New opportunities, new activities, new rewards
ConnecTra Society: Guidance through the maze of opportunities, grants and aid for people with disabilities
The ConnecTra Project
Everyone has a need – and a right – to be fully connected within their community.
Studies continuously show that people who are active and involved are healthier and happier than those with limited community involvement, opportunities and relationships.
The ConnecTra society exists to create connections between people with disabilities and the wider Metro Vancouver community – so people can take advantage of opportunities.
There are very many resources for people with disabilities – the problem is that most individuals are unaware of what they are entitled to.
Some people are looking for opportunities that relate to employment, which could involve training, high-tech aids and job search support. Others might be seeking financial supports and investment opportunities. Some might require assistive devices to overcome a barrier in their home or place of employment. Other people’s main concern might be leisure – which is fine, as we often observe that becoming more active and involved in your community is a necessary first move towards social inclusion and, ultimately, employment.
In April 2012, the provincial government launched its new employment service by establishing more than 70 Work BC Employment Service Centres, all of which are available to provide job-finding and job-preparedness service to all citizens. These centres are mandated to provide services that allow people with disabilities to access the work community and opportunities for increased community involvement.
ConnecTra has more than a decade’s experience working with people with disabilities to overcome the social marginalization they face. We are aware of the importance of a personal touch.
Under the ConnecTra Project, volunteers provide one-on-one support and mentoring to ensure an individual gets the greatest reward from what they are entitled to.
Talk to ConnecTra about your personal goals, the barriers you want to overcome, and the changes you would like to see in your life.
You will be assigned a mentor, if you want, who will act as a guide through the maze of opportunities.
Mentors are people with disabilities, who can relate to the barriers participants face, and are knowledgeable about the various agencies offering support. They act as guides through areas including: Assistive technology, home adaptations, government-sponsored savings plans, specialized computer equipment, low-tech assistive devices, community health programs and recreational options.
Overall, participants will gain skills, experience and education – and possibly land employment, whether it is part-time or full-time.
Please note that the new, higher earnings exemption limit means a person receiving disability benefits from the province can now earn up to $800 monthly without losing PWD benefits.
Half of all participants currently taking part in the ConnecTra project have registered with Work BC and are seeking employment. (The remainder is in the process of doing so.)
Everybody, no matter what their disability, wants to be more involved in their community and to do something that gives back to society. There is nothing more fulfilling than being at the heart of things.
The ConnecTra project: Meeting the needs of the individual, and helping them obtain available supports and grants in order to become better off, more active and better connected within the community.
Events
For a rundown on what's happening - and where - see our Events page.
The ConnecTra Society thanks the British Columbia Ministry of Social Development for their ongoing support.
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