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
If you have any input about this website, want to learn more about a particular issue, have something to bring to our attention, or just want to say hi, please get in touch! I look forward to connecting with you.
Progressive Steps Training and Consultation
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Teaching adolescents and/or adults with a developmental disability or ASD; To be more independent,Coping strategies,Job skills,Life skills,Social Skills
People First of Canada is the national voice for people who have been labeled with an intellectual disability. We are about rights – human rights, citizenship rights, accommodations rights and language rights. The right to freedom, choice and equality for all.
The Mission Self Advocacy Group
We support people with disabilities to speak up for themselves and for others. We encourage people to learn about their rights and how to voice their concerns. We believe Self Advocates can bridge the gap between “us” and community by promoting awareness.
The NSW Council for Intellectual Disability (NSW CID)
The NSW Council for Intellectual Disability (NSW CID) is the peak organisation in NSW representing the rights and interests of people with intellectual disability. NSW CID believes that people with disabilities have the same rights as all citizens and we work to ensure that they can live full and meaningful lives in their communities. We are committed to advocating for and with all people with intellectual disability in NSW and we are committed to delivering all our operations and services in an equitable and flexible manner. We do this by promoting participation, by advocating for rights and services and by providing accurate and useful information. NSW CID’s advocacy style is to engage constructively with governments and other agencies to affect positive changes for people with intellectual disability
We are here to inform and assist our members in their efforts to support the learning and development of autistic children and adults. Any questions, concerns, or issues you have – we are here to help. Our community will do its best to respond with practical real life information based on decades of first hand experience. As well as receiving our Naturally Autistic Magazine and Free Online Support you will be kept up to date on important ANCA workshops, guest speakers, annual conferences, exciting books, audio tape workshops and products. All our products have been created to make a positive impact on families as they work toward creating a joyful learning environment for autistic children young and old.
That is what being an effective self-advocate is all about! Ten steps to becoming an effective self-advocate.
Prince Rupert Self Advocacy Group
The Prince Rupert Self-Advocacy Group is funded through the Ministry for Children and Families. The members of the group are individuals who have some form of developmental disability. Group members attend weekly meetings, usually held each Monday at 7pm at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre. Members attend independently and/or with support, generally by a paid caregiver.
Axis Consultation and Training Ltd.
This site by Norman Kunc, a self advocate, and his wife Emma Van der Klift, is about treating people with disabilities with respect. You can check out their excellent video called, “A Credo for Support”, and other useful resources. They consult and put on workshops all over the world.
Tenants’ Rights Action Coalition (TRAC) & Advisory Centre
TRAC Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre is a Vancouver-based non-profit organization working on behalf of B.C.’s one million tenants. We came together in 1983 to protest a government plan to eliminate rent control and abolish the Rentalsman, a government agency which mediated disputes between landlords and tenants. Today, we work to improve legal protection for tenants, and to promote community action for the purpose of protecting and increasing the supply of affordable rental housing in B.C.
Self-Advocate Leadership Network
The Self-Advocate Leadership Network, established in 1998, is a collaboration between self-advocate from across the country and the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI). We offer training directly to self-advocates and others – including family members, direct support staff and board members.
SELF ADVOCATES BECOMING EMPOWERED/SABE
SABE Self Advocates Becoming Empowered protecting the rights and equal treatment of people with disabilities.
Self Advocacy Sydney is an organization run by and for people with intellectual disabilities.
Laura Hershey is a knowledgeable consultant, published writer/researcher, and committed advocate who has 20 years’ experience working professionally in the disability field. She offers her skills for a variety of projects related to disability policy and social justice issues.
Are you a person with a disability, a family member, or someone interested in making sure people have full lives? Maybe you have a friend with a disability, or you work to support people with disabilities. Even if you are just curious about advocacy and the rights of people with disabilities, you are in the right place!
Community Disability Alliance Hunter
Community Disability Alliance Hunter (CDAH) is a user led disability support organisation, run by and for people with disability and their families.
We assist people to get the support they need to live the life they choose. We are an independent, collective voice, committed to full inclusion and active citizenship.
Our mission is to support people, with all disabilities, to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in the community.
We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.
Family Net is an independent provincial network that provides a provincial voice for children and youth with special needs, adults with developmental disabilities and their families.
People In Motion …opening doors today to create a better tomorrow for people with disabilities by building awareness expanding opportunities and providing support through programs and services that respect diversity and independence Our mandate is to provide support and assistance, to the best of our ability, to any person with a disability, however we do have a special interest and expertise in those with physical disability.
There’s no place like home; and we mean real homes, not nursing homes. We are fighting so people with disabilities can live in the community with real supports instead of being locked away in nursing homes and other institutions.
Ask An Advocate developed out of the need to be able to easily find basic and clear information about income assistance and other income support programs, disability benefits (provincial and federal), and tenancy; as well as to empower people to self-advocate. Through videos, answers to frequently asked questions in each section, Quick Reference Guides, training resources and links to other services, we strive ensure clear information is readily available in an array of simple to understand formats.
Additionally, we aim to build capacity across the province of British Columbia by providing training to community service providers, who provide assistance to individuals trying to access these types of benefits or are dealing with tenancy related issues.
Norman Kunc & Emma Van der Klift
Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift have spent the last 20 years working to ensure that people with disabilities are able to take their rightful place in schools, workplaces, and communities. They also love sailing, middle eastern dance & drumming, blues, good food, and are keenly interested in how story, art, and literature can be used to evoke social change. In 1990, Norman and Emma established Axis Consultation and Training Ltd., and since then have been kept quite busy providing in-service and training in the areas of inclusive education, employment equity, conflict resolution, and other disability rights issues. They travel extensively throughout North America and, more recently, the world working with school districts, human service agencies, employers and advocacy groups.
Advocating Change Together (ACT)
Advocating Change Together (ACT) is a grassroots disability rights organization run by and for people with developmental and other disabilities. ACT’s mission is to help people across disabilities to see themselves as part of a larger disability rights movement and make connections to other civil and human rights struggles.
Bringing people together: that’s the real goal of Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa. Citizen Advocacy sets up one-to-one matches between volunteer advocates and people with disabilities that can have profound effects on both. Citizen Advocacy is one of only a few Ottawa agencies supporting people with a wide range of disabilities, including physical limitations, developmental delays, mental illness, and disabilities related to aging.
Declaration of Support for Community Living
More than 10,000 people with developmental disabilities across Canada have no other option but to live in large institutions, segregated from society. They are yet to experience “community living”. Show your support to help get people out of institutions and return to their communities by signing the national Declaration of Support for Community Living.
B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union
The BCGEU is one of the most diverse unions in British Columbia. We represent approximately 67,000 men and women in more than 550 bargaining units. Our union can trace its beginnings back to the early 1900s when provincial government employees formed an association to address their working conditions. Since then, the union has organized thousands of workers outside the government service.
North Shore Disability Resource Centre
Addresses advocacy issues on topics such as accessible, affordable housing, home support issues, transportation issues, Disability Benefits, CPP benefits, and systemic advocacy.
Handy Circle Resource Society provides and promotes public awareness of the needs of the disabled. Peer counselling, Information and referral services for special needs. Workshops / seminars / conferences on topics such as financial security, housing, transportation and self-help skills etc. Handy Circle promotes social and recreational interaction as a drop in service. Basic computer and office skills training, and painting are among the classes offered.
Lillooet Friendship Centre Society
Provides culturally sensitive programs and services for all peoples (aboriginal and non-aboriginal) including: Addictions Services, Chillaxin Youth Centre, Food Bank and Meal Program, Friendly Treasures Thrift Store, Kids First Pre-School, Lillooet Employment Centre, The Family Place, Victim Assistance Program
The Women’s Centre Squamish is a single access point for resources, referrals, emotional support, health and safety for women and children.
Social Advocacy ensures that all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services and opportunities they require to meet their basic needs and to develop fully. The Advocate serves as a point of contact for citizen concerns with local, federal and provincial social issues. This is accomplished through individual consultation and referral and community education activities that enhance public knowledge of governmental and community processes and activities.
Nanaimo Disbaility Resource Centre
The Nanaimo Disability Resource Centre provides information and referrals. They can help you if you need to know who to contact, how to get information, or to get an application form that deals with issues faced by people living with disabilities. They maintain a resource directory of local organizations, businesses, and government offices that offer assistance to people living with disabilities. They issue parking permits and also offer a computer school and American Sign language courses.
Free and confidential, trained volunteer advocates at the Outreach & Advocacy program are able to support our clients in many ways. Services range from housing and benefit applications to more complicated matters such as legal issues and disputes. Areas covered include housing, benefits, important documents, legal information and referral, accompaniment service, and an income tax clinic. There is also a pro bono clinic where practicing lawyers provide free legal assistance in all areas of the law to people who cannot afford a lawyer and do not qualify for legal aid. Lawyers cannot represent clients in court, but can provide ongoing legal advice and help clients prepare for court. Clinics cover Family Law, Immigration Law, and Civil Law matters.
PROVINCIAL ASSOCIATION FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY AGENCIES
PARCA’s mission is to promote, support and enhance the quality of community-based justice services and programs in the province of British Columbia. PARCA’s work concentrates on services for both young and adult offenders. This focus necessitates significant involvement with Justice Departments at both the federal and provincial levels.
Action Committee for People with Disabilities
Provides advocacy to people with disabilities, support and assistance to ensure full participation in community and society in general, and information enabling people to access services to which they are entitled. Volunteer advocates can provide information on and assistance with the Ministry of Housing and Social Development (BC Benefits).
Victoria Disability Resource Centre
Serves as a link between persons with disabilities, the organizations who serve them and the services that benefit them in the South Vancouver Island region. Programs include: Research & Community Development, Disabled Parking Permits, Information & Referral, Access to Employment Services, Peer Support, Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative.
Living Positive Resource Centre
Living Positive Resource Centre provides services to individuals in our community experiencing concerns relating to housing, income, nutrition, access to health care including addiction and mental health services, connections with support networks, and other determinants of health.
Our team of staff may be able to assist with housing referrals, Ministry Assistance and Persons With Disabilities applications, obtaining a family doctor, access to food, transportation to medical appointments, information and referrals to other available supports, and education around blood-borne infections (HIV, hepatitis B and C), sexually transmitted infections, harm reduction, and related topics. Living Positive also provides a variety of harm reduction materials for both safer sex and substance use.
Self-Advocacy Online is a place to find accessible information on current topics in self-advocacy.
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