Web Links

Listed below are websites and services that may be of interest and assistance to you. Please note, the BC Epilepsy Society does not necessarily endorse all content on these websites.

Medical Services

College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC)
This website provides a directory of physicians and medical specialists who are accepting new patients, and physician contact information.

Vancouver General Hospital Epilepsy Clinic
This hospital provides in-patient and out-patient care for diagnosis, medical management, and pre-surgical assessments.

BC Children's Hospital Seizure Clinic
This hospital provides comprehensive, specialized care to children and teens with neurological disorders.

HealthLinkBC 
This service provides non-emergency health information and support services online and by phone at 811.

BC Health Authorities
This website provides contact and service information for public healthcare facilities in the province. 

Provincial Government Disability Support Services

Ministry of Children and Family Development 
Services include a range of child, youth, and family focused support programs and interventions. This includes services specifically for children and youth with special needs.

Ministry of Social Development
This service coordinates employment programs and disability assistance for adults.

Community Living BC
This service delivers support and services to individuals with special needs (primarily adults with developmental disabilities).

Persons with Disabilities Online
This website provides extensive information about government services available provincially and federally.

Health & Disability Support Organizations in BC

BC Coalition of People with Disabilities 
The Coalition is a non-profit cross-disability organization that represents people with all types of disabilities throughout BC. 

BC Centre for Ability
The Centre provides medical, social work, and vocational services to children, youth, and adults with neurological and/or other disabilities and their families. 

Family Support Institute
The Institute provides support and advocacy for families of people with disabilities, as well as resources, information, and parent networks.

BC Association for Community Living
This is a federation working to enhance the lives of children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities and their families by supporting abilities, promoting action and advancing rights, responsibilities, and social justice.

Developmental Disabilities Association
This is a community living agency that provides over 50 community-based programs and services to children, adults, and families with developmental disabilities in Vancouver and Richmond.

Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN)
PLAN is a family-led organization founded to secure the future for people with disabilities.

Learning Disabilities Association of BC 
This organization provides information and services for parents, professionals, and students. They have chapters throughout BC.

BC Self-Advocacy Foundation
This organization assists people with developmental disabilities to become full, participating citizens in their own communities.

Rare Disease Foundation
Researchers, caregivers, and families work together to find solutions for children and families affected by rare diseases through social support, advocacy, and treatment-focused research.

Financial Help for Medical Costs

Medical Services Plan (MSP)
Coverage, eligibility, and enrollment information is available for medically-required services for BC residents. MSP premium assistance is available for low-income families on a pro-rated basis. Short-term temporary premium assistance is also available based on unexpected current financial hardship. 

PharmaCare
Residents of BC qualify for PhamaCare coverage by registering with MSP. It helps cover the cost of eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies. It provides access to drug therapy through seven different plans. The largest is the income-based Fair PharmaCare plan. Read more about general PharmaCare Coverage policies.

At Home Program (AHP)
This program is intended to assist parents with some of the costs of caring for a child with disabilities. 

Persons with Disabilities Benefit (PWD)                  
This is a financial support program for people with disabilities who are unable to seek or find employment.

Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
Here you'll find information about medical expenses you can claim in your tax return.

Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
This is a non-refundable tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax that may be owed by people with disabilities or the people who support them.

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
This plan helps people with disabilities and their families save for long-term financial security.

Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit
Health Canada's national health benefit program provides coverage for benefit claims for a specified range of drugs, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, short-term crisis intervention mental health counseling, and medical transportation for eligible First Nations people and Inuit.

Variety – The Children’s Charity
Provides financial assistance for children under the age of 19 who have special needs with the costs of a wide range of equipment, therapies, and educational, social and recreational programs. As well, they have Emergency Response Grants to help children and their families access medical care, supplies and related services not covered by MSP, Pharmacare, hospitals or other agencies.

The BC Lions Society for Children With Disabilities
Their mandate is to support children with disabilities throughout British Columbia. They also fund Easter Seals camps and houses.

President's Choice Children's Charity
They provide funding for mobility equipment, environmental modifications, or therapy for children under the age of 18 with a developmental disability.

CKNW Orphan’s Fund
They provide funding for medical equipment and services for children, particularly for those with disabilities and in financial need.

Employment Support Services

BC Centre for Ability
They provide a wide range of vocational services for people with disabilities. This includes:
- SEGWAYE: For young adults (18-25) who are affected by neurological conditions. Services include assessment, group planning, and job mentorship. 604-630-3034 or 604-630-3013
- Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities: Assists people with disabilities to obtain employment or self-employment by contributing to training plans and funding. 604-451-5511
- Greater Vancouver Business Leadership Network: Offers services to link people with disabilities to potential employers, including a job database. 604-630-3031
- Employment Centre for Persons with Disabilities: Provides employment services to people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Their office is located in Surrey.  604-580-6962

Triumph Vocational Services
They provide employment supports for people with disabilities throughout BC whether they are currently employed or receiving income assistance.

MindWorksBC
They deliver a pre-employment service designed specifically for persons with neurological disabilities.

Open Door Group
They offer programs across the province covering needs such as skills training, planning and placement services, and job maintenance strategies for people with barriers to employment.

Neil Squire Society
They provide services for individuals for whom a physical disability is the primary barrier to employment.

Employment Action
They offer employment counseling and other services to people with disabilities, including connecting them with potential employers. They are located in Prince George.

Community Futures B.C.
They offer programs designed to assist persons with a disability or living in a rural area to start or grow their own business.

Link Up Employment Services for Persons with Disabilities
They help individuals with disabilities by marketing job seekers to employers, providing workplace accommodations, and organizing work placements.

IAM Cares Society
They offer employment assistance and support services to people with all types of disabilities and/or chronic conditions who live in the Lower Mainland and Greater Vancouver regions.

People in Motion
This program provides career counseling, a resource centre, assistance with educational funding, work accommodations, and wage subsidies. They provide services to the North and Central Okanagan.

Bowman Employment Services Inc.
They offer a variety of employment assistance and training programs for people with and without disabilities. They have locations in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, Maple Ridge, North Vancouver, Salmon Arm, Penticton, and Vernon.

Jobs West
The Developmental Disabilities Association coordinates this supported employment program specifically for people with a developmental disability.

Community Living BC (CLBC)
CLBC offers supported employment and volunteer services for people with developmental disabilities, or who fall under CLBC eligibility requirements.

Ability Edge
They are a national internship program for university or college graduates with self-declared disabilities.

NEADS Online Work System
The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) has a job database for employers and job-seekers, as well as articles about employment-related issues.

WorkAble Solutions
An initiative through the BC government to connect job seekers with disabilities to employers. Employers can post jobs online, which can then be accessed by job seekers.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability by working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee.

School Support Information and Resources

BC school district websites 
The homepage for the British Columbia School District defines the school zones, procedures, and standards for education practices in British Columbia.

Special Education Services: A Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines from the BC Ministry of Education 

Strategies for effective school meetings and documentation
You'll find an extensive collection of disability resources to support parental advocacy and ensure successful negotiations and outcomes.

Your Future Now: A Transition Planning and Resource Guide 
This is a step-by-step planning guide to adulthood for those with disabilities who want to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Canada Study Grants for Students with Disabilities 
Outlines the application procedures and eligibility requirements for those with a permanent disability who are applying for the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Study Grant for Post-Secondary Accommodations.

BC College and University Disability Service Contacts

National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
They encourage the self-empowerment of post-secondary students with disabilities by providing resources on education, inclusion, employment, and related issues.

STEPS Forward
They support adults with developmental disabilities to go to their local college or university in BC regardless of their level of ability.

Camps for Children with Medical Conditions or Disabilities

BC Easter Seals Camps  
These camps provide sessions for children 6 to 18 years of age who have a cognitive and/or physical disability.  Camps are located at Winfield, Shawnigan Lake, and Squamish. The Lions Society of BC fully subsidizes the cost of the camps and the BC Epilepsy Society offers a travel subsidy to families who require it. 

Eureka Outdoor Camp                    
This camp is for children ages 8-18 with invisible disabilities (such as learning disabilities, ADHD, or epilepsy). They have locations in North Vancouver and Princeton. The BC Epilepsy Society provides camp subsides for individuals who require it.

Zajac Ranch              
This summer camp outside of Mission offers programs especially designed for children with chronic health conditions or disabilities. The BC Epilepsy Society provides camp subsides for individuals who require it. 

Epilepsy Information for Children and Teens

AboutKidsHealth.ca
This is the educational website from the SickKids Hospital in Toronto. It contains a wide variety of articles on epilepsy specific to children and parents.

Epilepsy Youth Council: The Spot for Teens with Epilepsy
This is an epilepsy website specifically for teens run by the Epilepsy Foundation. It includes medical information, personal stories, and networking opportunities.

Mental Health Support Services

Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health 
This is a program designed to help adults experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety through online and telephone support.

Here to Help 
You'll find information on mental health, mental disorders, substance abuse issues and inspiring personal stories.

Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre      
The Centre links children, youth and their families with appropriate resources in all areas of mental health and addictions. 

Counselling BC  
This is an extensive directory of psychologists, counselors, and other professional therapists who provide services in BC.

Crisis Centre of BC
The Centre operates a phone line to provide help, support and someone to listen to when you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, vulnerable, or troubled.

Driving and Transportation Information

Drivers with Epilepsy 
This is a fact sheet from the Office of Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (OSMV), which explains the regulations and legal processes for drivers with epilepsy in BC.

When the Driving Ability of Someone Concerns You: Unsolicited Driver Fitness Reports
This is a fact sheet from the Office of Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (OSMV).

BC Transit
They provide information on regional transit services.

HandyDART
This is a door-to-door shared ride service for people with a physical or cognitive disability who are unable to use public transit without assistance.

Travel Assistance Program (TAP)
This program offers travel discounts to eligible B.C. residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community.  

Hope Air
This is a not-for-profit service offering flights for medical care outside of home communities.

Housing Services

BC Housing
They provide a variety of subsidized and/or assisted living options for low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, adults at risk of homelessness, and women at risk of violence.

Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC)
They provide tenants with legal education and information about residential tenancy law.

Legal Resources

Access Pro Bono
They are a BC non-profit society that provides free legal advice and representation services to individuals of limited means.

Human Rights Tribunal
The Tribunal is an independent, quasi-judicial body created by the BC Human Rights Code. The Tribunal is responsible for accepting, screening, mediating, and adjudicating human rights complaints that arise in British Columbia and are covered by the Human Rights Code.

BC Human Rights Coalition
The Coalition is a charitable non-profit community based organization that can help you with filing a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal. They have a variety of programs including mediation, education, advocacy, and law reform with respect to human rights issues.

Epilepsy Organizations and Resources Outside of British Columbia

Epilepsy.com
This is a comprehensive and up-to-date online resource for patients, families, and medical professionals.

Talk About It
This multi-media and interactive website unites Hollywood celebrities and top health care experts to end the misconceptions and misunderstanding about epilepsy.

Epilepsy Advocate
They provide information, insight, and support, as well as inspirational stories.

The Epilepsy Foundation
This is an American-based federated group of state and local epilepsy organizations.

International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)
This is the world's preeminent association of physicians and other health professionals working towards a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Its mission is to provide the highest quality of care and well being for those afflicted with the condition and other related seizure disorders.

International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE)
The IBE links national epilepsy organizations around the world. Their website contains information about their initiatives, as well as information on social and non-medical aspects of epilepsy, aimed at improving quality of life of patients and caregivers.

Additional Websites of Interest

Lions Foundation of Canada Special Skills Dogs 
This program trains assistance dogs for individuals with physical and/or medical disabilities with mobility concerns. They also offer a specific Seizure Response Dog training program.

Dravet.org
This is a partnership of parents and medical experts united in the goal of improving treatments for children with Dravet syndrome (previously known as Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy) and related genetic, febrile epilepsy disorders, while empowering families to cope with the daily challenges of this disorder.

The LGS Foundation
They are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information about Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). This is a rare and severe form of epilepsy. They also raise funds for research, programs, and services for LGS families.

Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson's Centre
A non-profit society whose purpose is to strengthen clients' and families' ability to manage to physical, psychological, and social effects of Parkinson's and epilepsy in the Greater Victoria Regional district.

Neurological Health Charities of Canada
They are a collective of organizations that represent people with chronic, often progressive, neurological and/or neuromuscular diseases, disorders, conditions and injuries (brain conditions) in Canada. Their role is to provide leadership, evaluating and advancing new opportunities for collaboration specific to advocacy, education and research projects, related to brain health.

BC Healthy Alliance
A group of organizations, including the BC Epilepsy Society, that have come together with a mission to improve the health and wellness of families across British Columbia.

Patient Voices Network
The Network creates mechanisms for patients, their families, and other community stakeholders to participate in primary health care changes that will positively affect their lives. They bring patients together from around British Columbia to connect, share their experiences and learn from each other.