BCEdAccess is a volunteer-run, grassroots advocacy organization supporting children and youth with disabilities and complex learners in British Columbia’s K–12 public education system. Founded by parents, for parents, BCEdAccess works to advance disability justice, inclusion, and access to education through community support, public advocacy, and systems change.
Vision
A province where all children—regardless of disability, diagnosis, or support needs—are welcomed, included, and equitably educated in their neighbourhood schools.
Mission
BCEdAccess empowers families and advocates for systemic change in BC’s education system. Through education, storytelling, and collaborative advocacy, the organization seeks to dismantle ableism, end exclusion, and ensure that every child receives the accommodations and respect they are entitled to under law.
Core Activities
- Advocacy and systems change: Engages directly with government ministries, school districts, and human rights bodies to improve access, transparency, and accountability within public education.
- Storytelling and public education: Hosts the annual Amplify conference, publishes lived-experience stories, and provides tools for families to navigate complex school systems.
- Community support and peer connection: Maintains an active parent and caregiver support network, offering resources, solidarity, and guidance through Facebook groups and public events.
- Research and data collection: Conducts surveys and publishes reports documenting the lived realities of disabled students, including issues such as exclusion, restraint and seclusion, and IEP non-compliance.
- Coalition-building: Partners with educators, advocacy groups, and researchers to build a stronger collective voice for inclusive education grounded in the social model of disability.
Services and resources
BCEdAccess provides a wide range of supports and tools to families, including:
- Self-advocacy guides and IEP resources
- Templates for correspondence with schools and districts
- Webinars, events, and recorded workshops
- Peer-led insight on navigating appeals, assessments, and systemic barriers
- Public awareness campaigns focused on ending exclusion and improving accountability
Governance and structure
BCEdAccess is a registered non-profit society led by a small team of volunteer directors, most of whom are parents of disabled children. Its governance structure is deeply informed by lived experience, disability justice principles, and a commitment to transparency and mutual support. The organization collaborates with other parent-led, disability-led, and justice-focused groups across BC and Canada.
Impact and reach
Since its founding in 2014, BCEdAccess has grown into one of the most trusted sources of information and advocacy for families navigating disability and education in BC. Its research has been cited in policy discussions and media coverage, and its work has helped shift public understanding of systemic exclusion from a private family burden to a public, structural injustice requiring urgent reform.
