Mainland Community Services
Society · Vancouver, BC
#ItStartsWithMe
#AccessAbilityLeadership
#CommunityAccessAbility
#AccessAbilityInAction
From possibilities to practice — making accessibility a norm, not an afterthought.
THE CAMPAIGN
Campaign
Overview
June 2, 2023
Creating Inclusive Community Dialogue Event
# ItStartsWithMe
# AccessAbilityLeadership
# CommunityAccessAbility
# AccessAbilityInAction
Mainland Community Services Society (MCSS) organized the Creating Inclusive Community Dialogue event on June 2, 2023, as one of the major activities in raising awareness around issues of diverse and intersecting forms of discrimination against people with disability(ies). After an enlightening dialogue highlighting the importance of creating inclusive communities, the onus is on each one of us to move the conversation forward while acting! From possibilities to practice is the watchword, hence, MCSS’s launch of the social media campaign ItStartsWithMe!
“The onus is on each one of us to move the conversation forward while acting. From possibilities to practice is the watchword.”
ItStartsWithMe is part of our commitment and dedication to spreading awareness not just during the National Accessibility Week Celebrations but beyond. ItStartsWithMe campaign aims to widen the conversations on removing or preventing barriers to disability equity and accessibility in Canada through educational posts, and posts celebrating these achievements. This campaign aims to remind us to reflect, especially when in positions of authority, that can contribute to making accessibility aforethought.
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ItStartsWithMe represents a truth that we can all be responsible for positively contributing to making accessibility issues a norm rather than an afterthought. It is to prompt action in awakening a sense of responsibility in the minds of people. Also, many disabilities are invisible, and this campaign will bring visibility to issues that often go unseen. How do we hope to do that? First, Education. Education precedes awareness but also should follow awareness — like a positive feedback loop.
HOW WE DO IT
Three Pillars of
the Campaign
Every aspect of ItStartsWithMe is built on three foundational commitments that drive real, lasting change.
01
Awareness Through Education
EDUCATION
Education precedes awareness but also should follow awareness — like a positive feedback loop. We create and share educational content that challenges assumptions and builds genuine understanding of disability equity.
02
Making the Invisible Visible
VISIBILITY
Many disabilities are invisible, and this campaign will bring visibility to issues that often go unseen. Through storytelling and social media, we shine a light on lived experiences that deserve to be heard.
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03
From Awareness to Action
EDUCATION
It is to prompt action in awakening a sense of responsibility in the minds of people — especially those in positions of authority who can contribute to making accessibility a priority, not an afterthought.
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JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Use These Hashtags
to Spread the Word
Share your story, celebrate accessibility achievements, and help us widen the conversation across Canada.
#
ItStartsWithMe
01
Our flagship campaign hashtag. Use it to share your commitment to making accessibility a norm rather than an afterthought. Every post counts.
#
CommunityAccessAbility
03
Celebrating community spaces, events, and initiatives that are making meaningful strides toward accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities.
#
AccessAbilityLeadership
02
For leaders, decision-makers, and those in positions of authority who are actively making accessibility a priority in their organizations and communities.
#
AccessAbilityInAction
04
Showcasing real examples of accessibility in practice. Tag your photos, stories, and achievements that demonstrate what true inclusion looks like in everyday life.