Information & Referral

Overview

The Victoria Disability Resource Centre (VDRC) is a useful point of contact for individuals looking for information about disability-related supports and programs both locally and provincially.

Availability

Our I&R services at the VDRC are available from 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday. We also offer a weekly workshop on applying for the provincial Persons with Disability (PWD) designation for financial or health support on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm.

Services are being delivered remotely currently by email, phone, text or Zoom. See contact information below.

List of Support Resources

The I&R program can provide knowledge and information about a variety of topics including:

• How to apply for BC government assistance: the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation.
  Note: If you are applying for PWD for the first time, we recommend attending our weekly seminar on this topic – every Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 pm via phone or Zoom. To connect via phone, dial 1-778-907-2071 and use Meeting ID: 844 4645 8231. To connect via Zoom, use this link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84446458231
  
• How to apply for Federal assistance programs: Canada Pension Plan-Disability, the Disability Tax Credit, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), Old Age Pension, and Guaranteed Income Supplement.
• Assistance with filling out other forms: insurance forms, medical equipment applications, and long-term disability.
• Employment: employment service programs for people with disabilities.
• Education: accessing funding through Canadian study grants for people with disabilities and possible student loan forgiveness for students with disabilities.
• Housing resources: applying for the B.C. Housing Registry and applying for monthly rental subsidies.
• Mental health services: local support groups and options for subsidized counselling.
• Health supports: organizations where individuals can loan/borrow mobility devices, get information about provincial Medical Services Only (MSO) coverage, and find out about accessing affordable dentistry.
• Advocacy: referrals to other organizations who provide advocates.
• Transportation: applying for and using handyDART and obtaining a provincially issued bus pass for individuals with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation.
• Recreation and leisure services: programs that promote and provide recreational activities for people with disabilities.
• And, more!