September is Guide Dog Access Awareness Month: Help make health care spaces more welcoming to guide dog teams
This year, CNIB’s annual awareness campaign is focusing on guide dog access in health care settings
Guide dogs and their handlers have the right to access to any premises that the public would normally have access to. This applies to medical clinics, doctors’ offices, dentists’ offices, hospitals, and anywhere a guide dog handler would seek medical treatment or advice.
Guide dog handlers also have the right to visit family members in any area of a health care setting or medical facility where other visitors are allowed.
While guide dogs may not be permitted in specific environments like operating rooms or areas with radiation exposure, a reasonable accommodation must still be provided for their handlers in such instances.
By learning more about guide dogs, you can help shift social attitudes towards universal acceptance and appreciation for guide dogs, ensuring the rights of guide dog teams are always respected.
Get involved and show your support for guide dog teams by:
Applications are Available for Access Transit Users’ and HandyDART Users’ Advisory Committees
TransLink is now accepting applications for both the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee and HandyDART Users’ Advisory Committee until Sept. 14.
The Purpose of the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee (UAC) is to advise TransLink on improvements to the accessibility of their conventional transit services (Bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express). The Committee provides accessibility-related advice on TransLink plans, programs and other initiatives and is comprised of persons with disabilities, seniors or their representatives. UAC members are people with disabilities, seniors, or individuals who support people with disabilities and/or seniors.
The purpose of the HandyDART Users’ Advisory Committee (HDUAC) is for HandyDART customers and their representatives and stakeholder groups to provide advice and guidance on HandyDART plans, programs and other initiatives, and to advise TransLink on matters to improve HandyDART service for customers. HDUAC members are individuals who use HandyDART, or people who provide support for people who use HandyDART.
For more information and to apply, please click one of the links for each of the committees.
Apply to Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee
Apply to HandyDART Users’ Advisory Committee
DABC Job Opportunities: Access DTC Program
DABC is hiring for two positions within our Access DTC Program. Find out more below and see the full job postings on our Careers page.
We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of inclusion, anti-ableism, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented, including Indigenous persons, and people of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.
DTC Community Advocate
Open: August 1, 2025
Closes: August 22, 2025
Location: Vancouver, BC
Category: Community and Social Services Job
Type: Full-time, One-year fixed term
Salary: $54,000
The Access DTC program provides direct support through the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and related benefits including the Child Disability Benefit, Canada Disability Benefit and Registered Disability Savings Plan to promote financial literacy and financial security for people with disabilities in British Columbia. Access to the DTC and related benefits has become more relevant, as many people with disabilities will need the DTC to apply for the Canada Disability Benefit. We are seeking advocates passionate about social justice issues to join our dynamic team and help grow our impact in BC and beyond.
Job Description – Community Advocate
You will join a team of advocates, working one-on-one with people with disabilities to provide in-depth support through the DTC and associated benefits, and helping people claim the DTC by filing their income taxes. You will help raise awareness about DTC through the development of strategic partnerships and community outreach. You are also an active team member, able to contribute to the additional administrative responsibilities associated with the day-to-day operation of the program.
Vancouver Island Community Advocate | Access DTC Program
Post Open: August 1, 2025
Post Closes: August 22, 2025, 4:30pm
Location: Vancouver Island, BC
Category: Community and Social Services
Job Type: Contractor (3 days/week)
Term: Until March 31, 2026, with possibility of extension
Salary: $34/hour
Report to: Vancouver Island Community Engagement Specialist, Director-Access DTC Program, Disability Alliance BC
Project Background
Through a new RDSP initiative, the Access DTC program works to reduce poverty and barriers to long-term financial stability for people with disabilities living on Vancouver Island. The RDSP is a long-term savings plan designed to help people with disabilities access significant financial savings for their future. The successful candidate will help to increase access to the DTC, RDSP, and other related benefits by raising awareness about the program and supporting people across Vancouver Island communities to navigate through the application process.
Duties & Responsibilities
Under the supervision of DABC’s Access DTC Program Director and Vancouver Island Community Engagement Specialist, the Community Advocate will:
- Provide one-on-one support (remote and in person) for people with disabilities to apply for the DTC and related benefits. Direct services will include facilitating mobile clinics across Vancouver Island and will require access to a motor vehicle to travel across Vancouver Island
- Reach out to the community using a variety of means including developing educational materials, delivering of virtual and in-person workshops, establishing new community partnerships to improve DTC/RDSP uptake for people with disabilities on Vancouver Island
- Create and deliver training modules to community service providers as well as health, educational, and financial professionals on the DTC/RDSP/related benefits to build capacity for sustained support within local communities
- Work closely with Access DTC program partners, the Island Health Authority (IHA), and community partners by attending regular internal team meetings and meetings with partners.
