Disability services and supports, accessibility and inclusion

Neil Squire Society

The Neil Squire Society has been revolutionizing the lives of Canadians with disabilities since 1984 through accessible technology. Our organization was established when 21-year-old Neil Squire was left a brain-stem tetraplegic after a car crash. Seeing he was unable to speak or move his arms and legs, Neil’s family and a group of professionals in Vancouver created a ground-breaking device allowing him to communicate by using his breath to type Morse code. The technology was rudimentary at the time but it reconnected Neil to the world, allowing him to speak with family and friends once again. After Neil passed, the small but mighty group formed the Society in his name to keep improving the lives of people with disabilities.

Neil Squire Society

We use technology, knowledge and passion to empower Canadians with disabilities.

Participants

Employers

Get Involved

WorkBC Burnaby (workbc-ats.ca)

Supports Available Through Assistive Technology Services Include:

Assistive devices, equipment and technology
Ergonomic supports
Restorative supports
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting and captioning services
Communication and hearing devices related to work
Workplace access and modification
Vehicle modifications

About: WorkBC Assistive Technology Services provides assistive technology or supports to individuals with disabilities to assist them to gain and sustain employment or community attachment.

Eligibility: Assistive Technology Services are available to individuals who have a work-related barrier due to a disability or a functional limitation. This may include barriers related to traveling to and from the workplace.

Accessibility: Our physical facility is fully accessible (RHF Accessibility Certified). Additional accessibility includes: computers, web, phone, and face-to-face, as outlined in the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services General Policy – Accessibility Standards.

Join Us for a Webinar: Register for one of our weekly webinars or monthly virtual Lunch and Learns. We’ll cover workplace accommodations, funding options, product demonstrations, and more.

Volunteer Opportunities - Neil Squire Society

Volunteers make a vital contribution to their communities and play a very important role in our organization. At the Neil Squire Society we offer our volunteers the opportunity to gain valuable experience working with people with disabilities. We encourage you to get involved today!

Volunteer Opportunities - Work one on one with a person with a disability in our classroom and increase their level of comfort and independence with computer technology.

Volunteer as a Computer Tutor in our Computer Comfort program.

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)

Find an OT (search-new) - CAOT

FIND AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, search by: city, province, service type, OT last name, area of practice, client age, language

Who we Are and What we Do - CAOT

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is the national organization that supports more than 20,000 occupational therapists (OTs), occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) and students who work or study in Canada. OTs improve the health and well-being of Canadians by working in partnership with people and communities that help them participate more fully in activities that are important to their everyday lives.

Support services and support for people with disabilities

http://findsupportbc.com/

Connects families of persons with disabilities with resources available to them. Their database generates a list of resources based on age, disability, region and city in BC.

FindSupport BC acknowledges that our work spans across all of the traditional, ancestral and unceded Indigenous territories in BC. Therefore, we respectfully honour all First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, as well as their ancestors, who have lived here and cared for these lands. It is with gratitude that we can live, learn and do our work in the province now known as British Columbia.

Family Support Institute of BC

About - Family Support Institute (familysupportbc.com)

OUR VISION - All individuals and families are supported, connected and fully valued in their communities.

OUR MISSION - To strengthen, connect and build communities and resources with families of people with disabilities in BC. OUR BELIEFS - The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) honours that FSI grew out of an era that did not value the pivotal role of families. Therefore, FSI believes:

Families are the best voice to speak for their unique circumstances
Informed, involved, and confident families are the most effective agents for creating social change
Informed families are more empowered to speak for themselves when needed
Families are the best resource to support one another
Families have a critical role in shaping the future for their family members

Toolkits - Family Support Institute (familysupportbc.com)

Education, Housing, Advocacy, Transition, Health, Neuro Developmental Disability (NDD) navigator

Get Involved - Family Support Institute (familysupportbc.com)

Volunteer - Would you like to support other families faced with similar circumstances to you and your family? Are you looking to mentor others on their journey? Are you interested in finding ways to celebrate diversity with other families? Become a Resource Parent/Peer.

Benefits of volunteering with FSI:

Incredible networking and connections
Creating meaningful relationships and lasting friendships
Being a part of a large provincial network of families
Ongoing training and learning
Access to up-to-date resources and information
Reduction in isolation (knowing you are never alone)
Direct support and guidance from staff
Coaching and mentoring others in need

As a provincial organization FSI acknowledges that our work spans across all of the traditional, ancestral, and unceded Indigenous territories in BC. Therefore, we respectfully honour all First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, as well as their ancestors, who have lived here and cared for these lands. It is with gratitude that we can live, learn and do our work in the province now known as British Columbia.

SUPPORTS FOR NEWCOMER CHILDREN LIVING WITH DISABILITIES - INFO SHEET, March , 2023

Newcomer-Children-with-Disabilities-Info-Sheet-EN-v5.pdf

This issue is an addition to previous informational resources AMSSA has developed to recognize and identify the unique barriers that impact newcomers with disabilities and their families’ ability to settle and integrate into their communities. This info sheet will also be accompanied by the release of an e-learning course on the topic of supporting newcomers with disabilities.

Disability Alliance of BC

DABC (disabilityalliancebc.org)

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. Our mission is to support people, with all disabilities, to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in the community. We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications. DABC is a proud member of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD).

Become a Member | DABC (disabilityalliancebc.org)

Numbers matter. Support our work and become a DABC member today. Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications. Our members form the backbone of our organization, empowering DABC’s mission to support people with all disabilities to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in the community. We welcome you to support DABC as either a Core (voting) member living with disability, or an Allied (non-voting) member. Whatever your connection to our cause may be – family, friends, and citizens from the wider community who value a disability-inclusive society are all encouraged.

Rick Hansen Foundation

Working to create an accessible and inclusive world | Rick Hansen Foundation

For over three decades, the Rick Hansen Foundation team has been raising awareness, changing attitudes, and breaking down barriers for people with disabilities with our programs and initiatives. With each of these programs and initiatives, we’re working to create an accessible and inclusive world where people with disabilities can live to their full potential.

COVID-19: Useful Resources for Persons with Disabilities | Rick Hansen Foundation

If you’re feeling more vulnerable than usual, you’re not alone. People with disabilities are in a unique position when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic—one that comes with additional barriers like fewer support workers, a lack of financial aid, barriers to social distancing, and an increased risk of contracting the virus and developing severe cases. Additional support for people with disabilities is critical right now, a fact being echoed by experts, like this UN Human Rights expert, and members of the disability community across different platforms. Now, more than ever, it’s important to both keep up to date with the latest information and look after your physical and mental well-being. We have compiled a variety of resources that may be useful during this time, as well as links to other groups who have consolidated similar resources. This list is a working document and is by no means exhaustive: please reach out to us if you have additional resources that should be on this list.

Get Involved | Rick Hansen Foundation

Get Involved! Canadians need your help. By 2036, 1 in 5 Canadian adults will have a disability - that could mean almost as 9 million people. Canadians struggle every day to access buildings like shops, community centres, and offices because of physical barriers to accessibility.

You can break down these physical barriers in the places we work, live, learn and play so that all of us can participate and live life to our full potential. Find out how you can improve accessibility in your community!

Disability Foundation

Home - Disability Foundation

We envision a world where people with physical disabilities feel empowered and inspired to redefine what is possible. The Disability Foundation, in supporting our affiliated societies, has been fostering meaningful experiences for people with disabilities through outdoor recreation, social connectedness and innovative adapted devices – for more than 20 years, from Metro Vancouver, throughout B.C. and across Canada.

About Us - Disability Foundation

Our Mission: Through our societies, we provide opportunities for people with physical disabilities to enable their individual journeys. Vision: The Disability Foundation empowers and inspires people with physical disabilities to re-imagine what is possible. Values:

Trust – Create a safe and equitable environment where an exchange of ideas and experiences are treated with mutual respect and understanding.

Environmental Awareness – Seek to understand and accommodate people’s needs outside of our work environment by listening and responding to our clients and community.

Accountability – We keep our promises and commitments to each other. When we can’t we will clearly communicate in advance. We take ownership for our commitments and promises, actions and mistakes.

Teamwork – To effectively and efficiently contribute to the goals of the organization by collaborating, cooperating, and communicating our skills, experiences, ideas, and energy.

Learning and Growing – Strive to be your best self to reach your potential in order to realize our shared vision.

The Disability Foundation primarily supports six charitable societies that provide accessible and meaningful activities:

Adaptive Sailing Association of British Columbia (formerly known as DSA-BC) offers the thrill of sailing on the open waters.

British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society (BCMOS) provides the means to play outside in nature, on land and water.

ConnecTra Society brings together people and community resources.

Disabled Independent Gardeners Association (DIGA) fosters the feel-good experience of nurturing nature, producing healthy fruit and vegetables.

Tetra Society of North America (Tetra) brings together inventive volunteers who build custom assistive devices that overcome physical barriers.

Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) operates the only fully-accessible recording studio in Western

Canada, and supports and promotes musicians .

NETWORK BUILDING PROJECT (NBP) Summary Report, July 2022

FINAL (disabilityfoundation.org)

Survey to Identify Challenges in the Disability Community.

Volunteer - Disability Foundation

Every day we see the power of community: bringing together individuals who want to overcome a barrier with those who want to help out. Our volunteers get as much from the process as do participants. There’s a wide age-range of people sharing their talents via our charitable societies, from students through to retirees, and all sorts of skills and backgrounds. What’s common is people sharing something they love – access to leisure, social or employment opportunities – and a belief that communities can be fair and accessible.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE (YLI) - Disability Foundation

YLI Toolkit - Disability Foundation

Did you know that post-secondary students with disabilities experience greater difficulties with gaining employment in comparison to their peers and typically have higher unemployment and underemployment rates? After three years of dedication, the Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) Team proudly presents the YLI Toolkit, a free online multimedia resource hub for youth with disabilities and employers looking to make their workplaces more inclusive and accessible. The Toolkit will offer a one-stop resource database that provides tangible solutions to many of the attitudinal barriers faced by post-secondary youth with disabilities during their employment search. Over time, we will continue adding and updating resources as new information is found. To get people started, take a look at the resources found by the YLI team, the YLI Advisory Committee, and respondents to the YLI Questionnaire. In the YLI study, we explored various employment challenges. 

Low Self-Confidence 
High Performance Expectation  
Perceived Discrimination 
Hesitation in Disability Disclosure
Lack of Workplace Accommodation

In addition to tips and guidance to the identified barriers, the YLI Toolkit will also include additional career tips carefully curated by the YLI team and a list of equitable employers. 

The YLI team is passionate about workplace inclusion and accessibility! We’ve been building this resource hub for you to enjoy, learn from, and refer to when you’re looking for assistance. Most importantly, we’ve created a safe community where we can all exchange ideas and share our career journeys.

ConnecTra

https://connectra.org/

ConnecTra Society provides information, resources and opportunities for people living with disabilities. It is our mission to cultivate a safe and inclusive environment where questions can be asked and stigmas can be challenged, breaking down barriers for a greater quality of life and connection.

Volunteer - ConnecTra Society

Abilities Expo 2022: Connecting community in the midst of a pandemic, by Olivia Visser, Staff Writer, The Peak, Simon Fraser University (SFU) Student Newspaper

https://the-peak.ca/2022/06/abilities-expo-2022-connecting-community-in-the-midst-of-a-pandemic/

Being disabled can be isolating. From having a limited capacity for events to experiencing accessibility barriers, disabled people often find themselves disconnected from community. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this disconnect for many disabled people, which is what ConnecTra Society addressed with their annual Abilities Expo, hosted on May 25 at Roundhouse Community Centre. Following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the in-person event was themed “Reconnect.” It hosted vendors, speakers, and other various attractions centring people with disabilities.

BC Disability

About BC Disability | Spencer van Vloten

The goal of BC Disability is simple: we want to help persons with disabilities and allies find what they are looking for! Although this website has a British Columbia focus, much of the information remains useful regardless of location. Content on the BC Disability website includes:

If you have any input about BC Disability, want to learn more about a particular issue, have something to bring to our attention, or just want to say hi, please get in touch! We look forward to connecting with you.

Directory | BC Disability

Our full BC Disability Directory is also available as a downloadable PDF. If we need to add something to the directory, let us know by sending an email to Spencer van Vloten

Disability Awareness Dates and Colours

Dates and Colours of Awareness | BC Disability

While you may find yourself flooded with messages about various periods of awareness, these do represent good opportunities to bring attention to an issue. Although times and colours may vary by region, here are some notable dates, months, and colours of awareness with a Canadian focus. If we are missing any, please get in touch with our Editor Spencer van Vloten.

Also see these tips on how you can most effectively raise awareness and turn it into action!

https://www.bcdisability.com/news

BC DISABILITY NEWS, INFO, AND UPDATES

Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD)

Richmond Centre for Disability (rcdrichmond.org)

The Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) is a consumer centred organization committed to enabling all people with disabilities in making informed choices, creating opportunities, meeting their goals and reaching their full potential. We offer an empowering, friendly environment where we work to provide quality services that lead to inclusion for people with disabilities and greater public awareness.

The RCD responds to the needs of members and communities, thus designs and provides services and activities involving skills development, literacy, health, recreation, technology, peer support and disabilities support services. We take a cross and multi-disability, self-directed and inclusive approach.

To remain a vibrant and modern agency, we have always understood that its enduring strength lies in its ability to be flexible and to constantly seek ways to improve how we provide resources, services and programming for our participants. The goal is to adapt to the new challenges of today – and tomorrow.

Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) Job Club

https://rcdrichmond.org/ServicesActivitiesWorkshops/JobClub/JobClub.php

Our Work OR Community Participation Class or Job Club is is part of a complete range of employment and pre-employment services offered through the Richmond Centre for Disability for Disability's Supports for Independent Living Project. It is offered under our “resources for career development” (rcd) stream. SIL participants can also chose to access our community participation stream called “resources for community participation.” Who is eligible to participate in the class?

Anyone with a disability who is interested in exploring their interests and abilities
Anyone with a disability interested in developing job, volunteer or other community participation skills

What are some examples of topics to be covered?

Finding your career match - New Assessment tool!
Discover your work and your employment VISA (Value, Interests, Skills, Abilities) for the workplace
Job search tips
Resume and cover letter preparation
Dress for success and more!

Richmond Centre for Disability (rcdrichmond.org)

VOLUNTEERING: We greatly appreciate the involvement and contribution of volunteers in many aspects of our Centre. There are opportunities to assist with Computer Classes, English Class, Social Club and more. All these endeavours are made available because of your good work and dedication.

BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society

The British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) |

Who we are: The British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society, or as more commonly known, BCANDS, is an award winning, Indigenous not for profit, charitable Society serving the unique and diverse disability and health resource / support service needs of Indigenous peoples across Canada. BCANDS is a “stand alone” organization and is one of the only organizations of its type in Canada. BCANDS is in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. In 2021, BCANDS will celebrate its 30th year of successfully delivering Indigenous disability and health programs and services across Canada.

BCANDS provides a vast array of services to eligible individuals, families and organizations, both within Indigenous communities and urban and rural centres. If you are an Indigenous person living with a disability, or a community or organization requiring disability or health information and support services, BCANDS may be able to assist.

BCANDS Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Program Overview |

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is committed to improving assistance programs for people with disabilities within British Columbia’s First Nation communities. ISC Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Program recognizes that people with disabilities may require additional supports in order to meet the challenges of daily living and in order to move towards, and maintain, greater independence. To assist, ISC has contracted with the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) to provide Persons with Disabilities (PWD) adjudication services relating to PWD applications received from individuals residing within British Columbia’s First Nation communities. The PWD adjudication process determines if community members qualify for extended services based upon outlined PWD eligibility criteria.

Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA)

about us – AMSSA

AMSSA is a unique province-wide association that strengthens over 80 member agencies as well as hundreds of community stakeholder agencies who serve immigrants and newcomers, and build culturally inclusive communities, with the knowledge, resources and support they need to fulfil their mandates.

Vision: A just and equitable society in which everyone benefits from social and economic inclusion.

Mission: AMSSA facilitates collaborative leadership, knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement to support agencies that serve immigrants and build culturally inclusive communities.

Values:

We value EQUITY and strive to be the catalyst for change which disrupts systems promoting racial and social injustice.

We value INCLUSIVENESS and work with our members and stakeholders to place voices that have been marginalized in positions of influence, creating space for all perspectives.

We value INTEGRITY, striving to always work to the highest standards, encouraging innovation, risk taking and leadership; we are always open to new thoughts and maintain accountability in our work.

We value DIVERSITY, recognizing our own individual biases and engaging members and stakeholders in meaningful ways that promotes inclusion of all voices and perspectives.

We value MUTUAL RESPECT by respecting what everyone has to offer within their own context of life experiences, opening our hearts and minds to always listening and learning.

We value COLLABORATION, engaging in equitable partnerships, mindfully exploring old and new ideas to advance the work of AMSSA and our members.

We value SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION, engaging in continuous individual and organizational reflection and collaboration to build capacity and integrate what we learn into our culture and infrastructure.

Safe Harbour: Respect for All E-Learning Course

Safe Harbour: Respect for All | Diversity and Inclusion Training – AMSSA

Workshops - AMSSA offers two workshops including our award-winning Safe Harbour: Respect for All workshop and a Cultural Safety: Diversity and Inclusion workshop. AMSSA can also provide customized workshops, presentations and dialogues. Safe Harbour: Respect for All is an award-winning AMSSA diversity and inclusion training workshop for workplaces. We provide businesses, institutions and organizations with training to understand the value of diversity and inclusion, address issues of discrimination in the workplace, and attract and retain a diverse workforce and clientele. The training is also great for individuals to start building awareness of diversity and learn important concepts. We offer a 100% online e-learning course, live in-person or online workshops. It can be difficult to bring all staff and volunteers together for group in-person training. The e-learning course is a great alternative for participation and learning important concepts to support diverse workplaces. The diversity and inclusion online training is also great for individuals looking to begin their journey in diversity and inclusion. The e-learning course offers a self-paced, flexible way to build awareness of diversity, and learn important concepts.

MOSAIC, Accessibility for Newcomers Program

The Accessibility for Newcomers Program | MOSAIC Programs (mosaicbc.org)

PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED: MOSAIC is an advocate for immigrants and refugees with disabilities. The Accessibility for Newcomers program connects them with employment and disability support services.

This program also aims to create a local network of accessibility and settlement service providers. This will support the City of Vancouver’s new Accessibility Strategy. Services are available as one-on-one support and outreach to other programs. Together we can improve the lives of immigrants with disabilities in Vancouver.

BC Rehab Society

About | BC Rehab Society

BC Rehab continues to fulfil our mission to assist individuals whose lives are affected by a physical disability. BC Rehab, as a charity, is not disease specific. We assist British Columbians living with a broad range of disabilities as the result of a disease or trauma. We know by the letters and reports we receive how much of a difference even just one piece of equipment can make in a person’s journey toward personal independence. From a manual wheelchair that will improve an individual’s ability to access their community to funding adaptive outdoor recreation programs for participants with disabilities, BC Rehab is there for people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. BC Rehab continues to disburse funding and provide support to individuals, organizations and programs throughout the Province. BC Rehab works toward a British Columbia that is inclusive and accessible to all people. We promote projects and initiatives that increase accessibility so that all people — regardless of their physical capabilities — can thrive, participate and contribute in their communities.

Inclusion BC

Inclusion BC - Advancing rights. Promoting abilities.

Inclusion BC is a non-profit provincial organization that advocates for the rights and opportunities of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. We are a federation of members that include people with intellectual disabilities, their families and organizations that serve them.

Resources - Inclusion BC

Advocacy Resources: These resources are meant to help you advocate for your rights or those of someone you support.

Employment Resources: Whether you're a family member, job seeker or employer, we have resources to help support your goal of inclusive employment.

Housing: These resources are meant to help you promote inclusive housing in your community and learn more about the options that exist for people with intellectual disabilities.

Inclusive Education: Inclusion BC provides resources for parents, educators, policy makers, academics and researchers. Visit this section for inclusive education reports, articles, guides and advocacy tips.

Past Email Newsletters: Take a look at the emails we have sent to our e-mail list subscribers over the years.

Community Living BC

About CLBC | Support for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, Autism & FASD (communitylivingbc.ca)

Crown corporation that works with individuals, families, service providers, community and government partners.
Receives funding from the government.
Supports as many people as it can with this funding.
Connects people to community.
Connects people to funded services.
Knows it’s not easy to find the right supports for a good life.
Wants to understand who you are and what you want your life to look like.

Supports to live in your home - Community Living BC

If you are eligible for CLBC funded supports, and funding is available, you could receive supports to live in your own place, with a roommate or family in shared living, or in a staffed home.
There are three types of home support:
- Independent Living
- Shared Living
- Staffed Living

You can learn more about these options on this page or talk to a CLBC facilitator about the different home support options.

Where you live is an important part of your life. CLBC funds a variety of home supports that allow people to select an option that is a good fit for their current support needs and preferences.

If you are eligible for CLBC supports, or are interested in reviewing or changing your current supports, you can review the supports CLBC funds below and/or talk to a CLBC facilitator about different options.

Some people live independently in their communities but need a bit of support throughout the week to develop specific skills and take care of their own home. Others need to have someone available to support them in their home at all times. Supports to live in your home might be the only CLBC-funded support you receive, or it could be one part of your plan. The kind and amount of support you receive is based on the need for help in specific areas. Visit the Understand CLBC Funding Decisions page for more details.

Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE)

Home - Canadian Association for Supported Employment

Creating Inclusive Workplaces for All. CASE is a national member association for the supported employment sector. We work with employment service providers, employers, community allies and stakeholders working toward employment inclusion of persons experiencing disability. We strive to facilitate full participation in the labour force by offering resources, expertise and support to service providers. Our organization embraces diversity and believes in opportunities for all. Through workforce participation, we promote full citizenship and social inclusion for Canadians who experience disability.

MentorAbility - Canadian Association for Supported Employment

MentorAbility Canada is a national initiative built on a supported employment foundation that promotes the recruitment, employment, and retention of people experiencing disability. The initiative provides and celebrates in-person and virtual mentoring experiences, networking and learning events, social media campaigns, as well as building a body of evidence through research activities. With a specific focus on facilitating unique, short-term (from 1 hour to 1 day) mentoring opportunities between employers and people experiencing a disability, this initiative is part of a national effort to promote the employment of Canadians experiencing disability.

Active Living Alliance (ALA)

Mission and Vision | Active Living Alliance For Canadians With A Disability (ala.ca)

Vision: A society where every person in Canada, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to be active and healthy across their lifespan.

Mission: Leads and support a diverse network of organizations to be more inclusive in their physical activity* programming, policies and social and physical environments. We share best practices, connect stakeholders, and shape attitudes, values and philosophies about inclusion in communities across the country. *Physical activity is used in its broadest definition to include recreation and sport.

Benefits of Physical Activity for People with Disabilities include:

Increased community participation
Improved self esteem
Increased strength to help cope with the daily stress of a disability
Reduces likelihood of acquiring a secondary disabling condition
Improved mental health and reduces isolation and loneliness.

Threads of Life

https://www.threadsoflife.ca/

Bringing hope, healing, and an end to workplace tragedies. Threads of Life is a Canadian charity committed to supporting people affected by workplace injury, illness or death — and preventing future tragedies from occurring. One-on-one support, on-line workshops and regional gatherings.

https://www.threadsoflife.ca/take-action/volunteer/

Make a difference as a volunteer. Would you like to make a meaningful impact on workplace health and safety in Canada? Can you give your time and skills to help support individuals affected by workplace tragedy? Consider volunteering with Threads of Life.

Employment, financial subsidies, grants and tax deductions for people with disabilities

WorkBC, Employment Resources for People with Disabilities

https://www.workbc.ca/Resources-for/People-with-Disabilities.aspx

Discover job options and services designed to support people with disabilities and build your career here: Pursue post-secondary education. Get funding or assistive adaptations for your education. Gain the work experience, job skills and technologies you need to do the job. Create or expand your own business.

WorkBC Assistive Technology

https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/Assistive-Technology-Services.aspx

To be eligible for Assistive Technology Services, you must:

Be a resident of and be legally eligible to work in British Columbia and 16 years of age or older
Need assistive equipment, devices or disability supports to start work or to avoid losing your current work, self-employment or volunteer work that is part of a longer-term goal of employment

Province of British Columbia, Supports and Services for People with Disabilities

Supports and services for people with disabilities - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

If you are living with a disability in B.C., there are programs and services available to you. These programs and services get funding of more than $5 billion each year. They are offered through government, crown agencies and corporations.

Province of British Columbia, Financial Assistance for People With Disabilities

Disability assistance - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

Disability assistance can help you if you need financial or health support. You must be designated as a Person with Disabilities (PWD) to receive this type of assistance.

Learn about disability assistance monthly rates, supplements and job support while on disability assistance.

Call 1-866-866-0800 or use My Self Serve instead of coming into an office if you have:

COVID-19 symptoms like cough, shortness of breath or fever
Been around someone sick, like a family member
Not completed 14-day isolation after travel abroad

Tax credits for persons with disabilities, Government of Canada

Tax credits and deductions for persons with disabilities - Canada.ca

Tax credits and deductions are available for persons with disabilities, their supporting family members, and their caregivers. I want information on:

Find out how you can benefit - Meet the people who may be eligible for the disability tax credit or other government programs for persons with disabilities.

Disability Benefits Compass

Welcome to Disability Benefits Compass - Disability Benefits Compass (benefitswayfinder.org)

Providing information about the four key disability benefits for persons with disabilities in your province or territory. This site was created for people living in Canada with a severe mental or physical disability or if you have trouble with daily activities and require help from another person, assistive device or animal.

It can be used by people with disabilities, caregivers, family members and organizations who provide access to benefits support. Not sure where to start? Learn about the benefits and how to use the site.

Home - Benefits wayfinder

Your guide to government benefits that can help put more money in your pocket. Answer questions to help us find benefits for you.

Tax credits and benefits for persons with disabilities, Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (BCCPA), by Stefanie Ricchio, Sep 23, 2020

An overview of credits and benefits for persons with disabilities (bccpa.ca)

For persons with disabilities, a variety of credits and benefits are available from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), as well as for the people who support or care for them. The largest is the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities, or their supporting persons, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay by increasing non-refundable tax credits. The DTC’s purpose is to provide tax equity by supplying some relief for disability costs, as these are unavoidable additional expenses that other taxpayers don’t have to pay. Being eligible for the DTC can open the door to other benefits and programs, such as the working income tax benefit, child disability benefit and others described below.

Tax Credits for People with Diabetes, Diabetes Canada

Tax credits available to people with diabetes - Diabetes Canada

Managing a chronic condition like diabetes can be expensive. That’s why governments have made some tax credits available to help reduce the cost burden for eligible Canadians living with diabetes.

Some people with diabetes may benefit from federal and provincial/territorial tax credits.

Diabetes Canada advocates for fair and equitable access to the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and similar programs for people with diabetes. In 2022 the Government of Canada announced the eligibility of people with type 1 diabetes based on their diagnosis, as well as the expansion of permitted activities that can be counted by applicants with type 2 diabetes using insulin towards the 14-hour- hours a-week eligibility requirement.

Disability Alliance of BC (DABC) Tax Appointment

Book Your Tax Appointment | DABC (disabilityalliancebc.org)

PLEASE NOTE: We’re experiencing a high volume of calls and emails at the moment. If your request is urgent, please mark your email with the heading “URGENT”. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Hours of Operation: Our service hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

Inquiries: If you have any tax related questions, it will take at least 2-3 days to receive a response.

Urgent Tax Matters: Due to the volume of requests we receive, we cannot guarantee we can support you with your tax issue if you require immediate assistance. We encourage you to make use of other resources or go to Find a tax clinic in your area (cra-arc.gc.ca).

Tax Appointment Request Form

Our services cover BC including Great Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna and Prince George.

Our services are FREE and year-round. Please visit our On-line Appointment booking site on Jane App. You can also call 236‑477‑1717 or 1‑877‑940‑7797 to book an appointment.

Virtual Income Tax Clinic, Britannia Community Center

Britannia Community Services Centre Britannia Virtual Income Tax Clinic | (britanniacentre.org)

Appointments by phone are available on Wednesdays & Fridays with help for seniors and low-income residents. Details on free tax clinics and what you need to prepare to help volunteers complete your return.

Fore more information, visit the CRA website.

Fuel tax refund for persons with disabilities, Province of BC

Fuel tax refund program for persons with disabilities - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

Determine your eligibility
Gather supporting documents (see Before You Start)
Apply for registration

If you're approved, you'll receive a:

Registration confirmation letter
Refund application form

Apply for a refund

You can apply for a refund only after your registration is confirmed

If you're eligible for the fuel tax refund program for persons with disabilities, you may receive:

a fuel tax refund of up to $500 each calendar year for a qualifying vehicle registered in the program and a 25% discount off your ICBC basic Autoplan insurance (including electric vehicles)

Insurance discount for people with disabilities, ICBC

Disability discount (icbc.com)

Vehicle owners whose mobility is permanently impaired may qualify for a 25 percent discount off the cost of Basic Autoplan. Who's eligible? Our disability discount is available to a vehicle's registered owner, joint owner or lessee who's 16 years of age or older and is a "person with disabilities" as defined in the Motor Fuel Tax Act. As of May 1, 2022, the discount will also be available to those with ownership interest in a vehicle.
A "person with disabilities" is someone who has one of the following disabilities or who qualifies under one of the following programs:

You have lost a limb.
You are permanently dependent on a wheelchair.
You have complete and permanent functional loss of the lower limbs.
Your doctor or nurse practitioner certifies that you have permanent impairment of movement or a mental disability to the extent that it would be hazardous for you to use public transportation (whether or not public transportation is available).
Your doctor or nurse practitioner certifies that you have permanent sight impairment to the extent that you are not eligible to hold a B.C. driver's licence.
You have received a letter from Veterans Affairs Canada showing you receive 100% disability pension from active service (includes civilians who service in support) and the date you began receiving the pension.
You receive disability assistance from the Ministry of Social Development, or you would receive assistance but do not qualify because you are 65 years old or older.

Access 2 Card, Easter Seals Canada

Access 2 Card Program - Easter Seals Canada

The award-winning Access 2 Program is a collaborative partnership between Easter Seals and over 500 movie theatres, cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and recreation facilities across Canada. Designed for people of all ages who have a permanent disability and require the assistance of a support person, the goal of the Access 2 Program is to improve social inclusion and provide access to entertainment, cultural and recreation opportunities and experiences without any added financial burden. When an Access 2 cardholder (the individual with the permanent disability) presents their valid Access 2 Card at any participating venue partner, their support person receives free admission; the cardholder pays regular admission. Since launching in 2004, the Access 2 Program has emerged as a national leader in promoting and celebrating social inclusion and opportunities for active social participation amongst the disability community in Canada. Just as important, the Access 2 Program has also been at the forefront of raising awareness about the importance of accessible spaces, equal opportunity, and working collaboratively to create a more inclusive, more accessible Canada.

Permanent increase to assistance rates helps people in need, March 16, 2021

Permanent increase to assistance rates helps people in need | BC Gov News

More than 300,000 British Columbians will benefit from the largest-ever permanent increase to income assistance and disability assistance rates and the first-ever increase to the senior’s supplement.

Starting with payments issued in April 2021, individuals on income assistance and disability assistance will automatically receive a permanent $175 per month increase – the third increase in rates since July 2017.

Accessible Home Adaptations, BC Housing rebate

BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) | BC Housing

The BC RAHA program is now accepting applications. BC RAHA is allocated on a first come, first served basis with priority given to complete applications. The program will close on March 31, 2024, or sooner if funds have been exhausted.

Find answers to common questions about the BC-RAHA program.

Program Overview

The BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) program provides financial help in the form of rebates to eligible low-income households to complete home adaptations for independent living.

Funding for equipment to enhance quality of life and mobility, Kinsmen Foundation of BC

Apply for funding | Kinsmen Foundation Of BC

Apply for funding today. Our organization provides funding for a wide range of equipment in order to improve the quality of life and mobility for individuals with disabilities. We will consider even the most specialized equipment if it has the potential to make a difference in someone’s life.

Province of British Columbia, Department of Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Life Threatening Health Needs, Province of BC

Life-Threatening Health Needs - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

Overview - The ministry may provide access to medical equipment, medical supplies, or medical transportation to persons who are not otherwise eligible but who face a direct and imminent life-threatening health need and have no other resources to meet that need. Health supplements for persons who face a direct and imminent life-threatening health need may be provided to:

BC Employment and Assistance recipients who are not otherwise eligible to access medical equipment, medical supplies, or medical transportation
individuals not eligible for income assistance, disability assistance, or hardship assistance

Note: As of January 1, 2020, the income test policy for life threatening health needs coverage changed. This was due to the elimination of MSP premiums and premium assistance programs. There was no impact to applicants as the actual amount of the income threshold did not change.

Individual grants for people with disabilities, BC Rehab Society

Individual Grant Eligibility | BC Rehab Society

ELIGIBILITY - Please review updated eligibility as of January 1st, 2023

Awards are considered by a combination of factors. Approved applications typically demonstrate a severe need, an inability to acquire the needed equipment through other means and applications address each of the following areas:

financial need of the applicant
type of disability
how the equipment request will improve the applicants quality of life and increase personal independence
if the applicant has explored other avenues of funding
two or more quotes (from different vendors) for the equipment being applied for
how long the equipment will meet the client’s need
We do not fund additional equipment you already have acquired, unless it’s a back-up wheelchair
letter of support and/or assessment from a health care practitioner such as a occupational therapist or physiotherapist
Please note – If you do not submit a full application including three quotes (two new and one used), a copy of your latest NOA, and an assessment from an OT or PT your application will be moved to the next round.

Our mandate is inclusive to these physical disabilities:

Spinal cord injury
Acquired brain injury
Stroke
Cerebral Palsy
Muscular Dystrophy
Spina Bifida
Multiple Sclerosis
Polio
Amputation
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Guillian-Barre

Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Province of BC

Social Development and Poverty Reduction | BC Gov News

Specialized services and supports for people with disabling conditions

Self-management British Columbia.

https://selfmanagementbc.ca/

Welcome to Self-Management BC. GAIN KNOWLEDGE + SKILLS + CONFIDENCE

Self-Management BC, supported by the Province of British Columbia, offers FREE health programs for adults of all ages with one or more ongoing health conditions. Programs are offered in person, virtually, online, by telephone, or by mail for adults living in BC.

What are chronic conditions? Chronic conditions are broadly defined as long-term conditions and require ongoing medical care and lifestyle changes to manage and control.
What is self-management? Self-management means having the skills and confidence to live well with one or more chronic conditions. You can view a video, "Staying Happy, Healthy, and Active Between Visits to the Doctor," by Dr. Kate Lorig of the Self-Management Resource Center.

BCSM - - Self-Management BC Programs (selfmanagementbc.ca)

Self-management means having the skills and confidence to live well with one or more chronic conditions. Examples of skills include problem-solving, decision-making, and action planning (an approach to moving towards your goal). To learn more about self-management, view the BC Ministry of Health video, "Self-Managing and Self-Management Support." Self-Management BC offers a menu of self-management programs available to British Columbians virtually, online, by telephone and by mail. Programs are for adults of all ages living with one or more ongoing health conditions, and participation is free. Click on a health condition on the left to learn more.

BCSM - - Chronic Pain (selfmanagementbc.ca)

Chronic Pain is pain that is ongoing and usually last longer than 3 months. The following program formats are designed for people living with Chronic Pain.

BCSM - - Cancer (selfmanagementbc.ca)

The following program formats are designed for people who are living with and/or have been affected by cancer.

BCSM - - Chronic Conditions (selfmanagementbc.ca)

Chronic conditions are broadly defined as conditions that are long-term and require ongoing medical care and lifestyle changes to manage and control. Examples of chronic conditions include arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, and depression.

BCSM - - Diabetes Self-Management Program (selfmanagementbc.ca)

The following program formats are designed specifically for persons experiencing Type 2 Diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes have also found benefit.

A schedule of upcoming workshops is available by region.

The Introduction of Chinese Self-Management Programs and Schedule of Upcoming Programs (July and August 2023) can be downloaded here.

BCSM - - Become a Volunteer (selfmanagementbc.ca)

What volunteer roles are there? All Self-Management BC programs are delivered by peer volunteers. At this time, we have two opportunities open:

Coach for the Health Coach Program - providing support by telephone, approximately 30 minutes once per week for a period of 13 weeks (3 months).
Leader for the Chronic Conditions Self-Management Program - delivering health education virtually or in-person, using an evidence-based scripted program, 2.5 hours once per week for 6 weeks.

Here is a comparison of the two opportunities.

Who can become a volunteer? Any adult 19 years and older who is interested in supporting people with chronic conditions. Favourable volunteer attributes include:

Non-judgmental and open to new ideas
Responsible, respected and trustworthy
Committed to helping others
Willing to listen, learn new skills and be a healthy role model
Committed to the philosophy of the program
Proficient in both speaking and reading English

What are the benefits of becoming a volunteer? You will:

Learn facilitation skills
Learn techniques and strategies you can use in your own life
Share in other people’s successes

You will be provided with thorough training and ongoing support from staff at Self-Management BC.

Health Coach Program.

https://selfmanagementbc.ca/healthcoachprogram

Health Coaches and participants are paired based on gender, age and/or shared chronic health condition(s). Coaches connect with participants by telephone, once a week for 30 minutes, for a period of three months to support participants who would like to:

Choose goals and actions they want to take to better manage their health
Identify and problem-solve barriers to being healthier
Become more self-confident
Be motivated to initiate and maintain health-behaviour changes

Health Coaches provide a dimension of support that complements and enhances professional health care; they do not provide medical or clinical advice or treatment. The Health Coach and the participant each receive a copy of the "Living a Healthy Life" book to use during the three months.

Diabetes Canada

Canada needs a nation-wide diabetes strategy now - Diabetes Canada

Resources - Diabetes Canada

Tools & resources - Welcome to our resource centre, which is full of information we have created for people affected by diabetes and those who support them, whether that’s family or healthcare professionals! You’ll find tips and tools, resources, podcasts and more to help you live a healthier life.

Virtual Diabetes Education Program - Live Q&A - Diabetes Canada

Are you newly diagnosed with diabetes and looking for information to get you started, or need a refresher on diabetes management? Join our virtual diabetes education program to learn the basics of diabetes management and connect with others affected by diabetes from the comfort of your home.

Diabetes Canada's virtual diabetes education program provides the option to learn practical, up-to-date tips and tricks at your own pace, and have your questions answered in live, online sessions. You can explore the basics of diabetes management with our video recordings, and dive deeper into specific topics with our bonus monthly topics.

Volunteer with us - Diabetes Canada

Volunteers have been an important part of Diabetes Canada since day one. We're deeply grateful for our volunteers' generosity and support. With close to 11.5 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes today, we need volunteers like you more than ever. Volunteering with Diabetes Canada gives you the chance to contribute to the lives of people affected by diabetes - perhaps those close to you, in your community, or even across the country. You'll join a team of committed, generous people who are making a difference.

We offer a variety of rewarding opportunities that are matched to your skills, interests and availability. They range from helping out with administrative tasks with a local team, supporting programs and events, fundraising and being part of a committee, to speaking with government officials, and giving presentations and talks to community groups. Ready to join our team? We look forward to meeting you!

Autism Support Organization Providing Resources to Families of Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Support Network of British Columbia (autismsupportbc.ca)

Are You Finding It Difficult To Access Research, Therapies And Community Support For Autism Spectrum Disorder?

You want to be a savvy consumer of autism services.
You want to understand the science and benefits behind Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).You want to start an effective behaviour intervention program.
You want to connect and learn from experienced parents.
You want to learn about career paths in ABA for Autism.
You want to help us build an empowered community.

The Autism Support Network aims to create a secure and inclusive community of support, ensuring that families of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have access to quality, science-based treatment, so that those with Autism may reach their full potential.

Autism BC

About — AutismBC

We empower, support, and connect the autism community in BC.

AutismBC is a small, non-profit and registered charity that encourages the inclusion and acceptance of the entire autism community. We are a tight-knit and nimble organization that values the lived experience of our team and members. We prioritize listening to our members and making decisions that reflect their needs and wants. We have offices in the Lower Mainland, Northern BC, the Interior, and Vancouver Island; however, our programs run province-wide thanks to our hardworking network of incredible staff and volunteers.

We are a grassroots organization founded in 1975 to support people on the autism spectrum and their families. Since our humble beginnings, we have grown to become one of the most trusted non-profit organizations for autism in BC. We continue to support autistic individuals by providing parents and communities with knowledge and by engaging with people on the autism spectrum to create stronger, more diverse communities. We are proud partners of the Stigma Free Society and welcome feedback on how we can better meet the needs of community members. You can read our statement here.

After Stroke BC (Stroke Recovery Association of BC - SRABC)

About SRABC - After Stroke BC (strokerecoverybc.ca)

VISION - Every stroke survivor moves through recovery with hope and support to lead a full and rewarding life. MISSION - SRABC provides services, education and advocacy to those affected by stroke throughout every stage of recovery. At this time, there are about 6,500 strokes in BC every year – and the need for our services is growing. Nearly one in four affected by stroke is under 65 years of age. Our services and resources deliver hope and help to stroke survivors, as well as their families, friends and health care professionals.

After Stroke BC is a proud affiliate of After Stroke, a program of March of Dimes Canada.

https://strokerecoverybc.ca/virtual-programs/

Here’s our current virtual program calendar; we’ll add more activities as they are developed. If you’re new to Zoom – it’s easy! We’ve included some instructions to get you started here

https://strokerecoverybc.ca/exercise-mobility-programs/

GRASP | Improving Arm and Hand Function - GRASP is a program for people living in the community to improve arm and hand function after stroke or brain injury. This 10-week program is suitable for people who have some grasp and release ability.

Chair Exercises | For Stroke Recovery - There are two ways to enjoy our Chair Exercise sessions: Join us Live! Our virtual sessions run every Tuesday (cardio-focus) and Thursday (strength-focus) at 9 a.m. Pacific (excluding stat holidays). Sessions are led by a certified fitness trainer and designed for stroke survivors.

Volunteer - After Stroke BC (strokerecoverybc.ca)

After Stroke BC is always seeking volunteers for various positions. Please click on left tabs below for specific information on different available positions.

The BC Brain Injury Association

The BC Brain Injury Association - Brainstreams

Brainstreams.ca is the official website of the The BC Brain Injury Association (BCBIA). We are a non-profit provincial organization in British Columbia serving the interests of the acquired brain injury population. We are continually revising, adapting and creating content to ensure British Columbians are informed about the brain and brain injury and have access to the kind of information they require, when they require it. With your continued support and feedback we hope to fulfil an existing gap in the brain injury community.

ALS Society of BC

About ALS - ALS Society of BC (alsbc.ca)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or motor neuron disease) is a disease that gradually paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe.

Learn more about the early signs and symptoms, how ALS is diagnosed and how it progresses.

If you or someone you know is living with ALS, take advantage of our resources to help make day-to-day life with ALS less overwhelming and more manageable.

Resources - ALS Society of BC (alsbc.ca)

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with ALS, you may be struggling to understand what this means and what to do next. Life with ALS presents many challenges for those living with the disease and their caregivers, as well as family and friends. In addition to needing physical support, people living with ALS may find it difficult to cope with the associated emotional and lifestyle changes. The ALS Society of BC strives to provide the education and tools to help make day-to-day life with ALS less overwhelming and more manageable. We offer resources for people living with ALS, youth whose lives may be affected by the disease and physicians caring for patients who have ALS.

Resources-List-November.pdf (alsbc.ca)

Robert R. Heinrich Equipment Loan Program - ALS Society of BC (alsbc.ca)

Our Equipment Loan Program is designed to help people cope with the daily challenges of decreasing mobility and independence. By obtaining basic and essential assistive devices at no charge, we hope to reduce the financial burden and enhance the quality of life of those living with ALS. This includes mobility equipment, lifts, beds & accessories, bathroom aids, and communication devices. Our equipment catalog provides more details on the available devices.

The program has been expanded to include Advanced Technology which now has 140 pieces of equipment in inventory. These items include 8 state-of-the-art Obi robotic feeding devices, 9 Tango hydraulic office chairs, Google Home, Chromecasts, smart lights, robot spoons, and robotic arm.

To access this program, patients must be registered with the ALS Society of BC and have a prescription form completed by a healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech-language pathologist. Like other ALS BC services, this program is available throughout BC and Yukon.

Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA)

CAYA BC – Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults

What is CAYA? Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA) is a province-wide service program that supports adults aged 19 years and older who require an augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) system due to a severe communication disability, i.e. speech that is not functional for daily communication. The goal of CAYA is to ensure that eligible individuals have access to the communication tools and professional support to enable them to create an adult life to the best of their abilities.

Free Webinars! Watch an array of free Canadian-made e-learning modules covering topics such as accessibility, Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia, and communication access.

CAYA Services – CAYA BC

CAYA provides a time dependent service. Assessment and intervention will occur for approximately four months, after which time the Client and his/her Team will be expected to assume responsibility for continued implementation and use of the communication system. The overall service is comprised of the following modules: assessment, equipment, daily/regular use, follow up, training and resources.

Client Stories – CAYA BC

Resources – CAYA BC

Aphasia Institute, Ontario

Aphasia Institute

What is Aphasia? Aphasia is a language problem that masks a person’s inherent competence, and most dramatically affects conversational interaction (talking and understanding), as well as the ability to read and write. Without the ability to participate in conversation, every relationship, life role and almost every life activity is at risk. With additional reading and writing difficulties, the impact is devastating.

Volunteer – Aphasia Institute

Conversation facilitation: Working with groups of 4 – 6 people with aphasia, volunteers enable members to interact, engage, challenge and develop amazing conversations. Always working in partnership with another co-facilitator, your role is to provide communication techniques specific to the members with aphasia, while also taking part in the conversation. This is an integral position in our program and a great starting place for new volunteers.

Other volunteer opportunities include: Painting/Creative Program Assistant; Fitness Assistant; Book Group Co-facilitator; New Beginnings Program Facilitators; One-to-One Computer Facilitator; Outreach Home-Visit Communication Facilitators.

Virtually on Zoom: One-to-one Outreach, Virtual Travel, Meditation & Relaxation, Book Group, Toastmasters, Karaoke, Sports Discussion, Current Events and Music Discussion. In-Person Programming at our Centre: Conversation Groups, Painting, New Beginnings. There are also positions available in the areas of research, administration, fundraising, and governance.

Speech and Hearing BC

Our Organization – Speech and Hearing BC

Changing lives by improving communication - We believe in helping people who have speech and hearing disorders to better express themselves, understand what others say, be heard, and hear more clearly. Our members provide assessment and treatment to individuals of all ages who may experience problems with their speech, language, hearing, voice, swallowing, fluency, or social communication.

Connecting those in need with those who can help - We connect people who have communication disorders with highly trained, certified professionals across BC who can help. Our website provides a listing of speech-language pathologists and audiologists who are certified members of our national affiliate, Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC).

Find a speech-language or hearing professional near you.

Educating about speech, language, swallowing and hearing disorders - We provide educational resources for those wishing to find out more about a wide range of speech, language, and hearing disorders. Helpful links to online resources are listed in many sections of our website.

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA)

Homepage - Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (chha.ca)

The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association’s vision is to inspire and empower Canadians impacted by hearing loss.

About Mentoring Program | Canadian Hard Of Hearing Association (chha.ca)

The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) Web-based mentoring program is for people with hearing loss. It is designed to help individuals acquire those skills in managing their hearing loss in everyday life, which will help them to achieve optimal well being, personal fulfilment and productivity. The objectives of the Online Mentoring Program include:

1) For the person with hearing loss seeking mentoring (the mentee)

Facilitate peer support
Promote self-help and education for coping with the effects of the loss of hearing ability
Enable the person with hearing loss to gain leadership and communication skills

2) For the mentor:

Provide an opportunity to volunteer and contribute in a rewarding way.

Volunteer - Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (chha.ca)

Can I Volunteer? Absolutely! CHHA was built on volunteers and community support. Volunteers are central to all our activities and make invaluable contributions towards our success. Without them, we would not be where we are today. People of all ages and from all walks of life volunteer with us. Over the years, we have benefited greatly from fantastic, energetic and knowledgeable volunteers across the country. They have helped shape the character and culture of our organization and what it has become over the years.

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, BC Chapter (CHHA-BC)

About « Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – BC Chapter (chha-bc.org)

CHHA-BC Chapter is a consumers’ organization for the hard of hearing, with national, regional and provincial structures dedicated to the assistance of hard of hearing people Canadians. The local Chapter provide the organizational framework for CHHA members to pursue the aims of CHHA at the provincial level, especially in health care services, education, employment and other area of provincial jurisdiction.

Welcome to the CHHA-BC Online Hearing Loss Mentoring Program

This program is a joint initiative of CHHA-BC Chapter and CHHA-Vancouver Branch. We are providing this Online Program for persons with hearing loss in B.C. to make available the same sort of peer support and mentoring that CHHA-BC and its local Branches have been providing for over thirty years, to hard of hearing and deafened people in B.C. On this website you will find links to general information on various aspects of coping with hearing loss, from people who themselves have a hearing loss; and confidential one-to-one chat rooms, for those seeking guidance and mentoring in adjusting to their own hearing loss. To access the mentors, just click on the MENTOR PROGRAM link in the header and follow directions.

Well Being Program for Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Deaf-Blind people in British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)

Home - VCH Deaf Well Being

The Well-Being Program (WBP) provides Mental Health Services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, & Deaf-Blind people throughout the province of British Columbia. Home page includes as introductory video, activity calendar, services and program information

Overview - VCH Deaf Well Being

The WBP provides services for individuals, couples, children, youth, and families. Unfortunately, at this time, some of the services, such as therapy groups, are only accessible for those in the Lower Mainland area.

Community Links - VCH Deaf Well Being

Includes interpreting and community links

The Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children

About Us – Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children (elksfundforchildren.com)

The Fund for Children is a grass roots charity that provides Financial Assistance for medical needs of children with hearing and speech disorders under the age of 19. In complement to Financial Assistance, the charity provides funding for programs that address the needs of children with hearing and speech disorders. Our donors know that through their on-going support, they are making a real and measurable difference in the lives of countless children in need. Many children have benefited, but much work remains to be done.

Provincial Programs – Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children (elksfundforchildren.com)

In addition to our Personal Assistance program, The Fund for Children has for many years and continues to contribute to provincial programs across the country in support of their missions and programs related to the area of hearing and speech for children under the age of 19.

The programs we support annually include:

Home - BC Family Hearing Resource Society

BC Family Hearing Resource Society is the largest not-for-profit organization in British Columbia serving children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing, aged birth to school-entry. For 40 years, we have been providing intervention, support, education, sign language instruction and peer-to-peer mentoring to families throughout the province. Our approach to communication is simple – it’s not how you communicate that’s important, it’s simply that you DO!

Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf

Home – The Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf (wordpress.com)

The Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf (GVAD) is an organization of the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, DeafBlind, parents of Deaf children, hearing people and friends. Everyone is welcome to apply for membership. The purposes of the GVAD are: To promote all matters of the welfare of the Deaf To foster the social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities of the Deaf To affiliate and serve with provincial, regional and national organizations of the Deaf and hard of hearing To ensure that the activities of the society always be intended to contribute positively to the Greater Vancouver area or to any other district within the society’s areas of operation.

Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)

Home | CNIB

Try something new with the CNIB Foundation! Whether it's career support, tech training, youth groups, cooking classes or book clubs – our virtual programs are guaranteed to keep you entertained and engaged. Programs are free and available to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Visit our new COVID-19 resources page to learn more about our innovative programs and powerful advocacy. Please note: CNIB offices are open to the public by appointment only.

For more information, please call 1-800-563-2642. The Canadian COVID Alert app is now available in six provinces. Please download it to your phone today.

The Way Forward | CNIB

Built on the direction and feedback of people who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind across Canada, we’re proud to introduce The Way Forward, a new, five-year strategic plan that we believe will create lasting change for our community nationwide.

Volunteer | CNIB

Our volunteers make an incredible difference in the lives of people with sight loss each and every day. If you're interested in volunteering with us, we can't wait to welcome you to the team!

Be My Eyes APP

Be My Eyes - See the world together

AI-powered visual assistance for instantaneous image-to-text generation. The Virtual Volunteer feature will be integrated into the existing app and contains a dynamic new image-to-text generator powered by OpenAI's GPT-4. Users can send images via the app to an AI-powered Virtual Volunteer, which will provide instantaneous identification, interpretation and conversational visual assistance for a wide variety of tasks.
The story about Be My Eyes

Be My Eyes is a free mobile app with one main goal: to make the world more accessible for blind and low-vision people. The app connects blind and low-vision individuals with sighted volunteers and companies from all over the world through a live video call.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services, BC government supports and services

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

This page can help you find out more about ASL interpretation services delivered by the B.C. government. Visit our Supports and Services page for information on other services. You can also contact Provincial Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.

Post-Secondary Communication Access Services (PCAS) is a province-wide service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. PCAS provides information on how to access:

Interpreting
Speech-to-text services
Note-taking
Assistive technology
Other services and supports

The Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI)

WAVLI - Home

WELCOME TO WAVLI - The Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI) is the provincial professional association of interpreters who work between spoken English and American Sign Language (ASL). Watch our Public Service Announcement

Our Vision: A thriving community of sign language interpreters.

Our Mission: Our mission is to support our members and advance the profession of sign language interpretation through professional development, advocacy, and leadership in the field.

WAVLI holds three protected titles which are restricted for use by WAVLI members only:

(1) Registered ASL - English Interpreter
(2) Registered Sign Language Interpreter
(3) Registered Visual Language Interpreter

Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

Interpreting - Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

Wavefront Centre provides sign language interpreting services to facilitate communication for people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing who are American Sign Language (ASL) users. Our interpreters are:

Professionally trained by a recognized interpreter education program
Required to follow a strict Code of Ethics adopted by the Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI) wavli.com and the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) www.casli.ca
All MIS Interpreters are professionally qualified, and are evaluated through skill-based exam administered by Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

Community Interpreting Services (CIS)

CIS is the Sign Language interpreter booking service at Wavefront Centre. We arrange for professional ASL Interpreters to facilitate communication between ASL users and people who can hear. providing complete and accurate information in either spoken English or American Sign Language. Our ASL Interpreters work in various settings such as legal, business, mental health, educational, entertainment, government and public service settings. Interpreting Services are offered on a fee for service basis in most cases.

Medical Interpreting Services (MIS)

MIS is the provincial Sign Language interpreter booking service funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority. Persons who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing can access a qualified interpreter through MIS for most medical appointments. MIS will provide interpreters for medical appointments that may be covered under BC MSP, for example:

General Practitioner and Specialists
Psychiatrists
Ophthalmologists
Gynecology/Obstetrics
Medical Imaging
Hospital Stays

MIS Interpreters can be booked in advance for scheduled appointments or through our 24/7 on-call system for urgent situations. MIS services are free of charge to Deaf, DeafBlind, Deafened, and Hard of Hearing individuals who reside in British Columbia and have a BC Service Card. Health Care Providers – If you have a patient who needs an interpreter, interveners, or CART services, please book necessary services through Provincial Language Service.

Do’s and Don’ts When Communicating With a Deaf Person, June 11, 2022

Do's and Don'ts When Communicating With a Deaf Person - We Hear You (bcaslpa.ca)

It can be difficult to communicate with a deaf person if you don’t know sign language. However, there are ways that you can still effectively communicate with them. Here are four ways that you can try.

Disability services and supports, accessibility and inclusion

Employment, financial subsidies, grants and tax deductions for people with disabilities

Specialized services and supports for people with disabling conditions

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