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Resources

The Port Alberni Association for Community Living has a number of books and videos in our library.  Our library can be accessed by family members, friends, staff, participants and students in the Human Service Worker program.  Individuals are welcome to come to our Administration office at 3008 2nd Avenue to see the selection.

Self Advocates

Our Self Advocate group meets at 2:00 pm on the second Friday of each month at the Pathways clubhouse located at 3008 2nd Ave.

Links for Self Advocates and Families

Access to Entertainment Card provides free admission (or a significant discount) for support persons accompanying a person with a disability at member movie theatres across Canada.

At Home Program provides eligible families with assistance toward medical costs, purchase of specialized equipment and supplies and travel to receive medical treatment.  For more information contact your local Public Health Nurse at the Port Alberni Health Unit at 4227 6th Ave. Port Alberni or call 250-724-1281.

British Columbia Association for Community Living (BCACL) is a federation of agencies and organizations that advocate for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities and their families to ensure justice, rights and opportunities in all areas of their lives.

British Columbia Coalition of People with Disabilities is a non-profit organization that represents people with all types of disabilities throughout BC. The BCCPD is an umbrella group, our membership includes individuals and groups of people who use wheelchairs, people with visual or hearing impairments, and people with hidden disabilities such as: mental health disabilities, learning disabilities and HIV/AIDS.

The British Columbia Family Net Society is an independent provincial network that provides a provincial voice for children and youth with special needs, adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) is a Canada-wide association of family members and others working for the benefit of persons of all ages who have an intellectual disability.

The Community Advocate Support Line (CASL) is a direct phone service operated by the Legal Services Society for support advocates.  They will provide brief legal advice on matters involving income assistance, residential tenancy and housing issues (including foreclosure), family law, employment insurance, the Canada Pension Plan (including disability benefits), debt collection and bankruptcy, consumer contracts, and judicial reviews.  Hours of operation are 9:30-12:30 Monday to Friday.  For contact information, please call our SCL program at 250-724-7155

Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) delivers support and services to people with developmental disabilities, children with special needs and their families in British Columbia. All referrals for our Adult and Residential services come through here.  It has a board of self-advocates, family and community members, as well as staff located throughout the province. We believe that people with developmental disabilities and their families know best when it comes to their needs, goals and planning for the future.

Giving in Action Society The Giving in Action Society provides grants to families living in the province of British Columbia through two funds - the Family Independence Fund and the Children and Youth with Special Needs Fund. These grants enable families to stay together by addressing accessibility issues in their home and community.

Lifeline personal response and support services provide 24-hour help or assistance at the touch of a button.  If you have an emergency or need help, push the Personal Help Button.  Response Centre Associates who have instant access to your complete profile and critical information will connect with you immediately to see what help you need.  Even if you can't answer, Lifeline sends help at once. Whether it is a neighbour, family member or ambulance, Lifeline will send the help you need right away.  For more information call 250-723-2135 or visit their website.

Nanaimo & Region Disability Resource Centre The Nanaimo and Region Disability Resource Centre is a non-profit, charitable organization which believes that all people living with a disability have the right to, and should be empowered to, make informed choices about their lives. The DRC meets the needs of people living with disabilities so that they can make educated choices to improve the quality of their lives. The Centre achieves this through programs and services designed by and for people living with disabilities.

Operations Trackshoes is a weekend-long provincial sports festival for people with mental disabilities.  It includes a full-length track and field meet, events for people in chairs, and many fun and recreational events as well.  They offer a wide range of activities appropriate for people of all levels of ability and ages.

People First of Canada is the national voice for people who have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability.  The group promotes rights – human rights, citizenship rights, accommodations rights and language rights. The right to freedom, choice and equality for all.

Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network As families, we want our loved ones to a live good life. After speaking with thousands of families and persons with disabilities, we think that a good life is:
- having a home
- being surrounded by family and friends
- having enough income to live with dignity
- making choices
- pursuing one’s interests and passions
- making a contribution.
PLAN exists to help families like you to assist your relatives with disabilities to live a good life.

Port Alberni Transit Schedule and Fares

Special Olympics provides high-quality sports programs and competitions to meet the needs and interests of individuals with intellectual disabilities, enriching lives and celebrating personal achievement through positive sports experiences.  For information on our local Special Olympics, call Edna at 250-724-5096.

Tax Wise Many people with disabilities (and just as often a family member or caregiver) are missing important tax credits and reductions which can often include significant refunds.  If you want to find out if you are one of these people, our unique free service will define what credits and refunds you may be eligible for and then tell you what your options are.  It will take just a few minutes of your time and there is no cost or obligation for this service.

Tenancy Branch The Residential Tenancy Branch provides landlords and tenants with information and dispute resolution services. The information on this web site will help you understand your rights and responsibilities under British Columbia's Residential Tenancy Act and Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act.

Vela Microboard Association of B.C. promotes and secure innovative and individualized community options and supports for people with disabilities or chronic illness by:

UNTAPE is a site where people come to share practical tips for cutting through red tape and getting the help you need. Do you know how to get services for people with disabilities? Found a way to get a permit quickly? A community program most people don't know about? A way to bypass a ministry's voicemail and talk to a human being? You can share all these and more here... and find out what people like you have discovered, too.

BC Ferries Pass There are reductions for a person with a disability traveling on the BC Ferry system, and free travel when going to the mainland for medical appointments.  Check with BC Ferries for more information at 1-888-223-3779.

Disabled Access Card This card allows the person ad his/her family to camp for free in BC Provincial Parks.  To obtain a form to apply for this card, go to the Government Agents office at 4711 Elizabeth St., Port Alberni or call 250-724-9200.

Homeowner's Grant - Property Taxes Families who have a member with a disability may be eligible for a reduction in property taxes.  For more information inquire at City Hall, 4850 Argyle St., Port Alberni or call       250-723-2146.