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
Fraser Valley Regional Library offers Home Library Service
Any patron living within a community of the Fraser Valley Regional Library Service, who is not able to access the library themselves due to a disability, injury, illness, or infirmity, is able to use the Home Library Service. The Home Library Service is a free and convenient way for homebound residents to borrow library books and other items. For more information or to register go to www.fvrl.bc.ca/lib_serv_home.asp
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.
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.
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
The Taxi Saver program allows individuals with permanent disabilities to purchase taxi coupons at half their value. You can purchase a book of $40 worth of taxi coupons, for $20. In order to use the Taxi Saver program, you must have a HandyPass. The application for the HandyPass is the same as the application for HandyDART. For more information call (604) 462-8522
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.
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.
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.
BC PARAPLEGIC ASSOCIATION Rehab Consultants & Employment Counsellors
A BCPA Rehab Consultant can help you adjust to your disability, find accessible housing and transportation, complete disability benefits applications, get the rehab equipment you need, connect with peers and community resources, and get on with your life. BCPA also has employment counsellors that can get you going in the educational program or career of your choice. To become a BCPA member, if you are not already, call 604-324-3611. Counsellors are located throughout the province.
Access Clothing
Access Clothing is a new clothing line created by Sarah Harruthoonyan in Richmond, BC. Sarah makes clothing accessible for all people, no matter the level of mobility. Sarah personally meets with each new client to discuss what adjustments should be incorporated into the clothing. She is open to new ideas and works towards meeting each individual's needs. Best of all "Access Clothing" is the first fashion label that provides it's customers with fashionable accessible clothing. Sarah's clothing line is stylish, reasonably priced, and very comfortable to wear.
For more information about the clothing, what makes it accessible, examples of her clothing and comments from satisfied customers, please visit her web site at www.accessclothing.ca or e-mail Sarah at info@accessclothing.ca.
