
Resource GuideYour Guide to Accessing Community Supports and Services in BC
Amanda: Creating programs and environments that are free from barriers and proactive in providing supports. Every person is included and their possible needs are considered and accommodated.
Jake: Striving to create a world where EVERYONE’S freedom of movement, use of public spaces, and ability to participate in their communities is an absolute right, not an accommodation!
Lisa: No physical, financial, or other barriers to participation.
Julie: Open to EVERYONE. ALL are WELCOME.
Brock: Products, programs, and information are usable by people with the widest possible range of ability.
Stella: The ability to use, obtain, or participate without any kinds of barriers
Lindy: Barrier-free, able to participate and obtain available resources, programs, and support.
We know there are many resources pertaining to accessibility and hope that we are able to highlight some of them you may find useful. If you know of resources that aren’t mentioned here but should be included please contact us!
Sensory Friendly and Accessible Spaces
Service Dogs
Have you read Mac Walsh’s AutismBC Connects? Maybe they will inspire you to bring a dog into your family to make spaces less overwhelming and more accessible?
- Take a look at MSAR to learn more about Service Dogs.
- Interested in Guide Dogs? Look no further than BC & Alberta Guide Dogs!
- Lions Association of Canada Dog Guides helps individuals with a variety of abilities find the perfect dog to suit their unique needs.
- Assistance Service Dogs of BC is a non-profit based in Mission, BC.
- Pacific Assistance Dog Society (PADS) was Canada’s first fully accredited Assistance Dog International school and they breed, raise, train, and partner dogs with individuals with diverse-abilities (PADS, 2018).
Transportation
Earlier this year, we partnered with TransLink on a Mobility Guide and Accessible Transit Tool. You can read about it here.
Driving
Do you know if you qualify for ICBC discounts? Find out here.
Air Travel
Flying can be challenging for people with diverse-abilities. Each airline has its own policies, but all will require a form from your doctor, so please check the appropriate policy before you book your flight.
- Westjet
- Air Canada
- Did you know that of BC’s International Airports, YVR—Vancouver and YLW—Kelowna, have partnered with CAN to help support members of the autism community? Now you do! Simply click on the airport’s name to learn more.
Our Funding & Accessibility Services You Need to Know About has a bunch of additional resources including health, community accessibility (including transit and ferries), and region-specific supports.
Recreation
Our Autism Q and A: Finding Support Services blog has a great list of regional-specific recreational activities. Have a look here and see what interests your family!
Do you love snowsports? Look no further than these incredible organizations:
- BC Adaptive Snowsports
- Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports, which has partnered with Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain.
- Vancouver Island Adaptive Snowsports
- People in Motion PowderHounds Adaptive Snow Sports (Interior)
- Revelstoke Mountain Resort allows CADS members and their helpers to each get 50% off its window tickets. To qualify for this discount, the CADS member must show their valid CADS card at RMR Guest Services when purchasing lift tickets. Revelstoke also has an adaptive snow sports program called Revelstoke Adaptive Sports and can be reached here (Revelstoke Mountain Resort, 2020).
- Big White offers a diverse-ability discount for disabled skiers that require a caregiver to ski. For more information, you can email here (Big White Ski Resort, 2020).
You may also want to look at the programs offered by the Special Olympics and Canucks Autism Network!
Financial
Finances don’t have to be scary. Have you seen our blog about Funding & Accessibility Services You Need to Know About? If not, you should check it out!
If you’re wanting additional supports, you may want to look back on our AutismBC Talks: Money Matters with Dave Taylor or parts one and two of our Facebook Live with Darren Milne of Freedom 55.
Our other blogs on Finances:
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Tips and Resources
Autism Q and A: Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Education
Navigating the education system can be a challenge for many families. We want to help! Our Back-to-School blog is a great place to find resources. If you have specific questions about IEP’s, click here! Need help advocating for your loved one(s)? Lisa is here to help by sharing her experiences and an email template.
Watch our AutismBC Talks on Inclusive Education with Family Support Institute:
The Holidays
The holidays can be hard on all of us, but 2020 is sure to be harder. Hopefully, these articles can help you find some peace of mind!
- CDC Holiday Celebration Guideline
- How to Survive the Holidays with Autism in the House
- Tips for an Autism-Friendly Holiday Season
- A Visiting Santa Claus Story: pdf, audio.
General Resources
Do you want to feel more confident about how you interact with people with disabilities or diverse-abilities? Check out this Disability Sensitivity Training Video.
Are you disability aware? Read this article to learn more.
Resources
Autism Tax and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) in BC
David Taylor, AutismBC's board member and a knowledgeable expert in the area of autism money matters, has presented many groups with his “Autism and Taxes” talk and spent many years navigating all the funding options for kids on the spectrum. In this video, David will be answering some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Autism Tax and Finance he's come across over the years. If you missed David's presentation in our community support groups last Friday and Saturday, this is a chance for you to get your questions about autism and taxes answered! About David: David has been working with autistic individuals and their families since 2006. He has taken a special interest in family finances and has worked to broaden knowledge of tax issues with respect to autism. David has presented many family network groups with his “Autism and Taxes” talk. He has an autistic son who is doing well hugely as a result of the support the family received in the early days of the autism diagnosis. An Autism BC board member since 2014, David now wishes to give back to the Autism community and assist those who are at the beginning of their journey.
Inclusive Education and Advocacy with Family Support Institute BC
Tracey Beckett of Family Support Institute BC will be joining Lisa to discuss inclusive education. Find out more about: 1) How to advocate for your child 2) What you need to know about IEPs 3) What does inclusive education look like
Further Reading
Funding & Accessibility Services You Need to Know About!
Our team has compiled a list of some of the funding & accessibility services that we think you should know about.
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