Special Needs

The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) was founded in British Columbia in 1992. We strive to increase awareness of rights and responsibilities, so blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted individuals can have equal access to the benefits and opportunities of society.

At Easter Seals Camps, it is our goal to provide safe, fun activities in an environment where the focus is on abilities, not disabilities. All of our camp activities are designed to build confidence, independence and peer interaction in a recreational environment. Campers are encouraged and supported to participate in activities they may never have tried before including: climbing on our climbing wall, multi-day hikes, tie-dying, water polo, canoeing, wheelchair basketball, water balloon wars, kangaroo kourt, and leadership training.
Our camping program provides residential summer camp sessions for children 6 to 18 years of age who have a mental and/or physical disability. Through corporate, legacy gifts, individual donations, events and the time and effort of countless volunteers, the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities is able to fully subsidize camps, allowing campers to attend free of charge. Through the summer season, over 800 campers have an opportunity to attend one of our three camps.

BC Guide Dog Services, along with its affiliates, Alberta Guide Dog Services and Autism Support Dogs, provides professionally trained guide and autism support dogs to people and families who need their help, throughout BC and
Alberta, free of charge.

We are supported by a vast team of volunteers and donors, and our clients deeply appreciate everyone's hard work to give them a service dog that makes such a huge difference in their lives

Provides the companionship of animals to seniors and people with disabilities.

Since 1980, Special Olympics BC (SOBC), a registered charitable organization, has provided high-quality sports programs and competitions to meet the needs and interests of individuals with intellectual disabilities, enriching lives and celebrating personal achievement through positive sports experiences.

Our basic philosophical underpinnings are rooted in the idea of maximum independence with minimum professional supports.
Our experience has taught us that most people want to continue to be part of their community following brain injury.
Our philosophy supports using existing services where appropriate, and using “natural” supports such as friends, family and peers wherever possible. However, brain injury is a highly specific treatment area. Most generic service providers and peer or family supports require professional guidance and training to provide effective and meaningful support.

The Canadian Alliance for Animal-Assisted Services endeavors to advance the current system of providing Canadians with alternative animal-assisted services to promote abilities while improving health, quality of life, well-being, and autonomy.

Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind (CGDB) is a national, non-profit, charitable organization founded in 1984 to assist visually-impaired Canadians with their mobility by providing and training them in the use of professionally trained Guide Dogs.

Since 1983, the lives of over 1200 men, women and children from the age of 8 to 84, have been enriched by the services of specially trained Dog Guides from Lions Foundation of Canada.

Helps individuals with disabilities who wish to gain independence by teaming them with a specially trained assistance dog.

Community connections is an agency providing community, respite coordination and at home supports for people who live with a disability. Currently, we provide services in the central Okanagan and West kootenay areas of BC.

Community Living BC (CLBC) delivers support and services to people with developmental disabilities, children with special needs and their families in British Columbia. It has a board of self-advocates, family and community members, as well as staff located throughout the province. We believe that people with developmental disabilities and their families know best when it comes to their needs, goals and planning for the future.

Helps guide dog users maximize the benefits of mobility with a guide dog so that they may participate more fully in Canadian society.

Provides dog guides for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

In 1966, the North Okanagan Neurological Association (NONA) began as branch of the Okanagan Neurological Association. Parents of children with special needs and Dr. Art Sovereign, local paediatrician, were instrumental in obtaining phyisiotherapy services for children. The Kelowna-based physiotherapist would travel to Vernon one day per week and to Penticton one day per week to provide service.
We have recently added FASD Key Worker role to our list of programs and services.
In May 2006, we moved into our new building, the Sovereign Treehouse. We are very happy to house the North Okanagan Pediatric Clinic, as well as the Interior Health Children's Assessment Network on our third floor.
Over the years, the number of children we serve has increased from 120 per year to well over 400. Correspondingly our staff has increased from 8 to 45 in the last 25 years.

he Okanagan Similkameen Neurological Society (OSNS) is a registered, not-for-profit organization established in 1978 so that children in the South Okanagan and Similkameen could access services closer to home.
Funding for the Centre is provided by the Ministry for Children and Families and through community based fund raising activities. This community support forms a crucial partnership that makes a difference in the lives of children.
Early Intervention Programs enhance the abilities of children who are developmentally at risk. These programs make a difference in their lives. Children from birth through their kindergarten year are recipients of child focused, family centered and community based programs.
Communities served are Summerland, Penticton, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Olalla, Keremeos, Cawston, Hedley, Princeton, Coalmont, and Tulameen.
To learn more about us through our newsletter and/or how to find out how to become a member, please see our Membership information page. To learn how to contact us or to obtain a referral form, please see our contact page.
Thank you for visiting our ome on the web and remember
"Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential."