Assistive Devices
Lifestyle Resources
Health Resources
Assistive Devices
Life with a disability may be different than a life without, but assistive devices can help make the world around you more accessible.
Technology
British Columbia
Assistive Technology BC (ATBC) provides assistive technology resources to make learning and working environments usable for people with disabilities throughout British Columbia.
British Columbia
Technology for Living (TFL) works with people who have severe physical disabilities and helps them to live as well and as independently as possible.
Camada
The Neil Squire Society creates affordable assistive technology devices that give people with disabilities greater control over their lives.
British Columbia
netClé is a unique customizable device that makes computers and laptops more user friendly for people with mobility limitations, allowing them to stay connected and maintain their independence.
Canada
This organization delivers support in assistive technology for learning, communication, alternative access, low vision and blindness needs. They also provide their services online.
British Columbia
CanAssist develops customized technologies for people of all ages and from across the disability spectrum.
Canada
This organization sells computer-related ergonomic products including keyboards, mice, touchpads, trackballs, footswitches, LCD monitor arms, arm and foot rests, etc.
Equipment
Tetra Society of North America
Canada
Tetra volunteers have created thousands of assistive devices and gadgets that have helped with overcoming barriers in physical or environmental spaces.
Vancouver
AssistList is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help Greater Vancouver residents buy, sell and donate home health medical equipment such as mobility and adaptive aids.
Canada
An online store of recreational adapted equipment.
Canada
National Seating & Mobility an experienced provider of complex rehabilitation seating, mobility and positioning systems, with a nationwide network of respected professionals and dedicated specialists across Canada.
Canada
Motion offers a wide selection of medical aids and supplies, mobility devices and adaptive seating systems for individuals with limited mobility.
Kelowna
Cooper Medical has an extensive product selection to fulfill the majority of patients’ needs.
Canada
evika is an online resource that will help you find and learn about assistive devices that are appropriate for your individual needs.
Canada
This company sells lightweight & comfortable custom forearm crutches.
Articles and Guides
35 Things To Do While On Crutches
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This article from World Crutches talks about 35 ways to enjoy your time, even while on crutches.
Assistive Dogs
Pacific Assistance Dogs Society
British Columbia
This organization helps to provide an assistance dog to anyone in Western Canada with a physical disability or who is deaf or hard-of-hearing, and who wants the independence of an Assistance Dog.
Lifestyle
Health is much more than physical condition. These resources can help you improve your lifestyle to suit your needs.
Home Adaptations
BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations
British Columbia
The BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations program provides financial assistance to help eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities in British Columbia to continue to live in the comfort of their home.
Food Security
Vanocuver, Richmond
Care BC’s Meals on Wheels programs delivers hot, nutritious meals to seniors, caregivers, individuals with chronic or acute medical conditions, and/or people recovering from surgery, illness or injury across Vancouver and Richmond.
Relationship Support Groups
Wives and Girlfriends of Spinal Cord Injury
Canada
WAGS of SCI are women who have partners with Spinal Cord Injuries. Their unique caregiver/lover dynamic can only be truly understood by others like them. They are creating a strong network of women around the world supporting other women who are dealing with this injury alongside their men.
Health Resources
Here are some more resources to help you navigate living with a disability.
Support Organizations
British Columbia
HealthLink BC provides reliable non-emergency health information and advice in British Columbia. Information and advice is available by telephone, our website, a mobile app and a collection of print resources. Through their programs and services, you can get the information you need to make decisions for yourself and those you care for.
Vancouver
GF Strong is BC’s largest rehabilitation centre, providing inpatient, outpatient, outreach and clinical support services to clients/patients in four unique programs: Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Arthritis and Neuromusculoskeletal.
British Columbia
SCI BC provides peer support and rehabilitation counselling, information services, employment services and advocacy and offers support and community-based rehabilitation programs for people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities across the province.
British Columbia
The Rick Hansen Foundation works to create more accessible and inclusive communities for people with a spinal cord injury, and supports the search for a cure.
North Shore Disability Resource Centre
North Vancouver
This organization is the only agency on the North Shore that assists anyone, regardless of age, with any kind of disability. committed to working toward a community that is free of physical, financial and attitudinal barriers.
Vancouver
This organization provides accessible housing and other support services to people with disabilities.
Canada
The Arthritis Society is a national health charity, fueled by donors and volunteers, with a vision to live in a world where people are free from the devastating effects that arthritis has on lives.
British Columbia
This organization is committed to giving British Columbians affected by a lung or breathing condition – hope, help and a voice.
Children with Disabilities
North Shore Disability Resource Centre
North Vancouver
This organization is the only agency on the North Shore that assists anyone, regardless of age, with any kind of disability. committed to working toward a community that is free of physical, financial and attitudinal barriers.
Developmental Disabilities Association
Canada
Developmental Disabilities Association is a community living agency that provides over 50 community-based programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Vancouver and Richmond.
Achieve Support and Development
British Columbia
This organization offers parents a Behaviour Consultant, a Speech-Language Pathologist, a Tutor, and Case Management all in one agency. This means your treatment team has a unified philosophy, gives consistent support to your family, and works efficiently and effectively together. They are happy to work together with schools, preschools, daycares, and/or any other team members you have working for you.
Richmond Centre for Disability
Richmond
The Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) is not-for-profit, disability-led and community-based, providing service to entire communities on disability issues.
Brain Injury Resources
British Columbia
The BC Brain Injury Association (BCBIA) is a non-profit provincial organization in British Columbia serving the interests of the acquired brain injury population.
Canada
BrainTrust Canada began in 1986 as a small group who saw a need for greater support and resources for those with brain injury.
Vancouver
The BC Brain Wellness Program is a unique and interactive program establishing clinically relevant lifestyle approaches to complement medical treatment in the clinics at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. By combining traditional clinical care with interventions that support healthier lifestyles, the program’s goal is to improve and sustain quality of life and function for its participants while pursuing rigorous research into lifestyle interventions for brain health.
Bulkley Valley Brain Injury Association
Bulkley Valley, Smithers
This organization’s mission is to ensure that services and supports are provided in a respectful and timely manner to people affected by brain injury and to facilitate public education in all aspects of brain injury with an emphasis on strategies for prevention.
Campbell River Head Injury Support Society
Campbell River
Campbell River Head Injury Support Society provides education, support, advocacy and fellowship to brain injury survivors, their caregivers, families and education to the general public about brain injury.
Comox Valley Head Injury Society
Courtenay
The Comox Valley Head Injury Society (CVHIS) is a non-profit organization providing programs and support services to acquired brain injury survivors, their families and caregivers in the Comox Valley. Their mission has been to promote the health and well-being of our members, and reduce incidences of brain injury in our community through prevention-based education.
Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association
Abbotsford
The Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association is a charitable organization that has been offering support and services to people with acquired brain injuries and their families since 1997.
Kamloops Brain Injury Association
Kamloops
KBIA advocates for and provides specialized programs to survivors of acquired brain injuries, and facilitates education and awareness in the community.
Nanaimo
NBIS aspires to a world where neurological health is nurtured, and where full and active citizenship is attainable by all.
Northern Brain Injury Association
Northern BC
Northern Brain Injury Association of British Columbia (NBIA) works to prevent brain injuries, provide recovering residents with support, and to facilitate full inclusion and citizenship within their community.
Powell River Brain Injury Society
Powell River
This organization’s mission is to promote prevention, recovery, education, community awareness and life beyond acquired brain injury.
Prince George Brain Injured Group Society
Prince George
It is the mandate of the Prince George Brain Injured Group Society to do all within its power to enhance the lives of survivors of brain injury, and their families, in Prince George and the surrounding area.
South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society
Penticton, Okanagan
The South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society (SOSBIS) is a non-profit organization made up of brain injured people, family members, and professionals dedicated to assisting survivors and their families to achieve the greatest level of independence and quality of life.
Victoria
The Victoria Brain Injury Society’s mission is to support, educate, and advocate for adults with acquired brain injuries and their families; and to increase community awareness about acquired brain injuries.
Brain Injury Support Groups
Maple Ridge B.I. Support Group
Maple Ridge
Please contact Nora Chamber at norachambers@shaw.ca to learn more.
Tri-Cities
Please contact Sandy Caverly at S.Caverly@shaw.ca to learn more.
Vancouver
Please contact Lillian Wong at lmywong@shaw.ca to learn more.
New Westminster Brain Injury Support Group
New Westminster
Please contact Tina Suter at brain@telus.net to learn more.
Burnaby Brain Injury Support Group
Burnaby
Please contact Tina Suter at brain@telus.net to learn more.
Surrey Brain Injury Support Group
Surrey
Please contact Tina Suter at brain@telus.net to learn more.
Richmond Brain Injury Support Group
Richmond
Please contact Tina Suter at brain@telus.net to learn more.
Sechelt (Sunshine Coast) Brain Injury Support Group
Sunshine Coast
Please contact Susan Goddard at susan.goddard@vch.ca to learn more.
Mental Health
Vancouver
Fraser Health offers multiples locations of service across BC, this specific service by Fraser Health offers developmental disabilities mental health services (DDMHS) provides specialized mental health community services for ages 12 and over who live with co-existing developmental disabilities and a mental illness.
Vancouver Community Mental Health Services
Vancouver
This organization offers a wide array of multidisciplinary services, activities, resources, and health care professions to adults and older adults in a variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, and in the home.
H.R. Mental Health Wellness Centre
Vancouver
The H.R. Mental Wellness Centre (HRMWC) was established by the El-Rayes Foundation to help you heal from depression and anxiety, become more successful in your career and your personal relationships, share your gifts with the world, enjoy your life to the fullest, and create your own legacy.
Okanagan Mental Health Services
Kelowna
This organization’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people in the Central Okanagan area who struggle with serious and persistent mental health challenges by providing supportive housing and therapeutic work.
Developmental Disabilities
Developmental Disabilities Association
Canada
Developmental Disabilities Association is a community living agency that provides over 50 community-based programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Vancouver and Richmond.
Health Authorities
Vancouver
By working together with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, as well as health organizations, communities and leaders, Interior Health Authority delivers services and solutions that make a positive difference in the lives of everyone in the region
Burnaby, Abbotsford
Fraser Health is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to over 1.9 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations.
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
Vancouver
VCH is responsible for the delivery of $4.1 billion in community, hospital and long-term care services to more than one million people in communities including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. VCH also provides specialized care and services for people throughout BC and is the province’s hub of health care education and research.
Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast
Island Health provides health care services through a network of hospitals, clinics, centres, health units, and long-term care locations. We serve more than 850,000 people on Vancouver Island, the islands in the Salish Sea and the Johnstone Strait, and the mainland communities north of Powell River and south of Rivers Inlet.