The Accessible Community Bylaws Guide Resource Kit

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SPARC BC presents: The Accessible Community Bylaws Guide

Within B.C., there are relatively few legal means to ensure that communities build and maintain their communities in an accessible manner. This prevents communities from reaching their full potential. By enhancing accessibility, communities can greatly improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities by giving them the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the community. Through the Community Charter and the Local Government Act, local governments have the power to establish their own standards to the limits of their delegated authority. By establishing a set of community accessibility bylaws, current municipal governments can influence the continued growth of their communities in a way that is both viable and sustainable. All that is needed, therefore, is for local governments to use the tools that they already have at their disposal to lead the community in adopting accessibility bylaws.

This resource kit provides a brief summary of the nine accessibility bylaws and an equity policy which establish standards different aspects of community life, including planning, public facilities, parks, parking, transport, housing, and employment equity, sending the message that people with disabilities are an integral part of the community. It also demonstrates the step-by-step process for governing a community that promotes and prioritizes accessibility. In addition, these model bylaws and policy are accented by a resource directory, linking local governance with funding opportunities and peer support.

These bylaws and policy allow communities to move beyond the current legislative process, and initiate their own positive growth and development. Overall, these bylaws and policy utilize the strength of local government to enhance the accessibility of a community, which has many positive outcomes. They can contribute to a higher quality of life for community members, ensure the long-term viability of a community through sustainable infrastructure, and set an example for community partners and other communities.

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Terms Defined

Accessibility: In the context of people with disabilities, accessibility refers to a variety of practical and concrete measures which assist people with disabilities to access the community, including, making building and infrastructure accessible, making civic services and programs accessible, making information available in alternative formats and providing various accessible transportation options.

Inclusion:Inclusion means that people with disabilities participate in the planning and decision-making process regarding issues that affect them; that society’s policies and laws embrace our diversity and varying needs; and that all members of societies contributions are valued.

Goals/Objectives:

The community accessibility bylaws aim to:

• Offer the benefits of full citizenship to persons of all abilities

• Ensure communities grow with their population via sustainable infrastructure

• Raise awareness by changing attitudinal barriers

• Increase community members’ confidence, sense of belonging, and self-worth

• Set an example for communities and community partners

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Legend of Bylaws

1: Accessible Planning Planning involves the different segments of the community and local governments working together to create a more accessible environment to meet the needs of all the population

2: Accessible Public Facilities This is to ensure that all municipally owned and operated facilities are accessible to all people with disabilities.

3: Accessible Parks By creating the parks and outdoor recreation facilities more accessible, people with disabilities can enjoy the infrastructure of the natural environment.

4: Accessible Streets This bylaw is aimed to make all pedestrian routes safe and easy to use by people of a variety of disabilities.

5: Accessible ParkingRigorous dimensions and measurements have been developed for a person with disabilities to park as driving is a cucial component to their freedom of mobility.

6: Accessible TaxiThis bylaw ensures that taxi operators have an obligation to have a certain percentage of their fleet to serve people with disabilities.

7: Accessible Gasoline StationsTo enhance the accessibility level of gas stations, it must offer full service options during all business hours.

8: Adaptable Designs for Accessible Housing Adaptable designs allow for flexibility from the resident to modify their house as their needs change or make modifications to suit their disability.

9: Density BonusingImplementation of density bonusing allows for more amenities as well as housing for people with disabilities.

P: Policy - Access to EmploymentThis commits a municipality to adopt an employment equity hiring policy so that people with disabilities have the same opportunities to be employed.

Is Your Community Accessible Yet?An illustrated look at bylaws for an accessible community

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Summary of the Bylaws and Policy

1. The Accessible Planning Bylaw outlines the process around increasing access, which is initiated by the creation of an advisory committee and conduction of an accessibility audit. This process also allows communities to develop their own definitions of accessibility, inclusion, and disability; which will be incorporated into the context of all future bylaws.

2. The Accessible Public Facilities Bylaw identifies ways to increase the accessibility of arenas, municipally-owned restaurants, cafeterias and cafes; gymnasium; ice rinks; libraries; meeting rooms; theatres; and swimming pools.

3. The Accessible Parks Bylaw creates full access to recreation, exercise, amusement, and cultural life.

4. The Accessible Streets Bylaw outlines the necessary arrangements for road features including bridges, crosswalks, ramps, pedestrian routes, traffic islands, bus shelters, boardwalks, and traffic signals. It demonstrates provisions for the design of stairs, emergency vehicle access, benches and seats; passenger loading zones, guards and handrails; lighting; and snow removal on the streets.

5. The Accessible Parking Bylaw creates standards for the size of accessible spaces and the number of spaces allotted to a given parking area. In addition, it also addresses enforcement issues and suggested fines.

6. The Accessible Taxi Bylaw outlines conditions for the issuance and revocation of taxi licenses, based upon accessible service requirements.

7. The Accessible Gas Station Bylaw concerns guidelines for accessible gasoline stations, which are also a part of the right to transport and mobility.

8. The Adaptable Designs for Accessible Housing Bylaw covers such issues as building access, room specifications, environmental controls, and outdoor recreation areas.

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9. The Density Bonusing Bylaw allows municipalities to grant an increase in density above current zoning bylaws in exchange for the provision of a set number of accessible units within a development. Each municipality can outline its own specifications for density, a suitable increase for a density bonus, and the conditions under which a density bonus would be granted.

The Access to Employment Policy covers such provisions as pay equity, recruitment, and career development. The policy should provide the structure for an equal employment opportunities program that ensures civic employees are free from harassment based on gender, racial/ethnic origins, or disability.

Implementation Process

These bylaws exist as a guide, and each community will need to adapt the implementation process to suit their own needs and resources. As noted, the first step in implementing these bylaws is to initiate an inclusive policy development process, by creating a diverse and representative Accessibility Advisory Committee. The next key step is to seek the support of your Council and the community at-large, which may involve a range of activities and meetings that educate and engage people about the importance of enhancing accessibility within the community. These consultations will also help you to better understand the needs of your community.

As you begin to implement the bylaws, it is important to remember that it is a process and it will take time to make your community fully accessible. Your consistent leadership will create a community where citizens can fully participate, raising both the standard of living and well-being of your community’s citizens, thus making sure that your community issues a warm invitation to citizens of all abilities, both in 2010 and for many, many years to come.

Further information

To ensure all communities can plan for a more accessible future, the bylaws can be accessed in a variety of formats and downloaded for free. The complete version of the Community Accessibility Bylaws can be accessed on SPARC BC’s website at: http://www.sparc.bc.ca/Our website also includes other resources that may assist you in creating a more accessible community.

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SPARC BC

SPARC BC’s mission is to work with communities in building a just and healthy society for all. As a non-partisan non-profit operating in BC since 1966, SPARC BC is an independent voice and expert on social policy and planning in the areas of accessibility, community development, and income security. Through public education and consulting services, we have helped hundreds of communities, organizations, and municipalities create lasting positive change.

If you are looking for high-quality, community-based research, expert advice on accessibility planning, tailored engagement strategies, or want to know more about our parking permit program for people with disabilities, visit our website www.sparc.bc.ca and contact us today.

We would be happy to discuss any projects, partnerships, or ideas you may have for creating a more accessible community or organization.

SPARC BC Mail: 4445 Norfolk St., Burnaby, BC V5G 0A7 CanadaTel: 604-718-7733 Fax: 604-736-8697Web: www.sparc.bc.ca email: info@sparc.bc.caYou can also follow us on twitter! www.twitter.com/sparc_bcJoin our Facebook group: Accessibility Awareness British Columbia

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Funding and Programs for Accessibility

I. FEDERAL PROGRAMS

Human Resources and Social Development Canada

A: Social Development Partnership Programhttp://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/hip/sd/05_SDPP.shtml

The Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP) is a broad-based and flexible grant and contribution instrument that makes investments to improve life outcomes for children, families, and people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. The program’s long-term objectives are to contribute to more effective community-based programs and services for children, families, and people with disabilities, and improve government policies, programs, and services. Individuals are not eligible for funding through this Program. Organizations may apply for funding only when a Call for Applications or Call for Proposals is open, usually in May of each year.

There are two funding options: grants and contributions. Grants are delivered to national non-profit organizations to provide leadership for program and service improvements offered by their community member organizations. For instance, funding can be used to develop tools for community outreach, strategic planning, or for more effective financial and administrative management which are often beyond the means of community-based organizations to undertake on their own. Contributions are delivered to national and community-based non-profitorganizations to enable them to identify and test innovative programs or services or to create and share new knowledge and information. Funding can be multi-year up to a maximum of five years.

a) Grant funding

Grants may be provided to national non-profit disability organizations to make them more stable, leading to improved service delivery. The mandates and primary activities of these national organizations support personal empowerment and independence

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of people with disabilities, as well as their full inclusion in one or more aspects of Canadian society.

Organizations applying for grants through SDPP-D must also demonstrate that they are “consumer controlled” or “consumer focused.” These terms have historic meaning for the disability community and are included as eligibility criteria to ensure that the organizations truly represent the voice of people with disabilities.

b) Contribution funding for projects

Two factors figure prominently in the role of SDPP-D funding for social development projects. First, the funding aims to foster cooperation and development, rather than competition, across the disability community. In other words, it seeks to encourage a productive competition of ideas rather than competition between the voluntary organizations that generate these ideas. Second, the funding aims to achieve the greatest possible effect. In other words, the program should be able to show where its resources are having measurable effects in making progress or adding value to the issues, organizations, programs, or processes in which they are invested.

SDPP-D contributions are allocated through three project streams: I.Social Development, II.Accommodation Fund, and III.Community Inclusion Initiative.

i. Social Development project stream

Contributions may be provided for a wide range of activities including generating knowledge on emerging social issues, by exploring and testing innovative solutions, best practices, and tools and methodologies; and disseminating information and knowledge and increasing public awareness through publications, newsletters, websites, public education materials, and media; organizing conferences, workshops, and symposia; and establishing and maintaining sustainable partnerships, alliances, networks, and collaboration through joint initiatives.

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ii. Accommodation Fund

In 2005-06, SDPP-D provided up to $20,000 to eligible organizations to enable people with disabilities to participate in key policy, program, and knowledge development events. Eligible expenses included accommodations such as sign language interpretation, real-time captioning, readers and scribes, support persons, and interveners.

iii. Community Inclusion Initiative

The Initiative undertakes specific activities and projects at the local level. The Community Inclusion Initiative is a national community development scheme that aims to promote including people with intellectual disabilities in the mainstream of Canadian life. The Initiative is supported by 13 provincial and territorial committees with representation from the federal, provincial, and territorial governments

B: New Horizons for Seniors Programhttp://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/community_partnerships/seniors/index.shtml

It provides funding for community-based projects that encourage seniors to contribute to their communities through their social participation and active living. Although not targeted directly to seniors with disabilities, projects funded under this program have both a direct and indirect impact on seniors with disabilities. Among the projects that the New Horizons for Seniors Program funded in 2005-06, 15 involved organizations that deal with people with disabilities. Calls for Applications are issued once or twice a year. In British Columbia, a call went out in May with an end of June deadline for applications.

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EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS

Federal-Provincial Multi-lateral Frameworkhttp://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/disability_issues/labour_market_agreements/index.shtml

The goal of the Multilateral Framework is to improve the employment situation of Canadians with disabilities, by enhancing their employability, increasing the employment opportunities available to them, and building on the existing knowledge base. Governments have identified the following priority areas:

a. Education and trainingb. Employment participationc. Employment opportunitiesd. Connecting employers and persons with disabilitiese. Building knowledge

Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/disability_issues/funding_programs/opportunities_fund/index.shtml

The Opportunities Fund Program is designed to assist persons with disabilities to return to work. Individuals who self identify as persons with disabilities, are unemployed (or working less than 20 hours per week) and not normally eligible for Employment Insurance Part II Employment Programs can apply for the Opportunities Fund. Projects may be approved for a period of up to 52 weeks, however, in some circumstances may be extended to a total of 78 weeks.

Funding may be provided to cover costs such as participant wages or related employer costs; and may also be provided to cover overhead costs related to planning, organizing, operating, delivering and evaluating approved activities, including costs such as staff wages and employment related costs. Eligible expenses will be negotiated with program officials.

Businesses, organizations, including public health and educational institutions, band/tribal councils, or municipal governments, individuals and provincial/territorial government departments and agencies can all apply if specifically approved by the Minister.

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Organizations interested in submitting an application should contact their Service Canada Centre (http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/nav/top_nav/our_offices.shtml).

Vancouver Foundation: Disability Supports for Employment Fundhttp://vancouverfoundation.ca

The purpose of the Disability Supports for Employment Fund (DSEF) is to support new approaches to employment for people with disabilities that may complement or augment existing programs in the community. The Fund recognizes the diversity of the population of persons with disabilities in British Columbia and supports initiatives by non-profit, charitable organizations that will promote the social and economic independence of individuals with disabilities.

Assistive Technology BC - AT BChttp://www.at-bc.ca

The Adult Services program is a government initiative to provide special technology services to support post-secondary students or employees who have a disability. The aim is to reduce barriers in reaching educational and vocational goals. In British Columbia, post-secondary students and employees with disabilities who use adaptive technology may acquire their equipment through the Adult Services Program (ASP). The Program houses a loan bank of adaptive technology which eligible students and employees can access through referring agents (disability service coordinators, or vocational rehabilitation consultants with Vocational Rehabilitation Services). Support services for adaptive equipment include consultation, and training.

HOUSING

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporationhttp://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/prfinas/index.cfm

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) administers five initiatives that contribute to accessible housing for people with disabilities: the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (RRAP-D), the Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence Program (HASI), the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program

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– Secondary/Garden Suite, the Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP), and FlexHousingTM. In general, assistance is in the form of a fully forgivable loan that does not have to be repaid, provided the owner adheres to the conditions of the program. The funds allow the homeowner to make adaptations to their home to make it accessible. In the case of the Secondary/Garden Suite program, an owner without a disability can access up to $25,000 to put in an accessible suite, provided they rent to a low income senior or person with a disability. The Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP) assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for women and their children, youth and men who are victims of family violence; and in acquiring or building new shelters and second-stage housing where needed. Up to 100% financing is available for new shelters, and up to $24,000 per unit to upgrade existing shelters.

SPORTS

Sport Canada (Canadian Heritage)http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/sc/index_e.cfm

Sport Canada is a branch of the International and Intergovernmental Affairs and Sport Sector within the federal Department of Canadian Heritage. Sport Canada provides funding for sports programs for people with disabilities. This is provided annually toward programming initiatives that improve access to sport for people with disabilities (for example, support for Paralympic sport programs run by national sport organizations; mission support for the Canadian team participating in the Paralympic Games; Athlete Assistance Program stipends to more than 200 carded Paralympic athletes, etc. An additional $1.5 million is provided annually toward increasing participation in sport for people with disabilities (see Sport Canada Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability at http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/sc/pol/spt/tdm-eng.cfm)

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Common Look and Feel initiativehttp://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/clf2-nsi2/clfs-nnsi/clfs-nnsi-2-eng.asp

In this federal program, universal accessibility standards are directed toward ensuring equitable access to all content on Government of Canada websites.

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For some Canadians gaining access to Web content is more complicated than clicking a mouse and operating a modem. Some rely on assistive technologies such as text readers, audio players, and voice-activated devices to overcome the barriers presented by standard technologies. Others may be limited by the technology available to them. The objective of this initiative is to ensure equal and equitable access for all to the Government of Canada’s Web content.

RECREATION

Let’s Playwww.rickhansen.com/play

Let’s Play is a new program to contribute to the construction and renovation of accessible play spaces in British Columbia. A joint initiative of the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Province of British Columbia, Let’s Play offers grants for the creation of accessible, public play spaces for children ages 0-6 in B.C., and builds awareness about accessible play and related best practices.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available for accessible play space projects that focus primarily on accommodating children 0-6 years old and caregivers with mobility-related disabilities. Funds may be applied to new construction, renovation of an existing space, and/or the purchase of equipment. Submissions are usually due in January of each year and funding is distributed in May and June.

For more information on Let’s Play, please visit the website at www.rickhansen.com/play or call the Let’s Play Coordinator at 604.707.2106.

Active Communities Grantshttp://www.activecommunities.bc.ca/wp/grants/active-communities-grants/

The BC Recreation and Parks Association’s (BCRPA) Active Communities Initiative Grant Program is designed to assist communities with the development and implementation of an Active Community plan, or development and maintenance of walkways, trails and/or bikeways. Grants of up to $5,000 are offered twice a year, with application deadlines in May and November.

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When communities already have a plan in place, they can apply for funding for:

• Walkways, trails and/or bikeways development and maintenance - Examples of eligible projects include hiring a consultant for an environmental assessment or feasibility study for trails or walkways; producing signage or improving the lighting or accessibility and safety of a trail; or developing resources for increasing active transportation in your community. For this category, submitting a community plan is recommended but not required.

For more information about the Active Communities Grants’ contact the program coordinatore at kwhite@bcrpa.bc.ca or visit their website: http://www.activecommunities.bc.ca/wp/grants/active-communities-grants/

BCHC Seed Grants

The British Columbia Healthy Communities Alliances offers one-time-only funding opportunities that support communities to undertake activities and processes that will develop effective community building practices. The maximum amount per grant is $2,500.00. Seed Grants support local and regional groups to pay attention to the many ways in which capacity can be strengthened by using the Integral Capacity Building Framework. This Framework offers a holistic map of community that helps to explore our edges – those areas of thinking and practice that are ready to be challenged and stretched a little. The Framework takes an approach to capacity building that includes the whole community, seeing the big picture and the interconnections among seemingly separate problems and potentials.

LocalMotion Grants

The objective of the LocalMotion Fund is to accelerate the development of capital projects that make communities greener, healthier and more active and accessible places in which to live. The program supports projects that:

• reduce community greenhouse gas emissions, with an emphasis on getting people out of their cars;• advance the ActNow BC principle of being physically active; and,• build seniors-friendly and disability-friendly communities.

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LocalMotion provides $40 million, over four years, for capital projects that build bike paths, walkways and greenways and build seniors-friendly and disability-friendly communities.Projects are cost-shared 50/50 with local governments (municipalities and regional districts). The maximum provincial funding for a local government is $1 million per year.

The Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance

The Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance provides a continuum of employment programs and services designed to assist clients to find and sustain employment. A revised suite of programs for clients who are expected to work, those with persistent multiple barriers, and those with disabilities are currently being implemented. This revised suite is intended to replace existing programs to address changing client needs and further improve results by implementing a different approach to programming and changes to program operations/ administration. As in the past, these employment programs will be delivered through performance-based, external service provider contracts.

Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD)http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/pwd/eppd.htm

The Ministry’s Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD) provides a range of specialized services to help individuals with disabilities participate in their communities; pursue their employment goals as they are able, increase their self-reliance, and build skills and experience that may lead to further employment or volunteer opportunities. It is intended to assist persons with disabilities to achieve their economic and social potential to the fullest extent possible.

The EPPD is a province-wide program with individualized services provided through Service Provider contracts. In addition to client outcomes of full time or part time employment, successful results of EPPD participation also include:

• Increased access to needed disability supports; • Career planning and assessment; • Employment placement and follow-up; • Job related skill training;

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• Self-employment services; • Better understanding of the disability as it relates to employment; and, • Increased connection to the community.

WorkAble Solutions https://www.workablesolutionsbc.ca/

WorkAble Solutions Initiative is sponsored by the Minister’s Council on Employment for Persons with Disabilities and BC Human Resources Management Association (HRMA). WorkAble Solutions is an initiative to connect BC employers to persons with disabilities by providing valuable employment resources and support. The goal of the initiative is to help employers turn potential challenges into workable solutions and increase the recruitment and retention of persons with disabilities.

The website offers employers an exclusive site to post employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and search through lists of skilled job-seekers with disabilities. Persons with disabilities seeking employment can access lists of jobs from employers committed to accommodating successful job applicants who have a disability. Employers and job-seekers with disabilities can also use the website to access resources and connect with community agencies that work with employers and persons with disabilities.

The Employer Toolkit www.workablesolutionsbc.ca

WorkAble Solutions provides employers and human resources professionals with tools to support recruitment and retention. All the materials are easily accessible online at www.workablesolutionsbc.ca and include the following topics:

What Every Employer Needs To Know Employer HandbookCorporate VideoResearch Report

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NON-GOvERNMENTAL ORGANIzATIONS

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work http://www.ccrw.org/en/main.html

The CCRW is a network of organizations and individuals that provides leadership in programs and services for job seekers with disabilities and businesses committed to equity and inclusion. A one-stop shop for disability and employment resources, CCRW works with businesses of all sizes in all industries through its Job Accommodation Service, Skills Training Partnership Program, Partners for Workplace Inclusion Program and the Disability Awareness Series, and more! The CCRW also provides support to individual job seekers through its WORKinkTM site, and develops disability-positive educational material for children in grades 3-5.

1. The Disability Awareness Series training provides employers and employees with knowledge about disability issues, accommodation in the workplace, and tools to create an inclusive workplace in which employees can realize their potential. The Disability Awareness Series is a set of five modules and addresses (un)stereotyping disability, accessible interviewing and hiring practices, the duty to accommodate, accommodation management, and inclusive practices in the workplace.

2. The Council produced two children’s storybooks, I’m Wendy Blair, Not a Chair! And Wendy Blair and the Assignment. SDPP-D funded the second storybook. The books help children develop a positive understanding and attitude about disability and differences. The books also help Canadian educators positively address the subject of disability. The books are “person-focused” rather than “disability-focused” to give the message to children that we are all multi-faceted and not defined by a single attribute such as a disability. A bilingual teaching toolkit is also available that outlines how best to use the storybooks.

2010 Legacies Nowhttp://www.2010legaciesnow.com/home/

Legacies Now is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with community organizations, non-government organizations, the private sector and all levels of government to develop sustainable legacies in sport and recreation, arts, literacy and volunteerism. Financial support from the Provincial government allows Legacies Now to assist communities create

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unique and inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to, and beyond the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Enabling Accessibility Fund http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/disability_issues/eaf/call2008/index.shtml

The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports community-based projects across Canada. It provides funding for projects that improve accessibility and enable Canadians, regardless of physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their communities and the economy. Approved projects will have strong ties to, and support from the communities they serve.

The Enabling Accessibility Fund has two components:1. Major Projects Enabling Accessibility:

• Funded through a contribution agreement • Eligible activities include: construction of a new participatory abilities centre or the expansion of an existing facility to create a participatory abilities centre within Canada• Project funding levels range from $1 – 15 million

2. Small Projects Enabling Accessibility Fund • Funded through a grant• Eligible activities will include renovations of buildings or modifications to existing vehicles within Canada. Activities must improve physical, information and / or communication accessibility. All activities must be accessible to the public. Examples of eligible activities include but are not limited to:• building an exterior or interior ramp, building an accessible washroom, installing a computer that is voice-interactive, installing a wheelchair lift on a community based vehicle• The maximum amount payable per recipient cannot exceed $50,000

Who is eligible to apply?• Non-governmental agencies (i.e. community based groups, non-profit organizations)• Small municipalities (population under 250,000)• Small, private-sector organizations (fewer than 50 employees, under $5 million in

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gross revenue per year)• Territorial governments• Aboriginal governments and organizations

Seniors Housing and Support Initiativehttp://www.civicnet.bc.ca/siteengine/ActivePage.asp?PageID=217

Launched in 2004, UBCM’s Seniors’ Housing and Support Initiative (SHSI) was created through a one-time $2 million grant from the (now) Ministry of Community Development to assist local governments to prepare for an aging population. In 2007, the (now) Ministry of Healthy Living & Sport provided a $0.5 million grant to further support the initiative and to incorporate a focus on Age-friendly projects. In the initial phases of the program, the emphasis was on information sharing, including workshop sessions at all five Area Association meetings, the development of a seniors’ website ( www.seniorsincommunities.ca ) and grants for ‘Seniors in Communities Dialogues.’ Feedback and analysis of these initial grants led to the creation of pilot project funding, which was available to local governments in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Children and Youth with Special Needs Supports Fund

The Children and Youth with Special Needs Fund provides grants to families who have children or youth (newborn to 19 years) with special needs living at home. The Fund offers one-time capital grants to help enhance or improve the individual’s health, development or ability to participate in daily activities at home, in school and in the community. Eligible expenses may include such things as home renovations and vehicle modifications. This Fund defines children and youth with special needs as those who have significant impairments in one or more of the following areas: health, cognition, communication, sensory motor, social/emotional/behavioural or self help.

The Children and Youth with Special Needs Fund helps address family needs that are not currently met through government-funded programs. If a family receives support from other government-funded programs, they can apply to the:

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Family Independence Fund

Contact: Giving In Action Society, The Vancouver Foundation Suite 1200-555 West Hastings St., Box 12132 Harbour CentreVancouver BC V6B 4N61-866-523-3157604-683-3157 Brittney Kerr, Program Assistantbrittney@givinginaction.ca604-683-3157 ext: 5

The Family Independence Fund helps families throughout the province who have children or adults with developmental disabilities living at home. Grants from the Family Independence Fund help with the ongoing care of the relative by providing support for projects such as home renovations — including lifts, elevators, ramps, flooring, door widening or vehicle modifications — that enable the individual with the developmental disability to live in the family home and access their community. The Family Independence Fund was established with financial assistance from Community Living of British Columbia (CLBC).

TETRA Society of North Americahttp://tetrasociety.org

The Tetra Society of North America is an independent non-profit organization that provides customized assistive devices to people with disabilities. Volunteer engineers and technicians work one-on-one with individuals who have a specific need that cannot be met by commercial assistive devices. Every Tetra project is unique – tailor-made to each person’s particular circumstances and it can relate to any aspect of life, from school to leisure to day-to-day living.

Pat Tweedie,National Program Coordinator, ptweedie@tetrasociety.org Ph. 604.688-6464 x 108 Toll Free: 1-877-688-8762

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