About us
The Victoria Disability Resource Centre is a not-for-profit organization that helps people with all types of disabilities lead independent lives - under their control and by their choice. We are a link between our clients, the community organizations who serve them and services that benefit them.
We have been happily serving the Greater Victoria community since 1990. We are a proud member of the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres, a national network of disability resource centres across Canada.
How we work
The Independent Living approach recognizes the rights of citizens with disabilities to take control of their lives by examining choices, making decisions and taking risks. We work closely with people who have a disability and with other community organizations to find and remove barriers that prevent full participation in life.
The Independent Living Philosophy
The Independent Living philosophy is an alternative approach to the traditional medical /rehabilitation service-delivery model. This philosophy promotes and encourages an attitude of 'self-director' in disabled individuals. It means that they negotiate and access the community services and resources they need to participate as equal citizens in their community.
The philosophy recognizes the rights of individuals with disabilities to assume risks and make choices. It puts all decision-making right into their own hands. Consumers are encouraged to achieve self-direction over their personal care and the community services they need to achieve independency.
Click here for an Independent Living Information Kit in .pdf
Independent Living is based on these four principles:
1. Consumer Control
The people receiving our services are also the people offering them. We must maintain a grassroots character so we do not lose touch with the people we are serving. This means that people with disabilities are part of our staff and make up the majority of the board of directors.
2. Disability Diversity
People with different disabilities have different needs. We must provide programs and resources for persons with all types of disabilities. As well, a variety of disabilities must be represented at both the staff and board level.
3. Community Mindedness
We must listen, respond and be responsible to our community. We are here to help fill service gaps and let our citizens know what's already available for people with disabilities in the Victoria region.
4. Full Participation
We promote the full participation of people with disabilities in the economic, political, cultural and social life of Canadian society.
Become a member of the Victoria Disability Resource Centre
The majority of our board and staff positions are held by people who have a disability. It ensures that our programs and services effectively meet the needs of our clients and community.
If you are interested in making the lives of people with a disability barrier free and would like to participate in our programs and services, join us and become a member!
Our Staff
Michael Hanson: Director
Executive Director
Wendy Cox: Information or Peer Support
Coordinator of Information & Referral and Peer Support
Pat Danforth: PSC Manager
Personal Support Centre Manager
Tiffany MacKenzie: Office Coordinator
Office Coordinator
Our Contractors
Cathy La France: Abilities 2 Business
Self Employment Coach for the Abilities to Business program (A2B)
Ken Perry: ATEC
ATEC Consultant
Members of The Board
Dave Shrive- Chair
Dave was born and raised in Victoria and has given many years to Revenue Canada as a valuable employee. The DRC and it's consumers have been privileged to have Dave volunteer his time this year to do tax returns at no cost. Dave has been an active participant in the disability community for many years and also serves on the Board of the MS Society.
Dr. John Tibbles - Past Chair
Retired physician. Married, father of three and grandfather of four, all of whom live in British Columbia. Past member of a number of volunteer boards including Canadian Rehabilitation Council for the Disabled and past president of the Victoria Disability Resource Centre. Interests include reading, sailing and lawn bowling.
Art Joyce - Treasurer
Art is a native of Victoria and has practiced as a Chartered Accountant since 1971. He has been a partner in Joyce & Dilba, C.A.'s since 1977. Art is or has been a director of several agencies such as the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, the Craigdarroch Historical Museum Society, the Greater Victoria Crime Alert Association and the Human Resources Development Canada Board of Referees Appeal Board. As well, he currently serves as a member of the Victoria Shrine Club, Heritage Trust, Victoria Civic Heritage Trust, Seniors Serving Seniors Society and Beckley Farm Lodge Society and Foundation.
Jim Franklin
Jim is 51 years old, and was born and raised, mostly in Victoria. He is a person with a lifelong disability, Spina Bifida. He has been involved in advocacy organizations dedicated to the disability independence movement since 1981.JimI was formerly employed with the Victoria Disability Resource Centre as Information and Referral Administrative Assistant (1994) andI served as Advocate Supervisor with the Action Committee of People with Disabilities. He is currently employed as Director of Research and Service Delivery with the BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS); a position he has held since 2003.
Elizabeth Syring - Secretary
Elizabeth Syring is a person who is deaf, and also has low vision, best described as having 'tunnel-vision'. Elizabeth attended regular schools while growing up, relying on lip-reading and speech. Later, while attending a deaf univeristy, Gallaudet University, in Washington, D.C., she learned American Sign Language (ASL), the culture and the deaf community at large. As a result of learning ASL, she was able to become self-employed by teaching sign-language classes at various community rec centres in Victoria. About two years ago, she had started to teach Baby Sign Language classes as well. Currently, Elizabeth is upgrading her math skills, with the goal of pursuing studies in Social Economics. with a minor in History. Currently, Elizabeth sits on the BC Transit Accessibility advisory committee. This would be Elizabeth's second year on the board with the Disability Resource Centre. She has a strong interest in providing education and awareness of what DRC has to offer.
*A final note: When attending meetings or such, Elizabeth relies on the services of a captionist. For larger events, the use of a sign-language interpreter is more practical. DRC had been very committed to providing such services.
David Hosking - Vice Chair
David Mclean
Volunteers
The DRC has a great crew of volunteers who do a variety of tasks!
Thank you crew. We wouldn't be able to fully function without you!
Our Affiliates
Thank you, to our affiliates for their continued support:
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