1. BC Ferries Disabled Status ID Card

BC Ferries

Reduced ferry fares may be available to residents of British Columbia who have a permanent disability.

2. Children and Youth with Special Needs Fund

Giving in Action Society

The Children and Youth with Special Needs Fund provides grants to families who have children or youth (birth-19 years) with special needs living at home. The Fund offers one-time grants to help improve the individual's health, development or ability to participate in daily activities at home, in school and in the community. The grant may be used for such things as home renovations and vehicle modifications.

Contacts Page

3. Claims

ICBC

For individuals who have been injured in a motor vehicle crash, ICBC helps them to get the support they need. Autoplan Accident Benefits helps with medical costs and wage loss for those injured in a motor vehicle crash in Canada or the USA.

Contacts Page

Dial-a-Claim Phone: 604 520-8222 (Lower Mainland). Toll Free 1 800 910-4222 (outside BC).

4. Disability Supports for Employment Fund (DSEF)

Vancouver Foundation

This fund supports initiatives by non-profit, charitable organizations that will promote the social and economic independence of individuals with disabilities.

Address:
1200-555 West Hastings Street Box 12132, Harbour Centre
Vancouver, BC, V6B4N6

Contacts Page

5. Employment Programs for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD)

The Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD), through a contract with Assistive Technology B.C. (AT-BC), provides assistive technology resources including the loans of assistive technology, training, repair and trouble shooting on the use of assistive technology to individuals who have a disability that is the primary barrier to finding and maintaining paid or volunteer employment. It may also provide other equipment and supports, dependant on circumstances. The individual does not have to be in receipt of Income Assistance or Disability Assistance.

Contacts Page

For residents of Vancouver Island (including Powell River), Fraser region (including Hope, Chilliwack, Sechelt), and the North: WCG International HR Solutions 1 866 689-7150.......For residents of Vancouver Coastal Region (including Bella Coola, Squamish) and the Interior (including Cariboo, Okanagan, Kootenays): BC Society of Training for Health and Employment Opportunities (THEO BC) 1 866 377-3670.......Other (To serve mostly the lower mainland): Mental Health Impairment:THEO BC 1 866 377-3670.........Physical or Mobility Impairment: Neil Squire Society 604 473-9363

6. Family Independence Fund

The Family Independence Fund helps families in BC who have children or adults with developmental disabilities living at home. Grants from the Family Independence Fund help with the every day care of the relative by providing support for projects such as home renovations - including lifts, elevators, ramps, flooring, door widening or vehicle modifications - that enable an individual with a developmental disability to live in the family home and take part in activities in their community.

Contacts Page

7. Flight Discount

Your attendant may be able to accompany you for reduced price or for free.

Ask the airline for details

8. HandyDART and HandyCard

BC Transit

HandyDART is a shared-ride public transit service which uses specially equipped vehicles designed to carry passengers with physical or cognitive disabilities who are unable to use public transit without assistance. HandyCard is a pass which Allows BC residents with special needs to travel on conventional transit for a reduced fare.

Contacts Page

Phone (Lower Mainland): 604 453-4490 All Other areas: Contact your local transit office

9. HandyPASS and Taxi Saver Program

BC Transit

The HandyPASS is a picture identification that allows you to purchase Taxi Saver coupons. The Taxi Saver Program provides a 50% subsidy towards the cost of taxi rides.

Contacts Page

Phone (Lower Mainland): 604 453-4490. All Other areas: Contact your local transit office. For the Lower Mainland: http://www.translink.bc.ca/Transportation_Services/Accessibility/default.asp

10. Lifeline

Lifeline medical alarms are worn on the body, and may be used to send a call for help in an emergency 24 hours/day. Lifeline Programs offer a range of service and equipment for personal safety. Fees may vary from region to region, as the service is provided by a variety of service providers, most of whom are non-profit organizations.

Contacts Page

11. Neil Squire Solutions

Neil Squire Solutions trains people in how to use assistive technology, and helps them trial and evaluate a range of alternative computer input and output devices. They also provide ergonomic assessments in workplaces or at home - as well as in their well-equipped 'lab'. As a social enterprise, many services are provided on a fee-for-service basis.

Address:
220 - 2250 Boundary Road
Burnaby, BC, V5M9T6

Contacts Page

12. Occupational Therapists: Private and Public Practice

BC Society of Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists help people to assume or reassume the skills they need for the job of living. They may provide assessment and training related to assistive devices. To find an occupational therapist in your area, please visit the website or call the office. Funding for private therapists may not be covered by government health funding.

Address:
1755 W. Broadway, Suite 402
Vancouver, BC, V6J4S5

13. Pre-employment, Employment and CAP Programs

Free Rein Associates

Free Rein Associates provides pre-employment services to MHSD clients, in addition to offering the Community Assistance Program for self-referring clients. They offer training, self employment and targeted wage subsidy funding for any individual with a disability eligible to work in Canada. This may include funds for accommodations to the worksite, technology, assessments, counselling and other interventions. They provide all programs in Hope, Boston Bar and Merritt and provide BC employment in Hope Lillooett and Ashcroft.

Address:
347 Raab Street
Hope, BC, V0X1L4

Contacts Page

14. Speech and Language Pathologists

British Columbia Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

Speech/language pathologists identify, assess, treat, manage, and educate individuals and groups regarding language, speech, voice, fluency, cognitive, and other communication disorders, as well as swallowing problems. Audiologists diagnose, habilitate, and counsel individuals with hearing loss, tinnitus, balance, auditory processing, and related disorders and make recommendations regarding hearing problems. Some therapists have private practices for assessment and therapy services that fall outside of government health funding. Some third party insurers may cover all or part of these services. The website also links to other related services.

Address:
402 - 1755 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC, V6J4S5