things like employment and advocacy as well as fun stuff like recipes and horoscopes.
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) (www.bccpd.bc.ca) - BCCPD raises awareness about issues that affect people with physical and intellectual disabilities in B.C. You can go to the website for things like community alerts, events, and resources.
People First of Canada (www.peoplefirstofcanada.ca) - People First of Canada supports people who have been labelled to speak for themselves and to help each other, and helps make sure that what people who have been labelled have to say is heard. It is directed and controlled by people who have been labelled. The website keeps track of disability that are happening across Canada and the world.
Self Advocacy Groups Across B.C. - There are many self advocacy groups across B.C. There may even be one in your town or city! Visit this link to read a list of groups.