Personal Supports


There are 26 records that match your request.

1. Adaptive Recreation (AR) and Wilderness School (WS)

Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society

The Adaptive Recreation Program an adventure based therapy and recreation program which provides adaptable equipment so people with disabilities can enjoy and connect to nature. Activities include: kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, gardening, camping and environmental stewardship. Participants can choose to enrol for a single, one-time activity or participate in ongoing, multi-activity group programs. Power To Be also operates a Wilderness School, a 4 year program for at-risk youth, where participants learn a variety of wilderness and life skills through hands on learning strategies.

Email: carinna@powertobe.ca
Phone: 250 385-2363
Toll-free Phone: 1 800 375-2363
Fax: 250 385-2360

Address:
1009 Langley St.
Victoria, BC, V8W1V7

Contacts Page

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2. Aids to Independent Living

Canadian Red Cross

This Red Cross program provides free loans of medical equipment to adults coping with long-term illness and disabilities, who do not have the financial resources to purchase or rent the necessary equipment. This service is provided to Home Health clients living in the following areas: Abbotsford, Agassiz, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Chilliwack, Delta, Hope, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, West Vancouver, White Rock. Clients must be referred by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist from their local health unit. Note: Equipment is not available to clients in extended care facilities and there is a waiting list for some items.

Email: lmr.mels@redcross.ca
Phone: 604 709-6600 Ext: 632

In the Fraser East area: 604 859-5960

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3. ALS Society of BC

The society provides education and support for people diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their families. The person must become a member of the society to acquire equipment, which is free. Through their province-wide equipment loan program the society provides mobility, respiratory, aids to daily living and communication devices.

Email: patientservices2@alsbc.ca
Phone: 604 685-0737
Toll-free Phone: 1 800 708-3228
Fax: 604 685-0725

Address:
208 - 1600 West 6th Avenue
Vancouver, BC, V6J1R3

Contacts Page

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4. Arthritis Society BC and Yukon Division

The Arthritis Society provides information about arthritis and referrals to available supports and resources. It delivers arthritis health promotion, advocacy and educational programs. Regional centres have learning materials and information on events and programs in various communities in BC.

Email: info@bc.arthritis.ca
Toll-free Phone: 1 800 321-1433

Contacts Page

Arthritis Answer Line Phone (lower mainland): 604 875-5051

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5. BC Paraplegic Association

The BC Paraplegic Association (BCPA) offers a wide variety of services to support people with mobility impairments. The Association does not loan or take donations of equipment, but individuals may post items needed or for sale on the classified section of their website. The website also hosts an online resource database. A limited number of grants are available for equipment through the BC Paraplegic Foundation - applications can be obtained through BCPA. BCPA members are given priority for BCPF grants.

Email: Vancouver@bcpara.org
Phone: 604 324-3611
Toll-free Phone: 1 877 324-3611
Fax: 604 326-1229

Address:
780 SW Marine Drive
Vancouver, BC, V6P5Y7

Contacts Page

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6. Canadian Red Cross - BC Coastal (Haida Gwaii, Gulf Islands, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, Powell River)

Canadian Red Cross

There are four regions in British Columbia that provide services and programs to provide individuals with medical equipment they may need to borrow. There are more than 90 Medical Equipment Loans Service (MELS) depots located throughout British Columbia. Please contact your local Red Cross regional office for the depot nearest you or consult your local phone directory. Please contact the offices directly to discover what programs are available in your community.

Phone: 250 382-2043
Toll-free Phone: 1 800 661-9055
Fax: 250 382-3420

Address:
909 Fairfield Road
Victoria, BC, V8V3A3

Contacts Page

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7. Canadian Red Cross-Interior

Canadian Red Cross

There are four regions in British Columbia that provide services and programs to provide individuals with medical equipment they may need to borrow. There are more than 90 Medical Equipment Loans Service (MELS) depots located throughout British Columbia. Please contact your local Red Cross regional office for the depot nearest you or consult your local phone directory. Please contact the offices directly to discover what programs are available in your community.

Phone: 250 763-1859
Fax: 250 763-6131

Address:
5-1414 Hunter Court
Kelowna, BC, V1X6E6

Contacts Page

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8. Canadian Red Cross-Lower Mainland

Canadian Red Cross

There are four regions in British Columbia that provide services and programs to provide individuals with medical equipment they may need to borrow. There are more than 90 Medical Equipment Loans Service (MELS) depots located throughout British Columbia. Please contact your local Red Cross regional office for the depot nearest you or consult your local phone directory. Please contact the offices directly to discover what programs are available in your community.

Phone: 604 709-6600
Toll-free Phone: 1 800 565-8000
Fax: 604 709-6675

Address:
3400 Lake City Way
Burnaby, BC, V5A4Y2

Contacts Page

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9. Canadian Red Cross-Northern

Canadian Red Cross

There are four regions in British Columbia that provide services and programs to provide individuals with medical equipment they may need to borrow. There are more than 90 Medical Equipment Loans Service (MELS) depots located throughout British Columbia. Please contact your local Red Cross regional office for the depot nearest you or consult your local phone directory. Please contact the offices directly to discover what programs are available in your community.

Phone: 250 564-6566
Toll-free Phone: 1 800 278-7177
Fax: 250 564-2688

Address:
1399 6th Avenue
Prince George, BC, V2L5L6

Contacts Page

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10. Canadian Red Cross - Vancouver Island

Canadian Red Cross

There are four regions in British Columbia that provide services and programs to provide individuals with medical equipment they may need to borrow. There are more than 90 Medical Equipment Loans Service (MELS) depots located throughout British Columbia. Please contact your local Red Cross regional office for the depot nearest you or consult your local phone directory. Please contact the offices directly to discover what programs are available in your community.

Phone: 250 382-2043
Toll-free Phone: 1 800 661-9055
Fax: 250 382-3420

Address:
909 Fairfield Road
Victoria, BC, V8V3A3

Contacts Page

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11. Disabled Sailing

The Disabled Sailing Association

Disabled (adaptive) sailing is accessible and inclusive and promotes freedom and independence. Even people with no movement below the neck, with the use of 'sip n' puff' technology, can sail safely and independently. DSA-BC operates eight specially designed Martin 16 sailboats, for people aged 8 and up. Sailing allows people to enjoy independence and freedom, whether as a recreational activity or a competitive high performance endeavour. Sailing instruction is available, and participants range from complete novices to highly competitive.

Email: dsa@disabilityfoundation.org
Phone: 604 688-6464
Fax: 604 688-6463

Address:
Head Office, 207-3077 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC, V6H3J9

Contacts Page

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12. Enhanced Community Medical Equipment Loan Service (ECMELS)

Canadian Red Cross

Enhanced Community Medical Equipment Loan Service (ECMELS): Loans more complex equipment such as power equipment, patient lifts, bath lifts, hospital beds, and requires a referral from a health care professional. ECMELS currently serves therapists and nurses practicing in the Capital Health Region only (Greater Victoria, Western Communities, Sooke, Saanich Peninsula, and the Gulf Islands). This equipment must be ordered directly by a Health Care Professional (OT, PT and Home Care nurses) who will oversee the installation and instruction on proper usage of equipment. The loan period can be up to 6 months. Palliative clients can borrow equipment for as long as is needed.

Phone: 250 382-2043
Toll-free Phone: 1 800 661-9055
Fax: 250 382-3420

Address:
909 Fairfield Road
Victoria, BC, V8V3A3

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13. Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative (EATI)

Ministry of Housing & Social Development and the BC Personal Supports Network

The EATI provides equipment and assistive technology, and funding for related services such as assessment, trialing, repair and training, for people with disabilities who would like to work. You may be eligible for the EATI if you are a BC resident who is 18 years of age or older and you are: unemployed and ineligible for Employment Insurance/reachback benefits OR employed and looking to upgrade essential skills such as literacy or numeracy. This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the federal-provincial Labour Market Agreement. Please contact the program for more information.

Email: EATI@bcits.org
Toll-free Phone: 1 877 333-7554
Fax: 604 326-0176

Address:
9007 Shaughnessy St.
Vancouver, BC, V6P 6R9



14. Equipment Provision Program

Multiple Sclerosis Society of BC and Yukon Division

The MS Society offers a variety of client services including supportive counselling, education, information, referral, volunteer advocacy and the Equipment Provision Program (EPP). The EPP provides equipment, funds to purchase new equipment or funds to repair existing equipment. To qualify for assistance through the equipment provision program you must: (1) Have a diagnosis of MS (2) Be a resident of BC (3) Have a medical recommendation supporting the equipment need (4) Have limited or no other program eligibility (5) Fall within the MS Society 'Family Financial Guideline Scale.'

Email: info.bc@mssociety.ca
Phone: 604 689-3144
Toll-free Phone: 1 800 268-7582
Fax: 604 689-0377

Address:
1501 - 4330 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC, V5H4G7

Contacts Page

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15. Federal Excise Gasoline Tax

Canada Revenue Agency

You may be able to claim a refund of part of the excise tax on gasoline if you are an individual who has a mobility impairment.

Toll-free Phone: 1 800 959-8281
TTY Phone: 800 665-0354

Contacts Page

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16. Medical Equipment Loan Service (MELS)

Canadian Red Cross, Medical Equipment Loan Service

This community-based, volunteer-run program provides short-term loans of basic medical equipment, by donation, to those recovering from surgery or injury, or living with mobility limitations. Available equipment includes wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and bathroom aids. Referrals from a health care professional are required for most items.

There are more than 90 MELS depots located throughout British Columbia. Please contact your local Red Cross regional office for the depot nearest you or consult your local phone directory.

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17. Mobility Equipment Loan Program

Muscular Dystrophy Canada (Western Region)

Muscular Dystrophy Canada offers many services. The Equipment Loan Program provides basic medical equipment on loan (bathroom equipment, lifting, orthopaedic devices and mobility devices including seating and positioning devices) as well as referrals to other organizations that may be able to provide assistance.

Email: infowest@muscle.ca
Phone: 604 732-8799
Toll-free Phone: 1 800 366-8166 Ext: 111
Fax: 604 731-6127

Address:
Muscular Dystrophy Canada (Western Region) 7th Floor, 1401 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC, V6H1H6

Contacts Page

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18. National Amputee Centre

The War Amps

The War Amps Adult Amputee Program provides financial assistance to Canadian amputees for the purchase of artificial limbs.

Email: nac@waramps.ca
Phone: 613 731-3821
Toll-free Phone: 1 877 622-2472
Fax: 613 731-3234

Address:
2827 Riverside Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1V0C4

Contacts Page

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19. Outdoor Recreation

British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society

BC Mobility Opportunities Society provides opportunities for people with physical disabilities to explore the outdoors, centered around the TrailRider. This is a specially designed, single-wheel, remote access wheelchair that enables the user, propelled by two able-bodied helpers, to take part in wilderness and recreational activities.

Email: bcmos@disabilityfoundation.org
Phone: 604 688-6464 Ext: 117
Fax: 604 688-6463

Address:
207 - 3077 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC, V6H3J9

Contacts Page

Seasonal office for summer program bookings: BCMOS Wilderness Access program, Pacific Spirit Regional Park 4915 West 16th Avenue Vancouver, BC Phone: 604 222-1312 Email: bcmossummer@disabilityfoundation.org

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20. Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS)

PADS raises and trains dogs for people who have a physical disability or are deaf or hard of hearing. People with disabilities, other than blindness, who can demonstrate their need for an assistance dog are eligible for a PADS dog. Individuals must be 16 or over for the service dog program and 18 or over for the hearing dog program.

Email: info@pads.ca
Phone: 604 527-0556
Fax: 604 527-0558

Address:
9048 Stormont Avenue
Burnaby, BC, V3N4G6

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21. Recycled Medical Equipment Program

Opportunities for the Disabled Foundation

Recycled Medical Equipment Program accepts donations of medical equipment which is refurbished to suit the needs of clients with disabilities. The equipment is then donated to them for personal use on permanent loan (the foundation maintains ownership). The foundation loans wheelchairs, scooters, and other essential equipment.

Email: info@oftdf.org
Phone: 604 437-7780
Toll-free Phone: 1 888 242-7202
Fax: 604 437-7705

Address:
319 - 4538 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC, V5H2B1

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22. Sports Wheelchair Loan Program

BC Wheelchair Sports

BCWSA programs are designed to introduce and support continued involvement of individuals with physical disabilities in wheelchair sports and recreational opportunities, promoting an active healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life. Developmental programs are offered throughout BC to give participants an opportunity to learn and develop sport specific skills. The Wheelchair Loan Program makes sport wheelchairs available, for a limited time, for ongoing BCWSA programs and new participants so that cost is not a barrier to participation.

Email: Kevin@bcwheelchairsports.com
Phone: 604 333-3524
Toll-free Phone: 1 877 737-3090
Fax: 604 333-3450

Address:
Suite 210 - 3820 Cessna Drive
Richmond, BC, V7B0A2

Contacts Page

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23. Tax Rebates

Canada Revenue Agency

There are a number of tax credits, rebates and deductions that persons with disabilities may be eligible for.

Toll-free Phone: 1 800 959-8281
TTY Phone: 800 665-0354
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24. Technology for Independent Living

This program delivers and services electromechanical assistive devices for individuals with severe physical disabilities. Technology for Independent Living (TIL) provides services in two main areas: Augmentative Communication Systems (ACS) and Environmental Control Systems (ECS). ECSs allow people with severe physical disabilities to control devices in their homes. ACSs are a range of devices which enable people who cannot speak or write to communicate with others. TIL provides permanent loans of these devices and systems. Presently, these technologies and services are provided at no charge (including installation, labour and ongoing maintenance and repair) to people with fixed or limited incomes.

Email: til@bcits.org
Phone: 604 326-0175
Fax: 604 326-0176

Address:
9007 Shaughnessy Street
Vancouver, BC, V6P6R9

Contacts Page

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25. The Palliative Equipment Program

Canadian Red Cross

The Red Cross Palliative Equipment Program operates in the municipalities of Richmond and Vancouver. Clients are referred to this program by nurses, occupational therapists, or physiotherapists in community health centres or hospitals.

Email: lmr.mels@redcross.ca
Phone: 604 709-6600

Inquiries by health professionals: Phone 604 709-6634 or 604 709-6633

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26. Wheelchair Basketball & Sport Wheelchair Loan Program

BC Wheelchair Basketball Society

The BC Wheelchair Basketball Society (BCWBS) is a not-for-profit sport organization and registered charity that provides support to wheelchair basketball programs throughout BC. Participants are offered the opportunity to compete in introductory, developmental, competitive and elite levels of programming. To ensure that access to equipment is not a barrier to participation, the BCWBS Wheelchair Loan Program makes sport wheelchairs available for BCWBS programs and participants not having the means to purchase their own. Also, it is an option for those new to the sport looking to explore what type of chair is best for them before purchasing their own.

Email: info@bcwbs.ca
Phone: 604 333-3530
Fax: 604 333-3450

Address:
210-3820 Cessna Drive
Richmond, BC, V7B0A2

Contacts Page

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