By Marie Putman – Self-Advocate
Once again, DDA sponsored the BC People’s First Conference, which was held from March 17th to March 21, 2025.
The BC People First Society is a non-profit organization that is part of the International People’s First movement. It is made up of self-advocates from different regions around the province.
The vision of BC People’s First is to help stop the stigma that surrounds intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The goal of the BC People’s First is not to have others speak for us, as individuals living with a disability, but to have our self-advocates advocate to governments about the issues of relevance to us.
Some of the things that do matter to people with a disability are: employment with fair wages, and having a living wage.
Affordable housing and access to transportation. Having inclusive and non- segregated communities.
On March 17, DDA held a conference for individuals supported by DDA to come to the head office to participate in games such as Rights Bingo. The game allowed us to learn about our rights as citizens of BC. Prizes were given out to anyone who won the game. Lunch was provided and it gave us a time to meet with our friends and discuss things that matter to us, where we want change or support. The AT departments also had a game for us discussing our rights. Everyone was so engaged.
This was a fun day, and everyone had a group photo taken wearing our T-shirts for the BC People’s First Conference.
On Friday, March 21, a few of us went to Grandville Island to the community center to partake in some sessions with guest speakers. These were self-advocates from BC who talked about our rights. I learned that I am a self-advocate. Again, we were able to play some games for prizes. My housemates Julie and Victor won some nice prizes.
Currently, there is a lot of uncertainty for marginalized groups from around the World, where rights are being removed. Having something like the People’s First Conference is so vital for all of us living with a disability, as it creates space where we can use our voices to discuss what matters to each one of us. A space to learn about our rights. A platform to ensure we do not lose our rights as equally participating citizens.
