SelfAdvocateNet.com in 2012 – A Year of Growth and Determination

By 2012, SelfAdvocateNet.com (SAN) had taken another important step forward by transitioning from SharePoint to WordPress. This change brought greater flexibility and ease of use, allowing the site to continue growing as a powerful platform for self-advocacy, connection, and justice.

The site remained rich with interactive pages, offering resources, stories, and spaces for self-advocates to share their voices and experiences. It had also built a strong network of supporters who received regular updates on the fight for justice for Woodlands Survivors. This growing community played a crucial role in keeping pressure on decision-makers and ensuring the survivors’ voices were heard.

The Edenvale Leadership Retreats continued, bringing together self-advocate leaders from across the province and beyond. In addition, special retreats were held specifically for Woodlands Survivors, giving them a space to share their experiences, find strength in community, and strategize for the ongoing legal battle.

At the time, three major institutions in British Columbia had left a painful legacy, but it was the Woodlands Survivors who took the lead in fighting for justice and legal recognition of past abuses. Their fight was long, challenging, and filled with setbacks, but the strength and determination of the survivors never wavered.

The Fight for Woodlands Compensation – A Long and Hard-Won Battle

The Woodlands compensation process was an emotional and difficult journey for those who had lived through years of institutionalization, neglect, and abuse. Survivors and advocates fought tirelessly to ensure that those experiences would not be forgotten—and that justice would finally be served.

Key Moments in the Woodlands Compensation Fight:

• 1996 – Woodlands Institution closes after more than a century of operations. Survivors begin sharing their stories and calling for recognition of past abuses.
• 2002 – A class-action lawsuit is filed on behalf of former Woodlands residents, led by lawyer David Klein. Survivors and advocates push for government accountability.
• 2010 – After years of advocacy, the BC government finally offers compensation, but controversially excludes those institutionalized before August 1, 1974, leaving many survivors without recognition or justice.
• 2018 – After ongoing pressure from survivors, self-advocates, and allies, the BC government announces that all Woodlands survivors—regardless of when they were institutionalized—will receive compensation. This victory comes too late for some, but it marks a powerful moment of justice and acknowledgment.

A Legacy of Strength and Advocacy

Through it all, SelfAdvocateNet.com stood alongside the survivors, using its platform to share updates, rally support, and keep the fight alive. The Woodlands Survivors never gave up, and their perseverance not only changed their own futures but also made history for future generations of self-advocates.

2010 was a year of resilience, growth, and continued advocacy, proving once again that when self-advocates stand together, real change happens.

The Disability World in 2012 – A Year of Progress and Advocacy

The year 2012 was marked by major legal, social, and technological advancements in the disability rights movement. From the expansion of international human rights treaties to progress in accessibility and self-advocacy, the disability community continued pushing for greater inclusion, representation, and justice worldwide.

1. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) Gains More Support

• By 2012, over 125 countries had ratified the CRPD, making it one of the most widely supported human rights treaties.
• Canada had ratified the CRPD in 2010, and by 2012, advocates were pushing for stronger implementation of its principles, particularly in employment, housing, and accessibility laws.
• In the United States, there was a heated debate over ratifying the CRPD, with disability rights groups pushing for Senate approval. However, despite strong advocacy, the U.S. Senate failed to ratify the treaty in December 2012, falling just five votes short of the required two-thirds majority.

2. The Paralympic Games in London – A Game-Changer for Disability Awareness

• The 2012 London Paralympics were the most-watched Paralympic Games in history, with over 4,200 athletes from 164 countries competing.
• The Games received unprecedented media coverage, bringing greater visibility to athletes with disabilities and challenging public perceptions.
• The event helped elevate disability rights conversations, especially around equal funding and support for athletes.

3. The Growth of Digital Accessibility and Assistive Technology

• Apple introduced more accessibility features, including VoiceOver for iOS and Mac, making smartphones and computers more usable for people with visual impairments.
• Google and Microsoft also expanded their accessibility tools, improving speech recognition, captions, and screen-reader compatibility.
• Websites and businesses started adapting to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, making digital spaces more accessible for people with disabilities.

4. Legal and Policy Wins for Disability Rights

• In Canada, disability organizations continued advocating for stronger employment protections and inclusive education policies.
• The European Union introduced new accessibility standards for public spaces, transportation, and digital services.
• In the U.S., several disability discrimination lawsuits were won, ensuring better workplace accommodations and accessibility.

5. Disability Representation in Media and Culture

• The film “The Sessions” (2012), starring John Hawkes and Helen Hunt, was released, sparking conversations about sexuality and disability.
• Disability rights groups pushed for better representation in Hollywood, calling for more authentic casting of disabled actors in films and TV.
• Social media platforms became a major space for disability activism, with self-advocates using Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to share their experiences and push for change.

6. Self-Advocacy and Community-Led Movements Continue to Grow

• SelfAdvocateNet.com and other digital platforms continued empowering self-advocates by sharing personal stories, resources, and advocacy tools.
• In Canada, disability organizations focused on promoting independent living and improving social services for people with disabilities.

Conclusion

2012 was a year of visibility, advocacy, and technological progress for the disability community. The London Paralympics helped change public perceptions, accessibility laws expanded, and digital tools became more inclusive. However, challenges remained, including the U.S. Senate’s failure to ratify the CRPD and ongoing barriers in employment, education, and healthcare. Despite this, the disability movement continued to gain momentum, driven by activists, self-advocates, and allies around the world.