This document is put together by Julian Wilson with feedback from youth and families, as well as other community professionals. It is updated monthly.

“As we enter what is recognized by many as the holiday season and observe the reflections and proposed shifts by ourselves and others preparing to enter 2025, I hope that you find yourself in the company of those who serve as your witnesses, your supporters, and your promoters. May you find time to share a bit more of yourself to change the understanding and/or outlook of someone this season in ways that warm your heart theirs alike.

Wishing you and your families, by blood and chosen, both here and abroad, care and connection.“

– Jules

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!

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 website includes:

• ​A directory of disability resources across BC
• Tips and information on finding and securing funding
• Guides on accessibility, advocacy, community inclusion and more
• A spot to showcase the work of disabled artists and entrepreneurs
• Fun, games, contests and an interactive quiz on disability with new questions each time

Its sole purpose is to assist people with developmental disabilities to become full, participating citizens in their own communities.

Seeks to further the inclusion and full citizenship of people with intellectual disabilities and their families locally, nationally and globally.

An advocacy and information sharing organization for people with disabilities.

Non-profit federation working with partners to build community and to enhance the lives of children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

Focuses on improving the quality of service for adults and transitioning youth who have a developmental disability (including Autism and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) and their families.

Non-profit organization that provides innovative services to over 1,000 children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Metro Vancouver. Provides a wide range of training, development, social, recreational and employment opportunities. To sign up for the weekly e-news of events and resources for families in the Burnaby area, contact family.services@gobaci.com.

Offers over 100 programs to members of the community, ranging from counselling to childcare and from homelessness outreach to parenting support groups.

Provides a range of services to citizens to support healthy development, inclusion and full participation of all people.  Services range from those for infants to school age children and youth to adults and seniors.

The Community Advocate Support Line (CASL) is a dedicated telephone support line exclusively for advocates and community workers in BC. It is staffed by a lawyer who can give advocates brief legal information and legal advice about family law and poverty law topics to support advocates’ work on behalf of clients. Help is offered primarily for matters involving income assistance, residential tenancy and housing issues (including foreclosure), family law, employment insurance, the Canada Pension Plan (including disability benefits), debt collection and bankruptcy, consumer contracts and judicial reviews.

Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia. Help is available  24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please call one of the following numbers most applicable to your region: Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433; Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789; Online Chat Service for Youth: www.YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1am); Online Chat Service for Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am)

Victim Support Workers offer trauma-informed support; safety planning; referral to resources; support navigating the criminal justice system; advocacy with various Ministries; and community education about sexual assault, human trafficking, and domestic and gender-based violence. Victim Services is accessible to anyone in need, whether or not they have reported the crime to the police. There are no fees to access services.

Supports for individuals of various disabilities, across the lifespan.

Activity based programs for youth and adults with disabilities.

Provides programs and services for infants with special needs, and children and adults with developmental disabilities.

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.

Highlights strategies and resources that libraries employ to create inclusive learning environments for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Attention Caregivers! Check Out These Helpful Resources

Giving our time to make others’ lives easier can be a rewarding and positive way to spend our days. Whether you choose to aid an elderly family member or take care of someone with a disability, being a caregiver is a job that comes with many challenges. Knowing how to navigate these challenges on your own can be difficult. Luckily, there are a number of resources specifically designed with aiding caregivers in their duties, such as:

• Caregiver Action Network – an organization that provides educational resources to caregivers, along with an online forum that connects caregivers with one another and allows them to discuss their similar roles and issues
• Lotsa Helping Hands – this network connects caregivers with volunteers in their geographic location that are ready and willing to help
• Meals on Wheels – an organization that eliminates the burden of grocery shopping and makes meal-preparation for your patient much easier

In addition to these three examples, there are many helpful resources for caregivers that can make the job seem a little less like work, and a lot more like loving assistance.

Offers the following financial literacy programs: MoneySkills, Financial Literacy for Adults, Youth Financial Literacy Program, and Family Finances for Newcomer Women with Children.

Supports young people, families and professionals in order to enhance the quality of experiences and services for child & youth mental health.

The purpose of the Family Support Institute is to strengthen and support families faced with the extraordinary circumstances that come with having a family member who has a disability. The Family Support Institute provides information, training, and province-wide networking to assist families and their communities to build upon and share their strengths.

An education and support group for Japanese parents of children with developmental disabilities who are aged from childhood to adulthood.

A non-profit organization founded in 1989 to help families secure the future for loved ones with disabilities. PLAN works in collaboration with families and people with disabilities to build personal support networks, make plans to secure the future, and bring families together for mutual support, learning and community leadership.

A support group for young people transitioning to adulthood who aspire to become independent contributing adults. Meets monthly to share research, discuss, and plan.

An education and support group for parents of youth with disabilities who are transitioning to adulthood. The group meets once per month and features guest speakers who provide information and support to families.

For information on disability and tax issues.

The Dealhack Canadian Persons With Disabilities Discount Guide is the result of their quarterly survey of discounts and support programs for persons with psychological, psychiatric, or cognitive disabilities. Every 3 months, the team independently verifies each and every PWD discount on this list. They also add more brands to the list regularly when they come across them.

The list currently includes more than 40 store brands and government agencies conveniently broken down into 7 categories.

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future.  If you have an RDSP, you may also be eligible for grants and bonds to help with your long-term savings.

If you’ve been approved for a fuel tax refund under the B.C. government Fuel Tax Refund Program for Persons with Disabilities, you may also qualify for a 25 per cent discount on your Basic Autoplan—even if you don’t drive the vehicle you’re insuring.​

A source of application guides for various services, information sheets, free on-line legal courses, workshops and speaker events as well as a toll-free listing of numbers for whom to call for law related help and an advocate directory for all of BC.

Free legal advice organizations in BC.

For information about supported decision making, creation and registration of Representation Agreements in British Columbia.

A non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of people with disabilities through policy reform, community projects and learning initiatives.

A non-profit social enterprise that works to improve the lives of people with disabilities by collaborating on community-based projects, offering a suite of learning initiatives, and advocating for policy reform.

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. If you have an RDSP, you may also be eligible for grants and bonds to help with your long-term savings.

You can also visit Plan Institute’s website about the RDSP for support/resources: http://www.rdsp.com/

A voluntary, non-profit, non-government, member driven organization that provides leadership to promote health, well-being and social equity.

This service provides affordable and fresh produce to their not-for-profit grocery markets.

A grassroots and entirely non-profit movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their own towns. Encourages reuse and helps to keep good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer. Membership is free.

Buy and sell your used stuff for free.  Your local, family friendly online classifieds site for cars, furniture, jobs, real estate and more.

A thrift store where people can shop and donate high quality second hand merchandise.

Community Living BC (CLBC) is a provincial crown agency, mandated under the Community Living Authority Act that funds supports and services through service agencies for adults with developmental disabilities and their families in British Columbia. CLBC is working to create communities where people with developmental disabilities have more choices about how they live, work and contribute. Funding for adults with developmental disabilities goes toward services such as residential, community inclusion, day support, family support, respite, employment, etc.

The ministry supports healthy child and family development through its commitment to a collaborative professional practice delivered across a range of quality services.

If you’re a young person with a developmental disability, moving to adulthood can be a challenge. If you’re the parent, guardian, or caregiver of a young person with a developmental disability, helping them move towards adulthood can be just as challenging. A Navigator can help you and your family with this transition.

Variety – the Children’s Charity provides direct help to children in BC and the Yukon with funding for:

• Adaptive Equipment
• Mobility equipment and specialized therapies
• Tuition & Tutoring
• Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
• Autism Assessments

Anyone who needs assistance may apply by inquiring via their grants page.

Canadian Red Cross – Ph: 604-709-6600 or Toll Free: 1-800-565-8000

• Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP)
  • 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 mobility aids, bath aids, toileting aids, walking aids, and aids to daily living. (http://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/community-health-services-in-canada/health-equipment-loan-program)

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.

The Fraser Health Authority delivers a wide range of integrated health services to the region from Boston Bar to Burnaby.

The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program addresses the issue that many people with intellectual disabilities have unique issues around health care and communicating their needs. The issue is twofold: first, many individuals with intellectual disabilities have trouble realizing or expressing their health concerns; second, many health professionals have not had the opportunity to receive specific training, or are not familiar enough with this population, to know the best questions to ask to draw out the issues.

Medical transportation supplements are provided to specific recipients of income assistance and disability assistance who are eligible for general health supplements or are facing life-threatening health needs. They are intended to meet extraordinary transportation costs associated with essential medical treatment.

Nutritional supplements may be provided to eligible recipients of income assistance or disability assistance who need additional calories above a regular diet to recover from surgery, severe injury, serious disease, or the side effects of medical treatment.

BC PharmaCare helps B.C. residents with the cost of eligible prescription drugs, and certain medical supplies and pharmacy services. It provides assistance through several drug plans. The largest is the income-based Fair PharmaCare plan.

A provincial government organization dedicated to supporting the diverse and multicultural goals of Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind individuals and their families within an ASL and English environment.

Family Services (BC Children’s Hospital)

Provides specialized development and rehabilitation services for children, youth and their families.

Visit the BC Housing website to learn about affordable and accessible housing programs, who can apply, and how to start an application.

The Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre Society was founded in 1989 as a non-profit charitable organization by a group of parents and professionals concerned about the lack of pediatric rehabilitation and behavior support services in the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows area.

BC People First Society (BCPF) is a non-profit provincial organization that is part of the international PEOPLE FIRST movement. BCPF has been the independent voice of self-advocates in BC for over 40 years. We are a society made up of a group of BCPF Members from across British Columbia who want to make sure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included and respected in our communities as full citizens. We do this by supporting each other to speak up for ourselves and by sharing advocacy skills with each other. For more information about becoming a member visit the BCPF website here.

CLBC Community Councils operate across B.C., ensuring that self-advocates, families, community members and service providers play a major role in achieving CLBC’s vision of fostering lives filled with possibilities in welcoming communities. Self advocate leadership is a priority for Community Councils. For more information or support to connect to a Council contact CLBC Self Advocate Advisor, Jessica.Humphrey@gov.bc.ca

The CLBC Editorial Board is made up of self advocates and community living leaders from across the province. The role of the Editorial Board is to work with CLBC to improve communication with the people CLBC serves and ensure meaningful participation of individuals and families in the on-going work of CLBC. If you would like to contact the Editorial Board, or are interested in becoming a member, please email Jessica.Humphrey@gov.bc.ca

An online hub for the BC Self Advocacy Movement. Here you can check out self advocacy groups in BC and stories from other self advocates or publish your own story for $100 by submitting your story idea here.

Coming Soon – Inclusion BC is partnering with the Inclusion BC Self Advocate Advisory Committee, BC Self Advocacy Foundation, Self-Advocate Leadership Network, People First of BC and the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship to co-host the 2023 Self-Advocate Leadership Institute at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus. For more information contact Kerridan Dougan: Dougank@inclusionbc.org  or Claire Inkster : inksterc@inclusionbc.org

Four self advocacy groups around B.C. are helping people with diverse abilities stay strong and connected during COVID-19 by organizing online events, programs, workshops and other safe activities and connection opportunities. You can also check out the Calendar for Connection for more ways to connect with others during COVID-19 and beyond!

An information and referral service that supports individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families across British Columbia.

A non-profit, registered charity that is a parent based and directed society providing support to individuals with autism and their families in BC.

A provincially incorporated non-profit, and federally registered charitable organization dedicated to serving those living with epilepsy, and their families.

A charitable service organization that provides information, advocacy, education and support to the individuals across BC with CP.

Empowers individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential throughout life by pioneering and providing educational programs and services, grounded in foundational research. Working with researchers, professionals and families, they are a bridge between research and practice.

Canada’s largest online learning network supporting family caregivers, their loved ones and the health care professionals who work on their behalf.

Easter Seals

The Access 2 card allows persons with a disability to receive either free admission or a significant discount for their support person at member movie theatres and attractions across Canada.

Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI)

An arts cooperative for people with physical disabilities. Provides artists with space, affordable materials, and the opportunity to pursue their artistic expression. Fosters tolerance and inclusion. Wheelchair accessible. Hours are 10am-2pm Monday to Wednesday in Burnaby.

A team of acceptance, where everyone and everybody is welcome, and no one will ever be turned away. The ages for the players are 4-8 for the Blazin’ Soccer Pups and 9-16 for the Blazin’ Soccer Dogs. Both boys and girls play on the team and it is a free league.

posAbilities – Buddy Club is a social group for adults of all abilities looking to meet friends and connect in Lower Mainland communities. The Club aims to build a more inclusive community with affordable and accessible events while having fun.

Provides year-round, high-quality sports, recreational, arts and social programs for individuals and families living with autism, while spreading awareness and providing training in communities across BC.

An opportunity for children with cognitive or physical disabilities to enjoy the thrill of playing baseball, being part of a team, developing physical and social skills plus all the benefits of participation in baseball at a level structured to their abilities. Games are played in a fun, safe environment where no score is kept.

The Empowering Steps Movement Therapy Program (ESMT) is an innovative, gymnastics motor intervention program for children and youth living with neurodevelopmental disabilities. It’s a 1:1 motor intervention program that focuses on function rather than diagnosis, treating children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. ESMT promotes physical literacy and self-efficacy by providing an emotionally safe and nurturing environment.

Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture’s objectives are: to produce cross-disciplinary festivals of disability arts and culture; to encourage and support artists to create and present authentic interpretations of the disability experience; to provide opportunities for the development and advancement of artists with disabilities; and to promote practices that will make the arts more accessible to all members of the Canadian public.

Building Caring Communities – Let’s Get Real is a community of people with developmental disabilities who live in the Lower Mainland and meet on a monthly basis to connect with potential partners, explore romantic relationships, and have fun!

Community Living Society

PotteryWorks is a studio/gallery space located in New Westminster. A collective of talented painters, potters and jewelry-makers create original works of art for exhibition and sale. Some of the PotteryWorks members receive support; others attend independently. Working artists provide instruction for those who want to improve their skills and techniques. The artists of PotteryWorks exhibit their work at art shows and galleries around 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.

Provides individuals with an intellectual disability the opportunity to enhance their life and celebrate personal achievement through positive sport experiences.  These programs give athletes the opportunity to train year-round in order to compete and test their skills against athletes of similar ability.  Athletes train and compete at the regional level and have the opportunity to qualify and participate in provincial, national and world games.

BC Tech is a registered charity that collects donated computers (and all types of other tech devices), trains and hires youth to refurbish the computers, and then distributes the computers to schools, non-profits, libraries, Indigenous groups, and students.

Access to a phone can be a lifeline for youth aging out of foster care and low-income seniors, helping them stay connected to loved ones and vital support networks. Mobility for Good^® supports these in-need community members with free or discounted phones and rate plans.

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™ provides identification to a person with a permanent disability, which will allow an adult attendant, travelling with the person with a disability at no cost. Reduced fares will be granted to the person with a permanent disability, unable to travel alone, (regardless of age) and accompanied by an adult attendant. Easter Seals Canada and its member and/or affiliates are authorized to approve reduced fare tickets allowing persons with permanent disabilities to travel with an attendant on the lines of Motor Coach Companies that participate in the reduced fare plan, Via Rail.

HandyDART, our door-to-door shared-ride service, makes going places easier. It uses specially-equipped vehicles designed to carry passengers with physical or cognitive disabilities who need assistance to use public transit.