Programs and Services
Programs
Across Canada, each Independent Living Centre operates four Core Programs. The principles behind each one are the same, the delivery on the other hand, is unique. At the Victoria Disability Resource Centre we continually monitor the needs of our people and community. Our programs, listed below, are a reflection of these needs. If you have ideas on how we can better serve you, please let us know!
 Information and Referral
Consumers may request and receive the most recent information on disability issues, including referrals to appropriate community resources. We have a database on disability related resources in the Victoria area, a library, community brochures, and notice boards to gain information and knowledge about the resources in our community.
As well, we have an email list in which disability related information is sent out. If you would like to be added to that list please contact Wendy 595-0044 or Information
Check our schedule for Information and Referral workshops...
 Peer Support
Provides individuals with an opportunity to share information, ideas and life experiences. It is through the context of a supportive peer environment that an individual can gain the skills and self-confidence needed to overcome barriers and to learn to manage personal and community resources.
Current support groups:
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury (ISCI) - Once a month. See calendar of events for date and time
- Girl Gab - Last Tuesday of every month at 1:00pm
- CHICKS - Closed group
Upcoming support groups:
- Men's group
- Youth group
We just finished Discovering Connections. This is a community inclusion workshop where participants explore recreational pursuits in the community while practicing social and support skills. There will be more Discovering Connections workshops in the near future.
We also sponsored a PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) Facilitator Training Institute in November 2005.
For more information on any of these Peer Support Activities please contact our Peer Support Coordinator, Wendy Cox by phone at 595-0044 or by email at Peer Support
Check our schedule for upcoming peer support workshops…
 Skills Development
We assist with completing forms, self advocacy training, computer skills, and more to ensure that individuals are equipped to deal with institutions, governments, and community. Our centre provides the advice and tools necessary for each person to advocate on their own behalf. We do this through appropriate seminars, support and advice.
A2B - The Abilities to Business Program
A2B is a self-employment program to help people with disabilities achieve their entrepreneurial goals. Coaching, mentoring, on going support and workshops support the first 12 months of business for those who qualify. The program was developed by the Sustainable Employment Network Inc.(SENI), a joint venture of four organizations committed to providing cross-disabilities services.
For more program information visit the SENI web site or, contact Cathy La France by phone (250) 595-0044, or email: Abilities 2 Business
Check for upcoming workshops.
Access to Employment
Access to employment is a program to help people with disabilities get and stay connected to employment.
We will connect job seekers with disabilities to relevant and appropriate resources including
employment assistance and outreach services. We will work with case managers, other service providers and employers to support people with disabilities. We will arrange assessments for clients referred to us. We will provide educational workshops and seminars on topical issues.
As well, we sent out job posting via email. If you would like to be added to the Job Postings email list please contact Pat 595-0044 or Employment
Employment Supports - Link coming soon.
For more information contact Pat Danforth at 595-0044 or e-mail at Employment
Assistive Technology for Employment Centre (ATEC)
ATEC helps people to evaluate a range of alternative computer equipment including:
Who can use it? People with:
-
Repetitive strain injuries
-
Disabilities affecting the upper body
-
Conditions such as arthritis
-
Cerebral Palsy
-
Spinal Cord Injuries
-
Vision Impairments
Services offered:
-
Assess & determine what technology will be effective
-
Try out and evaluate equipment over time to ensure it is the right choice
-
Train in the operation of the Assistive Technology
For more information about the ATEC program contact Ken at 595-0044 or ATEC
 Research and Demonstration
We are continually surveying, networking and dialoguing with our members and the community to ensure that we maintain a high level of relevance and community involvement in all our programming areas. In order to respond effectively to the needs of our consumers, we must respond efficiently to our community's changing needs. This program researches needs within the community and then promotes the development of services to meet them.
Check for upcoming workshops.
Check our schedule for upcoming events
Services
There are many reasons to visit Victoria' s Disability Resource Centre. Need a Disability Parking Permit? How about taking a computer class or perhaps you would like information on other services that promote independent living in our community. If we don' t have the answer, we' ll find it for you!
Look what we have to offer:
 Computer Classes
Learn how to navigate the Internet or improve your computer skills by taking one of our free computer classes. We offer,
- Introduction to Windows
- Microsoft Word
- E-mail
- The Internet
- Basic Web Page Design
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- And Much More!!
We also have Community Access Program (CAP) computers and Web-4-All, an assistive technologies program, available to our members for their increased accessibility.
Check our schedule of upcoming classes...
 Book and Video Library
Browse through our disability book and video resource library at the Centre and take advantage of our video viewing area.
 Did you know...
We carry information and a number of application forms for:
- Parking permits
- BC Housing / Capital Regional Housing
- MHR benefits and employment info for Persons with Disabilities
- Home Owner Grant Property Tax Deferment
- Fuel Tax Rebates (Provincial and Federal)
- Auto Insurance Discounts
- BC Ferries Disabilities Status Application
- Leisure Involvement for Everyone (Applications for all Municipalities)
- Disability Travel Card (Bus and Train)
- Leisure Assistants Pass Information
- BC Parks Camping Fee Reduction
- Fishing License Fee Reduction
- BC Transit Information
 Disability Parking Permits
Parking Permits increase to $18 as of September 1, 2005.
Our Disability Parking Permit service is a part of our ongoing endeavor to assist people with disabilities to gain and maintain their independence. A parking placard enables people with mobility disabilities (those who cannot safely walk more than 100 metres) to park in designated accessible parking spaces.
Hang the parking placard from the rearview mirror of your vehicle. It is portable, so you can use it in whatever vehicle you happen to be travelling in, whether you are the driver or the passenger. As the permits can be transferred between vehicles, we can only issue one permit per client. Permit holders are entitled to park in spots designated by the International symbol of access.
Our parking permits are valid throughout Canada, Europe and some U.S. States (check with the municipality you are visiting). Canada and Europe have a reciprocal agreement for parking permits.
Are you eligible?
You may be eligible to receive a permit if your physician's assessment confirms that you:
have a permanent or temporary mobility impairment and cannot walk a distance exceeding 100 metres because of your health; or require extra space to enter and exit your vehicle because of a mobility aid.
Pick up an application form or print it here:
Application forms are available at our office and at many physicians' offices. Or you can print it out here:
Parking Permit Application - .doc
(If you are unable to open this file please contact our office so we may assist you)
Parking Permit - HTML
Parking Permit - .pdf
 Acrobat Reader is required to view pdf files, download it here if you need it.
The form must be correctly filled out by you and your physician. If it is incomplete there may be delays in processing your application. You can designate someone to complete the application for you if you are unable to do it yourself. Fill it out in the name of the person with the disability, even if that person does not possess a driver's license.
How much does it cost?
The fee to process your application is $18.00. Once we receive your completed application form and the processing fee, we will immediately issue your parking placard. If you would like it mailed, please add $2.00 for postage and handling.
Expecting Visitors? Get a temporary parking permit
Visitor parking permits are also available for those temporarily visiting from out of town. A completed physician's form is not required, but we do require a local address and a $10.00 deposit in addition to the usual $18.00 fee. The $10.00 deposit is refunded upon return of the placard. Organizations whose workers transport people with disabilities may also apply for a permit.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own permits with them when they visit Victoria. Out of town permits are honoured by the Parking Commission of Greater Victoria.
|
