By 2020, SelfAdvocateNet.com (SAN) had grown into a dynamic and thriving self-advocacy platform, evolving with the times while staying true to its mission of empowerment, inclusion, and leadership. The site had adopted a fresh new theme, beautifully showcasing the thousands of posts that had been written over the years. Recognizing the value of this rich history, an Archive Site was created, ensuring that past stories, lessons, and achievements were preserved for future generations.

A major milestone for SAN was its ability to financially support self-advocates in sharing their voices. By 2020, the site was paying $100 per published story and was proudly publishing four new stories each month, thanks to the generous support of sponsors such as Community Living BC and many local service providers. This shift ensured that self-advocates were not only heard but also valued for their contributions.

With the Woodlands Compensation battle finally won in 2018, the focus of SelfAdvocateNet.com expanded to employment and job-related stories, recognizing that meaningful work and economic independence were key to empowerment and self-determination.

Technology also played a huge role in making the site more accessible and inclusive. A text reader was introduced, allowing stories to be read aloud for those who preferred to listen. Additionally, a variety of adaptive technologies were implemented to support those with limited vision, along with a translation service covering over 80 languages, ensuring that SAN’s message reached across cultures and borders.

Bryce and Joe, ever the champions of connection and leadership, took great pride in adding a sidebar filled with valuable resources, including an interactive map highlighting key self-advocate leaders across the province. This feature made it easier than ever for self-advocates to find mentors, connect with peers, and strengthen their community.

Bryce and Joe had built a deep friendship through their shared passion for self-advocacy, and their bond was at the heart of SelfAdvocateNet.com. In 1917, when Joe passed away suddenly in his hometown of Mission, BC, it was a heartbreaking loss for Bryce and the entire self-advocate community. Joe’s energy, kindness, and dedication had touched so many lives, and his absence was deeply felt.

In the wake of this difficult time, Bryce found strength in the friendships he and Joe had built over the years. Together with Joe’s friends in Mission, he helped raise funds for a memorial bench in one of Joe’s favorite parks—a lasting tribute to a man who had given so much to others. The bench now stands as a place of reflection and remembrance, a reminder of Joe’s unwavering spirit and the impact he had on those around him.

One of the most exciting developments was the creation of a Self-Advocate Editorial Board, ensuring that the stories, themes, and direction of SAN remained truly in the hands of self-advocates. Bryce and Joe continued to be highly sought-after speakers, sharing their journey and insights at conferences and events, inspiring a new generation of self-advocates to step forward and lead.

As the world grappled with the challenges of COVID-19, SAN’s leadership responded with characteristic foresight and compassion. Understanding the urgent need for accessible information and support, they launched a dedicated spinoff site, salnbc.com. This new platform focused exclusively on resources to help the diversAbility community navigate the pandemic safely while staying informed and connected. From health updates and safety guidelines to mental health support and virtual community-building tools, salnbc.com became a crucial lifeline for self-advocates during uncertain times.

By 2020, SelfAdvocateNet.com had become much more than a website—it was a movement, a community, and a powerful voice for diversAbility. It stood as a testament to the strength, resilience, and leadership of self-advocates, proving that when people with diversAbilities take the lead, the world changes for the better. Through innovation, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion, SAN continued to shine as a beacon of empowerment, ensuring that self-advocates could not only survive challenges like COVID-19 but also thrive in the face of adversity.

The DiversAbility World in 2020 – A Year of Challenges and Transformation

The year 2020 was a defining moment for the DiversAbility movement, shaped by the global COVID-19 pandemic, social justice activism, and technological advancements. While the world faced unprecedented challenges, self-advocates, allies, and organizations continued to push for greater inclusion, accessibility, and rights for people with diversAbilities.

1. The Impact of COVID-19 on People with DiversAbilities

• The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on people with diversAbilities, exposing longstanding inequalities in healthcare, employment, and support services.
• Many self-advocates raised concerns about the lack of accessible health information, reduced disability services, and the isolation caused by lockdowns.
• Online advocacy became more critical than ever, with self-advocacy groups using platforms like Zoom, social media, and blogs to stay connected and push for inclusive pandemic responses.
• Governments and disability organizations worked to increase remote work opportunities, expand financial assistance, and improve healthcare access for people with diversAbilities.

2. Global Recognition of the Need for an Inclusive Future

• The United Nations and disability rights organizations emphasized that COVID-19 recovery plans must include people with diversAbilities, advocating for better employment policies, healthcare access, and digital inclusion.
• In Canada, organizations like Inclusion BC and Community Living BC worked to ensure self-advocates and support workers had the resources they needed during the pandemic.
• Around the world, disability leaders pushed governments to recognize the unique challenges faced by people with diversAbilities in emergencies.

3. The Rise of Digital Accessibility and Remote Work

• The shift to remote work and online learning created both opportunities and challenges for people with diversAbilities.
• Tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple expanded accessibility features in their platforms, improving screen readers, voice recognition, and alternative communication tools.
• Many workplaces adopted flexible work arrangements, which opened doors for more people with diversAbilities to access jobs.

4. The Black Lives Matter Movement and Intersectional Advocacy

• The Black Lives Matter movement sparked important conversations about intersectionality in the diversAbility community, highlighting how race, disability, and social inequality are interconnected.
• Self-advocates called for greater representation of people with diversAbilities in racial justice movements and more inclusive policy changes.

5. Accessibility Gains and Setbacks in Transportation and Public Spaces

• Public transportation systems in many cities faced delays in accessibility improvements due to pandemic-related budget cuts.
• However, many outdoor spaces, businesses, and government offices expanded accessibility efforts as part of broader pandemic adaptations (e.g., curbside pickup, wider pathways, and online service options).
• Disability organizations continued advocating for universal design in infrastructure and public spaces.

6. A New Wave of Representation in Media and Entertainment

• More TV shows, films, and social media platforms featured people with diversAbilities telling their own stories.
• Self-advocates used TikTok, YouTube, and podcasts to share their experiences, educate others, and build global connections.
• The Paralympic Games were postponed to 2021, but athletes with diversAbilities continued training, advocating, and breaking barriers in sports.

7. Expanding the Use of the Term “DiversAbility”

• The movement to replace the word “disability” with “DiversAbility” continued growing, with more organizations and advocates embracing language that emphasizes strengths, inclusion, and ability rather than limitations.
• SelfAdvocateNet.com supported this shift, helping to promote a more empowering narrative about diversAbilities.