During the early 2000s and the years that followed, as many self-advocates found themselves homebound due to COVID-19, Bryce recognized how crucial it was to keep the DiversAbility community connected. His dedication to this mission helped the Self-Advocacy Network (SAN) site grow, attracting new sponsors, including two unions, local businesses, and numerous Community Living Societies across the province.
As the SAN site flourished, Bryce and the editorial board continued to receive powerful stories, many of which focused on the resilience and challenges of surviving lockdown. The network expanded in incredible ways, launching a variety of spin-off sites tailored to different needs. These included KSANews.ca, an advocacy news site in Kamloops, and MH Supports, created by a local woman in Mission to provide vital mental health resources. The JJMovie site grew to host over 800 movie reviews, while Shannon’s Healing Journey was launched alongside SurvivingAbuse.ca to support those overcoming trauma.
Bryce and his team also recognized the need for accessible technology and responded by creating SAComputers.ca, a platform that helps connect people with donated computers. Meanwhile, a group of self-advocate leaders, including Bryce, came together to establish the BC Self-Advocate Leadership Network (BCSALN.com). They were also instrumental in launching SALNBC.com, which focused on COVID-19 resources.
With 25 years of dedicated advocacy work and 10 successful spin-off sites—along with three retired projects—Bryce and Cam Dore had the honor of presenting at the annual Inclusion BC Conference. Their presentation highlighted the incredible journey of these initiatives, reflecting on the impact they have had in strengthening and empowering the self-advocacy community across the province.
As of March 2025, several significant developments have emerged in the global disability landscape:
Policy and Legal Developments:
Canada Disability Benefit: The Canadian government announced the finalization of the Canada Disability Benefit Regulations, set to come into force on May 15, 2025. This initiative aims to support over 600,000 Canadians with disabilities, supplementing existing federal, provincial, and territorial income support measures. The first disbursements are scheduled for July 2025. canada.ca
Social and Cultural Milestones:
- Inclusive Casting in Broadway’s “Wicked”: Jenna Bainbridge has become the first disabled actor to play Nessarose in Broadway’s “Wicked,” a character who uses a wheelchair. Bainbridge brings her lived experience to the role, offering a more authentic portrayal and encouraging more inclusive casting in the industry. vulture.com
Challenges and Advocacy:
Financial Struggles for Disability-Focused Organizations: Inclusive Development Partners (IDP), a small business aiding disabled children in impoverished countries, faces potential bankruptcy due to severe budget cuts by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The abrupt cancellation of contracts has led to significant financial losses, impacting support for marginalized children worldwide. time.com
Disparities in Australia’s NDIS: A recent study revealed that Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is less likely to support women, older individuals, and people from poorer suburbs for certain disabilities. The analysis of over 485,000 applications highlighted significant inequalities in access, prompting discussions about the need for more equitable support systems. heraldsun.com.au
Individual Cases Highlighting Systemic Issues:
Prolonged Institutionalization in the UK: Kasibba, a non-verbal autistic woman from Sierra Leone, was wrongly confined in a UK mental health hospital for 45 years, including 25 years in segregation. Her recent release has sparked discussions about the treatment of autistic individuals under the Mental Health Bill, pushing for changes to prevent similar future detentions. thesun.ie
Financial Exploitation in the US: In Florida, a disabled woman’s $250,000 trust fund has mysteriously vanished, with suspicions pointing toward a businessman recently held liable for missing funds from his nonprofit. The case underscores the vulnerabilities faced by individuals with disabilities regarding financial exploitation. the-sun.com
These developments reflect ongoing efforts and challenges in advancing disability rights, inclusion, and support systems worldwide.
