An organization of parents, professionals and other interested people
working together to promote full community membership for children and
adults with autism. Services include support, information and referral,
counselling, life services plans, advocacy, library and resource centre,
workshops and conferences, family support groups, social events, and a
newsletter. *
Coordinates the work of epilepsy organizations within the province,
with emphasis on dissemination of information to create public awareness
and help dispel myths about the condition. *
Advocates for aboriginal people who are disabled. *
Self-help, province-wide umbrella group which provides group and individual advocacy, information and referrals, and sponsors self-help projects. They may be able to assist you in locating a particular self-help organization in your region. Publishes a monthly newsletter.*
Sponsors: Advocacy Access
Phone 872-1278 (local) 1-800-663-1278 (toll-free)
Advocates on behalf of individuals who need assistance, and educates
people with disabilities on their rights and self-help skills. Conducts
workshops around the province to share self-help skills and information
on issues of concern to the disabled community.*
Professional association of dietitians and nutritionists.*
Sponsors: Dial-a-Dietician
Phone 732-9191 or 1-800-667-DIET
Operates a free and confidential nutrition hotline for BC. The public
can talk directly to a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN), who can
answer nutrition questions and explain special diets recommended by physician
for medical conditions. Although indepth diet counselling is not offered,
the dietitians will refer callers to nutrition services in their community.
*
Provincial association which advocates for and with people in BC who
have a mental disability. Acts as a provincial resource for the federation
of local associations throughout the province. Publishes a list of all
the local associations and affiliated members. Contact the Association
for further information.*
Provides information and referral services for people with brain injury and their families. Support groups throughout BC. Offers advocacy for community and medical/legal services.
John Simpson Drop-In Centre
4845 Imperial Street, Burnaby Phone 431-0803
Operated by Lower Mainland Brain Injury Association, offers activities
week-days.
Provides information and advocacy for people of all ages, in all parts
of BC, who have cerebral palsy. Promotes public awareness about C.P., the
services available, and programs needed. Has a library of books for loan
throughout BC. Produces a resource directory for people with cerebral palsy
and their parents, families, caregivers and friends. Publishes quarterly
newsletter, the Roundtable. Membership open to the public, $10 (individual),
$15 (family), $20 (organization) annually. Membership fee waived for clients
on fixed income. Call the office for further information.*
A national organization of "blind people governed by blind people".
Its objectives are to further develop the self-determination of blind people
and encourage integration into the community. The CCB is also developing,
sponsoring, and coordinating educational programs directed toward both
blind and sighted people. Contact the provincial office for further information
and for contacts throughout BC and the Yukon.*
Provides a number of services to people with visual impairment, such
as: counselling; optical and other aids; rehabilitation services; orientation
and mobility instruction; career counselling services; aids and appliances
for the household; recreation and employment services; library and transcription
services. Many of the CNIB services are available to anyone whose vision
is impaired to the extent that it interferes with, or restricts, normal
activities. Offices are located in many communities in BC. Check your phone
book for local office, or contact the provincial centre. *
DAWN BC
35 - 971 Douglas Avenue, Nanaimo BC V9R 6C1
Phone 754-4513
Open to any woman who considers herself to have a disability. A provincial
network which serves as an advocacy group for women with a disability,
particularly mothers with a disability. Discusses issues of concern to
women with a disability, and ways to improve the lives of all women with
a disability. Call one of the above offices for information about meetings
and other branches.
Victoria: 387-6121 TTY 775-0303 or 1-800-661-8773
Provides information on programs and services offered by the Government
of BC. Hours: 7:00 to 7:00, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 5:00 Saturday
Provides support and assistance for families of Jewish heritage who
have a member with a disability.
Victoria Office: 931 Fort Street, Victoria BC V8V 3K3
Phone 387-5855 1-800-567-3247 TTY 387-5446 1-800-667-1303
Deals with complaints people have against provincial government agencies, or those who work for such agencies. (Crown Corporations, Boards, Commissions, or bodies appointed by or responsible to the provincial government.) The Ombudsman's Office has the power to make a full and impartial investigation into any complaint you may have. In some cases, they may recommend a change in a government agency's decision, if they think you have been treated unfairly. However, the Ombudsman does not have the power to force a government agency to follow his/her recommendation. Contact the office for more information.
To make a consumer complaint, contact:
Consumer Help Line
Consumers Association of Canada
306 - 198 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V6B 1H5
Phone 682-3535
For any complaints relating to the municipal government and regional
districts, contact a Councillor, Mayor, or Regional District Director.
For complaints concerning the federal government departments and agencies,
consult your Member of Parliament.
Provides trained dogs to assist people who are deaf, hard of hearing,
physically disabled, or who have a disability other blindness.
Provides information on spins bifida and hydrocephalus to those directly
or indirectly affected by it. Provides support to parents and information
on equipment and services available. Publishes a newsletter and has an
information library. *
Offers support, advocacy, and informal networking for families and people who work with people with severe disabilities. Holds quarterly meetings to discuss specific concerns and to facilitate informal networking. Also offers seminars, a quarterly chapter newsletter, and a monthly international newsletter. Membership fee. Nonprofit society. *
Provides information and referral service for people who have physical
disabilities. Promotes community independent living. Operates group homes
for children and adults.*
VCP Housing Society
Phone 877-0763
Non-profit society controlled and operated by adults with cerebral palsy.
Offers peer counselling, lifeskills training, advocacy and information
sharing, as well as a consultative group for parents and professionals.
The Voice of the Cerebral Palsied Housing Society, located at the same
address, provides and advocates for housing. *
Provides rehabilitation services and information to deaf and hard of hearing people, and to concerned individuals and agencies through vocational, educational, and personal counselling, audiological assessments, hearing aid fittings & sales, technical aids service & sales, and interpreting services.
For information about the Employment Services Program, see the Employment section of this manual.
Office hours 8:30 to 5:00, Monday to Friday.