Accessibility Creates Full Inclusion

Above: We recently had the opportunity to welcome leaders from across our provincial government to L’Arche Saint John, including the Ministers of Social Development, Housing, Labour, Health and MLA Kate Wilcott. As Disability Awareness Week approaches, these conversations matter more than ever.

Next week marks Disability Awareness Week in New Brunswick, running from May 31 to June 6. To kick off the event, earlier this week I attended the 39th annual legislative luncheon.

As I made the trek to Fredericton, I briefly questioned whether it was the right decision to take a full day away from my regular tasks to attend the event. Unsurprisingly, within minutes of walking through the doors I was proven very wrong. I quickly connected with colleagues in the disability sector – from fellow organizational leaders, to frontline social workers, to policymakers within the Department of Social Development. 

I was in the right place.

And I left with a greater appreciation for the work we all do, with the resources we each have, to make New Brunswick more accessible for all. 

The relationship between advocates and government can be tense, without enough resources to adequately fund essential disability support services. Public resources are limited. Individuals face barriers to services, and many organizations struggle to stay afloat, thereby jeopardizing access to care. 

Yet as I got to know the people around my table – a combination of governmental and nongovernmental leaders – I was reminded that we have more in common than not. We are all doing our part, within the confines of our roles, to build a more accessible, inclusive province. Framing that common goal helps me embrace advocacy work not as combative, but deeply collaborative and relational (though not without challenge).

Back in March, officials visited our art studio, Creative Connections, to learn more about L’Arche Saint John. Guests included the Ministers of Social Development, Housing, Labour, Health, and MLA Kate Wilcott. We’re grateful they took the time to meet with our team and hear directly from the people who live and work in our community. 

These conversations matter. When decision-makers spend time in our spaces and meet the people at the centre of this work, it creates a different kind of understanding – one based on relationships, not datapoints. These opportunities create a foundation for understanding and collaboration.

At L’Arche, we believe care is more than meeting basic needs. It’s about time, connection, and belonging. As we continue our conversations with provincial leaders, we remain focused on a simple idea: support systems should reflect the dignity, independence, and choices that every person deserves.

As Disability Awareness Week approaches, we are grateful for the tireless and thankless work so many generations of New Brunswickers have done before us to get to where we are today. We still have a long way to go – but are stronger and bolder with your continued support. 

With gratitude,

Rachel Vander Vennen
Community Leader & Executive Director