Changes to BC Ferries Accessible Fare Identification Card
BC Ferries recently announced changes to the BC Ferries Accessible Fare Identification (AFI) Card. The card allow eligible BC residents with a permanent disability—and one personal attendant 12 years and older, if required— to receive a 50% discount on passenger fares.
The card now expires and has to be renewed every two years. However, applicants can now show proof of receiving PWD or CPP-D and be approved for the card without providing any additional medical information. People with disabilities who cannot provide PWD or CPP-D documentation must still have their medical practitioner complete Section C of the application form.
Download the AFI Card application form here.
Volunteer with DABC!
Disability Alliance BC (DABC) is seeking passionate and motivated volunteers to support our front-desk reception at our office in downtown Vancouver. DABC is a provincial, cross-disability non-profit, charitable organization that promotes a more inclusive and equitable society for people with all disabilities through direct services, community partnerships, systemic advocacy, research, and publications.
Our reception volunteers are often the first face or voice that a client interacts with when connecting with DABC. They exhibit an empathetic and professional attitude and respond to inquiries about our services. DABC provides a variety of services that assist clients with applying for provincial and federal disability benefits, Disability Tax Credit, Registered Disability Savings Plan, tax filings and tax credits, legal aid, and wheelchair accessible housing. Reception volunteers will be trained and mentored on an ongoing basis through regular supervision from the Advocacy Access Reception Coordinator, Advocacy Access Program Manager and Director of Tax AID and Access RDSP Programs. All of our current reception volunteers have lived experience with a disability.
Our Reception Volunteers:
- Respond to client inquiries over the phone, email and in-person
- Screen clients for eligibility of our services and conduct intake of client contact information for our waitlists
- Keep detailed and accurate records of visitor requests/calls
Reception Volunteers should have the following skills and qualifications:
- Be computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook
- Have strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts in plain language
- Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients and staff across many diverse backgrounds
- Be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a team as well as independently
- Maintain a professional, respectful and empathetic demeanor with clients and have the ability to manage client expectations as it relates to the capacity and scope of DABC’s services
- Lived experience with disability
The following are strong assets for this position:
- Lived experience with provincial disability benefits (PWD/PPMB)
- Experience in the non-profit sector
- Experience supporting people with disabilities
- Knowledge and understanding of community resources available to people with disabilities
Volunteers will receive a small monthly honourarium for their contribution to DABC’s advocacy work.
Hours Per Week: 1-2 shifts per week (each shift is 4 hours)
DABC is an open and diverse organization that promotes inclusive hiring practices. We encourage applications from qualified applicants who identify as visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
To Apply: Please send an email expressing your interest with the subject line “Volunteer Application”, along with a resume to advocacy@dabc.ca. No phone calls or faxes please.
