Disability Supports

If you have a disability and are looking for work, book an appointment with an employment counsellor at Career Link for assistance with your job search. Check out these resources as well:

Disability Supports at Career Link

Employment counsellors at Career Link help people plan careers, select training, and look for work. They also offer job-coaching support related to the workplace for those with disabilities or other limitations, such as a lack of work experience or self-confidence. Career Link offers:

• One-to-one employment counselling and career planning
• Funding information for educational expenses
• Wage subsidies for on-the-job training for eligible applicants
• Free workshops to learn more about careers, communication, and job search
• In-depth vocational assessments
• Work experience and job coaching
• Information about equipment and technology to help persons with disabilities in the workplace
• Referrals to other services and programs

To learn more, make an appointment with an employment counsellor (604-485-7958).

Additional Local Resources and Programs

Mental Health and Addictions (Powell River)

Services and programs for Adults: Addiction counselling, psychiatric services, individual counselling, mental health for older adults, and community addiction services (including school-based prevention).

Model Community Project for People with Disabilities

Employment Program for People with Disabilities works with people to explore career options and find suitable employment or volunteer work.

• One-to-one coaching, advocacy support, and referrals to other agencies
• Assistance with resumes, interview skills, life skills, and career exploration
• Work experience, volunteer, and employment placements

PRACL (Powell River Association for Community Living)

PRACL provides employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as for adults with acquired brain injuries. PRACL advocates for full participation and inclusion in the community.

Triumph Vocational Services
Vancouver Island University

Access programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs, disability supports

Provincial/National/Web-based Resources and Programs

BC Association for Individualized Technology and Supports for People with Disabilities

BCITS provides people with severe disabilities assistive technologies to meet their needs while living in the community. Special equipment is available to help people with volunteer or work goals.

BC Centre for Ability Foundation

Provides unique and valuable services for children and youth, both at home and in their communities; delivers specialized programs for adults and youth, and promotes successful community participation for individuals with disabilities.

BC Paraplegic Association

Services for people with spinal-cord injuries and other physical disabilities. BCPA helps people overcome the challenge of living with a physical disability. BCPA programs support education and job search strategies. BCPA advocacy removes barriers to participation.

Neil Squire Assistive Technology for Employment Centre

ATEC provides information and assessment services for people who require disability supports or assistive technology in order to continue or secure employment in an office environment. Disability supports and assistive technology are specialized equipment that enable people who have a disability, or who are experiencing difficulty using standard equipment, to continue to operate a computer and to work in an office setting.

On-line(mental health) Employment Services for BC
Open Door Group (formerly THEO BC)

A non-profit organization that offers courses to explore skills and preparation for employment to mental health consumers and people with other disabilities. Programs and courses include employment training, leisure courses, career exploration, supported education, supported employment, and more.

Opportunities Fund

Opportunities Fund helps people with disabilities prepare for and gain employment or self-employment, or to develop the skills they need to keep a new job. To help people with disabilities overcome barriers they may face entering the job market, it supports activities such as:

• Increasing job skills
• Integration into the work place
• Encouraging employers to provide work opportunities and experience
• Starting a business

General Information

• Ability Edge Internship Program
• Assistive Technology BC
• BC Association of Professionals with Disabilities
• BC Coalition of People with Disabilities
• BC Fibromyalgia and related conditions
• BC Medical Association
• BCIT Disability Resource Centre
• Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits
• Canadian Association of Professionals with Disabilities
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• Canadian Society for Social Development
• Career Handbook: Functional Requirements of Occupations
• International Journal of Disability, Community and Rehabilitation
• Here to Help Mental Health and Substance Abuse Information
• Learning Disability Network
• Learning Disability Resource Community
• Literacy for Independent Living
• National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR)
• Special Education Programs for Persons With Disabilities
• Special Education Technology BC
• Student Loan Supports for Persons With Disabilities (BC)
• Student Loan Supports for Persons With Disabilities (Canada)
• World Health Organization