About Us

The Personal Supports Program is an important component of the Provincial Disability Strategy, which supports the BC government's commitment to building the best system of support in Canada for persons with disabilities. Its vision is that "British Columbians have access to the personal supports that they need in order to achieve their goals and have the opportunity to participate fully in the life of the province."

The program was designed in collaboration with persons with disabilities. It is based on the Participation Model for Personal Supports, in which the individual drives the process by developing a Personal Strategy that identifies his or her goals and the supports that are required to achieve those goals. Members of the Provincial Equipment and Assistive Devices Committee, as well as representatives from many provincial ministries and Crown agencies, have all worked together to create this integrated, citizen-centred service delivery model.

Photo of Victoria Personal Supports Centre

The Toll-Free Personal Supports Information Line and the Personal Supports website, which are designed to make information more accessible to persons with disabilities in British Columbia, are initiatives of the Personal Supports Program. The Program itself will be delivered through Personal Supports Centres, which will provide tools and resources to help persons with disabilities obtain information, develop a Personal Strategy, make connections with programs and services, and obtain support during transition periods (e.g., between stages of life, or as goals and needs change).

Implementation will begin in 2008. A number of demonstration centres will open in communities around the province, and the information gathered through these demonstration centres will help the government and its partners determine the best way to deliver the Personal Supports Program.