Community Resources
We’ve put together a list of free and low-cost community resources that might be helpful. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking for extra support.
This document is put together by Julian Wilson with feedback from youth and families, as well as other community professionals. It is updated monthly.
“With a community around you it is easier to talk through and identify the various steps you need to achieve your dreams. These community connections are even more important when things don’t work out the way we thought and we find ourselves back at what can feel like the beginning – looking for the next right thing. Thanks for all the work you do to stay informed and share that information out so that others feel more grounded in their options and supported as they shift the level of interdependence they feel comfortable with in this world.“
– Jules
This guide is meant to help autistic youth (aged 13+) and their caregivers to access resources to foster positive and healthy social wellbeing and social relationships. Although the focus of this guide is primarily about social wellbeing, there are also resources recommended that may also be helpful for other behavioural, emotional, social, and environmental concerns.
Vancouver Parents Transition Group – Meet other families and gain support and knowledge from community living professionals. Monthly meetings are held throughout the school year. Everyone is welcome! Date, time, location and content themes are attached. Register to join the group’s email list: transitionparents@gmail.com to begin your journey!
BC Disability helps people with disabilities and their allies find the information and resources they need.
Dedicated to advancing inclusion and citizenship for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through research, learning, and knowledge-sharing that shapes policy and practice.
They offer direct services—like help accessing benefits, tax support, housing assistance, legal advocacy, workshops, and accessibility grants—while also leading systemic advocacy, research, and publications across British Columbia.
A nonprofit federation that partners with others to build inclusive communities and improve the lives of children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities—and their families.
Supports adults and transitioning youth with developmental disabilities—including Autism and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome—by improving service quality and supporting their families.
A free phone service for community workers and advocates in B.C. A lawyer is available to give brief legal advice and information on issues like income assistance, housing, family law, disability benefits, EI, debt, and more—so advocates can better support their clients.
Free, confidential help is available 24/7 for anyone in crisis.
- Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) – Available anywhere in B.C.
- Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code needed)
- Youth Online Chat: YouthInBC.com – Open noon to 1:00 a.m.
- Adult Online Chat: CrisisCentreChat.ca – Open noon to 1:00 a.m.
Victim Support Workers provide trauma-informed care, safety planning, and help navigating the criminal justice system. They offer referrals, advocacy with government ministries, and education on sexual assault, human trafficking, and gender-based violence. Services are free and available to anyone—no police report is required.
The Employment and Community Studies (EACS) Program is for students with diverse learning needs that hinder educational success.
EACS courses and learning experiences will prepare students for lifelong learning, employment, and community engagement opportunities.
Offers over 100 programs to members of the community, ranging from counselling to childcare and from homelessness outreach to parenting support groups.
Being a caregiver—whether for an aging loved one or someone with a disability—can be both meaningful and challenging. There are resources to help:
- Caregiver Action Network: Offers educational tools and an online forum for support
- Lotsa Helping Hands: Connects caregivers with local volunteers
- Meals on Wheels: Delivers meals to ease daily responsibilities
Offers financial literacy programs like MoneySkills, Financial Literacy for Adults, Youth Financial Literacy, and Family Finances for newcomer women with children. Also provides support for people facing challenges related to poverty, trauma, substance use, and more.
Supports young people, families and professionals in order to enhance the quality of experiences and services for child & youth mental health.
The Family Support Institute helps families navigate the unique challenges of supporting a loved one with a disability. They offer information, training, and province-wide networking to empower families and communities to share strengths and build connections.
An education and support group for Japanese parents of children with developmental disabilities who are aged from childhood to adulthood.
A nonprofit that helps families plan for the long-term well-being of loved ones with disabilities. They work alongside families to build support networks, create future plans, and foster connection, learning, and community leadership.
Supports for individuals of various disabilities, across the lifespan.
A nonprofit serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, offering therapy, early intervention, and family support for children with developmental needs.
A support group for young people transitioning to adulthood who aspire to become independent contributing adults. Meets monthly to share research, discuss, and plan.
Canada’s largest online learning network supporting family caregivers, their loved ones and the health care professionals who work on their behalf.
Financial supports, tax credits, and benefits available to help people with disabilities and their caregivers with everyday costs.
A guide to discounts and support programs for people with disabilities in Canada.
Learn about benefits like the Canada Disability Benefit, CPP Disability, and the Disability Tax Credit.
If you qualify for B.C.’s Fuel Tax Refund for Persons with Disabilities, you may also get 25% off your Basic Autoplan—even if you don’t drive the vehicle yourself.
Offers application guides, info sheets, free online legal courses, workshops, speaker events, a toll-free legal help line, and a B.C.-wide advocate directory.
Free legal advice organizations in BC.
Provides information and support for making legal decisions.
Supports people with disabilities through community projects, education, advocacy, Registered Disability Savings Plan guidance and future planning.
The Registered Disability Savings Plan helps people with disabilities and their families save for the future. Eligible plans may also receive government grants and bonds.
Provides food to people in need across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and the North Shore—through a caring network of community partners.
Delivers affordable, nutritious meals to seniors and others with mobility challenges in Vancouver, Richmond, and the North Shore.
A non-profit, member-led organization working to build healthier, more equitable communities through leadership and collaboration.
Provides fresh, affordable produce through its non-profit grocery markets.
A grassroots, volunteer-run movement where neighbours give and get free items. It encourages reuse, builds community, and helps keep good stuff out of landfills. Membership is always free.
A free site where you can buy and sell used items—from cars and furniture to jobs, rentals, and more.
A thrift store where people can shop and donate high quality second hand merchandise.
Community Living BC supports adults with developmental disabilities and their families by funding services like housing, employment, and community inclusion. The goal is to help people live full, meaningful lives in welcoming communities.
The ministry supports healthy child and family development through its commitment to a collaborative professional practice delivered across a range of quality services.
Transitioning to adulthood can be challenging for young people with developmental disabilities—and for their families too. A Navigator can help guide and support you through this important time.
Helps children in B.C. and the Yukon by funding adaptive equipment, mobility aids, specialized therapies, tutoring, autism assessments, and continuous glucose monitors.
Connects local family doctors, health professionals, and community partners across the city—to provide caring, team-based support that covers both medical and social needs.
A province-wide program supporting adults (19+) with severe communication disabilities who need augmentative or alternative communication. CAYA helps individuals access the tools and professional support they need to communicate and live as independently as possible
Fraser Health provides a wide range of health services across the region, from Boston Bar to Burnaby.
Offers short-term loans of basic medical equipment, by donation, to support people recovering from surgery or injury, or living with mobility challenges. Available items include mobility, bathing, toileting, and walking aids.
Provides medical transportation support for eligible income or disability assistance recipients facing serious or life-threatening health needs.
Provides nutritional supplements for eligible income or disability assistance recipients who need extra calories during recovery.
BC PharmaCare helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, medical supplies, and pharmacy services. Support is available through several plans, including the income-based Fair PharmaCare plan.
Supports Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind individuals and their families in both ASL and English.
Supports people with intellectual disabilities by improving access to health care. It helps address communication barriers and provides training for health professionals to better understand and meet their needs.
Offers specialized developmental and rehabilitation services for children, youth, and their families.
BC Housing helps people find affordable and accessible housing across the province. You can visit their website to see if you’re eligible, explore different programs, and learn how to apply. Tip: Be sure to also look into local subsidized housing programs and co-operative housing options in your area.
BC People First (BCPF) is a non-profit provincial organization and part of the international People First movement. For over 40 years, BCPF has been the independent voice of self advocates in B.C., promoting the inclusion and rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Members support each other to speak up and build advocacy skills together.
Community Living BC Community Councils across B.C. bring together self advocates, families, service providers, and community members to help shape more inclusive communities. Supporting self advocate leadership is a key focus.
An online hub for the B.C. Self Advocacy Movement. Explore local self advocacy groups, read stories from self advocates across the province, or share your own by submitting a story idea (honorarium: $100).
An information and referral service that supports individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families across BC.
A parent-led non-profit and registered charity supporting individuals with autism and their families across B.C.
Provides information, advocacy, education and support to the individuals across BC with Cerebral Palsy .
Empowers individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential through research-based programs and services. By working with families, professionals, and researchers, they bridge the gap between research and real-life support.
The Access 2 Card helps people with disabilities get free or discounted admission for their support person at participating movie theatres and attractions across Canada.
A free, inclusive league for kids and youth of all abilities.
posAbilities – Buddy Club is a social group for adults of all abilities who want to make friends and connect in Lower Mainland communities. The Club brings people together through fun, affordable, and inclusive events.
Offers year-round sports, recreation, arts, and social programs for individuals and families living with autism—while also raising awareness and providing training in communities across B.C.
A fun, no-pressure baseball program for children and adults with cognitive or physical disabilities. Players enjoy the excitement of the game, build physical and social skills, and experience the joy of being part of a team—all in a safe, supportive environment with no scores kept.
Empowering Steps is a one-on-one movement program using gymnastics to support children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities. It builds physical skills and confidence in a safe, supportive space.
Kickstart supports artists with disabilities through festivals, creative opportunities, and by promoting access to the arts for all.
PotteryWorks is a studio and gallery in New Westminster where painters, potters, and jewelry-makers create and sell original art. Some artists receive support, while others work independently. Skilled instructors offer guidance, and the collective regularly exhibits work across the Lower Mainland.
A sexual health initiative aimed at people with cognitive disabilities and their supporters. Real Talk hosts educational/social events where people can have open, honest conversations about dating, love, relationships, and sex.
Offers individuals with intellectual disabilities the chance to build skills, confidence, and community through year-round sport. Athletes train and compete at regional, provincial, national, and international levels.
BC Tech is a charity that collects donated devices, trains youth to refurbish them, and provides the tech to schools, nonprofits, libraries, Indigenous communities, and students.
The BC Bus Pass Program offers a reduced-cost, annual bus pass for low income seniors and individuals receiving disability assistance from the Province of British Columbia. Passes are valid in communities serviced by BC Transit or TransLink. The pass is only valid for the eligible rider and is non-transferable. Handy Dart is not included in this program.
The Disability Travel Card helps people with permanent disabilities who need an adult attendant to travel. It allows the attendant to travel for free, and the cardholder may receive reduced fares. The card is accepted by participating motor coach companies and VIA Rail. Easter Seals Canada issues the card and approves eligibility.
Eligible passengers with disabilities can travel with a support person for free (plus taxes) on Air Canada flights within Canada.
HandyDART is a door-to-door, shared-ride service that helps people with physical or cognitive disabilities get where they need to go. It uses specially equipped vehicles and is designed for those who need support using public transit.
Travelers with non-visible disabilities can request a free Sunflower lanyard or sticker at Vancouver International Airport. It quietly signals to staff that extra time, support, or understanding may be helpful during travel.