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People with Disabilities

B.C. provides a broad spectrum of resources for people with disabilities. Get the latest information on resources relevant to you.

Introduction

Discover job options and services designed to support people with disabilities and build your career here:

  • Pursue post-secondary education.
  • Get funding or assistive adaptations for your education.
  • Gain the work experience, job skills and technologies you need to do the job.
  • Create or expand your own business.

Career exploration

Explore career options, day-to-day working conditions and the kinds of skills you’ll need for many B.C. jobs.

Career Discovery Quizzes — Take one or more quizzes to help you explore your career direction.

Career Trek — Discover inspiring careers with over 170 videos highlighting jobs throughout B.C., including people with disabilities on the job:

WorkBC Career Profiles — Find details on jobs that could be perfect for you, including salary, duties, education and expected demand.

WorkBC Parents' Guide — Help your teen explore career and educational options and make decisions, with the practical ideas and resources in this guide.

Education / skills

Education opens doors to build your career. Find out how to gain skills that are in demand in the job market:

EducationPlannerBC — Search for post-secondary education programs by interest, subjects, type of credential and institutions, including adult special education programs.

Find Your Path — Find Your Path is a personalized, interactive education and career planning tool. Explore, save and share your selections all in one place.

Upgrading — Planning to upgrade or finish high school level courses to prepare for post-secondary training or education? Find a post-secondary institution or school near you that offers adult upgrading courses.

StudentAid BC — Learn how to help fund your education through grants, loans and other student financial assistance programs for students who have a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability. Read StudentAid BC’s brochure Programs for Students with Disabilities (PDF).

Resource Directory of Accessibility Programs and Services — Find information for potential students and their counselors, families, and referral agencies on programs and services for students with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability at public post-secondary institutions.

BC Centre for Ability Opportunities Fund — Find out if you qualify for financial support for your education and training.

Canada Student Loans Program – Severe Permanent Disability Benefit — Get information on this federal program to support people with a severe permanent disability.

Are you starting your post-secondary journey?

  • Changing location.
  • Living on your own.
  • Facing new academic challenges.
  • Juggling school and work demands.
  • Managing your money.

The guide From Surviving to Thriving: Developing Personal and Academic Resilience (PDF) gives you resources, checklists, worksheets, a coping strategies planner, and a choice of four strategies for managing stressful situations.

From Surviving to Thriving can help you prepare for challenges and pressures that may arise. The guide will help you identify your personal strengths and develop strategies to manage stress, address challenges and reduce worry and fear. Know when and where to ask for help, including at your school’s disability services or disability resource centre. Build a network of people for mutual support.

Find a job

WorkBC Employment Services provide support for people looking for jobs, including specialized services for people with disabilities. Learn about the program and services on WorkBC.ca. Then call or visit your local WorkBC Centre. Use our interactive map to find a WorkBC Centre in your area. You may also be able to access WorkBC Employment Services services online.

To make the most of your first visit to a WorkBC Centre, let us know in advance if you’re connected with Community Living BC. If you are, consider bringing a family member or support person to your first meeting, as well as documents such as assessments, service and education plans, and your resume.

You can also use WorkBC Job Search to search thousands of job postings throughout B.C. by industry, salary, region and more.

Check out programs that are available to expand your work experience and skills:

Work-Able — Learn about this 12-month B.C. Public Service internship program for recent post-secondary graduates with disabilities and get access to specialized learning, coaching and mentorship.

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work — Develop your job-search skills, and get training designed to help you find meaningful employment.

Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program (ISET) — If you’re an Indigenous person with a disability, find programs and employment services you can use to build your skills.

Persons with Disabilities in Trades Program — Learn about a program that delivers training and supports to help you reduce barriers and secure or advance your employment in the trades.

WorkBC Assistive Technology Services — Access funding for a product or service that will help you overcome barriers to work.

Start a business

Are you interested in starting or running a business? Grow your business skills with these programs:

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program — Providing entrepreneurs with disabilities or ongoing health conditions access to business services and supports to help start, expand and grow their businesses.

For rural B.C., the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program is delivered by Community Futures offices. Contact your local Community Futures office to learn more.

For Greater Vancouver and Victoria, the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program is coordinated through Community Futures British Columbia and other self-employment service providers. Contact Community Futures British Columbia to learn more.

BC Centre for Ability Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities — Find out about self-employment training options to get your business going.

Success stories

Discover the successes of these British Columbians:

Sara welding in shop wearing protective gear

Sarah Dmytruk: Welder

Find out how Sarah discovered her career passion while navigating a life-changing diagnosis.

Jane-sz

Jane: Working Again Later in Life

With some support from the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre, Jane was able to find meaningful employment.

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More Inspiring Stories

Read more inspiring stories from successful British Columbians

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Accessibility and assistive technology

Do you have a work-related barrier due to a disability or a functional limitation? Learn how WorkBC Assistive Technology Services can support you with options for mobility supports, alternative keyboards, voice input equipment, workplace modifications and other services.

WorkBC Assistive Technology Services — Access funding for a product or service that will help you overcome barriers to work.

BC Centre for Ability Opportunities Fund — Discover how to gain a wage subsidy, funding for adaptive equipment, or both.

Workplace Adjustments and Accommodations — Get information on how employers can meet accessibility standards and their duty to accommodate.

Support Worker Central — Connects people with disabilities with support workers which may enable you to secure a job or even start a business or work from home.