M.E. & FM
Manual --Main Page
Updated 97/02
11. Disability Benefits
1)** Introduction. Since the disabilities
caused by M.E. and F.M. can be mild to severe, if
you are moderately affected you must start to
consider yourself a disabled person and learn to
live with the illness. Don't just wait and hope that
things will get better - start applying for disability
benefits. Some of these benefits (eg C.P.P.) can
take months or years to obtain. Try to get an
assistant or helper to do as much of the work as
possible for you. Attending a support group can
be very helpful.
2)** Resources #94027- 44
3)** Helpful Assistance. You are not
required to continue seeing a case worker, social
worker, or any person if you are not happy with
your treatment. If someone is not supportive, you
have the right to ask for another worker or to
speak to a supervisor and ask for someone more
knowledgeable or compassionate. {PO}{I found
that most people have success if they are tactfully
blunt.}
4)** Positive attitude. {PO}{Always take
a positive approach when you are trying to achieve
a goal - eg say "How can I accomplish this?" or
"How can I get this benefit" or "I would like to try
this medication". Be aggressive but not
over-bearing. If you go into a discussion with the
idea that you really don't deserve this benefit, that
you are asking too much, or that you are being a
bother, you will not get what you need} You may
find that if you need further information on a
particular benefit (such as C.P.P.), when you
inquire with the administrators who are
responsible, you will get discrepancies in the
answers given. Some people are very quick to give
an answer (it turns out to be the wrong answer) or
they do not give the full information you may
need. Be persistent - call the office again, speak to
another person, and write the details down. Many
people have had this problem, and it becomes very
frustrating when you get different information
from the same office regarding the same subject.
{PO}{I usually say that the answer you get
depends on if the coffee machine broke that
morning, or if the clerk is in a bad mood!}
5)** Special treatment because of
your disability. Since you have a disability,
anticipate that people will give you special
treatment for your disability - eg since your teeth
are more susceptible to decay because of M.E.,
GAIN will pay extra for dental repairs; since you
have great difficulty walking, the airport will
provide you with an attendant and a cart to
transport you to your loading gate.
6)** Timing of your application can
be critical. Consider your present situation
when you are applying for various benefits - eg the
best time to apply for GAIN for Handicapped
benefits would be if your spouse is out of work, as
your gross family income would be quite low.
There are some benefits (such as long-term
disability) that have time limits on when you can
apply once you become disabled.
7)** Specific History Letter. Create a 3
- 4 page letter containing medical history of all
symptoms you have. Points to include are:
a) doctor's diagnosis;
b) any specialist seen;
c) major tests done/to do;
d) date illness started;
e) describe a typical day/night;
f)** medications taken, or currently using;
g)** what happens when you try to do
various mental or physical activities, how
many hours or days you may need to
recover;
h) main disabilities;
- effects
- severity
- hindrance
- how you deal with it;
i) where you have lived;
j) family situation;
k) financial problems;
l) housing situation;
m) job and education history;
n) recreational activities, before and after
illness;
o) what are you doing to try to get better;
p) state that the illness is severe and
pro-longed;
q) state that you cannot do ANY job;
r) what reduction in work? (eg 90%).
This document can be given to any new specialist
or doctor you go to (or others that have to know
about your disability), without having to repeat to
each one what has been happening with your
illness. Put this letter on a computer so that
changes can easily be made (the newer computer
software comes with Spell-checker, Thesaurus (to
help you find the correct word) and a grammatical
checker (to help with your cognitive problems).
Give a complete picture of your situation. You
can't expect the doctor(s) to read your mind. The
time you spend composing this letter is well-spent,
as you will use it often. Include this letter with
your C.P.P. application.
8)** General Letter. Compose a general
letter, one page in length, for your doctor to sign,
that describes your symptoms (eg you cannot work
because of poor concentration, cognitive disorder,
extreme fatigue, and you unable to take public
transportation, etc.) Do not use a standard form
letter; create a letter with your personal details.
Photocopy the letter onto your doctor's letterhead.
You can use this letter when you apply for some of
the following benefits (such as the I.C.B.C.
discount).
a)** Many doctors are unaware of the exact
wording or specifics needed when applying
for benefits. Make sure you are aware,
confirm that he is, and that he will put
down what is required.
9)** Recovery Date on Forms. Have
your doctor state a recovery date as far into the
future as possible on any disability claims. He can
always change the date if you recover sooner than
expected. There are several reasons for this
suggestion:
a)** to avoid bringing the form back year
after year for your doctor to sign, which
might irritate him;
b)**since the regulations are being
tightened for disability benefits, you may
be disallowed when the form is changed
and needs to be signed again the following
year.
c)** Some organizations will not accept
vague dates, such as "undetermined", so
you may need a specific date far in the
future.
10)** Disability start date on forms.
Ensure the earliest date of disability is put down
by your doctor - the year and month that any
amount of impairment started. This can then be
used to back-date many benefits (eg Disability Tax
Credit).
11)** There are many disability
benefits that are available to you. Some
are listed in #91002, #91003, #93003, #93058
and #94019. Some of the information is provided
by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, phone
#1-800-268-7582. The M.S. Resource Guide for
Disability Benefits (#94019) is recommended by
the B.C. government (95/02) as being superior to
their own Resource Guide. A short review of
these benefits follows; however, for more details
please refer to the information in the "M.E. &
F.M. Library Materials":
12)** Help Services
a)** Daycare Services. Human
Resources will pay up to $350/child
monthly daycare costs, based on your
income, if you are unable to care for your
children. This benefit is available even if
you have a spouse who works outside of
the home. For information contact Human
Resources. You will need the "general
letter" as described above stating that you
cannot properly care for your child(ren)
yourself. There is an income test; if your
income is slightly above their limit, you
pay a percentage of the daycare costs.
b)** Homemaker. Homemakers will cook
freezer meals for you, clean your
bathrooms and floors, do your vacuuming,
laundry, care needs, even if you are
married and your spouse is healthy. You
do not have to be bed-ridden to qualify.
The cost is determined by your family
income. For a working wife and husband
on C.P.P. disability, it works to about
$2.00 for each 4-hour weekly visit.
(1)** As of 1995/05 the B.C.
Government no longer provides
homemaker services for those who
do not require personal care. You
are only eligible for this benefit if
you can't bathe or feed yourself.
There are political efforts being
made to reinstate this benefit.
Phone to confirm your eligibility, as
things do change for the better
sometimes.
c)** Meals on Wheels. Good quality
meals can be delivered to your home at a
small cost (approximately $5.00). No
eligibility testing is done. Call your local
hospital to get details on what meals are
available and what procedures have to be
followed. For Vancouver call #732-7638.
13)** Housing:
a)** Co-op housing. This type of housing
is based on 25% - 30% of your gross
family income and requires a $2,000 -
$3,000 share purchase up front. Contact
Community Services for a list of these
housing units #879-5112. When you
apply, you may not have to include your
child(ren)'s portion of the C.P.P. benefits
under the gross family income in the
calculation of your housing charge.
(1)** Some co-ops require a large
share purchase (eg $40,000). Your
only monthly rent is then
$50 - $100 monthly
maintenance and ground
keeping fee. When you
move out, you will receive
your original share purchase
(eg $40,000) back.
b) Lions Club and Kinsmen Clubs also
provide low-income housing. You can
apply directly to these clubs for lists of
where the housing is located in your area.
c)** Greater Vancouver Housing
Corporation (#432-6300/ fax #436-6960)
for suitable, affordable housing in B.C.,
usually two or three bedroom townhouses.
The housing charge is based on 30% of the
gross family income. If you do apply for
this type of housing, you are given two
chances to accept a unit that becomes
available. If you decline an available unit
two times, your application is then
cancelled.
d)** Property taxes (Disability Rebate).
This rebate is taken directly off the total
property tax owing, after the
Home-owner's tax has been deducted.
Generally, if your doctor will sign the
form, the municipality will give you the
rebate which amounts to $745 (net),
depending upon the value of your home.
The form is developed by the B.C.
Government. Each municipality seems to
handle the form in a different manner.
Some municipalities are very strict and
decline the rebate to M.E. or F.M.
patients, others are more lenient (as long as
the doctor fills out the form, you will
receive the benefit). You may also be able
to back-date this benefit up to one year -
check with your municipality. #94016
(1)** Land Tax Deferment Program
- #94019-19. You may be able to
defer your property taxes if you are
older than 60, a widowed spouse, or
a handicapped person as defined
under the Guaranteed Available
Income for Need Act (GAIN).
Contact your local municipality, or
the Minister of Finance &
Corporate Relations #387-0599/ fax
#387-6218 or #1-800-663-7867.
e)** Residential Rehabilitation Program.
C.M.H.C. will provide grants or loans to
homeowners or landlords who are making
modifications for a disabled tenant,
depending upon your family income. This
program may be cancelled in 1996. You
may be eligible for a $5,000 loan as well as
a $5,000 grant towards the modifications.
Phone #737-4065/ fax #732-9944.
f)** Tenants Rights Coalition. If you are
having problems with your rental
accommodations phone #255-3099 or
#255-0546 #1-800-665- 1185.
g)** Vancouver Resource Society, is a
non-profit organization that runs 18 group
homes and two apartment buildings in
Vancouver (Blair Court and Kelly Court)
Phone #873-3371/fax #875- 6130.
h)** The Voice of Cerebral Palsied
Housing Society (#94019-23) runs a 39
unit apartment building. Phone #874-1741.
i)** Wheelchair Housing Registry
(#94019-24) is a registry of homes that
have been modified for wheelchair
accessibility.
14)** Income:
a)** Canada Pension Plan Disability
Benefits (C.P.P.) Please refer to Chapter
16.
b)** Credit Cards . (#92056 Video3 @
0:03) Several credit cards, and some Gold
cards, have disability insurance coverage.
Check your policy, you may be eligible to
receive this benefit.
c)** Disability Discount. Always ask
when you purchase things what the
disability discount is. Many places do not
advertise this, but will give a discount if
you state that you are disabled. If they
don't, ask them why not. If they have an
Old Age Pensioner discount, they should
have a disability discount.
(1)** Some manufacturers give
rebates for items that are required
due to your disability (eg M.S.
patients can get a $500 rebate to
install air-conditioning in their car
as heat greatly affects their
condition).
d)** G.A.I.N. - Guaranteed Available
Income for Need (welfare) When you
apply for GAIN, the process is simplified if
you give your counsellor the general
history letter as discussed above. The
maximum that Human Resources would
provide under this program for yourself,
one spouse and two children is
approximately $1200 per month, with a
deduction of 100% of total net family
earnings. After a three month period, they
will increase the maximum by $200, and
deduct only 75% of any net family
earnings. Human Resources will give you
$95 per child on this program. Your
prescription drugs may be paid for 100%,
also dental work, eyeglass coverage, and
you are eligible to receive a bus pass for a
reduced rate of $40. See Human
Resources for further details on how to
apply, or call Health Services Division at
#1- 800-663-7202 or #660-3143.
(1)** There are 3 levels for GAIN,
with the maximum amount that a
single person might receive at each
level:
(a)** Employable persons
receive $546/month, with no
medical benefits;
(b)** Unemployable persons
receive $596/month, with all
medical benefits (MSP
coverage, dental, etc);
(c)** Permanently disabled
persons receive $755/month,
with the same benefits as the
"unemployables" but the
monthly dollar amount is
higher.
(i)** A couple, or
single parent with
one child can receive
a maximum of
$1,006/month in
benefits.
e)** G.A.I.N for Handicapped is a
separate benefit that you must apply for
through Human Resources. All
benefits are the same as for GAIN,
with an additional $163 per month.
GAIN for Disabled is a difficult
benefit to receive for those with
M.E., since not everyone at Human
Resources considers M.E. as a
permanent disability, or F.M. as
debilitating. If your application is
turned down once, you can make an
appeal, and if you are turned down
again your case goes before a
tribunal. The tribunal panel consists
of three people: one person of your
choice, someone from Human
Resources, and a neutral party.
According to the Legal Aid Society,
they are not aware of anyone who
has lost their case before the
tribunal. You may collect GAIN
and C.P.P. Disability benefits at the
same time - the advantage is, even
though you receive no extra cash,
you receive 100% prescription,
glasses and dental coverage under
GAIN.
(1)** GAIN will also pay your
ICBC insurance for a one-year
period, if you can prove your car is
needed, and you are unable to take
public transportation (due to fatigue,
inability to stand, etc.)
(2)** If you are capable and
collecting GAIN benefits, you are
eligible to receive up to $100 extra
in monthly benefits if you volunteer
to do 10 hours or more a month for
a registered non-profit organization
(such as M.E.B.C. or F.M.B.C.)
(3)** There have been an increasing
number of cases with M.E. or F.M.
patients getting GAIN for
Handicapped, but usually after
having been turned down several
times. Your application goes to
Victoria, then it goes to your
District Supervisor and they have
the power to overturn a "No"
decision.
(a)** After the initial
application for permanent
disability GAIN benefits
(95/11), 95% of
those who apply
listing M.E. or F.M.
as their disability will
receive a rejection
letter which states
(incorrectly) that "the
medical community
does not believe this
illness is permanent".
The B.C. Coalition
of People With
Disabilities (95/08)
claims a success rate
of over 80% with
their help on appeal
applications for either
M.E. or F.M. Do
not try to do the
appeal yourself,
contact the B.C.
Coalition for People
with Disabilities.
(4)** The B.C. Government has
officially declared May 12 as "M.E.
Awareness Day". As such, social
workers will now be hard pressed to
say they do not believe in the
illness, or that it is not significant or
debilitating.
(5)** The definition of
"Handicapped" (95/05/26 in a news
release) will be changed to "stress
the duration, rather than the
permanence of a person's disability.
The Ministry recognizes the
episodic nature of many disabling
conditions, and the employment
potential of those with physical or
mental disabilities." There are
26,000 people in B.C. getting
GAIN for Handicapped benefits,
nearly $200,000,000. per year. A
single person receives $771 per
month in benefits. As of May 26,
1995, the B.C. government will also
be making minor changes in the
appeal process.
f)** Income Tax. You may be able to
deduct some necessary items because of
your M.E. or F.M. - eg a hot tub
for the Fibromyalgia muscle pain,
reclining chair that you sit in all day
and night for M.E., an electric
scooter, a walker, or a wheelchair -
whatever you need to continue daily
living. Some of these items will
require a letter from your doctor.
Try it - "all they can say is no."
#1-800-663-9033; #1-800-
663-1665; or #669-1033.
(1)** Additional deductions under
the "Medical section" includes costs
of eyeglasses, or contact lenses.
(2)** Travelling expenses beyond
80 kms to get medical services for
the disabled person and a helper.
(3)** Uninsured medical expenses.
You can deduct medical expenses
for physicians, dentists,
physiotherapists, massage
therapists, naturopaths,
chiropractors, acupuncturists,
prescription drugs, laboratory and
ambulance services.
(4)** You can make a change to a
previous year's tax return at any
time. Send a handwritten letter to
Revenue Canada stating that you
wish to back-date some deductions,
and send the required paperwork (eg
the disability tax credit).
(5)** Audio and computer diskettes.
The tax department can provide
audio and computer diskettes with
information on how to fill out your
tax return. #1- 800-267-1267.
(6)** Calculate what you are
actually going to receive (net) from
a deduction before you make
purchases, eg on a C.P.P. disability
pension, you only get 12% of the
cost back from a medical expense
deduction.
(7)** GST Rebate phone
#1-800-663-1881/ or # 689-8671.
A tax rebate of $608 per year for a
family of four, decreasing if your
income goes above $25,921 a year.
Apply for this benefit on your
income tax return.
g)** Income Tax Disability Tax Credit.
A non-refundable tax credit of $4,233 (net
17% = $720) for 1995 taxation year is
available. Obtain Form T2201 by
contacting Revenue Canada
1-800-663-1665. If you have a disabled
child, you are eligible to use this credit on
your tax return.
(1)** This form was revised in
1991, 1992, and 1994. Be sure you
have the current form when you
apply. #950503-11
(2)** When your doctor fills out
this form, have him put the actual
date that your disability started, not
the date that you were diagnosed,
and then have your previous tax
returns re-assessed if it applies. In
most cases you don't have to refile
the actual return, you simply write a
letter to Revenue Canada, stating
you have new information that you
wish to apply to your previous
year's return(s). You can go back
more than 3 years using the
"Fairness Legislation". Look at
your spouse's tax return for the
same years - a change in your taxes
may have benefits for your spouse's
tax return - eg you drop your
income to a level that makes you a
dependant for your spouse.
(3) If your doctor fills out the form
T2201, using the word "perma-nent,"
you do not have to file the form year
after year.
(4) To qualify for this benefit, your
disability does not have to be
permanent, only prolonged
(at least 12 months
duration).
(5) To qualify, you need only 1 of
the five qualifying "ailments".
(6)** Phone 1-800- 663-1882 for
refund inquiries.
h) Student Loan Interest Relief and
Termination Canada/B.C. If you are
making payments on a Canada/B.C.
Student Loan, the repayments can be
postponed until you are employed or are
capable of making payments. The interest
on the loan will be paid by the government
for a life-time maximum of 18 months.
After that, if you are still unable to make
the payments, the Bank sends your loan to
the government for collection. A collection
agency will contact you to find what kind
of repayment you can afford. Have your
doctor fill out a form which you can
receive from the Student Loan Branch of
the Department of Secretary of State (the
agency that handles the Student Loans)
stating that you have a permanent disability
and are unable to make the payments. A
Board from the Student Loan Branch will
decide whether your entire loan will be
forgiven. You must also fill out a separate
medical package sent out by the
government. Phone #(819) 944-1840 in
Ontario for further information or contact
the bank that is handling your Student
Loan.
15)** Medical :
a)** Discounted sources. Many colleges
offer courses where students must learn a
trade (meat cutter, hairdresser). An
example of this is Vancouver Community
College, where through the meat cutting
course, the college offers meat at a
discounted price to the general public.
Hairdressing schools offer discounted
prices for haircuts, perms, etc. Some
colleges also offer a program where, for
20% of the normal costs, you can get your
dental work done by dental students. Phone
your local college to see whether they have
such a program.
b)**^ Drugs & Pharmacare. Pharmacare
will refund 70% of your eligible
pharmaceuticals after you pay the first $600
(effective March 31, 1995) for patients
under age 65; for over age 65 different
rules apply. As of 96/01 you no longer
have to submit receipts to M.S.P. as they
are now computerized on PharmaNet.
After you have reached your $600
deductible for your drug purchases (per
calendar year) you then pay only 30% of
the prescription cost to the Pharmacy when
you purchase your drugs; the remaining
70% is paid by M.S.P. directly to the
Pharmacy. If you are collecting GAIN
benefits, Human Resources will provide
you with a temporary statement, good for
48 hours, that enables you to receive your
drugs free of charge at the pharmacy.
Phone #660-1738; in Victoria #387- 3724,
or #1-800-665-7108.
c)** Medical Services Plan. If you are
having financial hardships, or are a
low-wage earner living in B.C., the
government will subsidize the cost of your
medical coverage, and pay the User Fee
charge for services of chiropractors,
massagers, etc. Contact B.C. Medical
Services Plan, 1515 Blanshard Street
Victoria, B.C. and ask for a Temporary
Premium Assistance or a Permanent
Premium Assistance form, depending upon
your financial situation. #683-7151
(Vancouver) or #1-800-663-7100
d)** Some psychologists will do reduced
rate consultations. Some Christian
organizations have a psychologist available,
and you can pay by donation.
16)** Resources:
a)** B.C. Coalition of People with
Disabilities is an advocacy group for the
disabled, with an annual $l0 membership
fee. They will answer questions over the
phone or in person on how to fill out forms
like your C.P.P. application. They will
also help you find a lawyer, if necessary,
and help with appeals and medical benefits.
If you have a group of 5 or more people
that are applying for C.P.P. or GAIN, the
coalition will send out a representative to
spend the day helping the group fill out the
applications. (#875-0188; 1-800-663-1278;
or fax #875-9227).
b)** B.C. Telephone Special Needs
Service. B.C. Tel sells speaker phones or
head sets, as do electronic outlets such as
London Drugs and Radio Shack. Phone
#663-3251 or 1- 800-242-8643.
c)** Directory of Federal Services for
Disabled Persons. A directory of federal
services and programs for people with
disabilities is available free of charge.
Phone #666-0176/ fax #666-3508.
d)** Government Agencies Directory
#1-800-663-6105, will give you the phone
number of any government agency. If you
have to call an agency long-distance, have
them return your call, then you will not
have to pay for distance charges. If you
need to find a 1-800 phone number in
Canada, call #1-800-555-1212.
e)** I.B.M. computer discount. You can
get a discount of 25% off the list-price of
an IBM computer. Phone #1-800-465-7999
and ask for the Education Specialist.
Check the (free) computer magazine
available at most libraries, to determine the
best prices and options.
f)** Performing Arts, tickets discount.
(DISTIX) Tickets can be purchased at 50%
- 60% discount for symphony, opera,
ballet, museum, or other musical events.
Quarterly newsletter of events that accept
the discounted tickets is available at
#681-3535/ fax #681-7848.
g)** Resource Line for the Handicapped,
gives information on a variety of provincial
government resources. Phone #1-800-465-
4911, in Victoria #387- 3027.
17)** Travel:
a)** B.C. Ferries offer half-rate discounts
to disabled persons and an attendant, but
not the vehicle. Phone #669-1211
(Vancouver) or #386-3431 (Victoria)
b)** B.C. Gasoline Tax Refund. A
refund of 15 cents/litre to a maximum of
$400 per year can be obtained. Contact the
Vancouver Branch of Consumer Taxation
at #660-4500 or the Victoria Branch at
#387-0654 for further information. Keep
your receipts and back-date as far as
possible. Neither Propane nor gasoline
purchased in the U.S. is covered under this
benefit. You can back-date up to six years,
or up to the date that your doctor states you
became disabled. You must be the
registered or joint owner of the vehicle, or
if you have a leased vehicle, the lease must
be in your name. You do not have to be
the principal driver to qualify for this
benefit.
c)** Disability Parking Exception
Parking Program for the City of
Vancouver. This will allow you to park
for free in metered time areas. Call the
Parking Branch of City Hall at #873- 7338/
fax #873-7200; in Victoria call #385- 5711.
One of the requirements for this benefit is
that the disability restricts mobility, or
results in slow, difficult, or painful
movement. Check with your local
municipality if they offer this discount.
d)** Disabled parking placards. This
placard will allow you to park in the
designated disabled parking spots. Your
doctor must fill out a form for this benefit.
This benefit is not only for those
that require a wheelchair, but also
for those who have difficulty
walking. These placards are issued
either on a permanent or a
temporary (1 year) basis, regardless
of the date that your doctor states as
your expected date of recovery.
The cost is $10 for each issuance.
Call Disabled Persons Parking
Placards Program at #736-4367.
e)** Federal Gasoline Tax Rebate. A 1.5
cent/litre rebate on your gasoline cost can
be obtained. Phone #666-4664 and ask for
the Federal Excise Gasoline Tax Refund,
or call 1-800-561-6990/#1-800-463-6737.
You can back-date your application up to
two years.
f) Handy- Dart. Door-to-door
transportation for the disabled. Call
#264-5000 to register. Cost is $1.25 per
trip, with 48 hours notice required.
g)** Handy-Pass - passes for the
handicapped on the bus, Seabus and Sky
Train. Your attendant can ride free. Pass
is $45 annual fee (1994). In Vancouver
#682-0391, in Victoria #387- 4331, or
#1-800-665-2656.
h) I.C.B.C. discount. A 25% discount on
your basic insurance, which is determined
using your Safe-Driver's Discount (works
out to approximately $100) can be
obtained. Pick up the I.C.B.C. brochure
"Handicapped Driver Discount". Ask your
local Autoplan Agent, not the Motor
Vehicle Branch, for further details. Bring
your "general medical letter" (explained
above) to your agent when you are buying
your insurance. You are able to apply to
have this benefit back-dated up to six years,
making it possible to get $600 - $2000
refunded to you. You must have your
vehicle registered in your name as the
disabled person; you do not have to be the
principal driver. You are eligible for this
benefit even though you may not be able to
drive. The general, one-page letter should
state that you are "suffering from
impairment to the extent that public
transportation would be hazardous" (eg you
cannot stand or walk for long periods of
time, or you must lay down after a certain
amount of exertion). Phone
#1-800-663-1466.
i)** Leisure Access Pass allows you
half-price admission to parks and
recreational facilities (swimming pools,
community centres, skating rinks, etc)
Phone #681-1141 or ask your local
municipality if they have discounted rates
for disabled, low-income people.
j)** Lift-equipped van or hand-controlled
car rentals . For a $40 - $50/day fee you
can rent a van through the B.C. Paraplegic
Association, phone #324-3611/ fax
#324-3671. Annual membership is $10.
k) ** Parks and Recreation Discount.
Half-price fares at Vancouver Parks and
Recreation facilities, such as swimming
pools and zoos, are available for the
handicapped. Phone Recreation Program
Consultant - Special Needs, Board of Parks
and Recreation.
l)** Parks. Province of B.C., Ministry
of Parks. B.C. Park Access Card, Phone
#387-5002 (Victoria). You and your
family can stay at provincial park
campgrounds free of charge. This card is
good for 2 years. You are issued a
disability card that you must present when
you register at the Provincial Campground.
m) Special needs cruises. Cruises to
Alaska or Mexico call #437-3244,
#1-800-663-4087 or speak to your local
travel agent.
n)** Taxi-Saver Program is a coupon
book for reduced rates on taxi service.
You can buy up to 2 booklets of coupons at
$20 per booklet (a $40 value) which
you give to the taxi driver - you get
half-price for your taxi fares. This
program is available in an area
encompassing North Vancouver,
Vancouver, Maple Ridge, and
Langley; outside of this area may be
started in 1996. Phone #540- 3000.
This service is run through the
Handi-Dart Program.
o) Travel discounts. On domestic flights
your attendant can travel for half-fare.
Phone your local Travel Agent, or Air
Canada Office at
#688-5515.
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End of Chapter
M.E. & FM Manual --Main
Page
Updated 97/02