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What’s new at the Accessibility Directorate

Last updated on May 14, 2026

Get up to date on our quarterly progress with the Accessible B.C. Act and everything else going on at the Accessibility Directorate.

On this page:

A message from Dana Lajeunesse, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility

Photograph of Parliamentary Secretary of Accessibility Dana Lajeunesse, a middle-aged white man with a beard

April, May and June are important months that raise awareness about the need to work toward accepting everyone in communities across B.C.  April is Autism Acceptance Month. In June, we recognize Brain Injury Awareness Month and DeafBlind Awareness Month to support people with brain injuries and those who are both deaf and blind. Acknowledging these months helps teach us to reduce stigma and provide meaningful support to make sure everyone feels included.

As the Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, I am excited to celebrate AccessAbility Week from May 31 to June 6. This week is a special time to recognize all the great things people with disabilities do in our communities. It also honours the people and groups who help support them. AccessAbility Week reminds us that there is still plenty of important work to do so that all people with disabilities can take part fully and fairly in community life. It’s a chance to celebrate progress and it serves as a reminder for us to keep working toward a more inclusive B.C.

Accessibility updates

Accessible B.C. Act appointment of independent reviewer

Part of the Accessible B.C. Act requires that we review the Act and its regulations for effectiveness. In March 2026, Minister Sheila Malcolmson appointed Dr. Ruby Dhand to conduct the review. It is scheduled to be completed in fall 2027.

Other highlights

Accessibility spotlight

Accessible Housing - Inclusive First Nations project

Indigenous Disability Canada/ B.C. Aboriginal Network on Disability (BCANDS) are leading the Accessible Housing - Inclusive First Nations project. It will focus on accessible housing in First Nations communities across Canada. They will work to identify best practices, gaps and barriers.

These findings will be used to create recommendations for accessibility standards and housing policy.

Recommendations will be directed for consideration at:

  • Communities
  • Leadership
  • Regulatory bodies

Now and into the future, this project aims to meaningfully improve Indigenous Peoples’ accessibility and quality of life.

This project centres the lived experiences of First Nations Peoples with disabilities. To provide your experience, take the survey.

If you have questions, contact:

Accessibility resources

Access RDSP

Access RDSP provides free support to help people access the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Contact the Disability Planning Helpline for one-on-one support on the RDSP:

Disability Tax Credit support

Disability Alliance Canada will provide step-by-step support through applications, renewals, denials and appeals. They can also help people apply for any benefit related to the DTC once approved.

Inclusion Canada also has a new Barriers-Free Benefits program, which offers free, one-on-one help with disability benefits. You can get help with applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) from one of their navigators.

Indigenous Disability Canada / B.C. Aboriginal Network on Disability Society

Indigenous Disability Canada / B.C. Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) provides culturally safe support for Indigenous communities. BCANDS helps Indigenous peoples across B.C. apply for disability supports, including: 

  • The Disability Tax Credit
  • RDSP
  • Federal and provincial PWD designations

Contact BCANDS to receive support:

Important dates

  • May: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month
  • May 31 to June 6: AccessAbility Week
  • June: DeafBlind Awareness Month
Did you know?

The B.C. government has a central site for all public engagement activities. Check the active consultations and share your feedback!

engage.gov.bc.ca

Disability supports

Accessibility grants/funding opportunities

Contact information

 

Email
accessibility@gov.bc.ca