BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS)

Assists Indigenous individuals with disabilities and their families to access disability and health related support services and benefits in BC. Disability Case Managers liaise between clients and the various service agencies they require access to, and obtain health and disability services to address clients' needs including: mobility equipment, adaptive technology, accessing disability benefits and appeals process, addressing housing issues, and travel assistance. RDSP Navigators assist individuals with disabilities to apply for a Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Persons may be accompanied to a bank or credit union or be connected to partnership organizations, Plan Institute or Disability Alliance BC (DABC), to help open an RDSP. Contracted by Indigenous Services Canada to provide adjudication services in BC related to Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and Monthly Nutritional Supplement Benefit applications. Also provides education on the DTC and RDSP through workshops for the public, community and financial organizations. Also maintains lists of resources on health topics, grants and bursaries, disability organizations, health authorities, and Indigenous organizations across BC. Office hours are 8:30 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. Nonprofit society.

The National Indigenous Navigation Services program offers free Canada-wide disability benefit navigation services on the federal, provincial/territorial, and local levels. Supports eligible Indigenous persons and families through personalized one-to-one support throughout the entire application process, including appeals and renewals. This may include informing clients of benefits they are eligible for, assistance with paperwork and applications, communication with healthcare providers, and facilitating collaboration with government and community agencies. Support can be provided through email, virtual meetings, text/call, or in-person through our Victoria and Ottawa locations.