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Assistive Devices and Disability Support

Last updated on May 10, 2021

Assistive Devices

Assistive devices are "items that ease the strains of daily activities at home, at work, or at play. They include medical equipment, mobility aids, information technologies, practical aids, and gadgets to suit many different needs." - Health Canada

Government offers a vast array of programs and services for people with disabilities with total funding at more than $5 billion a year.

Information regarding supports and services, including resources for assistive technology, can be found at bc211. 

Seniors and Aging - Assistive Devices (Health Canada)

This Health Canada webpage lists types of assistive devices and provides advice on how to select and pay for high-quality devices.

Support for People with Disabilities

There are many provincial and federal government agencies and non-profit organizations in Canada that provide support to people with disabilities.

B.C. Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction website includes pages dedicated to providing information for people with disabilities.

Topics Include:

Community Living BC

Community Living BC helps adults with developmental disabilities and their families live as fully and independently as possible in their community.
CLBC funded supports can include:

  • Helping to find housing options that encourage independence while meeting an individual's unique needs;
  • Family support;
  • Connections with community services to support individuals, families or caregivers; and
  • Community inclusion supports that focus on employment, social and life skills.

Visit Community Living BC to learn more.

Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits

Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits provide a monthly taxable benefit to contributors who are disabled and to their dependent children.

Canada Benefits

The Canada Benefits website compiles lists of provincial and federal benefits available to Canadians based on their location and circumstances. You can quickly find out which programs are available to British Columbians with disabilities. See the list of:

Disability Societies and Organizations

This is a provincial, not for profit, charitable society serving the unique and diverse health, disability and informational needs of the First Nation and Aboriginal population of British Columbia. BCANDS provides services to eligible clients and organizations, both on and off reserve from any community located in B.C. If you are an Aboriginal person with a disability, living in the province of British Columbia, BCANDS may be able to assist you in your health and disability service needs.

This is a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. The alliance's mission is to support people, regardless of their disability, to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in society.