1000 Step Challenge

November is !
We will be posting a reflection questions to help contribute to conversations around how our communities could be more accessible and inclusive of people with mobility challenges.

REFLECTIONS:

1) Think about your school or workplace - what barriers may exist for someone with a mobility disability? How could that barrier be removed?

2) What do you know about the Disability Rights Movement?

Let us know what your thoughts and/or experience regarding either of these reflection activities in the comments below!

Get involved: 1000StepChallenge.ca.


[Image descriptions: Graphic art of a mobile phone with a white screen and the daily reflection question overlaid on it. In the background of the first image is a close-up photo of someone holding on to an outdoor handrail, they are wearing a jean jacket. In the background of the second image is a close-up photo of two people standing on pavement outdoors in front of a brick building.]

BCAAFC partnered with the Community Legal Assistance Society BC Human Rights Clinic to increase knowledge of human rights for Indigenous peoples and the services available to Indigenous peoples living in BC to support and uphold their human rights. One of the educational posters created reflected the right for a person’s disabilities to be accommodated at work. ⁣
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Download a PDF of the educational posters developed here:https://bcaafc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Indigenous-Peoples-Human-Rights-Posters-5.pdf
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Please visit https://bcaafc.com/.../indigenous-peoples-and-human-rights/ to learn more about the project and find digital, print and video resources.⁣

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November is !
We will be posting a reflection questions to help contribute to conversations around how our communities could be more accessible and inclusive of people with mobility challenges.

REFLECTIONS:

1) Wheelchairs range in width between 60cm to 100cm (25 to 40 inches) wide. Think about holding an exercise ball in your hands and walking through doors in your home or office. Would you be able to fit through the door easily?

2) This week, visit a clothing store and try something on. Did the store have disability-inclusive change rooms? Did the change rooms have stable seating? Are there any seats around the store?

Let us know what your thoughts and/or experience regarding either of these reflection activities in the comments below!

Get involved: 1000StepChallenge.ca.



[Image descriptions: Graphic art of a mobile phone with a white screen and the daily reflection question overlaid on it. In the background of the first image is a close-up photo of someone's shoe walking on pavement outdoors in an urban setting, in the background of the second image is a close-up photo of two people standing in an interior office setting.]

THANK YOU for participating in the 1,000 Step Challenge!

From November 6-12, we challenged ourselves to complete our daily activities in 1,000 steps or less, to help raise awareness for the obstacles faced by the millions of Canadians who have a mobility disability.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to conversations on how our communities could be more accessible and inclusive for people with mobility challenges.

While the challenge has ended, these conversations–turned into action–will have a lasting effect.

Get involved: 1000StepChallenge.ca.



[Image description: The caption text on a white background with "1,000 Step Challenge" emphasized in orange and a blue border along the bottom and blue circle in the top right corner. To the right of the image is a circular photo of people walking outside in an urban setting.]

Why the 1,000 Step Challenge? A powerful message from Julie Robertson, member of the We Wai Kai First Nation and General Manager of the BCAAFC:

"I haven't experienced a pain-free day since I was nine years old.

As a person with a mobility disability, I’ve spent years with wheelchairs, walkers, leg or knee braces, on top of countless surgeries to help increase my mobility.

Accessing health care as an Indigenous person has added to this struggle ­— and I know I’m not alone. One out of every three Indigenous people in Canada has a disability.

Each Canadian who has a disability has their own story and struggle navigating a world built for able-bodied people. Often, health and wellness advocates define a healthy person as someone who walks 10,000 steps a day — meanwhile, municipalities continue to overlook accessibility rights within their jurisdictions.

Furthermore, the message from mass media is: In order to be happy, you have to be thin and fit. But to be thin and fit, you must be mobile.

Well-meaning as these messages may be, it is extremely isolating and exclusionary to anyone with a mobility disability.

If you’re bombarded with the message of having to achieve 10,000 steps a day, there will be days you feel like a failure when you can’t reach 1,000.

The bigger challenge is walking 1,000 steps in my shoes.

That’s why I started the 1,000-step challenge." Keep reading:

Comment: Walk a half mile (1,000 steps) in my shoes Each Canadian who has a disability has their own story and struggle navigating a world built for able-bodied people.

How could your community be more accessible and inclusive for people with mobility challenges?

Share your experiences during the 1,000 Step Challenge for a chance to win prizes!

For the seven days following the challenge (November 13-19), we will draw one person from the stories shared to win a $100 VISA gift card!

Winners will be drawn from stories shared on social media and form submissions on https://1000stepchallenge.ca/get-involved/share-your-story/



[Image one: A blue image with the 1000 Step Challenge logo. Image two: The caption text on a white background with a blue banner at the top displaying the 1000 Step Challenge logo and "November 6-12, 2022". The BCAAFC logo is in the bottom right corner.]

November is !
We will be posting a reflection questions to help contribute to conversations around how our communities could be more accessible and inclusive of people with mobility challenges.

REFLECTIONS:

1) Does your closest crosswalk allow enough time for people with mobility disabilities to cross the road? Would you feel safe crossing in a wheelchair?

2) Sometimes, it's hard for people with mobility disabilities to reach for things below their knees. Spend a day not reaching for anything below your knees.

Let us know what your thoughts and/or experience regarding either of these reflection activities in the comments below!

Get involved: 1000StepChallenge.ca.



[Image descriptions: Graphic art of a mobile phone with a white screen and the daily reflection question overlaid on it. In the background of the first image is a close-up photo of someone walking down stairs in an interior office setting, in the background of the second image is a close-up photo of someone looking at the Apple smartwatch on their wrist.]

Indigenous Veterans Day

Today, we honour Indigenous veterans for their courage and valuable contributions.

Indigenous veterans did not receive the same supports that non-Indigenous veterans were eligible for when returning home from the First World War, and many had their Indian status taken away from them when returning home from the Second World War due to specifications in the Indian Act.*

It is important to acknowledge these injustices when celebrating the strength and bravery of Indigenous veterans.

*Learn more at:
www.ictinc.ca/blog/indigenous-veterans.

What initiatives in your community can you take part in to honour Indigenous veterans?



[Image descriptions: Three images with the caption text on a white background, on image one and two there is also graphic art of a red poppy centered under the text. Across all images there is a blue banner along the bottom with the 1,000 Step Challenge logo and "November 6-12, 2022 www.1000StepChallenge.ca.".]

Share your experiences during the 1,000 Step Challenge for a chance to win prizes!

For the seven days following the challenge (November 13-19), we will draw one person from the stories shared to win a $100 VISA gift card!

Winners will be drawn from stories shared on social media and form submissions on www.1000StepChallenge.ca > Share Your Story.



[Image description: The caption text on a white background with a blue banner at the top displaying the 1000 Step Challenge logo and "November 6-12, 2022". The BCAAFC logo is in the bottom right corner.]

November is !

We will be posting a reflection questions to help contribute to conversations around how our communities could be more accessible and inclusive of people with mobility challenges.

REFLECTIONS:

1) Consider the experience of having a mobility disability by completing your daily activities without raising your hands or arms above your shoulders.

2) Use your non-dominate arm for everyday tasks to consider what reduced mobility may feel like. Tasks could include: opening your car door, brushing your teeth, putting your socks on with one hand, blow drying your hair, or making a cup of coffee.

Let us know what your experience was with either of these reflection activities in the comments below!

Get involved: 1000StepChallenge.ca.



[Image descriptions: Graphic art of a mobile phone with a white screen and the daily reflection question overlaid on it. In the background of the first image is a close-up photo of two people standing on hardwood floor in an office setting. In the background of the second image is a close-up photo of someone walking down stairs in an interior office setting.]

THIS WEEK, join the 1000 Step Challenge to raise awareness for the barriers faced by the millions of Canadians who have a mobility disability.

Imagine a daily limit of 1,000 steps or less to get to work, the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment, or a social event – how would this impact your life?

Sign up at www.1000StepChallenge.ca and join the conversation on accessibility and inclusion in your community.



[Image description: A blue image with white text overlaid and the 1.000 Step Challenge logo (featuring text with graphic art of two location markers and a dotted pathway between them. The text reads "November 6-12, 2022. How could your community be more accessible and inclusive for people with mobility challenges? Get involved: 1000StepChallenge.ca.]

The Small Business BC Workplace Accessibility Grant provides up to $2,500 in reimbursements for small business (1 to 50 employees) improving accessibility for persons with disabilities in their workplace.

Some examples are environmental adaptations, such as ramps, lighting levels, accessible washrooms; anti-bias training; policy revisions; and communication and technology upgrades to support accessible use.

Learn more at: https://smallbusinessbc.ca/workplace-accessibility-grant/

Representation Matters

How many characters in your favourite books, television shows, or movies have a disability?

Are the following statements true for books/TV/movies?*

Characters with disabilities are involved in significant plot developments not centered on their disabilities.

Disabilities are depicted realistically, neither less nor more severe than they would be in real life.

Characters with disabilities are givers as well as receivers, i.e. supportive of other characters, not just supported by them.

Main characters with an accurate representation of disability are an important part of changing oppressive social constructs.

The inaugural 1,000 Step Challenge asks people to engage in these conversations and take action to let leaders know that supporting accessibility and inclusion is important, learn more at www.1000StepChallenge.ca.



*Questions adapted from the Bechdel test - a measure of the misrepresentation of women in film.

[Image description 1: The caption text overlaid on a white background. Two graphic art images in the center show a person sitting in a wheelchair in front of a chalkboard, instructing a class. And a young person laying on their stomach, painting a photo of a cat, they have a prosthetic arm. There is a blue border at the bottom with the 1,000 Step Challenge logo, November 6-12, 2022, and the 1000StepChallenge.ca.]

[Image description 2: The caption text overlaid on a white background. Two graphic art images to the right of the text shows a young person in a wheelchair playing guitar. And a young person playing soccer with an arm limb difference. There is a blue border at the bottom with the 1,000 Step Challenge logo, November 6-12, 2022, and the 1000StepChallenge.ca.]

November is !

We will be posting a reflection question each day to help contribute to conversations around how our communities could be more accessible and inclusive of people with mobility challenges.

DAILY REFLECTION:

Going to a movie theatre? Do you have a favourite spot? How far away do you usually sit from the entrance?

Let us know below.

Get involved: 1000StepChallenge.ca.

[Image description: Graphic art of a mobile phone with a white screen and the daily reflection question overlaid on it. In the background is a close-up photo of someone holding an outdoor hand rail, they are wearing a ring and a jean jacket.]

November is !

We will be posting a reflection question each day to help contribute to conversations around how our communities could be more accessible and inclusive of people with mobility challenges.

DAILY REFLECTION:

How far away is the closest bus stop from your home?

Let us know below.

Get involved: 1000StepChallenge.ca.



[Image description: Graphic art of a mobile phone with a white screen and the daily reflection question overlaid on it. In the background is a photograph close-up of three people standing on pavement. There is a building and parked car behind them.]

How can you make Halloween more accessible? TreatAccessibility.com has some great tips on setting up a safe and inclusive trick-or-treat station!

Consider the barriers that may exist for trick-or-treaters getting to your door – how can you ensure there is a clear pathway that everyone can enjoy?

This may include:
Parking your car in the garage so the driveway is available;
Setting up a station that is accessible to those who may not be able to navigate stairs; or,
Making sure the path to your trick-or-treat station is well lit.

These are just a few tips. We encourage you to be mindful of different experiences to help make Halloween a fun night for everyone taking part.



[Image description: A close-up photo of a person dressed in black with lace-up black boots walking on sidewalk with Autumn leaves. They are carrying an orange pail with a jack-o-lantern face printed on the front.]

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan specific for people with disabilities.

It is estimated that only about 38.9% of people in BC who are eligible for an RDSP have opened one.

An RDSP offers huge financial gain to people with disabilities and families providing long-term care and support into adulthood.

The Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) provides tutorials for getting an RDSP account started, visit www.rdsp.com for more information.



[Image description: The caption text over a white background. There is a blue banner at the bottom with the 1000 Step Challenge logo and the text "November 6-12, 2022. www.1000StepChallenge.ca/resources."]

In November, there will be daily reflection questions posted on the social media (Instagram and Facebook) – share and engage with the questions to support conversations around accessibility and inclusion in your community.



[Image description: Four people are gathered around a boardroom table with a Microsoft Surface in front of them. One individual is standing and pointing towards the screen.]

Next month is , follow the 1000 Step Challenge to raise awareness for the barriers faced by the millions of Canadians who have a mobility disability.

Imagine a daily limit of 1,000 steps or less to get to work, the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment, or a social event – how would this impact your life?

Sign up at www.1000StepChallenge.ca and join the conversation on accessibility and inclusion in your community.



[Image description: A white image with a blue border, the 1000 Step Challenge logo is in the top left. In the top right is a circular photo of three people sitting on public benches in an urban environment. Text reads "November 6-12, 2022. Imagine a daily limit of 1,000 steps or less to get to work, the grocery store, a doctor's appointment, or a social event... what barriers would you run into? How could your community be more accessible and inclusive for people with mobility challenges? Get involved 1000Stepchallenge.ca. The BCAAFC logo is in the bottom right corner.]

‘Health’ is not the ability to walk 10,000 steps a day.

Often, health and wellness advocates define a healthy person as someone who walks 10,000 steps a day — meanwhile, municipalities continue to overlook accessibility rights within their jurisdictions.

Health and wellness encompass many different elements of mind, body and spirit. It’s important to recognize that healthy living looks different for everyone and should not be characterized by one standard of physical ability.

Learn more at 1000stepchallenge.ca.



[image description: The text “Health is not the ability to walk 10,000 steps a day” beside a close-up photograph of someone walking on pavement.]

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) is proud to launch the 1,000 Step Challenge to raise awareness and support for Indigenous people living with a disability in B.C., and help to create a society that is safe, accessible, and inclusive of all.

Join the challenge at 1000stepchallenge.ca.



[Image description: A photograph of four people walking on pavement, dressed in casual active wear.]

Why the 1,000 Step Challenge?

While many towns are working towards ‘walkability’, how accessible are they for folks with limited mobility?

The inaugural 1,000 Step Challenge will help to raise awareness for the issues faced by those with mobility challenges by drawing our attention to the accessibility of our daily routines.

Join the challenge at 1000stepchallenge.ca.



[Image descriptions: 4 images with the caption text overlaid. The right border of each image includes a photograph: 1 is a close-up of people sitting on an outdoor bench; 2 shows two people walking down an outdoor path; 3 shows someone walking down indoor stairs, 4 shows someone looking at the Apple watch on their wrist.]

Accessibility matters:

While some people may not be able to ‘walk the beach’, they may enjoy sitting in their car, drinking a hot chocolate and watching the boats on the water. Is there access for those with mobility issues to partake and enjoy the outdoor spaces in your town? Is the pavement flat?

Cobblestones or brick sidewalks that are not flat can be a massive barrier to some people, as can steep slopes for rain run-off or drain entryways. It is easier to ensure infrastructure accommodates for people with disabilities at the time of installation, rather than try to resolve the issue afterwards.

Join the challenge at 1000stepchallenge.ca.



[Image description: Three people at public outdoor seating in an urban area.]

While many towns are working towards ‘walkability’, how accessible are they for folks with limited mobility? The inaugural 1,000 Step Challenge will help to raise awareness for the issues faced by those with mobility challenges by drawing our attention to the accessibility of our daily routines.

Take a moment to reflect on the following questions:

How many isles in a grocery store do you have to walk to get your groceries?

How far away from work do you park? How far do you walk to or from a bus stop?

How many flat, accessible walking paths are there in your town?

Does your favourite clothing store have seats for people to rest on between changing?

Is there accessible parking at your local outdoor spaces? Beaches? Coffee shops?

Join the challenge at 1000stepchallenge.ca.



[Image description: A photograph of four people walking on pavement, dressed in casual active wear. The 1000 Step Challenge logo is overlaid near the bottom of the photo.]

Mobility-specific disabilities range from being almost fully able-bodied, to partial mobility, to being immobile without the use of mobility aids.

Often, health and wellness advocates define a healthy person as someone who walks 10,000 steps a day — meanwhile, municipalities continue to overlook accessibility rights within their jurisdictions.

We challenge you to restrict your daily step count to understand what it's like when you cannot walk more than 1,000 steps per day.

Join the challenge at 1000stepchallenge.ca.



[Image description: A close-up photograph of two people walking on pavement outside. One is wearing grey shoes with black tights and one is wearing black shoes and black shorts.]

November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM). ♿

From November 6 to 12, 2022, we’re challenging folks to walk only 1,000 steps a day to help recognize the barriers faced by the millions of Canadians who have a mobility disability.

Join the challenge at 1000stepchallenge.ca.

1 in 5 Canadians – and 1 in 3 Indigenous people – identify as having a disability. People with disabilities experience reduced access to mobility rights and needs compared to able-bodied people.

Imagine a daily limit of 1,000 steps or less to get to work, the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment, or a social event. Could you pass the ?

[Image description: A close-up photograph of a person walking down stairs with their hand on the railing. They are wearing black pants and a navy top, and have an Apple watch on their wrist.]