Resources - Burnaby / Lower Mainland
These organizations, listed in alphabetical order, provide education, support and services for families who have a member with a disability
Access 2 Program by Easter Seals: 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. Participating venues include Playland and Cineplex theaters. You must apply for the Access 2 card and there is a small handling fee.
​
Autism Community Training (ACT): ACT provides information and training to parents and professionals who are teaching and supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder. They offer workshops, courses and have a large library of both videos and written material.
Autism Information Services BC (AIS BC): AIS BC is a provincial information centre for autism and related disorders that provides information to families and community professionals across B.C. Their staff can help you navigate the BC autism service system. AIS BC also manages and administers the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) – a list of qualified professionals from across the province.
​
Autism BC: supports people on the autism spectrum and their families. Autism BC provides Behavior Interventionist training, hosts community events. Autism BC has a Burnaby Parent Group.You can find contact information for the Burnaby group facilitator at
https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/support-groups-community-groups/
bc211: bc211 is a nonprofit organization that specializes in providing free information and referral regarding community, government and social services in BC. Help line services include 211, the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service, the Problem Gambling Help Line, VictimLink BC, and the Youth Against Violence Line.
BC Centre for Ability: BC Centre for Ability provides a wide range of programs for children, youth and adults with disabilities. Their programs include family counseling for families in Burnaby and New Westminster, The Community Brain Injury Program for Children and Youth in BC and Supported Child Development for children in Vancouver and Burnaby.
​
Burnaby Infant Development Program (IDP): IDP serves children from birth to three years old who live in Burnaby and are at risk for, or who already have, a delay in development. All programs are “family centered.” This means that you, the parents, decide on what kind of support you need.
Burnaby Family Life: Offers a wide variety of programs for parents and families, including parenting classes and parenting support groups.
BCEdAccess Society: BCEdAccess Society serves families of students with disabilities and complex learners all over BC. Their website has excellent resources including an advocacy guide. This Society runs social groups for children and holds conferences.
BC Epilepsy Society: 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.
Canucks Autism Network: Canucks Autism Network provides year-round sports and recreation programs for children, teens, young adults and families living with autism, while increasing autism awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia.
Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia: 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.
Childcare Resources:
Information about BACI Childcare Centres can be found on the Services Page of the BACI Website.
The YMCA of Greater Vancouver runs a Childcare Information and Referral Service that helps families find childcare. The Burnaby and New Westminster office can be reached by phone 604-294-1109 or by email: ccrr@gv.ymca.ca More information is provided on the BC government website
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/how-to-access-child-care
The Supported Child Development Program assists families of children who require additional support to access inclusive childcare programs. Families in Burnaby and Vancouver should contact BC Centre for Ability
https://bc-cfa.org/programs/supported-child-development
Community Living BC (CLBC): CLBC is a provincial agency that funds supports and services for adults with developmental disabilities and their families in British Columbia. Funding for adults with developmental disabilities goes toward services such as residential, community inclusion, day support, family support, respite, employment, etc. The Burnaby office can be reached at 604.660.8124
https://www.communitylivingbc.ca
Curiko: 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 adult who qualify for CLBC are eligible for 1-to-1 coaching as they learn how to access Curiko.
Disability Alliance BC: The Alliance provides comprehensive on-line library of resources. There is easy to understand information on how to apply for BC Disability Benefits (PWD) including guides on the supplements available, as well as help with applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The Alliance also has a Disability Law Clinic.
http://www.disabilityalliancebc.org
​
The Disability Foundation: The Disability Foundation supports 6 affiliated societies. These societies foster meaningful experiences for people with disabilities through outdoor recreation, social connectedness and innovative adapted devices.
https://disabilityfoundation.org
Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF): Located in North Burnaby, DSRF offers a wide variety of educational and health opportunities to children and young adults with Down syndrome. If space allows, individuals who do not have Down syndrome can access programs. There are also educational and social events for families.
Family Caregivers of BC (FCBC) supports people in BC that provide physical and/or emotional care to a family member, friend, or neighbor. FCBC supports caregivers by providing access to information, education and supports that enable caregivers to feel more confident and successful in their important role.
https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca
Family Services of Greater Vancouver: Provides affordable family counseling services to Burnaby families. The program is designed to ensure that everyone who needs counseling, gets counseling. Fees for service are charged on a sliding scale based on household income. You may be put on a wait list.
https://fsgv.ca/programs/counselling/
Family Support Institute (FSI): Directed by families, the Family Support Institute works to bring families together to share their expertise, joys and challenges and the special understanding of having a son, daughter or family member with a disability. Support is available by phone, at community events or at workshops. Click on the Resources link to subscribe to information newsletters and bulletins.
Grants and Bursaries for Equipment and Therapy:
Families who have a child with a disability have, on average, lower household incomes, yet they must try to meet their child’s needs for therapy and equipment. Here are two charities that may help low-income families with some of these expenses:
Variety Children’s Charity https://www.variety.bc.ca
CKNW Kids Fund https://www.cknwkidsfund.com
Inclusion BC: Inclusion BC’s mission is to advocate for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities and their families to ensure justice, rights and opportunities in all areas of their lives. The website has news and updates about disability issues.
Kinsight: Kinsight has a wide range of parent support opportunities including support meetings and educational workshops which often take place nearby in Coquitlam. Click on upcoming events for the full calendar.
MOSAIC: Offers settlement services to a wide range of newcomers in the areas of employment, language and family needs.
Neil Squire Society: Neil Squire Society offers opportunities for people with disabilities to develop computer skills, build their employment skills and help re-enter or enter the work force. Their assistive technology services help remove any technology barriers particularly those related to employment.
NIDUS: Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, specializing in Representation Agreements and also operates a centralized Registry for personal planning documents. NIDUS also hosts webinars.
The Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN): This large centre in Richmond provides a network of supports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. The PAFN’s purpose is to bring together resources for research, information, learning, assessment, treatment and support.
http://pacificautismfamily.com
PLAN: Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network has a full schedule of learning opportunities convenient to Burnaby families, including Wills, Trusts & Estate planning, RDSP Information and Building Personal Networks. Both in-person and tele-learning opportunities are available.
posAbilities: posAblities, like BACI, provides services to individuals with disabilities. They have programs and workshops that everyone is welcome to attend such as Buddy Club and Knitting Club. They also offer behavioural consultation for ages 6 – 18.
​
Provincial Outreach Programs: BC's Ministry of Education funds Provincial Outreach Programs (POPs) to help meet the educational needs of low-incidence students in BC schools. There are many different POPs including POPARD, the program for students on the autism spectrum. Click HERE to download information on all the different POPs
Rare Disease Foundation: The Rare Disease Foundation works to improve research and clinical treatments for those with rare diseases. Parent support and information is part of their mandate.
https://rarediseasefoundation.org
​
Real Talk: Real Talk is a sexual health initiative aimed at people living with cognitive disabilities.
They provide support, education and resources focused on sex and disability in the Greater Vancouver area. The leadership team is comprised of Certified Sexual Health Educators with extensive experience in the community living sector.
​
Services To Adults with Developmental Disabilities (STADD): STADD is a BC government program for youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who are eligible for Community Living BC services and would like help planning the transition into adulthood. Youth and their families will be assigned a navigator. The navigator helps plan goals and access the supports available for young adults with developmental disabilities.
​
Sibling Support: Siblings of individuals with a developmental disability often become responsible for managing care arrangements and finances as their parents age. Siblings Canada strengthens and empowers siblings (and other second generation caregivers) of people with disabilities to fulfill their changing roles with greater confidence and influence. SIBNET is an active and long-running on-line community for siblings of adult brothers and sisters with a disability.
Special Olympics Burnaby: High-quality sports programs and competitions to meet the needs and interests of individuals with Intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics BC Burnaby welcomes athletes from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, interests and levels of ability, and provides a range of opportunities that are suitable to diverse needs.
Square Peg Society: Square Peg Society supports Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) adults and their families with the goal of helping ASD adults build self-supporting, independent lives. The group holds regular meetings about topics such as employment, post- secondary education, housing, finances and life & social skills. There is an emphasis on supporting individuals who do not qualify for Community Living BC supports.
​
​
Support Worker Central: Finding compatible support workers to assist you or your family member with a disability can be challenging. Support Worker Central is an online database designed to match individuals, families and agencies with support workers in their communities.
https://www.supportworkercentral.ca/
​
Technology for Living: Technology for Living (TFL) works with people who have severe physical disabilities and helps them to live as well and as independently as possible. Programs include the Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program and Technology for Independent Living.
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.
​
The Vancouver Parents Transition Group: An education and support group for parents of youth with disabilities who are transitioning to adulthood. The group meets once per month and features guest speakers who provide information and support to families.
​
Wayfinders: Wayfinders is a free program with no waiting list that provides person centred planning and resource information for families anywhere in the province. A Wayfinders facilitator will help families and individuals come up with a plan for a rich, inclusive, meaningful life that is driven by the individuals interests and desires along with strategies to make the plan a reality.
​
WorkBC: WorkBC Employment Services provide support for people looking for jobs, including specialized services for people with disabilities. These services are available to people served by Community Living BC.
https://www.workbc.ca/Resources-for/People-with-Disabilities.aspx
Resources - Burnaby / Lower Mainland
These organizations, listed in alphabetical order, provide education, support and services for families who have a member with a disability
Access 2 Program by Easter Seals: 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. Participating venues include Playland and Cineplex theaters. You must apply for the Access 2 card and there is a small handling fee.
​
Autism Community Training (ACT): ACT provides information and training to parents and professionals who are teaching and supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder. They offer workshops, courses and have a large library of both videos and written material.
Autism Information Services BC (AIS BC): AIS BC is a provincial information centre for autism and related disorders that provides information to families and community professionals across B.C. Their staff can help you navigate the BC autism service system. AIS BC also manages and administers the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) – a list of qualified professionals from across the province.
​
Autism BC: supports people on the autism spectrum and their families. Autism BC provides Behavior Interventionist training, hosts community events. Autism BC has a Burnaby Parent Group.You can find contact information for the Burnaby group facilitator at
https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/support-groups-community-groups/
bc211: bc211 is a nonprofit organization that specializes in providing free information and referral regarding community, government and social services in BC. Help line services include 211, the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service, the Problem Gambling Help Line, VictimLink BC, and the Youth Against Violence Line.
BC Centre for Ability: BC Centre for Ability provides a wide range of programs for children, youth and adults with disabilities. Their programs include family counseling for families in Burnaby and New Westminster, The Community Brain Injury Program for Children and Youth in BC and Supported Child Development for children in Vancouver and Burnaby.
​
Burnaby Infant Development Program (IDP): IDP serves children from birth to three years old who live in Burnaby and are at risk for, or who already have, a delay in development. All programs are “family centered.” This means that you, the parents, decide on what kind of support you need.
Burnaby Family Life: Offers a wide variety of programs for parents and families, including parenting classes and parenting support groups.
BCEdAccess Society: BCEdAccess Society serves families of students with disabilities and complex learners all over BC. Their website has excellent resources including an advocacy guide. This Society runs social groups for children and holds conferences.
BC Epilepsy Society: 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.
Canucks Autism Network: Canucks Autism Network provides year-round sports and recreation programs for children, teens, young adults and families living with autism, while increasing autism awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia.
Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia: 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.
Childcare Resources:
Information about BACI Childcare Centres can be found on the Services Page of the BACI Website.
The YMCA of Greater Vancouver runs a Childcare Information and Referral Service that helps families find childcare. The Burnaby and New Westminster office can be reached by phone 604-294-1109 or by email: ccrr@gv.ymca.ca More information is provided on the BC government website
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/how-to-access-child-care
The Supported Child Development Program assists families of children who require additional support to access inclusive childcare programs. Families in Burnaby and Vancouver should contact BC Centre for Ability
https://bc-cfa.org/programs/supported-child-development
Community Living BC (CLBC): CLBC is a provincial agency that funds supports and services for adults with developmental disabilities and their families in British Columbia. Funding for adults with developmental disabilities goes toward services such as residential, community inclusion, day support, family support, respite, employment, etc. The Burnaby office can be reached at 604.660.8124
https://www.communitylivingbc.ca
Curiko: 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 adult who qualify for CLBC are eligible for 1-to-1 coaching as they learn how to access Curiko.
Disability Alliance BC: The Alliance provides comprehensive on-line library of resources. There is easy to understand information on how to apply for BC Disability Benefits (PWD) including guides on the supplements available, as well as help with applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The Alliance also has a Disability Law Clinic.
http://www.disabilityalliancebc.org
​
The Disability Foundation: The Disability Foundation supports 6 affiliated societies. These societies foster meaningful experiences for people with disabilities through outdoor recreation, social connectedness and innovative adapted devices.
https://disabilityfoundation.org
Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF): Located in North Burnaby, DSRF offers a wide variety of educational and health opportunities to children and young adults with Down syndrome. If space allows, individuals who do not have Down syndrome can access programs. There are also educational and social events for families.
Family Caregivers of BC (FCBC) supports people in BC that provide physical and/or emotional care to a family member, friend, or neighbor. FCBC supports caregivers by providing access to information, education and supports that enable caregivers to feel more confident and successful in their important role.
https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca
Family Services of Greater Vancouver: Provides affordable family counseling services to Burnaby families. The program is designed to ensure that everyone who needs counseling, gets counseling. Fees for service are charged on a sliding scale based on household income. You may be put on a wait list.
https://fsgv.ca/programs/counselling/
Family Support Institute (FSI): Directed by families, the Family Support Institute works to bring families together to share their expertise, joys and challenges and the special understanding of having a son, daughter or family member with a disability. Support is available by phone, at community events or at workshops. Click on the Resources link to subscribe to information newsletters and bulletins.
Grants and Bursaries for Equipment and Therapy:
Families who have a child with a disability have, on average, lower household incomes, yet they must try to meet their child’s needs for therapy and equipment. Here are two charities that may help low-income families with some of these expenses:
Variety Children’s Charity https://www.variety.bc.ca
CKNW Kids Fund https://www.cknwkidsfund.com
Inclusion BC: Inclusion BC’s mission is to advocate for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities and their families to ensure justice, rights and opportunities in all areas of their lives. The website has news and updates about disability issues.
Kinsight: Kinsight has a wide range of parent support opportunities including support meetings and educational workshops which often take place nearby in Coquitlam. Click on upcoming events for the full calendar.
MOSAIC: Offers settlement services to a wide range of newcomers in the areas of employment, language and family needs.
Neil Squire Society: Neil Squire Society offers opportunities for people with disabilities to develop computer skills, build their employment skills and help re-enter or enter the work force. Their assistive technology services help remove any technology barriers particularly those related to employment.
NIDUS: Nidus provides information to British Columbians about personal planning, specializing in Representation Agreements and also operates a centralized Registry for personal planning documents. NIDUS also hosts webinars.
The Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN): This large centre in Richmond provides a network of supports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. The PAFN’s purpose is to bring together resources for research, information, learning, assessment, treatment and support.
http://pacificautismfamily.com
PLAN: Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network has a full schedule of learning opportunities convenient to Burnaby families, including Wills, Trusts & Estate planning, RDSP Information and Building Personal Networks. Both in-person and tele-learning opportunities are available.
posAbilities: posAblities, like BACI, provides services to individuals with disabilities. They have programs and workshops that everyone is welcome to attend such as Buddy Club and Knitting Club. They also offer behavioural consultation for ages 6 – 18.
​
Provincial Outreach Programs: BC's Ministry of Education funds Provincial Outreach Programs (POPs) to help meet the educational needs of low-incidence students in BC schools. There are many different POPs including POPARD, the program for students on the autism spectrum. Click HERE to download information on all the different POPs
Rare Disease Foundation: The Rare Disease Foundation works to improve research and clinical treatments for those with rare diseases. Parent support and information is part of their mandate.
https://rarediseasefoundation.org
​
Real Talk: Real Talk is a sexual health initiative aimed at people living with cognitive disabilities.
They provide support, education and resources focused on sex and disability in the Greater Vancouver area. The leadership team is comprised of Certified Sexual Health Educators with extensive experience in the community living sector.
​
Services To Adults with Developmental Disabilities (STADD): STADD is a BC government program for youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who are eligible for Community Living BC services and would like help planning the transition into adulthood. Youth and their families will be assigned a navigator. The navigator helps plan goals and access the supports available for young adults with developmental disabilities.
​
Sibling Support: Siblings of individuals with a developmental disability often become responsible for managing care arrangements and finances as their parents age. Siblings Canada strengthens and empowers siblings (and other second generation caregivers) of people with disabilities to fulfill their changing roles with greater confidence and influence. SIBNET is an active and long-running on-line community for siblings of adult brothers and sisters with a disability.
Special Olympics Burnaby: High-quality sports programs and competitions to meet the needs and interests of individuals with Intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics BC Burnaby welcomes athletes from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, interests and levels of ability, and provides a range of opportunities that are suitable to diverse needs.
Square Peg Society: Square Peg Society supports Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) adults and their families with the goal of helping ASD adults build self-supporting, independent lives. The group holds regular meetings about topics such as employment, post- secondary education, housing, finances and life & social skills. There is an emphasis on supporting individuals who do not qualify for Community Living BC supports.
​
​
Support Worker Central: Finding compatible support workers to assist you or your family member with a disability can be challenging. Support Worker Central is an online database designed to match individuals, families and agencies with support workers in their communities.
https://www.supportworkercentral.ca/
​
Technology for Living: Technology for Living (TFL) works with people who have severe physical disabilities and helps them to live as well and as independently as possible. Programs include the Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program and Technology for Independent Living.
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.
​
The Vancouver Parents Transition Group: An education and support group for parents of youth with disabilities who are transitioning to adulthood. The group meets once per month and features guest speakers who provide information and support to families.
​
Wayfinders: Wayfinders is a free program with no waiting list that provides person centred planning and resource information for families anywhere in the province. A Wayfinders facilitator will help families and individuals come up with a plan for a rich, inclusive, meaningful life that is driven by the individuals interests and desires along with strategies to make the plan a reality.
​
WorkBC: WorkBC Employment Services provide support for people looking for jobs, including specialized services for people with disabilities. These services are available to people served by Community Living BC.
https://www.workbc.ca/Resources-for/People-with-Disabilities.aspx