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Resources for Families

We recognize that the journey to support individuals who are neurodiverse is complex and we hope that we can offer some guidance to naviagte what can be an overhelming world. Below are a few options for resources in our community. This list is by no means exhaustive.

NANAIMO YOUTH SERVICES

Provides support and opportunities for learning, personal development and independence to youth ages 16 to 30. 

BLADERUNNERS

BladeRunners is a provincial employment-based program provided through NYSA and funded by the Government of British Columbia. The program gives young people the tools, certificates, confidence, and opportunity to reach their fullest working potential. BladeRunners has been designed for youth aged 16 to 30 who have encountered barriers or challenges in finding and/or keeping employment. NYSA staff work alongside participants to encourage, empower, and support them through this four-week, paid program.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

As Canada’s leading child and youth mentoring charity, Big Brothers Big Sisters facilitates life-changing relationships that inspire and empower children and youth to reach their potential, both as individuals and citizens.

CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides programs for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond.

SCOUTS

Scouts Canada is the country’s leading co-ed youth organization, offering programming for children and youth aged 5-26.  With over 42,000 youth participating across the country, in multiple languages and reflecting Canada’s multicultural landscape, kids and youth in Scouts chart their own path of discovery.  Through a variety of fun experiences, outdoor adventures and contributions to their community, Scouts builds resilience and skills that set them up for life.

MAMAS FOR MAMAS

Mamas for Mamas is a national charitable organization that supports mothers and caregivers in crisis by providing ongoing support to individuals and families facing various poverty-related struggles. Their mission is to change the landscape of poverty through innovative approaches to financial barriers faced by struggling families. While their name is Mamas for Mamas, they welcome caregivers of any gender identity or expression, including men, trans*, non-binary, and two-spirit clients. They envision a future where no Mama or child is left behind.

EASTER SEAL ACCESS 2 PASS

The Access 2 Card program helps to ensure that entertainment, cultural and recreational opportunities are more available and accessible to all. To be eligible for the Access 2 Card, you must:

  • Live with a permanent disability, as defined below.
    AND

  • The nature of your disability requires you to have the assistance of a support person, when visiting participating venues.

NANAIMO FOODSHARE

Nanaimo Foodshare Society works to increase resilience in Nanaimo’s local food system.  They increase food security by empowering the community with better access, resources, skills, and knowledge. 

EASTER SEAL DISABILITY TRAVEL CARD

The Disability Travel Card is for people of all types of permanent disabilities who require the assistance of a support person when travelling with VIA Rail Canada, and Coach Canada. When a cardholder presents the Disability Travel Card when purchasing a ticket for travel with one of the participating companies mentioned above, one support person can accompany them during travel for a reduced fee. The person with the disability (the Disability Travel Card holder) pays regular ticket price.

TAP

The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) sometimes feels like one of the Ministry of Health's best kept secrets. TAP helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible B.C. residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community.

THE AT HOME PROGRAMME

The AT HOME PROGRAM (AHP) is intended to assist parents or guardians with some of the extraordinary costs of caring for a child with severe disabilities at home.

 

The AHP assists in:

    AHP MEDICAL BENEFITS provide a range of basic, medically necessary items and services.​

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REGISTERED DISABLITY SAVINGS PLAN (RDSP)

A registered disability savings plan (RDSP) is a savings plan intended to help an individual who is approved to receive the disability tax credit (DTC) to save for their long-term financial security. Contributions to an RDSP are not tax deductible and can be made until the end of the year in which the beneficiary turns 59

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA’S DISABILITY BENEFITS

Disability Benefits include information on disability pensions and children’s benefits, savings plans and a gasoline tax refund program.

FIND SUPPORT B.C.

FindSupportBC is a local user-friendly searchable data base supported by the Family Institute of BC.

ISLAND COMMUNITY COUNSELLING

specializes in addressing emotional and mental health needs for individuals with additional challenges. They have professionals who are trained in supporting children on the autism spectrum. Some of their services are free or come at a low cost to families. Their focus is affordability and accessibility. They can be contacted at 250-716-8888

LENDING LIBRARY

Volunteer Nanaimo has a lending library of abbot 250 books as well as some games and DVDs that are accessible to families, children, caregivers, etc. They are open Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 3:00. 3148 Barons Road. 

LEAP

The City of Nanaimo LEAP program supports families in financial need to access Parks, Recreation, and Culture programs and services.

AUTISM INFORMATION SERVICES B.C.

AIS BC staff assist the growing number of B.C. families affected by autism who need support in making informed decisions about treatment options for their children.

TILLICUM LELUM

They provide essential services to the urban Aboriginal population of Nanaimo and area. Including Therapy, counseling, safe house, youth summer camps, and more!

VANCOUVER ISLAND CRISIS LINE

Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1‑888‑494‑3888

The 24-hour Vancouver Island Crisis Line is a service contracted by Provincial Health Services Authority.

Beyond Learning: Recources for adults

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