A helpful resource kit created by SCI BC for employment including support, training, workshops, individual’s rights, and self-employment. Please see below:
EMPLOYMENT INFO AT SCI BC’S RESOURCE CENTRE
SCI Information Database: Employment
This section has a variety of resources on employment that are updated regularly.
https://sci-bc.ca/resource-category/resources-for-job-seekers/
SCI Information Database: Scholarships & Bursaries
Disability-related educational funding information and listings.
https://sci-bc.ca/resource-category/scholarships-bursaries-and-loans/
How to avoid losing the medical benefits I need through Persons with Disabilities assistance once I’m employed?
A single person on PWD can earn up to $16,200 per year and still receive PWD assistance. If you earn more, assistance cheques will be affected until the end of the year, but you will keep the PWD designation and can still receive supplemental benefits (such as access to medical equipment and supplies coverage).
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities/disability-assistance/on-disability-assistance/annual-earnings-exemption
RIGHTS AND OPTIONS IN THE WORKPLACE
Disclosing Your Disability: A Legal Guide for People with Disabilities in BC – Disability Alliance
https://disabilityalliancebc.org/disclosureguide/
Duty to Accommodate
The employer’s responsibility to make reasonable job accommodations for a person with a disability.
https://bchrc.net/tag/duty-to-accomodate/
Workplace Rights – WorkBC
Information on discrimination, termination, and employment standards.
https://www.workbc.ca/access-employer-resources/manage-employees/workplace-rights
SUPPORT TO FIND WORK
WorkBC – Province of BC / local organization
Centres provide assistance with resume writing, job search strategies, and job postings, as well as access to funding opportunities for retraining. WorkBC Centres are run by local organizations in communities across BC. Find your local centre:
https://www.workbc.ca/discover-employment-services/workbc-centres
Opportunities Fund – Government of Canada / local organizations
A federal program providing funding to organizations and businesses to hire and support people with disabilities. Job seekers can access the program through local employment agencies.
Neil Squire Society
The Neil Squire Society provides disability-specific work search information and assistance, including computer skills training, access to assistive technology, etc.
https://www.neilsquire.ca/Â or call 604-473-9363
Technology@Work – Neil Squire Society
Technology@Work program provides equipment or technology that is necessary to keep or maintain employment for people with disabilities.
https://www.neilsquire.ca/individual-programs-services/technologywork/
Tetra Society
The Tetra Society connects skilled volunteers with people who require assestive devices not currently available on the market. Participants pay only the cost of the materials needed for the device.
https://tetrasociety.org/
The Open Door Group
The Open Door Group is an employment agency that helps people access funding through the BC government’s employment programs, the federal Opportunities Fund and more.
https://www.opendoorgroup.org/
The Centre For Ability
The BC Centre for Ability is an employment agency that provides access to the Opportunities Fund and other employment services for people with disabilities.
https://www.bc-cfa.org/programs/adult-employment-services
Vocational Rehabilitation Program for CPP-D Recipients
The Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Canada Pension Plan for disability benefits (CPP-D) recipients can help people access training opportunities to return to work after an injury or diagnosis.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit/vocational-rehabilitation.html
Vocational Rehabilitation Services – GF Strong Rehab Centre
Offers vocational counselling and assessment to improve clients’ employment potential by developing a return to work plan, determining work accommodations, and exploring suitable job options.
*Referral to GF Strong Rehab Centre required and is limited to certain diagnoses.
SKILLS & TRANING FOR YOUR CAREER
The GRAGOPEAN Scholarship Fund
Partnering with the Vancouver Foundation, SCI BC offers bursaries to assist individuals with SCI attending post-secondary schools in BC with their tuition, books and/or other learning aids, and other expenses related to their disability that will support education such as housing, transportation, in class assistance such as notetaking, etc. For more information, email: scholarships@sci-bc.ca
Bursaries & Scholarships – BC Paraplegic Foundation
Scholarships and bursaries for funding education and training for people with spinal cord injuries.
https://sci-bc.ca/about-us/scholarships-and-bursaries/
StudentAid BC – Province of BC
Database of listings and open applications for student loans, grants for people with disabilities and scholarships. Find out how to fund your education:
https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships
All post-secondary institutions have staff dedicated to helping people with disabilities access needed accommodations to be successful in school, including campus accessibility, notetakers, etc. Medical documentation may be required. Contact your school for more information.
SMALL BUSINESS AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES
Canada Business Network – Government of Canada
A searchable list of grants for business funding.
https://www.canada.ca/en/government/grants-funding.html
WorkBC – Province of BC
A list of loans, grants and financing options for career and small business in BC.
https://www.workbc.ca/find-loans-and-grants
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program – Community Futures BC
Provides flexible business loans and assistance to business owners who are managing ongoing health issues or disability.
https://www.communityfutures.ca/entrepreneurs-with-disabilities?lang=en
Looking to start your own business?
You can begin by going to a WorkBC Centre to find out what training and other supports you may be eligible for.
