GEORGE PEARSON CENTRE
700 West 57th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6P 1S1
Phone 321-3231 Fax 321-7833
BC Rehab comprises GF Strong Centre and George Pearson Centre, and is affiliated with the teaching faculties of UBC. BC Rehab provides tertiary rehabilitation programs and services throughout BC, concentrating on neurological disabilities such as acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, and neuromuscular conditions. Programs include: Adolescent and Young Adult, Arthritis, Acquired Brain Injury, Research and Teaching, Residential Program, and Spinal Cord Program. BC Rehab brings together highly trained staff representing a wide variety of professional disciplines including: medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, clinical psychology/neuropsychology, recreation therapy, social work, and speech-language pathology. Additionally, there are thirteen service areas covering a range of specialized needs connected with rehabilitation. Physician's referral is necessary.
Frequently called numbers: Adult Learning Centre 322-8325, Assistive
Technology Centre 321-3231 Local 418, Driver Rehabilitation 322-8335, Work
Ability Centre 322-8364. *
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 in-depth diet counselling is not offered,
the dietitians will refer callers to nutrition services in their community.
*
Professional association of dietitians and nutritionists. *
Community Home Support Services Association
111-1385 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver BC V6H 3V9
Phone 739-4300 (24-hours) Fax 739-4343
Provides 24-hour, 7 days a week home support services to children, person(s) with a disability, people recovering from illnesses, elderly and people who are terminally ill, so that they can still maintain themselves as independent members of the community. Cost to the client depends on income and level of service required.
Provides home support services for adults with disabilities who are living independently, or those who are living with parents. Number of hours and type of service depend on the level of disability.
For more information, contact CHSSA at the above address, your local public health unit, or local MSS office listed in your phone book. *
Also:
300-5172 Kingsway, Burnaby, Vancouver BC V5H 2E8
Phone 439-1211 Fax 430-1221 Serves Vancouver & Burnaby.
c/o Public Health Unit Ministry of Health
Provides assistance to adults who cannot cope with the normal activities of daily living because of health related problems or disabilities. The program involves both care in the home and care in residential facilities. Residents are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens, or landed immigrants, and have lived in BC for 12 months preceding the date of application. (For those assessed as extended care level the Ministry of Social Services may provide for this service to begin after three months.)
Included in the long term care program are homemaker services, home nursing care, adult care, family care homes, group living homes, assessment and treatment centres, and long term care facilities. If professional care services are needed in the home, a referral is made by the program to the home nursing care program at the local health unit. A referral from your physician is required in order to provide medical direction and supervision of your care to long term care staff. Staff members can also link you with community services in the home, such as Meals-on-wheels; telephone contact services, and Red Cross equipment loan cupboards. Cost for these services vary with each program and location.
To apply for the long term care program, call the Public Health Unit
closest to you - (see listings in the blue pages of your phone book, under
Ministry of Health). A staff member will visit you to fill in application
forms. It is a good idea to have a friend or family members, who knows
what you are capable of doing and what help you need, with you during this
interview. Have available information about medications you are taking,
your medical plan number, GAIN or Old Age Security number, and any other
information you think would be helpful to the staff member in assessing
your eligibility and need for service.
Public Health Unit
(Numbers are listed under Ministry of Health, Health Units & Departments
in the blue pages of your phone book)
A meal delivery service by community volunteers to the ill, person(s)
with a disability, and elderly whose physical or mental condition prevents
them from preparing adequate meals for themselves, regardless of age and
income. Clients may refer themselves or be referred by health and welfare
agencies, physicians, family or friends. Call the Public Health Unit office
nearest to your home for more information and/or a referral. *
Burnaby walk-in: 2-4603 Kingsway
Victoria walk-in: 1515 Blanshard Street
Premiums, Coverage 683-7151
Claims, Enquiries 669-4211
Elsewhere in BC 1-800-663-7100 Fax 952-3427
All mail: PO Box 1600, Victoria BC V8W 2X9
Provincial government program that provides medical coverage to all
BC residents. Covers medically required services by physicians and specialists
(when referred by a physician), and diagnostic x-ray and laboratory services
when ordered by a physician, podiatrist, or dental/oral surgeon. Also covers
dental and oral surgery when medically required to be performed in a hospital
and offers limited coverage for the services of other qualified health
care practitioners, such as chiropractors and massage therapists. Coverage
under the Plan is voluntary. Benefits are available to Canadian citizens
and holders of permanent resident status who make their home in BC, and
who are physically present in the province at least six months in a calendar
year. Benefits may also be available to holders of temporary immigration
documents such as Employment/Student Authorizations. The following may
be enrolled as dependants if they also meet residency requirements: spouse
(includes a person who lives in a marriage-like relationship); and child
who is supported by a parent or guardian who is neither married nor living
in a marriagelike relationship, and is either age 18 or younger, or age
19 to 24 and attending university full-time. New residents would apply
immediately upon arrival. Benefits for eligible residents will begin after
completion of a waiting period consisting of the balance of the month in
which residence is established plus two additional months. New residents
from other parts of Canada should arrange with their former province or
territory to ensure that benefits continue during the waiting period. New
residents from outside Canada should contact a private insurance company
for full medical and hospital coverage during the waiting period. *
This line offers a single phone number to allow people with disabilities
to have their concerns addressed. It offers advice to people who are having
trouble accessing programs or services for which they qualify, and connects
clients with an individual in the correct government department in order
to facilitate this process. This service is designed for those who are
not able to solve a problem at the local level. *
Ministry of Health Addresses and telephone numbers are listed in the blue pages of your phone book, under Ministry of Health.
Community Health Services are provided directly by the Ministry of Health. Services may include those of a public health nurse, dental hygienist, speech pathologist, audiologist, nutritionist, or physiotherapist. Home care, long term care programs, health promotion, dental services, and public health nursing are some of the types of services provided. Most of the services provided are offered throughout a province wide network of health units working in close co-operation with Mental Health and Continuing Care Services. Contact the local public health unit nearest your home if you need any additional information regarding programs and their availability. *
Outside Greater Vancouver:
Library Services Branch
650-4946 Canada Way, Burnaby BC V5G 4H7
Phone 660-7343
Taped books for the visually impaired and person(s) with a physical
disability are available free of charge from public libraries of the Greater
Vancouver Library Federation. Eligible persons must fill out an application
form, signed by their physician or a recognized authority at the local
library, in order to obtain taped books. Small town libraries without their
own taped book collection may have access to a regular delivery service
for interchange of materials. Simply let your librarian know your requests,
and they will try to get these books to you either by mail, home delivery
(only in some libraries) or pick up. Also, large department stores and
bookstores may sell audio books. For further information and/or an application
form, contact your local public library. If any problems, contact one of
the above addresses.
Provides opportunities for people with disabilities to experience some
of the scenic parks in Vancouver through the use of specially designed
multi-terrain wheelchairs. Designs and modifies these wheelchairs and operates
a program to enable all people with disabilities to participate. Provides
outdoor adventure trips which have included kayaking in Costa Rica, bungee
jumping on Vancouver Island, and climbing. *
The non-transferable Disabled Access Card will entitle the eligible person, and members of their camping party to free camping in provincial parks and recreation area campgrounds. However, it is not valid for boat mooring facilities, canoe routes or back-country cabins and camping.
Any BC resident who qualifies as a person with a disability may apply for the Access Card. Eligibility for this program is defined as one who has a permanent physical or mental disability, confirmed in writing by a qualified practitioner.
Application forms, available from your local BC Parks office, must be completed and signed by the applicant or by someone acting on his/her behalf. A section of the form must be completed and signed by the physician. For your convenience, a BC Parks Camping Pass application form is enclosed with this kit. Completed applications should be mailed to the above address. For more information, contact your local BC Parks listed in the blue pages of your phone book. *
Vancouver Island
Bob James
RR7, 7970 Wilson Road, Duncan BC V9L 4W6
Phone 746-6719
Works to encourage all British Columbians
with a disability to participate in sport, recreation, and fitness; and
to increase opportunities for persons with a disability. Provides a forum
through which organized groups with an interest in sport, fitness, physical
education, and physical recreation for the disabled can be coordinated.
Coordinates the annual BC Games for Athletes with a Disability. Office
hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. Nonprofit society. *
Promotes therapeutic rehabilitation of persons with a physical, mental
or emotional disability through the use of the horse. Equestrian events
are included in local, regional, national and international games and competitions.
Sessions run year-round, in facilities with indoor and outdoor arenas.
*
Contact the BC Sport and Fitness Council, or your local Therapeutic Riding Association at the following:
Penticton Therapeutic Riding 493-7933
Kamloops Therapeutic Riding 573-3538
North Okanagan Therapeutic Riding 542-9816
Creston Handicapable T.R.C. 428-4104
Pacific Riding for Disabled (Langley) 530-8717
100-Mile House Riding for Disabled 395-2946
Valley Therapeutic Riding (Langley) 888-1262
Cowichan Therapeutic Riding 746-1028
Port Hardy Therapeutic Riding 949-3007
Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding 339-2179
Victoria Riding for Disabled 388-4139
The Cerebral Palsy Sports Association of British Columbia was founded to provide physical recreation and sports opportunities to people with cerebral palsy, head injury and stroke. However, with the trend towards "functional sports" (sports that include all physical disabilities) by the International Paralympic Committee CP Sports has grown in B.C. to include all physical disability groups that participate in Boccia and swimming for the severely physically disabled.
CPSA BC has branches in several regions of the provinces and now facilitates
the delivery of quality recreation and sports opportunities through out
the province for its members. These opportunities include recreational/skill
development programs, competitive clubs and regional competition. CPSA
members have opportunities to compete at the BC Disability Games and BC
Summer games (Swimming and Athletics) as well as Provincial and National
Championships. *
The Crane Library is the only university library branch specializing
in materials and service for persons with visual or physical disabilities.
Contact librarian for more information.
Provides people with disabilities with rehabilitation through recreation
and competitive sailing. Runs the "Mobility Cup" and the 300 nautical mile
"Free as the Wind Challenge".
Offers programs and skiing instruction, both alpine and cross country,
to people with disabilities. Equipment provided with lessons at a nominal
cost. Also sponsors competitive skiing and other recreational activities
for people with a disability. Membership is open to people with and without
a disability. *
Any resident of BC who qualifies as a person with a disability may apply
for a Fishing Licence Fee Reduction Card. Upon acceptance the applicant
will be issued a free Fee Reduction Card entitling him/her to a reduced
fee for an Annual Non-Tidal Fishing Licence. The Fee Reduction Card is
valid for a five year period, and may be renewed. It is subject to change
or withdrawal by the Ministry if there is any evidence of false eligibility
information or card misuse. Applicants must be a resident of BC and have
either Disability Benefits status or verification from a BC physician that
the disability is both severe and permanent.
Hours are 3:30 pm to 6:45 pm Tuesday, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm Wednesday,
and 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm Thursday. Programs are specifically for persons
with disabilities. Some transportation provided Thursday evening. Some
volunteer assistance provided if pre-arranged.
Offers year-round courses in creative drama and acting for people who
have a mental or physical disability. Provides entertainment for community
groups, schools, *
Assists and encourages people with disabilities to compose music and
to play musical instruments. Supports an awareness band of people with
disabilities called Spinal Chord. Hosts a children's mobile music program.