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Listed below are websites and services that may be of interest and assistance to you. Please note, the BC Epilepsy Society does not necessarily endorse all content on these websites.
Medical Services
Provincial Government Disability Support Services
Health & Disability Support Organizations in BC
Financial Help for Medical Costs
Employment Support Services
School and Child Care Support Information and Resources
Camps for Children with Medical Conditions and/or Disabilities
Epilepsy Information for Children and Teens
Mental Health Support Services
Driving and Transportation Resources
Housing Services
Legal Resources
Epilepsy Organizations Outside of British Columbia
Additional Websites of Interest
Medical Services
College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC)
This website provides a directory of physicians and medical specialists who are accepting new patients, and physician contact information.
Vancouver General Hospital Epilepsy Clinic
This hospital provides in-patient and out-patient care for diagnosis, medical management, and pre-surgical assessments.
BC Children's Hospital Seizure Clinic
This hospital provides comprehensive, specialized care to children and teens with neurological disorders.
HealthLinkBC
This service provides non-emergency health information and support services online and by phone at 811.
BC Health Authorities
This website provides contact and service information for public healthcare facilities in the province.
Provincial Government Disability Support Services
Ministry of Children and Family Development
Services include a range of child, youth, and family focused support programs and interventions. This includes services specifically for children and youth with special needs.
Ministry of Social Development
This service coordinates employment programs and disability assistance for adults.
Community Living BC
This service delivers support and services to individuals with special needs (primarily adults with developmental disabilities).
Persons with Disabilities Online
This website provides extensive information about government services available provincially and federally.
Infant Development Program
Provides specialized programs that focus on infants and young children who have a developmental delay or who are at risk for delayed development for established, biological and/or psychosocial reasons.
At Home Program (AHP)
This program assists parents with some of the extraordinary costs of caring for a child with severe disabilities at home through a range of health supports and services.
Enquiry BC
Provides information and referrals by phone about government agencies.
Health & Disability Support Organizations in BC
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities
The Coalition is a non-profit cross-disability organization that represents people with all types of disabilities throughout BC.
BC Centre for Ability
The Centre provides medical, social work, and vocational services to children, youth, and adults with neurological and/or other disabilities and their families.
Family Support Institute
The Institute provides support and advocacy for families of people with disabilities, as well as resources, information, and parent networks.
Inclusion BC (formerly known as the BC Association for Community Living)
This is a federation working to enhance the lives of children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities and their families by supporting abilities, promoting action, and advancing rights, responsibilities, and social justice.
Developmental Disabilities Association
This is a community living agency that provides over 50 community-based programs and services to children, adults, and families with developmental disabilities in Vancouver and Richmond.
Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN)
PLAN is a family-led organization founded to secure the future for people with disabilities.
Learning Disabilities Association of BC
This organization provides information and services for parents, professionals, and students. They have chapters throughout BC.
BC Self-Advocacy Foundation
This organization assists people with developmental disabilities to become full, participating citizens in their own communities.
Rare Disease Foundation
Researchers, caregivers, and families work together to find solutions for children and families affected by rare diseases through social support, advocacy, and treatment-focused research.
Financial Help for Medical Costs
Medical Services Plan (MSP)
Coverage, eligibility, and enrollment information is available for medically-required services for BC residents. MSP premium assistance is available for low-income families on a pro-rated basis. Short-term temporary premium assistance is also available based on unexpected current financial hardship.
PharmaCare
Residents of BC qualify for PhamaCare coverage by registering with MSP. It helps cover the cost of eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies. It provides access to drug therapy through seven different plans. The largest is the income-based Fair PharmaCare plan. Read more about general PharmaCare Coverage policies.
Persons with Disabilities Benefit (PWD)
This is a financial support program for people with disabilities who are unable to seek or find employment.
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
Here you'll find information about medical expenses you can claim in your tax return.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
This is a non-refundable tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax that may be owed by people with disabilities or the people who support them.
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
This plan helps people with disabilities and their families save for long-term financial security.
Endowment 150
This initiative offers one-time $150 gifts to Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSP) recipients. The program is run by the Vancouver Foundation.
Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit
Health Canada's national health benefit program provides coverage for benefit claims for a specified range of drugs, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, short-term crisis intervention mental health counseling, and medical transportation for eligible First Nations people and Inuit.
Variety – The Children’s Charity
Provides financial assistance for children under the age of 19 who have special needs with the costs of a wide range of equipment, therapies, and educational, social, and recreational programs. As well, they have Emergency Response Grants to help children and their families access medical care, supplies, and related services not covered by MSP, Pharmacare, hospitals, or other agencies.
The BC Lions Society for Children With Disabilities
Their mandate is to support children with disabilities throughout British Columbia. They also fund Easter Seals camps and houses.
President's Choice Children's Charity
They provide funding for mobility equipment, environmental modifications, or therapy for children under the age of 18 with a developmental disability.
CKNW Orphan’s Fund
They provide funding for medical equipment and services for children, particularly for those with disabilities and in financial need.
Employment Support Services - this section is currently being revised
BC Centre for Ability
They provide various vocational services for people with disabilities. This includes:
- Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities: Assists people with disabilities to obtain employment or self-employment by contributing to training plans and funding. 604-451-5511
- Greater Vancouver Business Leadership Network: Offers services to link people with disabilities to potential employers, including a job database. 604-630-3031
MindWorksBC
They deliver a pre-employment service designed specifically for persons with neurological disabilities.
Neil Squire Society
They provide services for individuals for whom a physical disability is the primary barrier to employment.
Community Futures B.C.
They offer programs designed to assist persons with a disability or living in a rural area to start or grow their own business.
Jobs West
The Developmental Disabilities Association coordinates this supported employment program specifically for people with a developmental disability.
Community Living BC (CLBC)
CLBC offers supported employment and volunteer services for people with developmental disabilities, or who fall under CLBC eligibility requirements.
WorkAble Solutions
An initiative through the BC government to connect job seekers with disabilities to employers. Employers can post jobs online, which can then be accessed by job seekers.
School and Child Care Support Information and Resources
BC school district websites
The homepage for the British Columbia School District defines the school zones, procedures, and standards for education practices in British Columbia.
Special Education Services: A Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines from the BC Ministry of Education
Strategies for effective school meetings and documentation
You'll find an extensive collection of disability resources to support parental advocacy and ensure successful negotiations and outcomes.
Your Future Now: A Transition Planning and Resource Guide
This is a step-by-step planning guide to adulthood for those with disabilities who want to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Canada Study Grants for Students with Disabilities
Outlines the application procedures and eligibility requirements for those with a permanent disability who are applying for the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Study Grant for Post-Secondary Accommodations.
National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
They encourage the self-empowerment of post-secondary students with disabilities by providing resources on education, inclusion, employment, and related issues.
STEPS Forward
They support adults with developmental disabilities to go to their local college or university in BC regardless of their level of ability.
Supported Child Development
A community-based program that assists families of children with extra support needs to access inclusive child care that meets family needs.
Support Worker Central
An online database designed to match individuals, families, and agencies with support workers in their communities.
Camps for Children with Medical Conditions or Disabilities
BC Easter Seals Camps
These camps provide sessions for children 6 to 18 years of age who have a cognitive and/or physical disability. Camps are located at Winfield, Shawnigan Lake, and Squamish. The Lions Society of BC fully subsidizes the cost of the camps and the BC Epilepsy Society offers a travel subsidy to families who require it.
Eureka Outdoor Camp
This camp is for children ages 8-18 with invisible disabilities (such as learning disabilities, ADHD, or epilepsy). They have locations in North Vancouver and Princeton. The BC Epilepsy Society provides a camp subsidy for individuals who require it.
Zajac Ranch
This summer camp outside of Mission offers programs especially designed for children with chronic health conditions or disabilities. The BC Epilepsy Society provides camp subsides for individuals who require it.
Epilepsy Information for Children and Teens
AboutKidsHealth.ca
This is the educational website from the SickKids Hospital in Toronto. It contains a wide variety of articles on epilepsy specific to children and parents.
Epilepsy Youth Council: The Spot for Teens with Epilepsy
This is an epilepsy website specifically for teens run by the Epilepsy Foundation. It includes medical information, personal stories, and networking opportunities.
Mental Health Support Services
Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health
This is a program designed to help adults experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety through online and telephone support.
Here to Help
You'll find information on mental health, mental disorders, substance abuse issues, and inspiring personal stories.
Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre
The Centre links children, youth, and their families with appropriate resources in all areas of mental health and addictions.
Counselling BC
This is an extensive directory of psychologists, counselors, and other professional therapists who provide services in BC.
Crisis Centre of BC
The Centre operates a phone line to provide help, support and someone to listen to when you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, vulnerable, or troubled.
Driving and Transportation Information
Drivers with Epilepsy
This is a fact sheet from the Office of Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (OSMV), which explains the regulations and legal processes for drivers with epilepsy in BC.
When the Driving Ability of Someone Concerns You: Unsolicited Driver Fitness Reports
This is a fact sheet from the Office of Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (OSMV).
BC Transit
They provide information on regional transit services.
HandyDART
This is a door-to-door shared ride service for people with a physical or cognitive disability who are unable to use public transit without assistance.
Travel Assistance Program (TAP)
This program offers travel discounts to eligible BC residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community.
Shriners Care Cruiser
Provides free bus transportation to children and their parents who are receiving treatment at any Shriners Hospitals for Children, BC Childrens Hospital, BC Women's Hospital, and Sunny Hill Hospital.
BC Ferries
Discount fares are available for residents of British Columbia who have a permanent disability (this applies to passenger fares only.)
Hope Air
This is a not-for-profit service offering flights for medical care outside of home communities.
Housing Services
BC Housing
They provide a variety of subsidized and/or assisted living options for low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, adults at risk of homelessness, and women at risk of violence.
Vela Microboard Association of BC
A non-profit society that provides subsidized housing for people with developmental challenges in Metro Vancouver.
Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC)
They provide tenants with legal education and information about residential tenancy law.
Legal Resources
Access Pro Bono
They are a BC non-profit society that provides free legal advice and representation services to individuals of limited means.
Community Legal Assistance Society
Provide legal advice and assistance to use and develop the law for the benefit of people who are physically, mentally, socially, economically or otherwise disadvantaged or whose human rights need protection.
Human Rights Tribunal
The Tribunal is an independent, quasi-judicial body created by the BC Human Rights Code. The Tribunal is responsible for accepting, screening, mediating, and adjudicating human rights complaints that arise in British Columbia and are covered by the Human Rights Code.
BC Human Rights Coalition
The Coalition is a charitable non-profit community based organization that can help you with filing a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal. They have a variety of programs including mediation, education, advocacy, and law reform with respect to human rights issues.
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry
A non-profit charitable organization that provides information to British Columbians about personal planning. Personal planning involves making legal arrangements in case you need help managing your affairs during your lifetime due to an illness, injury, or disability.
Epilepsy Organizations and Resources Outside of British Columbia
Epilepsy.com
This is a comprehensive and up-to-date online resource for patients, families, and medical professionals.
Canadian Epilepsy Alliance
A partnership between grassroots epilepsy organizations in Canada dedicated to the promotion of independence, quality of life, and full community participation of persons with and affected by epilepsy, through innovative support services, advocacy, education, and public awareness.
Epilepsy Canada
A non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by epilepsy through promotion and support of research and facilitation of education and awareness initiatives that build understanding and acceptance of epilepsy.
Canadian League Against Epilepsy (CLAE)
Their goal is to develop, through research, innovative therapeutic and preventative strategies to avoid the consequences of epilepsy. They also want to translate these discoveries into applicable therapies for all Canadians.
The Epilepsy Foundation
This is an American-based federated group of state and local epilepsy organizations.
International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)
This is the world's preeminent association of physicians and other health professionals working towards a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Its mission is to provide the highest quality of care and well being for those afflicted with the condition and other related seizure disorders.
International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE)
The IBE links national epilepsy organizations around the world. Their website contains information about their initiatives, as well as information on social and non-medical aspects of epilepsy, aimed at improving quality of life of patients and caregivers.
Talk About It
This multi-media and interactive website unites Hollywood celebrities and top health care experts to end the misconceptions and misunderstanding about epilepsy.
Epilepsy Advocate
They provide information, insight, and support, as well as inspirational stories.
Additional Websites of Interest
WebEase (Web Epilepsy, Awareness, Support and Education)
An interactive, on-line self-management program for people with epilepsy. The goal of WebEase is to support and foster the management of epilepsy by people with epilepsy.
E-Action
A website that provides information about epilepsy and personal stories from people who have it.
Lions Foundation of Canada Special Skills Dogs
This program trains assistance dogs for individuals with physical and/or medical disabilities with mobility concerns. They also offer a specific Seizure Response Dog training program.
Dravet.org
This is a partnership of parents and medical experts united in the goal of improving treatments for children with Dravet syndrome (previously known as Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy) and related genetic, febrile epilepsy disorders, while empowering families to cope with the daily challenges of this disorder.
The LGS Foundation
They are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information about Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). This is a rare and severe form of epilepsy. They also raise funds for research, programs, and services for LGS families.
Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson's Centre
A non-profit society whose purpose is to strengthen clients' and families' ability to manage to physical, psychological, and social effects of Parkinson's and epilepsy in the Greater Victoria Regional District.
Neurological Health Charities of Canada
They are a collective of organizations that represent people with chronic, often progressive, neurological and/or neuromuscular diseases, disorders, conditions, and injuries (brain conditions) in Canada. Their role is to provide leadership, evaluating and advancing new opportunities for collaboration specific to advocacy, education, and research projects, related to brain health.
BC Healthy Alliance
A group of organizations, including the BC Epilepsy Society, that have come together with a mission to improve the health and wellness of families across British Columbia.
Patient Voices Network
The Network creates mechanisms for patients, their families, and other community stakeholders to participate in primary health care changes that will positively affect their lives. They bring patients together from across British Columbia to connect, share their experiences, and learn from each other.
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