The B.C. government has scheduled 19 "in-person community consultation sessions" as part of work to prepare a document addressing issues facing people with disabilities.

Between January 20 and February 26, meetings will take place around the province. In Metro Vancouver, discussions will be held on the following dates:

• January 28: Vancouver, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
• January 29: West Vancouver, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
• January 30: Surrey, 1:30 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9:30 p.m.
• February 11: Richmond, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
• February 12: Port Moody, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
• February 25: Vancouver, 7 to 9:30 p.m. (for the deaf and hard of hearing community)

The government kicked off its disability white paper consultation on December 3, and it will end on March 11.

A news release, issued today (January 9) by the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation, says more than 230 public comments have already been submitted.

In one comment posted on the consultation website, the B.C. Coalition of People With Disabilities states: "What would B.C. look like as the most progressive place in Canada for people and families living with disabilities? The first step is to increase the provincial disability benefit rate: the amount should be at minimum $1,200 a month."

After the disability white paper is released in May, the government will stage a summit in June aimed at formulating an action plan.