Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods

Access 2 Entertainment

The Access 2 Entertainment card provides persons with a disability to receive either free admission or a significant discount for their support person at member movie theatres across Canada. This program was developed by an advisory group of nine national disability organizations, in conjunction with Famous Players and Cineplex Galaxy.

Persons with a permanent disability who require a support person when attending a movie theatre are eligible for the card. The applicant must agree to follow the terms and conditions for use of the card (see below).

A support person is an individual who accompanies a person with a disability to provide those services that are not provided by theatre employees, such as assisting the person with eating, administering medication, communication and use of the facilities.

To download the form go to www.access2.ca

Several Regional Libraries offer Home Library Service

Click the name of the library nearest you for complete details regarding; services, phone numbers and other information.

Fuel Tax Refund Program for Persons with Disability

Individuals with mobility impairments are eligible for a refund of the provincial tax they pay on gasoline or propane used in their vehicles. You may claim a maximum refund amount of $500 per calendar year. You must be the registered owner of the vehicle in which the gas is used. To claim the refund, you must first register for the program. Once you have registered, you will be issued a registration number. Once you have your registration number, you can submit your claim. Be sure to obtain and save receipts for gasoline purchases - you must submit receipts with your claim application.

Registration forms (PDF format) are available here.

Federal Excise Gasoline Tax Refund Program

There is a federal gas tax refund program. Receipts for gasoline purchases are required. The federal program rebates 1.5 cents per litre, or 1.5 cents per 10 kilometers of driving distance. (You can base your claim on litres purchased, or distance driven).

Applications and instructions (PDf format) are available online here.

ICBC Auto Insurance Discount

Individuals with a permanent mobility impairment are eligible for a 25% discount off the cost of basic automobile insurance. You must be the registered owner, joint owner or lessee of the vehicle. The discount can only be applied to one vehicle. To apply for this discount, you must first register for the BC Fuel Tax Refund program. When your registration for the fuel tax program is approved, you will be issued a Motor Fuel Tax Act claim number. Take this number along with your owner's certificate of insurance and vehicle license documents to your insurance agent to apply for the Disability Discount.

Seniors are eligible for a 25% discount on their automotive insurance. If you are 65 years or older, and have a disability, you may be eligible for both discounts.

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Tetra Society Database

Tetra is very excited to let you all know that our Website Database of Tetra Assistive Devices has now been expanded to 750 Devices! More devices will be added as the projects are completed by our talented and dedicated "army" of volunteers working across Canada and the United States to help children and adults with disabilities.

The database has been designed for ease of use by everyone including prior Tetra clients, potential new Tetra clients, healthcare professionals, volunteers and the general public. Find a device by either using the "Quick Search" feature (e.g.wheelchair footrest) or by browsing through the "Category and Sub Category" feature (more detailed instructions are found under "Find a Device")

Not sure how to search? Give us a call or send a quick email to the contact below (Pat Tweedie) and someone will walk you through the process.

Want more information on a specific device? Contact us and we'll connect you to the appropriate person.

Fastest way to get to the database?
Go to the Tetra website www.tetrasociety.org click on "Search Our Database"

Camp at BC Parks for Free

If you live in British Columbia you may be able to camp at a BC Park for free. This BC Park Program is open to individuals who receive income support for their disability or for a child with a disability. The purpose of this program is to provide support for persons with disabilities who are also receiving income assistance. Check out the BC Parks website to find out the criteria and whether you qualify, Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/fees/disability.html

BC Ferries Discount

If you have a permanent disability, discount fares (approximately 50%) are available for you and your escort, when you travel on BC Ferries. The discount applies to passenger fares only, not to vehicle rates. You must obtain a BC Ferries Disabled Status Identification Card, in order to obtain the discount. Applications (PDf format) are available online here.

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Annual Bus Pass

If you have Persons-with-Disability status with the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance (formerly the Ministry of Human Resources, or MHR) you are eligible for an annual bus pass, for price of $45. Contact your worker at the Ministry for application details.

Taxi Saver Program

Do you have a permanent physical or cognitive disability that makes it difficult to use the public transit system without assistance? TransLink can help with HandyCard discounts and Taxi Saver coupons. Taxi Saver is a supplementary service to HandyDART and available for people with permanent disabilities who have a HandyCard.

To find out more about the program, please contact the Access Transit office at 778.452.2860.

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The Red Book Online: The Complete Online Guide to Community, Social and Government Agencies and Services Across the Lower Mainland

The Red Book Online (the most complete online guide to community, social and government agencies and services across the Lower Mainland) provides immediate access to detailed descriptions of over 4,500 agency listings offering a variety of services, including: counselling, health, financial, housing, employment, educational, recreational, cultural, legal, political, business  and transportation.

Who's listed in The Red Book Online?
* Non-profit agencies * Self-help groups * Advocacy groups * Hospitals, health clinics, continuing care facilities * Social clubs offering a community service * Professional associations * MPs, MLAs, councillors * Private companies providing a free service, or with a sliding scale of fees * Commercial organizations offering services not available in the non-profit sector . . . and more

Each listing includes:
* Overview of the agency * Details of its programs and services * Additional sites attached to the main agency * Address, telephone and fax numbers * Web site and e-mail addresses

In addition, the information is updated monthly, ensuring it's always current.

The Red Book Online is the internet version of The Red Book: Directory of Services for the Lower Mainland. The directory is the recognized standard reference work on human services available on the Lower Mainland.

To visit the online version of Red Book go to http://www2.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca/redbook/

Go to the Red Book search page or, for assistance, contact an Information and Referral Specialist.

BCPA Leisureship Program

If there is a leisure activity you would like to pursue, but lack of money is holding you back, BCPA offers the Leisureship program. You may be granted up to $100 per year in order to take a class, purchase equipment, or join a club, etc. Contact your BCPA Rehab Consultant or BCPA Resource Consultant for additional information.

Flight Centre Accessible Travel

Your leisure, group or business travel is our specialty. We research and book holidays, flights, packages, sun destinations, ground transportation and anything and everything to do with travel. Our dedicated travel managers specialize in accessible travel. We take the time to learn your needs and then translate that, using our travel expertise and experience, to ensure you receive the best experience for the best value. Click here for more information about accessible travel.

Our travel services include knowledgeable staff, fantastic pricing, 24-hour emergency cell phone service. Please contact Karen at 604-753-8399 who is more than happy to answer your questions.

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TetraLites Project (Lights for Mobility Aids)

One of the latest Tetra projects "TetraLites"  As Matthew Wild wrote in Tetra's Gizmo magazine: TetraLites could increase road safety for every man, woman and child using a wheelchair. "TetraLites" tackle a particular vulnerability faced by anyone in a wheelchair: being lower than other pedestrians, motorists tend not to notice wheelchairs at intersections. The design features three rows of 15 LED lights, in Plexiglas tubes, which mount to the sides and rear of a wheelchair or can be set vertically like a flagpole. They draw a negligible amount from powerchair batteries, or can be connected to rechargeable batteries for use on a manual chair."

The idea for TeatraLites came from Brian Johnson, a volunteer of Tetra, following a conversation with Tetra employee Eric Molendyk who was struck by a vehicle while crossing a street on his way to work on November of 2008.

Matthew Wild, in his Gizmo article, explains how the TetraLites can be used: "Johnson said the lights can be attached to the sides of a wheelchair or in the form of a vertical flagpole, can produce the whole colour spectrum, and be set to strobe. "I've not spoken to a wheelchair user who doesn't want them. They can save a life." The lights are bright enough to let someone see their way out of a pitch black room but make no noticeable impact on the wheel- chair's battery life, said Johnson. "I think everyone should have these lights on their chair. If it makes a motorist slow down for just one second, they can save a life."

Brian Johnson has a  great team of volunteers working directly on the TetraLites.
The TetraLites consist of tiny chips on a silicone covered flat strip which we energize with 12 or 24 volt power.  Despite being very bright (they can be dimmed) they use very little power and are ideal for use on your mobility device. The main purpose for TetraLites is safety - to be seen.  But there is a fun factor too, in many cases, the ability to change colours, intensity and flashing sequences.  The team respects people's concerns about warranty and power loss and they will never alter the wiring on the mobility device.  Wherever possible they access the wheelchair power through the charging port.  For those who have concerns in this regard we can (at extra cost) supply rechargeable battery packs.

The team is working on several improvements including a design of Antenna Tetralites which will have a vertical multi-LED unit at the top as well as a snap in/snap out design and specialized switches for use where the remote controls are not practical or wanted.

As these are still early days in product development Vancouver Tetra volunteers will be involved in assessing the individual's TetraLites needs, producing and installing your lites and ensuring that you  and your mobility device are happy with the installation.  The only charge to you will be the cost of the TetraLites themselves and the mileage costs of the volunteers.

For more information on this product, and other Tetra products, visit their website at http://www.tetrasociety.org/

For more info about Tetra – ranging from a phone conversation, to brochures and newsletters, please contact: PAT TWEEDIE the National Program Coordinator at ptweedie@tetrasociety.org or by phone at 604-688-6464, ext. 108

PWD Dietary Need Supplement

People who are on provincial disability (PWD) are eligible for up to $40 extra a month to help pay for medically needed foods. If you have a disease that requires a special diet you are eligible for a special diet supplement. A doctor has to fill out the form to confirm that there is a medical need. Contact your worker for more information

Property Tax Deferment Program

You may qualify for a deferment of property taxes if you have a disability. Taxes may be deferred for as long as you continue to own and live in the home. The deferred taxes must be paid when you sell the home. Interest will be charged. To be eligible, you must have a minimum of 25% equity in your home. For more information, contact the Tax Deferment Program at 250-387-0555 (Victoria number). You may use the toll-free number, 1-800-663-7867 and request a transfer to 250-387-0555.

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Amway – A Home-based Business

Amway is a home based business that can be beneficial for people with disabilities as you can earn money from your home in a safe way and at your own pace.
·       Products are ordered online by your customers from your website
·       Products are delivered to your customers homes by courier, not by you
·       All payment and order processing is done online, not by you
·       There is no minimum purchases required; you go at your pace
·       You set your goals that fit your lifestyle, dreams, and timelines
·       You build your business over time, this is not a race
·       And best of all, there is a team that supports the development of your business and helps you gain the product knowledge and skills you want to be successful.

If you would like more information, please contact Doug Seanor by phone at 604-873-9752 or by e-mail at dseanor@telus.net

Building Contractor

BCPA maintains a list of contractors who have completed accessibility renovations for our clients. If you are looking for a contractor, feel free to request this list from your BCPA Rehab Consultant (604) 324-3611. Note that the list is not an official recommendation from BCPA - it is merely a resource list.

Canada Revenue Agency – Disability Tax Credit

If you have a mental or physical impairment that is severe and prolonged, you may be eligible for a non-refundable tax credit to reduce your federal income tax. You can apply for the tax credit certificate before you file your annual income taxes, or when you file your next annual income tax return. For more information, contact Revenue Canada at 1-800-959-8281, or view the Disability Tax Credit Certificate (PDF format) here.

Registered Disability Savings Plan Website

The Registered Disability Savings Plan is a savings plan designed specifically for people with disabilities in Canada. The first of its kind in the world, this new tax-deferred savings vehicle will assist families in planning for the long - term financial security of their relatives with disabilities.

Find out everything you need to know about the new Registered Disability Savings Plan at http://www.rdsp.com

Find out how to qualify and set up a Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Find out where to get a Registered Disability Savings Plan and how it affects your Federal and Provincial Disability Benefits.

BC PARAPLEGIC ASSOCIATION Information Services & Peer Program

BC Paraplegic Association Information Services:
Providing information is a core service of the BC Paraplegic Association. Our dedicated and knowlegible staff provides the most comprehensive and current information for persons with spinal cored injuries and other physical disabilities. We collect and maintain current information about accessible housing, government benefits, equipment, transportation, recreation option and many other resources in the communities throughout BC. To speak to an Information Services Associate please call our BCPA InfoLine at 1- 800-689-2477.

BC Paraplegic Association Peer Program
The Peer Program provides educational and social opportunities for individuals living with a spinal cord injury, their family members and friends where learning and social connections can lead to an improved quality of life. By participating in the BCPA Peer Program persons with a spinal cord injury can gain the tools they need to achieve independence, self-reliance and full community participation. To speak to a Peer Associate please call our BCPA Peer Program at 1-866-324-3611.

Vancity Advice and Business Loans for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (ABLED)

Entrepreneurs with disabilities have traditionally had difficulty accessing business services and securing capital for their businesses. The ABLED loan program at Vancity was established in recognition of these barriers and to address this issue by encouraging opportunities for self-employment among entrepreneurs with disabilities who demonstrate the capacity to operate their own businesses.

Eligible loan applicants can receive funding for:
       * Business planning training
       * Business coaching or mentoring services
       * Business counseling

We work with entrepreneurs in several ways during the application process by:
       * Path-finding to appropriate business planning, business coaching, business mentoring resources
       * Identifying training needs, training and adaptive technology resources
       * Locating other business resources
       * Referring members to a Vancity branch for eligible loan applications

For more information on the ABLED loan program at Vancity, we encourage all interested entrepreneurs to contact Tanny marks, Program Manager, Community Business Banking at 604-709-6965, tanny_marks@vancity.com, or to visit their Vancity branch.

Information on this loan program is available in alternate format. For Deaf TTY telephone services call 604-871-5408.

www.vancity.com/MyBusiness/BusinessFinancing/CommunityBusinessLoans/ABLED/

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