Advocacy In Action! BCPF Self-Advocacy Conference 2025 (Virtual Online Events)

Join us for our learning and networking conference hosted by BC People First Society – Self-advocates supporting self-advocates!

The conference is a hybrid learning and networking event with activities taking place online March 17, 18 & 19 and in-person March 21, 2025.

This is the registration page for all of the virtual online events. Come to as many of the events as you can with one Zoom login link. We'll send the login link out to all registered attendees a few days before event starts. Find our agenda for this year's online events below.

We have a stronger voice when we push for changes in society together. Conferences make it easier for people to share information, ideas, and tactics. This gives self-advocates more tools for advocating for themselves and helps make policy better for everyone. 

Event attendees will get to connect with peers while gaining experience and knowledge in leadership development areas such as self-advocacy, human rights, goal setting, entrepreneurship, presentation skills, networking, and more. Plus, we'll hear from some very helpful services with information about their programs in Plain Language! Join us to learn the information for yourself or so you can share it with others.

Come and support the presenters! Learn and connect with us!

These events are for:

• BCPF members and other self-advocacy group members

• Self-advocates or people interested in self-advocacy

• People with intellectual and developmental disabilities

• Allies and supporters of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Want to host a group with your virtual ticket? You can use your ticket to join any of the online events with others, and take part from one screen together.

Virtual Events

MONDAY

Monday, March 17 @ 7:00pm - 8:00pm

• BCPF Member & Self-Advocates Happy Hour

• Bring your dinner or your favourite beverage and let's connect online before all of the learning sessions begin!

TUESDAY

Tuesday, March 18 @ 11:00am - 11:50am

• Learn about the Including All Citizens Pathway (IACP) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Plain Language. So you know if it's right for you, or so you can share the information with others.

• IACP is one of the first for-credit fully inclusive programs to include students with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities on par with their peers. IACP does not adapt or modify courses. IACP is all about transforming teaching using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles making each course fully accessible and inclusive.

Tuesday, March 18 @ 1:00pm-1:50pm

• BCPF Panel Presentation: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Ownership

• Do you want to learn from people with experience fighting for their rights in an ableist society? Do you want to learn about being a disabled small business owner in BC? Join us to hear from our panel, including stories and advice about the challenges and solutions people have found to starting and running their own business! We'll have some time for questions at the end.

• Our panel members are excited to share their business owner experiences with you:

  • Marguax Wosk | Retrophiliac

  • Simon & Caroline | Simon's Soap Box

  • Kayla Finney | Empower Stride Innovations

  • Annika Giesbrecht | Sherbert Service Dogs

  • Janek B.

  • Krystian Shaw | The Kamloops SelfAdvocate Newsletter

Tuesday, March 18 @ 2:00pm - 2:45pm

• Learn all about Individualized Funding & Microboards in Plain Language with Vela Canada

• Individualized Funding is a payment option for people served by Community Living BC (CLBC). This funding helps people use the money they get from Community Living BC assistance to create new, different kinds of services that will support them in their community.

• A Microboard is a small (micro) group of committed family and friends (a minimum of five people) who join together with a person with a disability to create a non-profit society (board). Together, they help the person plan their life, brainstorm ideas, advocate for what they need, monitor services and ensure they are safe, connect to their wider community, do fun things together.

*15 Minute Break*

Tuesday, March 18 @ 3:00pm - 3:45pm

• Learn all about Disability Alliance BC (DABC) programs in Plain Language! There will be time for questions at the end.

  • DABC Law Clinic

  • Advocacy Access Program

  • DTC/RDSP application support program

  • Help filing taxes program

  • Right Fit program

WEDENSDAY

Wednesday, March 19 @ 11:00am - 11:45am

• Learn about about a Disability Without Poverty BC campaign in Plain Language and how the campaign became a success. Plus, advice to others on doing advocacy work in BC!

Wednesday, March 19 @ 1:00pm - 1:50pm

• Learn all about Nidus in Plain Language and how the group got started. Plus, learn about what a Representation Agreement is in Plain Language and get the chance to ask questions. It's all about your choice, your plan, and your life!

Wednesday, March 19 @ 2:00pm - 2:45pm

• Learn all about Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) projects and initiatives in Plain Language! There will be time for questions at the end.

  • FindSupport BC

  • MyBooklet BC

  • MyCommunity BC

  • PATH Facilitation

  • Support Worker Central

*15 Minute Break*

Wednesday, March 19 @ 3:00pm - 3:50pm

• BCPF Panel Presentation: Self-Advocacy & Dealing with Ableism

• Do you want to learn from people with experience fighting for their rights in an ableist society? Do you want to learn about dealing with ableism and self-advocacy success advice? Join us to hear from our panel! We'll have some time for questions at the end.

• Our panel members include:

  • Alison Klein

  • Bryce Schaufelberger

  • Akshay Sachdeva

  • Jo-Anne Guathier

Please register for the virtual events ticket by March 13th. The Zoom login link for the online events will be emailed out to everyone on March 14th. Check your junkmail folder if you don't get it or email us anytime at hello@bcpeoplefirst.com.

Are you in the lower mainland or Metro Vancouver Area? Want to join us at our in-person BCPF Member & Self-Advocate conference event on March 21? Find the details here: