Vancouver Disability
BC Disability was started to address an issue I noted in BC's disability community: the fact that information, resources, and discussions are segmented and siloed based on type of disability and age.
The website serves as a place to find a consolidated list of resources for persons with disabilities and their allies, and covers disability news from BC and nationwide, including features on disability organizations and advocates.
Also find resources, benefits, and frequently asked questions below!
Tailored services, education, and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting understanding and equity for the autistic community
Resources and support for autistic persons and their families
Programs to help children with disabilities build skills and independence
An extensive listing of disability resources, as well as original news
Advocates for the full inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities
Programs for autistic children, youth, and adults, from recreation to employment
Community Living British Columbia
Supports adults with intellectual disabilities and their families
Provides programs and services that offer expertise and guidance as families with deaf and hard of hearing children ages 0-5 navigate through opportunities for speech, language, education, and communication
Developmental Disabilities Association
Over 50 programs and services for people with developmental disabilities
Income advocacy and legal services for disabled persons
Helps people with disabilities find scholarship opportunities
A range adapted programs, including sports, music, and gardening
Guidance on financial issues impacting people with disabilities
Down Syndrome Resource Foundation
Empowers individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential through language, life skills, recreation, and family support
Recreation, camps, and employment programs for people with disabilities
Helps people with disabilities people find their way in life through training sessions, education, and sharing experiences
Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society
Helping individuals with Down syndrome develop their potential through educational workshops and therapy, community support, and resources
Adaptive technology, employment, and other programs
Daily programs and independent housing for autistic adults
PAFM provides support at locations throughout BC for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families across the province
Helps people with disabilities and their families plan for the future
Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network
Helps people with disabilities and their families build networks and prepare for the future
Services to help people with developmental disabilities navigate life’s transitions to and through adulthood
Adaptive theatre and performing experiences for people with disabilities
Social Diversity For Children Foundation
Subsidized recreation programs for people of all ages with disabilities
Sports programs for people with intellectual disabilities
Education, adaptive equipment, and peer support
Supporting persons of all abilities in the creation of theatre
Provides housing and community inclusion programs for disabled persons
An inclusive summer camp for kids with medical conditions and disabilities
Provides discounts for support workers at participating entertainment venues
Discounts for travel and community activities
Alternative Hearing Assistance Supplement
A monthly supplement to assist eligible persons to meet costs associated with overcoming barriers related to having permanent profound bilateral hearing loss
A supplement may be provided for cost of attendance at a recognized camp for children of income assistance, disability assistance, or hardship assistance recipients or recipients with Persons with Disabilities designation
A non-refundable tax credit that can be claimed if you care for dependents or a spouse/common-law partner with physical or mental impairments
Provides supplemental income for persons with disabilities
Canada Disability Savings Grants & Bonds
Money paid to Registered Disability Savings Plan recipients by the federal government
Canada Pension Plan - Disability Benefit
Provides supplemental income for persons with disabilities
Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities
Up to $20,000 for services and equipment that you need, related to your post-secondary education.
A tax-free monthly payment made to families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment
A non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay
Provides travel discounts for support workers travelling with a disabled person
Fuel Tax Refund Program For Persons With Disabilities
If you have a qualifying disability, the fuel tax refund program allows you to request a refund of the provincial motor fuel tax you paid in BC on fuel you used in a vehicle you own or lease
People who can’t use transit without assistance receive concession fares, and their attendant travels for free on buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus
Home Renovation Tax Credit for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
A refundable personal income tax credit to assist with the cost of permanent home modifications that improve accessibility or help a senior be more functional at home
Rebate For Accessible Home Adaptations
A rebate for households to complete adaptations for independent living in their home
Registered Disability Savings Plan
A savings plan intended to help an individual who is approved to receive the disability tax credit to save for their long-term financial security
Scholarships For Students With Disabilities
In addition to scholarships offered through specific schools, there are many external scholarships and grants available to help disabled students with the cost of education, such as:
How do I apply for provincial disability assistance?
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You must show that you are eligible to receive assistance, which includes providing a statement from a medical professional about how your condition impacts your ability to work. You must also financially qualify, which means showing that your income and assets don't exceed the amount you're allowed to have on assistance.
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You can learn more about the process here
Where can I get help applying for assistance or with a related question?
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Disability Alliance BC provides advocacy services, which help guide people through the process of applying or reapplying for federal and provincial benefits
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You can also contact the Disability Planning Helpline for support, by phoning 1-844-311-7526 or emailing info@rdsp.ca
How much will I get on provincial disability assistance?
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It depends on your living arrangement. It can range from $983.50 to $1728.50 monthly. See where you fall.
Can I work while on disability assistance?
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Yes. If you are a single person, you can earn up to $15,000 annually before your income starts to be clawed back from your assistance. For a family of two where one person is on assistance, the earning limit is $18,000, and for family with both adults on assistance the limit is $30,000.
Can I receive provincial disability assistance if I have a spouse?
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Your spouse's income will be counted as your own and count towards the earning limit you have. So you can still receive assistance if your spouse has a very low income, but many people with working spouses are ineligible
Can I be on employment insurance and disability assistance at the same time?
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Yes, but employment insurance is clawed back dollar for dollar from PWD assistance
Can I live outside BC and still receive my provincial assistance?
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You cannot spend more than 30 consecutive days outside the province