Resources

Directory of Services:

Nanaimo Directory for Adult Community Living Services

This handbook provides descriptions of the various services available for adults age nineteen or over with developmental disabilities in the Nanaimo area. Click on the link above to open a pdf document.

This can also be a valuable resource to people looking for employment in this sector. We recommend mailing resumes rather than soliciting through telephone.

Try our interactive recreational guide for Nanaimo. We have designed it for ease of use for parents, caregivers, service providers and service recipients. It provides information on location, admission prices, accessibility and hours of service for many local activities and also has a small program you can use to have the site read to you. Click on the banner below to give it a try!

Malaspina University College Programs for persons with disabilities:

Access Programs assist adults with disabilities to acquire and develop vocational, academic, work and life skills. Employment & Life Skills Training is offered at the Nanaimo campus, and the Employability Skills program is offered at the Cowichan campus. Find a link to the Malaspina website with a detailed description of programs here.

Taxi Saver Program:

The Taxi Saver Program provides registered handyDART clients with greater convenience for spontaneous travel when handyDART cannot accommodate their travel needs.

How it Works

Taxi Saver provides a 50% subsidy towards the cost of taxi rides. Eligible individuals can purchase a $60 package of Taxi Saver coupons at a cost of $30. This package can be purchased once every month. The coupons come in denominations of $1 and $2.

The handyDART client uses the coupons to pay the dollar meter rate of taxi fare. For example, if a taxi fare is $5.80, the passenger pays $5.00 in coupons and 80 cents in change. (Taxi drivers do not give change on Taxi Saver coupons.)

Find the website here.

LEAP (Leisure Economic Access Policy) Card:

The LEAP Program is designed to encourage participation and provide financial assistance to low income people. Public admissions at the arenas and pools are at 50% of the regular price as are enrolment fees for one recreation program per season.

To qualify for a LEAP card you must provide proof of financial assistance (bring your check stub and identification with you when you apply) . Application forms are available at any Parks and Recreation facility in Nanaimo (Beban Park, Bowen Park or the Aquatic Centre) or by clicking HERE. A Photo identification card will be issued by Parks and Recreation. If you need support applying for LEAP, and attend our services, please let us know.

Are you going camping this year? You can camp for free in a BC Provincial Park if you are a person with a disability.

The BC Parks Disabled Access Pass is no longer valid. The Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection still provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to camp for free in road accessible provincial park campgrounds. You must obtain a 'release of information' form from an Employment Assistance Worker at the Ministry of Employment & Assistance Centre which is located at 3156 Barons Road and take valid BC identification with you when you go camping.

Find out more information here.

Angling Licence Fee Reduction Program for Disabled Residents of British Columbia

In this program, any British Columbia Resident who is severely and permanently disabled, may apply for a Non-Tidal Angling Licence at the reduced fee of $1.07.
Note: Licences are not required for anglers under 16 years of age.

The fee reduction is for the annual Non-Tidal Angling Licence ONLY. It does not entitle the applicant to a reduction on Conservation Surcharge Stamps or the Classified Waters Licence.

Find information HERE.

Special Fares on BC Ferries for Disabled Persons.

If you have a permanent disability, discount fares are available for you and your escort. To receive this rate, you must present your BC Ferries Disabled Status Identification (DSI) Card when you arrive at the ferry terminal. Discounts apply to passenger fares only, not to vehicle rates. Take advantage of the disabled persons’ rate. This will save you about one-half the regular passenger fare for both you and your travelling companion.

Find the application form here.

Access 2 Entertainment Movie Passes: The local movie theatres in Nanaimo have introduced a new discount admission policy called 'Access 2 Entertainment.' The agency distributing these passes charges $20.00 for each application. The card entitles an escort to attend a movie with a card holder for free.

Website Link: HERE

The BC Buss Pass Program: For senior citizens and persons with disabilities on restricted incomes, there is an annual bus pass which allows unlimited travel on the Nanaimo Regional Transit System. The pass is available to BC residents who receive federal guaranteed income supplement, or federal spouse's allowance, or income assistance under BC Benefits (60 years of age or older), or disability allowance under BC Benefits (18 to 64 years of age).

Call 1-866-866-0800 (press 4 then 3) or write: BC Pass Program, Box 9430, Station Provincial Government, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9V2. Have your social insurance number and current address ready when you call.

For more information, click here.

Nanaimo Supportive Lifestyles Ltd.

225-285 Prideaux Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada V9R 2N2
Telephone: (250) 753-0332

Click to Email Us

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Site Last Updated August 15, 2007