SelfAdvocateNet.com in 2006 – A Year of Growth and Advocacy

The year 2006 was another remarkable year for SelfAdvocateNet.com as it continued to grow and empower self-advocates across Canada and beyond.

One of the year’s most impactful moments was the 6th Self-Advocate Leadership Retreat, held at Edenvale Retreat House in the Fraser Valley. More than 80 self-advocates from across the country came together, making it a truly historic gathering. Bryce used this retreat as an opportunity to showcase the SAN website and invite feedback on new areas for development—just as he had done in every retreat since the very first one in 2000. These retreats, the first of their kind in Canada, became a pillar of leadership development for self-advocates, drawing participants from across the nation through advertisements on the SAN site.

At the heart of SelfAdvocateNet.com was its unwavering commitment to justice—and in 2006, the fight for Woodlands Compensation took center stage. The website featured a powerful, eye-opening video about life inside the institution and what happened when its doors finally closed. To further amplify the voices of survivors, Bryce and his team created a Memorial Wall, a deeply moving space where former Woodlands residents could share their personal stories. For the first time, these experiences—once locked away behind institutional walls—became public, adding even more pressure to the ongoing push for compensation.

The website’s impact reached far beyond Canada. In 2006, a guestbook was introduced, allowing visitors from around the world to connect, share their thoughts, and express solidarity. Messages poured in from across the globe, a testament to SelfAdvocateNet.com’s growing influence in the international disability rights movement.

Through leadership, advocacy, and community-building, 2006 was another milestone year for SelfAdvocateNet.com, proving once again that self-advocates could lead the way in shaping their own future.

The year 2006 was a landmark year for disability rights around the world. Major legal victories, policy shifts, and activism shaped the movement, leading to greater recognition, inclusion, and justice for people with disabilities.

1. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is Adopted

• One of the most significant moments in disability history happened on December 13, 2006, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
• This was the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century, setting a global standard for disability rights by recognizing people with disabilities as full and equal members of society.
• The treaty called for accessibility, equal employment, independent living, and protection from discrimination.
• Over 80 countries signed it on the first day, showing the growing global commitment to disability rights.

2. The Fight for Compensation for Woodlands Survivors in Canada

• The push for justice for former residents of the Woodlands Institution in British Columbia gained momentum. Survivors and advocates worked tirelessly to secure financial compensation for those who had suffered abuse in the institution.
• SelfAdvocateNet.com played a critical role by raising awareness, featuring survivor stories, and building public pressure on the government to act.

3. Accessibility and Inclusion Gains in Canada

• The Canadian government and provincial leaders continued expanding accessibility laws and disability supports, though activists pushed for stronger enforcement.
• Community Living organizations worked to increase inclusive housing and employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
• Inclusion BC (formerly BCACL) became increasingly vocal in promoting self-advocacy and independent living.

4. Legal Wins and Disability Rights Cases in the U.S.

• The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on important disability rights cases, reinforcing the need for reasonable accommodations in workplaces and public spaces under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Disability advocates fought for better Medicaid coverage for home and community-based services, aiming to reduce reliance on institutional care.

5. The Growth of Disability Representation in Media & Culture

• More films, TV shows, and books began featuring characters with disabilities, though many were still played by non-disabled actors.
• Disability advocates continued to push for authentic representation and better opportunities for disabled artists in the entertainment industry.
• The Paralympic movement gained more global attention, with athletes advocating for equal funding and recognition.

6. Assistive Technology & Digital Accessibility Expands

• Tech companies like Apple and Microsoft invested more in accessibility features, improving screen readers, voice recognition, and mobility aids.
• More websites began adopting accessible design, though many still failed to meet disability standards.
• SelfAdvocateNet.com was a leader in digital accessibility, making advocacy resources available online at a time when social media had not yet fully emerged.

7. The Shift Toward Independent Living and Community-Based Support

• Governments worldwide faced growing pressure to close institutions and transition toward community-based living for people with disabilities.
• Disability rights activists pushed for better funding for home care, supported employment, and inclusive education.

Conclusion

2006 was a pivotal year for the disability community. The adoption of the CRPD set the stage for global legal protections, while grassroots advocacy, legal victories, and technological progress continued to break down barriers. Self-advocacy movements like SelfAdvocateNet.com played a crucial role in amplifying voices, connecting people, and pushing for justice.