The Bellwoods Community Advisory Council (BCAC) was established in Spring 2019. The Council represents the voices of Bellwoods clients.
BCAC provides advice to improve service experience and quality of life. It brings together clients with a range of lived experiences to share feedback, identify priorities, and suggest improvements.
What BCAC Does
The Council:
- Provides input on programs and initiatives
- Shares feedback on client experience
- Identifies areas for service improvement
- Supports meaningful client engagement
- Promotes principles of independent living
BCAC reports directly to the Bellwoods Board of Directors.
Client Engagement in Action
In Spring 2024, BCAC conducted a survey with all Bellwoods clients to gather feedback on advocacy priorities. The findings were shared in recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024 and continue to inform Bellwoods’ advocacy efforts.
Read the BCAC Survey Findings Report.
Advocacy
Advocacy is an important part of how Bellwoods supports people with disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and choice in their communities.
In 2025, the Bellwoods Community Advisory Council (BCAC) strengthened this work by establishing a formal advocacy group to represent the interests of people with disabilities on a broader scale. The Council developed guiding principles to define Bellwoods’ role in advocacy, which were formally endorsed by the Board of Directors. Surveys were also shared with clients to better understand advocacy priorities and how Bellwoods can contribute in this space.
Building on these priorities, BCAC members have taken part in meaningful advocacy efforts. A Bellwoods client represented the organization at the 2025 provincial candidate debate on disability issues, raising questions about commitments to supportive housing. BCAC co-chairs and Bellwoods’ Director of Quality also participated in a Disabilities Without Poverty event, meeting with provincial representatives to advocate against proposed changes impacting the Disability Tax Credit.
Through these efforts, Bellwoods continues to support client-led advocacy and contribute to advancing disability rights across Canada.
Learn More
Download the BCAC Information Sheet (PDF). For more information, contact:
Vice President, Service Excellence Innovation
Phone: (647)-632-2963
Email: kgriffin@bcclsp.org