“Inclusion isn’t optional, it is fundamental,” says Jennifer Do, marketing and communications manager at Open Door Group. “Accessibility is not charity; it is a duty to accommodate, [and] only by doing so can we close the gap and bring people together in a community where everyone can thrive.”

Held on Dec. 3 at 181 Roundhouse Mews’ Exhibition Hall, the family-friendly event features around 32 B.C.-based vendors, all of whom are artists and entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Inclusion through arts

The upcoming inclusive market is part of Open Door Group’s larger initiative, Project EveryBODY (PEB). It has been operating for around a decade – taking different formats.

“[PEB] was created to highlight and celebrate the talents, creativity and stories of persons with disabilities,” says Do. “The main purpose is to raise awareness [and] break the stigmas around disabilities in our communities, so we can foster more inclusive, accessible communities where everyone can thrive.”

Do adds that this work is done through the arts – recognizing how the arts can speak to different audiences and share diverse stories. Past PEB events have included an inclusive arts and film festival. In 2022, Project EveryBODY PEBCelebratesLive! featured cabaret-style entertainment with an art show and sale.

The Open Door Group manager recalls an earlier edition highlighting movies and short films from persons with disabilities. A mother and her young daughter with autism attended.

“I remember very well that they were really moved by the incredible talent and the creativity showcased,” Do recalls. “But the most important thing is that this was the first event where they felt like they belonged – and that stuck with me.”

This moment embodies Do’s motivation for this work: to create positive experiences where families can find inspiration and feel welcomed.

“Whether that’s a photo exhibition, inclusive hiring fair, information fair, or theatre performance…we wanted to do so in the form of art and bring communities together,” Do says. “We’re very flexible when it comes to the format of the event.”

These events are supported by Open Door Group’s community partners. This year’s inclusive market is co-organized by posAbilities, a not-for-profit association offering community living support services across B.C.

Each year’s exact format is determined with input from their community members. Do shares how Open Door Group regularly sends newsletters to previous attendees – asking how they would like to celebrate the UN Day.

“We ask them, ‘What do you like to see? What makes the most sense? How do you want to celebrate this year?’” the manager shares. “Then, based on people’s preferences, we organize the event.”

Handcrafted gifts

Open Door Group’s vision for vendors is unique, simple and purposeful, says Do. The event highlights artists and entrepreneurs who self-identify as persons with disabilities – providing space for them to share crafts reflecting their stories and talents.

“The idea is to amplify voices of persons with disabilities,” Do emphasizes. “This really aligns with our mission as well – fostering wellbeing for people in the community.”

The idea of a market fair is not new to Open Door Group. Do recalls how a previous market fair drew around 600 people. This year’s venue is an open space, allowing as many people as possible to attend.

“On that day, it was snowing heavily too,” Do recalls of the previous event. “It was very uplifting to see people coming out and supporting the artists.”

This year’s vendors will have access to a free booth with no registration fee. The manager adds that booths will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Vendors must offer locally-made products from persons with disabilities.

“The business has to be run by persons with disabilities, entrepreneurs that are persons with disabilities or social enterprises that are either run by persons with disabilities or have a mission to support persons with disabilities,” she says.

Their vendor-selection philosophy is based on accessibility, inclusivity and empowerment. Open Door Group supports these values by providing space and removing financial as well as physical barriers.

“[The vendors] are such talented artists; they have very creative art pieces,” says Do. “From handcrafted structures to photography to handmade cards to soap and knitted items and paintings – there’s a variety of products.”

Do sees the market as a suitable place to purchase “unique, affordable and meaningful” gifts for loved ones this holiday. The event itself is designed to be inclusive and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

Breaking stigmas

Do points out that one in four Canadians are persons with disabilities. The statistic is taken from the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability from Statistics Canada, which states that “more than one in four Canadians aged 15 years and over” have a disability that limits their daily activities.

According to Statistics Canada, this amounts to 8 million people. For Do, inclusivity means removing barriers. The goal is to allow everybody the opportunity to meaningfully participate and thrive.

“If a business or service is not accessible, they are missing out on these big talent pools and consumers that are willing to support businesses that are inclusive and accessible,” she says.

Do adds that businesses tend to focus on overcoming physical barriers, such as adding a ramp. While these actions contribute to creating accessible spaces, she cautions that more needs to be done.

“But what about representation? Representation in arts, in markets, in employment for persons with disabilities,” she questions. “And the most important: social inclusion.”

Social inclusion involves removing stigmas and addressing the isolation that persons with disabilities may face. For Do, Project EveryBODY directly supports social inclusion, allowing persons with disabilities to participate in spaces that may have excluded them.

“We wanted to give a platform to artists and entrepreneurs who are persons with disabilities to showcase their talents, break the stigma, share their stories and amplify their voices” she shares. “And to really connect with the broader audience, to inspire them and work towards a bigger mission.”

Do sees B.C. as a leader amongst the Canadian provinces in creating inclusive and accessible services and workplace policies. As an example, she points to WorkBC’s Wage Subsidy program which reduces the cost of hiring and training new employees, including persons with disabilities.

The federal government’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities is another program that breaks down barriers for persons with disabilities.

“The gap is still there,” Do emphasizes, citing data that indicate lower employment rates for those with disabilities. “Living with a disability means that they are navigating a world that isn’t always designed for them.”

She hopes that events like the upcoming market encourages other event organizers to include and celebrate persons with disabilities.

Attendees are asked to register so Open Door Group is aware of any accessibility needs.

For more information on the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, see www.social.desa.un.org/issues/disability/events/2025-international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-idpd

For more information on Open Door Group, see www.opendoorgroup.org

For more information on Project EveryBODY Inclusive Market Fair 2025, see www.opendoorgroup.org/events-and-media/upcoming-events/project-everybody-inclusive-market-fair-2025