We are nearing the end of another year, and what a year! We’d like to thank all of you for keeping up with us on our blog. In 2021, we shared stories about creators we admire, events that brought us together virtually, and so much more. COVID-19 still had a huge impact on day-to-day life, but we settled into new routines and stay connected with online events and activities at a distance. posAbilities welcomed two interns over the summer, who contributed some of our most popular blog posts. And the key themes of accessibility, inclusion, and community are once again reflected in our top 10 stories.

Join us in taking a look back at our most-read blog posts of 2021.

10. Disabled bloggers, podcasters, and influencers to follow

If you’re hoping to learn more about disability from people with lived experience, this is a good place to start! Communications Intern Alyssa Chan put together this list of disabled creators who use their first-hand experience and knowledge to empower others with disabilities.

9. Art, Community, and Celebration! International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021

This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities was packed with arts-related and community-focused events which invited people to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities. These included the launch of Inclusion: The Journey to Community, an interactive exhibition currently on display at the Port Moody Station Museum, and a screening of the new documentary Who the Hell is Nigel? about ASL interpreter Nigel Howard, who brings a dose of light to COVID-19 briefings in BC.

A watermelon slice with the words "HELLO SUMMER" carved into it

8. Fun in a pandemic – COVID-safe summer activities for 2021

2021 did not see the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that didn’t stop our summer fun! With a wide range of in-person and virtual activities, we stayed active, got creative, enjoyed amazing artwork, and got outside to explore in the great outdoors.

To the left is Alex with short curly hair and a beret, sitting behind a music stand and two microphones. To the right is Alyssa with long orange hair, standing in front of a red and blue mural.

7. Meet The New Interns: Alex and Alyssa!

In May, we welcomed our co-op students Alex and Alyssa to the Community Engagement team. One of their first tasks was to introduce themselves to our posAbilities community. It was great to get to know these two young people and hear about their enthusiasm for our mission to support good and full lives for all!

A person playing guitar, a person holding a phone, and various board game pieces

6. Staying Connected with Self-Advocates

Throughout the pandemic, self-advocate-led groups have been keeping people connected through conversations and shared activities. We highlighted five groups who received grant funding from CLBC to organize these virtual and non-ways to connect. Their social activities included group phone calls, Zoom events like music trivia and games chats, and even a pen pal program!

LINK! Safety, Relationships, Sexuality. Guests: Darren Frisk, Rebecca Molly, and Sherry Nassrin

5. LINK! Safety, Relationships, Sexuality – Good For All Podcast Ep. 5

On our podcast, Good For All, host Monique Nelson sat down with three of posAbilities’ sexual health educators to talk about LINK!, our sexual health curriculum for children, youth and adults with diverse abilities. They discussed inclusive education, where to get answers for difficult questions, and how to empower people to explore their sexuality in a safe and healthy manner.

4. Upcoming Events for Job Seekers and Self-Advocates

The new year kicked off with some exciting events for job seekers! In February, the Canucks Autism Network hosted a virtual job fair and Inclusion BC hosted their three-day Youth Employment Summit. That month also featured the BC People First online conference, Rights and Wellness.

An accessible wood path with railings in a forest

3. 14 Accessible Hikes in BC

We brought back our ever-popular accessible hikes list, this year featuring an exciting new accessible outdoor experience—the Malahat Skywalk! The SkyWalk, located just 35 minutes north of Victoria, features an elevated walk through the forest and up the spectacular Spiral Tower. It joined our list of accessible trails from across BC, which also includes favourites like the Universal Access Trail in Prince George’s Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park and the several accessible trails in Pacific Spirit Regional Park in Vancouver.

Actor Chella Man is underwater in a pool, arms out, with his shirt off. Bubbles float past his face

2. Queer and Disabled Artists and Activists to Know

In celebration of Pride Month, Special Projects Worker Alex Masse put together this list of queer and disabled artists and activists. It includes local talents like Colin Darge, a self-taught pianist who also acts with out Stage Door Theatre Troupe, as well as globablly-known talents like Chella Man, an actor and activist known for sharing his experiences as transgender, deaf, genderqueer, and Jewish person of color.

Two women and a young man, Justin Ferrano, stand outside next to a large Vancity sign. They are all wearing face masks.

1. “Never Give Up”: commitment to inclusivity helps new hire find dream job

And finally, our number one post celebrated a milestone for Justin Farano, who found his dream job at Vancity with the help of posAbilities Employment Service. After 3 years at Vancity, we revisited Justin’s employment success story in honor of Disability Employment Month.