Cliff and Sky, self-advocates (right), met with the Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development, at his office in Langley to talk about and share material from CLBC's Start with Hi public awareness initiative.

“You just need to take one step to get to know a disabilities person because then you can realize who they are and what their personality is.”

Sometimes I've put the button on my shoe, well... first of all - it's kinda fun and gets people talking, like an icebreaker.

But it serves a purpose too -- when I'm passing by new faces of people of all kinds, some I might not naturally greet, my natural reaction is to keep to myself, maybe even look down and avoid eye contact. But I know StartwithHi is trying to change all that. Now when I look down I am immediately prompted to LOOK UP with a smile say HI!

(eek... those shoes are might need to retire. hum).

How do you spread the message?

So, if you're a shop-keeper, bus driver, neighbour, letter carrier, bank teller or community member, here's what we're asking you to do. Just say "Hi" to a person that you see regularly who has developmental disabilities. Or someone you've just noticed. Look them in the eye and let them know you're a friendly person.

You don't need to help them, or grab their arm to cross the street, or commit to a lifelong friendship. Start with "Hi." This will be the start of a small connection that will help establish a sense of belonging in a community. You might find out that that person likes coffee as much as you do. Or Star Trek movies or golf. Who knows? But, rather than look away, or at your shoes, or wonder what to say, just say "Hi."

That's it.