Information & Referral
Learn more about how the Information and Referral (I&R) program can provide you with information and answer any questions or concerns you may have about disability-related supports and programs on this page.
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:
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- How to apply for BC government assistance: the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation. NOTE NEW TIME IS 2:30PM
Note: If you are applying for PWD for the first time, we recommend attending our weekly seminar on this topic – every Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 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 BC government assistance: the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation. NOTE NEW TIME IS 2:30PM
- 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!
How to Contact
For assistance completing, or inquiries about, the Provincial Disability Benefits, please call Wendy B. at 250-595-0044 extension 201
For all other disability related inquiries, please call Rowan at 250-595-0044 extension 101
TEXT ONLY: 250-589-9145
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.