Community and Social Connectors

The Access 2 program allows an individual with a disability to have a support person accompany them at no charge to participating arts and entertainment venues. This includes Playland and Cineplex theaters. You must apply for the Access 2 card and there is a small cost.  

Learn about the Access 2 Program here.

AIDE Canada is a tool to connect members of the Autism community to information and resources. AIDE has peer advice videos that are questions asked and answered by self-advocates, as well as articles, courses and events. There is also a map that shows the resources available around B.C. related to Autism and intellectual disabilities.  

Visit the AIDE Canada website here.

Autism BC Supports the autism community and their families/support networks by sharing reliable information and resources, as well as helping understand how to get the community supports you might need.  

Visit the Autism BC website here.

Dialing 2-1-1 connects you to BC211, a non-profit in British Columbia. They offer a free and confidential service that helps people find help anytime they need it. You can call or text 2-1-1 to get information and referrals for things like food, housing, mental health support, legal help, assistance for seniors and more. It’s available 24/7 to make sure you can get the help you need, when you need it. 

Visit the BC 211 website here.

The BC CEO Network is a group of executive leaders of community social service agencies from across the province who come together to share ideas, offer support and speak up about issues that matter to them. They help each other by holding meetings, talking with government officials and finding solutions to common problems. 

Visit the BC CEO Network website here.

The BC Epilepsy Society offers education and support to British Columbians living with epilepsy and their families, and supports research to make their lives easier. The Society runs a variety of support groups.  

Visit the BC Epilepsy Society website here.

BC Parks offers discounted camping fees for BC seniors. The BC Senior Camping Discount gives B.C. residents who are 65 or older a half-price rate. 

Learn about senior camping discounts here.

This is a B.C.-wide service that supports seniors with non-medical care. These services can include cleaning, driving to appointments, having visitors to talk to, shopping for groceries, tidying up the yard, fixing small things around the house and shoveling snow. Seniors who receive Better at Home services will pay a fee based on their income. Some services may be free. 

Visit the Better at Home website here.

People are continually inspired by stories of siblings and the impact they have on each other, their family and in community. Created by CLBC and the Family Support Institute, this book shares photos and stories from all over B.C. to show how these siblings help make our communities better and more welcoming for everyone.  

Read Brothers and Sisters: The Power of Growing Up Together here.

This website shows you stores that give seniors discounts throughout Canada. Please always consult with the business to ensure the information provided here is valid and up-to-date and is applicable to those who intend to use it. Also be advised that additional restrictions may apply that may not be provided on this page. 

Visit the Canadian Seniors Directory here to find deals and discounts for seniors.

The Cerebral Palsy Association offers a wide variety of classes and programs with the goal of seeing those living with cerebral palsy realize their place as equals in a diverse society.  These programs include adapted arts and sports classes, camper ships and employment support. 

Visit the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC website here.

Community asset mapping is a tool that connects people to one another, their community and to their local neighborhoods. It is a great process to identify important places and gifts in your community you’d like to be part of. 

Learn more about Community Asset Mapping here.

Curiko offers a variety of opportunities to try new experiences and meet new people. Curiko aims to help people of all abilities learn, grown and connect. The program is free and has no wait list. Youth and adults who qualify for CLBC are eligible for 1-to-1 coaching as they learn how to access Curiko.  

Visit the Curiko website here.

Disability Alliance BC (DABC) supports people with a disabilities in many ways. Services and programs, advocacy, free resources and partnerships are all ways DABC can help. There is easy-to-understand information on how to apply for BC Disability Benefits (PWD), as well as help with applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). DABC also has a Disability Law Clinic.   

Visit the Disability Alliance BC website here to learn more.

The Disability Foundation supports six linked societies. These societies foster meaningful experiences for people with disabilities through outdoor recreation, social connectedness and innovative adapted devices.   

Visit the Disability Foundation website here.

The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF) helps people with Down syndrome and their families by offering unique educational programs, health services, information and social connections. They are a specialized center where families can find 1-to-1 support and resources at all stages of life, tailored to the needs of people with Down syndrome.  

Visit the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation website here.

Members of the ESATTA Cooperative support self-advocates to speak up for themselves and to take an active role in planning their own futures. 

Learn more about ESATTA Cooperative and their work here.

Directed by families, the Family Support Institute (FSI) works to bring families together to share their expertise, joys and challenges and the special understanding of having child or family member with a disability. Support is available by phone, at community events or at workshops. 

Visit the Family Support Institute website here.

The Home Sharing Support Society BC (HSSBC) is a provincial organization that works with people, organizations and funders involved in the home sharing community across the province to share and support the model of home sharing.

Visit the Home Sharing Support Society BC website here.

This website helps you find services and programs in participating communities. There are all different kinds of community services, including senior services. 

Visit the Pathways Community Services Directory here.

Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) has a full schedule of learning opportunities, including Wills, Trusts and Estate planning, RDSP Information and Building Personal Networks.  Both in-person and tele-learning opportunities are available.

Visit the PLAN website here.

Learn about building personal support networks here.

Special Olympics BC helps people with intellectual disabilities enjoy sports and feel proud of their accomplishments. They learn new skills, make friends and feel confident both on and off the sports field. Special Olympics athletes inspire others to see their talents and abilities, making our communities more inclusive and supportive for everyone. 

Visit the Special Olympics BC website here.

Sometimes, it’s not easy to find someone who understands just how to help. Support Worker Central is an online database to match individuals, families and agencies with support workers in their communities. It shows who in your area can help with things like everyday tasks.  

Visit Support Worker Central here. 

This webpage has information and advice that can help you make decisions to keep you safe and make the most of your stay outside Canada.   

Note: If you are going to be out of B.C. for more than 30 days in a row, you will be ineligible for Persons with Disability (PWD) funding at that time.  

Learn about Travelling Abroad with a Disability here.

This knowledge hub connects organizations that support and advance independent living for older British Columbians.

Visit the Health Aging CORE here.

Vela provides information and mentoring to individuals with disabilities and their trusted others who are looking for customized, inclusive and creative supports and services.  Their particular areas of expertise are forming a Microboard™ and accessing Individualized Funding from CLBC. 

Visit the Vela website here.