Newly published author, Barb Goode, was raised in North Vancouver. On September 21st at ConneXions Annual General Meeting, Barb received a Special Recognition Award for her work in self advocacy initiatives. This is not Barb's first award however; she has been recognized numerous times, including winning the Canadian Volunteer Award in 1987.
For over 30 years Barb has worked tirelessly to promote the self advocacy movement. Her efforts include speaking at conferences about inclusion, rights and respect in countries such as India, New Zealand, Jamaica, Mexico and Chile. She has been a teacher and a mentor not only to other self advocates, but also too many local agencies and leaders in the community living field.
Barb was an active self advocate before most of us even knew what the term meant. She is passionate about her beliefs and campaigns on behalf of many individuals with disabilities. In the early 1980's she was actively involved in the historic Sterilization of Eve case, which went all the way to The Supreme Court of Canada.
Being raised on the North Shore many of the locations and events discussed in her book may be familiar to North Shore residents. Barb has a longstanding history with ConneXions. Some of which include:
- involved in promoting numerous name changes for our Society, including the most recent change to North Shore ConneXions Society
- participated in a self advocate mentorship program by sharing historical information and encouraging younger self advocates to speak advocate for their own rights as well as advocating on behalf of other who may not be able to speak up for themselves
In her recently released book entitled "The Goode Life: Memoirs of a Disability Rights Activist Barb Goode" Barb shares the experiences of her life and her firm belief that individuals with disabilities must be actively involved in making decisions about their lives.
To share a quote from her book Barb states "I don't see myself as militant-I just believe in informed consent and equal rights for everyone. I also believe that if people with disabilities don't stand up for their own rights no on will." If you would like to hear more about the work of this amazing woman, her book can be purchase online from Spectrum Press at www.spectrumpress.ca.
Barb will always continue her life long efforts to empower and encourage other to do the right thing. However, after becoming recently engaged to the long time love of her life, she is looking forward to slowing down a little, spending more time with Harold and purchasing her first home.
On behalf of ConneXions we would like to say congratulations and thank you to Barb for her "Goode" work and best wishes for the future.
