Disability Law Clinic Resource Referral Guide
In an effort to support people facing difficult situations we cannot assist with, the DLC has created a resource guide with information about other resources that may be useful to you. These include legal resources arranged by topic, and some non-legal resources.
View the resource guide below, or download it here: https://disabilityalliancebc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DLC-Resource-Referral-Guide.pdf.
General Information
The Disability Law Clinic is a program of Disability Alliance BC (DABC). We are a small legal clinic that provides legal information and advice to BC residents with disabilities, about some disability law matters. Due to our size and our mandate, we are not able to advise in all areas of law that may affect a person with a disability, and we focus on assisting people with modest incomes, who have limited access to other resources. When we are able to help, we provide assistance through a consultation with a staff lawyer. If we are unable to help, we will do our best to suggest other resources that may be useful.
Some of the matters the Disability Law Clinic may be able to assist with include:
- Accessibility Laws
- Workplace Accommodations in non-union employment situations
- Human Rights claims on grounds of disability discrimination, including claims that relate to disability and other grounds, and failure to accommodate
- Questions related to eligibility for private disability insurance, like Long Term Disability Insurance
- Appeals related to PWD and CPP-D benefits when our advocates have taken matters as far as they can
- Decision making rights, and questions from people whose affairs are managed by the BC Public Guardian and Trustee or by Committeeship
- Questions from people living in an institutional setting that provides personal support to them
Some of the matters we cannot assist with include:
- Family law
- Criminal Law
- Residential tenancy matters, except possibly where there is a failure to accommodate a disability. We cannot assist with evictions.
- ICBC/Personal injury
- Professional malpractice/negligence by doctors, lawyers and other professionals
- Employment issues for members of a union
We are a safe space
Our staff, volunteers and clients include people from unique cultures, gender and sexual identities, and disabilities both visible and invisible. We do not tolerate language and behaviour that is discriminatory or otherwise abusive.
How to Get Information to Us:
- Our email address is lawclinic@dabc.ca
- Our fax number is: (604) 875-9227.
- Our address is Suite 1450 – 605 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5J3
If you send information by fax or by mail, please send it “Attn: Disability Law Clinic”. It will take us longer to process information received by fax or by mail.
General Legal Resources
Access Pro Bono (APB) Summary Advice Program
604-878-7400
https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/summary-advice-program
Provides free legal advice to BC residents who qualify. Offers 30 minute appointments about various areas of law, and may provide additional appointments Also provides 30-minute advice appointments concerning detainment under the Mental Health Act.
APB offers several other services as well, which are described below and can be accessed at this link: https://accessprobono.ca/get-legal-help
APB Lawyer Referral Service
604-687-3221
https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service
This service is available to BC residents regardless of income. If you contact this service, the staff will get some basic information about your legal matter, and then provide you with the name(s) and contact information of one or more lawyers who practice in the relevant area of law. You would then contact the lawyer(‘s’) yourself. If you specifically request a lawyer referral consult you can speak to the lawyer for free for up to fifteen minutes. You are not required to hire the lawyer after the consultation, but if you do, the lawyer’s regular fees typically apply. Some lawyers are able to work on a contingency basis, and if you are interested in hiring a lawyer, you can ask them about this. This service works best if you have specific questions in mind ahead of your consult appointment.
Online Lawyer Referral Service: Go to the link above to see if your legal matter is one that is within the mandate of the online service. If it is, there is a link you can click 24/7 to book a 15-minute consult with a lawyer.
Everyone Legal Clinic (ELC) (An APB Program): 778-200-4478 or go to the link above and scroll down to information about this program and book an intake appointment online.
The ELC is NOT a free service, but is a lower cost, fixed-rate service. Clients work with articled students who are supervised by lawyers, and there is an initial consultation that has a non-refundable fee, to determine whether the program can assist you.
Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
Human Rights Info Line: 604 –622-1100 or toll free 1-855-685-6222
Human Rights Clinic: 604-622-1100 or 1-855-685-6222; intakebchrc@clasbc.net
Summary advice, and assistance for people who have filed a complaint
Mental Health Law: 604-685-3425 or 1-855-685-6222
People who have been detained under the Mental Health Act or similar provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada.
CLAS also offers advice to those experiencing or who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace
Indigenous Community Legal Clinic (DTES/UBC School of Law)
604-822-5421
iclc@allard.ubc.ca
The Indigenous Community Legal Clinic provides free legal representation for those persons who qualify for legal assistance and have a legal issue that falls under the jurisdiction of the British Columbia provincial courts. Examples of cases dealt with at the ICLC include, but are not limited to:
- Administrative and civil law matters
- Criminal matters
- Aboriginal law/Indigenous legal issues
- Family law matters
- Child protection
- Human Rights complaints
- Letters of administration
- Limited divorce assistance
- Police complaints
Note: the ICLC does not provide full legal representation in Supreme Court matters.
Law Students Legal Advice Program (UBC School of Law)
604-822-5791
Offers at least summary advice in many areas and may be able to provide legal representation. For information on areas covered, see: https://www.lslap.bc.ca/services.html
Legal AID BC
Greater Vancouver: 604-408-2172
Elsewhere in BC: 1-866-577-2525
https://lss.bc.ca/legal_aid
Limited legal advice and assistance in matters such as criminal law where incarceration is possible and family law where children may be apprehended.
Sources Community Law Clinic
778-735-1368
Community Law Clinic – Sources Community Resource Centres (sourcesbc.ca)
Clients with Disabilities
DABC Advocacy Access
604-872-1278
Advocacy@disabilityalliancebc.org
Applications and Reconsiderations for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits and related benefits; Canada Pension Plan – Disability
DABC Access RDSP
RDSP@disabilityalliancebc.org
Information and support to apply for Disability Tax Credit; information about Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
Tax AID DABC
236-477-1717
Assistance in filing tax returns
Family Support Institute
604-540-8374 ext. 523 or toll free 1-800-441-5403
The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not for profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI helps families navigate through resources that a family member with a disability might need in areas such as education and healthcare. FSI’s supports and services are free to any family.
Vela Canada is a non-profit organization that works with people with disabilities to create Microboards and other tools to help them meet their care needs. Here is a link to their website: https://velacanada.org/.
Crisis Support
Crisis Centre of BC: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Mental Health Support Line (BC Wide): 310-6789 (No Area Code)
Online Service for Youth 12pm-1am: www.youthinbc.com
Online Service for Adults 12pm-1am: www.crisiscentrechat.ca
Seniors Distress Line: 604-872-1234
KUU-US Crisis Line Society (for Indigenous clients across BC):
Toll free 1-800-KUU-US17 (1-800-588-8717)
Adults: 250-723-4050
Youth: 250-723-2040
Family Law
Rise Women’s Legal Centre
604-451-7447
Our contact at Rise would also like to speak with you to see if they can help. She won’t be able to tell for sure whether they can help, or how much they can, until she does an intake interview. To see if RISE can help, they have asked that you complete their intake form, which is at this link: https://womenslegalcentre.ca/request-an-appointment/ . If you scroll to the bottom of the page, there is a button that says “Request help”. If you click on it, you can complete the form and submit it it online. You should then get a link that lets you pick a time for someone to call you for your intake interview. If you complete and submit the “request help form” and don’t get a link to the appointment calendar, you are welcome to call me. I may be able to help you book your consultation time if you cannot. It’s important to complete the request form and submit it before booking an appointment.
Legal Aid BC Family LawLINE
604-408-2172 (Greater Vancouver) or
1-866-577-2525 (elsewhere in BC)
https://family.legalaid.bc.ca
Family LawLINE lawyers give brief “next step” advice about family law issues such as:
- Parenting time or contact/access
- Guardianship/custody
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Property division
- Family agreements
- Court procedures
Parents Legal Centre
1-888-522-2752
The PLC lawyer and advocate can help you address the social worker’s concerns about your children’s safety (child protection) early on. Together they can help you find solutions that work for you and your family. You may be eligible for PLC services if:
- your income and assets fall within a qualifying range, and
- you are a parent, guardian, or a person standing in the place of a parent.
Sources Legal Resource Center
778-731-9192
www.sourcesbc.ca/our-services/family-law-advocacy/
- We assist in matters of separation and divorce, guardianship and parenting arrangements, child and spousal support and protection orders. We support individuals in navigating the family justice system by providing legal information, assistance with court forms, court preparation and emotional support. We assist with both provincial and Supreme Court matters
- Provides Service in English, Punjabi and Hindi
Child and Youth Legal Centre
778-657-5544 or 1-877-462-0037
cylc@scyofbc.org
Provides advice and assistance to children and youth aged 19 and under, including people over 19 whose legal problem began before 19. Works to ensure children’s views and interests are made known in legal cases including child protection, family law, human rights and others. Can help children throughout BC. Children can call directly and any assistance provided is free.
Indigenous Clients
Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC) /British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS)
Toll Free: 1-888-815-5511
Capital Region: 250-381-7303
Provides information and assistance applying for PWD benefits and related medical services, and case management to help people navigate when they require services from multiple organizations. They can also assist people to apply for the Disability Tax Credit so they can open the Registered Disability Savings Plan. BCANDS serves Indigenous people living anywhere in BC, and anyone living on reserve.
Indigenous Community Legal Clinic (DTES/UBC School of Law)
604-822-5421
iclc@allard.ubc.ca
The Indigenous Community Legal Clinic provides free legal representation for those persons who qualify for legal assistance and have a legal issue that falls under the jurisdiction of the British Columbia provincial courts. Examples of cases dealt with at the ICLC include, but are not limited to:
- Administrative and civil law matters
- Criminal matters
- Aboriginal law/Indigenous legal issues
- Family law matters
- Child protection
- Human Rights complaints
- Letters of administration
- Limited divorce assistance
- Police complaints
Note: they do not provide full legal representation in Supreme Court matters.
Salal Sexual Violence Support Center (previously WAVAW)
604-255-6344 toll free 1-877-392-7583
admin@salalsvsc.ca
Immediate crisis and long-term support services to survivors of sexual assault.
- 24-hour crisis and information line
- Hospital accompaniment
- Support navigating the medical and legal system
- One-to-one counselling and support groups
- Counselling for Indigenous survivors and the friends and family of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people
KUU-US Crisis Line Society (for Indigenous persons living in BC)
Adult/Elder Line: 250-723-4050
Child/Youth Line: 250-723-2040
BC Wide Toll Free:1-800-KUU-US17 (1-800-588-8717)
Métis Crisis Line: 1-833-MétisBC (1-833-638-4722)
Provides 24/7 phone support for Indigenous persons across BC. They can also help those experiencing homelessness in the Port Alberni area.
Mental Health Legal Services
APB Summary Advice re BC’s Mental Health Act
604-878-7400
https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/summary-advice-program
Access Pro Bono’ offers up to 30 minutes of free legal advice over the telephone or by video conference, to individuals (and their relatives) who seek release from detainment under BC’s Mental Health Act. Volunteer lawyers can advise on the following topics:
- What it means to be certified under the Mental Health Act
- How to apply for a review
- Legal test and procedures at review hearings
- How to prepare for a hearing
For more information, or to use the online booking form, please go to the link above and scroll down to the description of this service.
The Kettle Society
604-251-2801
Serves people living in Vancouver, Burnaby and New West, and those who rely on services located in Vancouver ONLY.
Services offered include: Supportive housing, non-emergency medical care, ID bank, clothing and alterations, advocacy (income assistance, crisis supplements, OAS, GIC etc., residential tenancy complaints and poor treatment/mis-diagnosis/ human rights concerns of people with mental health diagnoses.
Sources Community Law Clinic
778-735-1368
www.sources.bc.ca/our-services/community-law-clinic
Provides advocacy, legal advice and representation to individuals with low incomes in a variety of areas of law, including mental health.
Power of Attorney
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre
604-408-7414
info@nidus.ca
They have information and offer support with financial and health-related planning documents.
Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN)
604-558-2055
RDSP and Disability Planning Helpline: 1-844-311-7526
info@rdsp.com
An organization that works with families to plan for the long-term needs of their family members with disabilities. Although there is a lot of focus on financial planning, they also have information about other aspects of long-term planning for family members with disabilities. Some of their services are free and some have a fee.
Residential Tenancy
Tenants Resource Advisory Centre (TRAC):
Tenant Info Line: 604-255-0546 / 1-800-665-1185
Weekdays 1-5 pm except Wed: 5:30-8:30
TRAC Intake: Ana De Pablos, at 604-255-3099 ext. 230 or ana@tenants.bc.ca
Limited legal representation – MAY represent people who face complex RTB matters, situations where multiple tenants in a building are affected, or situations that fall outside RTA.
Law Students Legal Advice Program (UBC School of Law):
604-822-5791
Offers at least summary advice in many areas and may be able to provide legal representation. For information on areas covered, see: https://www.lslap.bc.ca/who-we-can-help.html
Sources Community Law Clinic
778-735-1368
www.sourcesbc.ca/our-services/community-law-clinic/
Provides legal advocacy, advice and representation to people in various areas of law, including residential tenancy.
Seniors
Seniors Distress Line
604-872-1234
Seniors First BC
604-437-1940/-866-437-1940
TTY: 604-428-3359 or toll free 1-855-306-1443.
For clients aged 55 + free advice regarding tenancy issues, CPP, OAS and GIS. Legal program – may assist clients to draft wills and may handle other legal matters for seniors.
CCElderlaw.ca
604-822-0142
ccel@bcli.org
The CCEL conducts research, and develops reports and educational tools about legal and policy issues related to aging. The CCEL collaborates with community stakeholders and organizations to identify and address subjects that impact older people.
Transgender Support
Catherine White Holman Wellness Center
604-442-4352
contactus@cwhwc.com
The CWHWC provides low-barrier wellness and legal services to two-spirit, transgender and gender non-conforming people. The CWHWC offers free services to people who need them regardless of factors like citizenship and health insurance. The CWHWC can help people update their legal name and gender-marker, answer questions about ID updates, help pay for the cost of updating ID’s, and help to update other identification such as passport, BC Service card, and driver’s licence.
Trans Rights BC
transcarebc@phsa.ca
The Trans Rights BC project has reviewed trans-specific legal education resources that already exist and lawyers involved with the project have referenced and reviewed human rights legislation for the province of British Columbia, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and other relevant policy and statues of relevance. They have developed content and accessible resources that reflect common concerns and align with current legislation.
Women (including Transgender Women)
Rise Women’s Legal Centre
604-451-7447
Our contact at Rise would also like to speak with you to see if they can help. She won’t be able to tell for sure whether they can help, or how much they can, until she does an intake interview. To see if RISE can help, they have asked that you complete their intake form, which is at this link: https://womenslegalcentre.ca/request-an-appointment/ . If you scroll to the bottom of the page, there is a button that says “Request help”. If you click on it, you can complete the form and submit it it online. You should then get a link that lets you pick a time for someone to call you for your intake interview. If you complete and submit the “request help form” and don’t get a link to the appointment calendar, you are welcome to call me. I may be able to help you book your consultation time if you cannot. It’s important to complete the request form and submit it before booking an appointment.
Salal Sexual Violence Support Center (previously WAVAW)
604-255-6344 toll free 1-877-392-7583
admin@salalsvsc.ca
Immediate crisis and long-term support services to survivors of sexual assault.
- 24-hour crisis and information line
- Hospital accompaniment
- Support navigating the medical and legal system
- One-to-one counselling and support groups
- Counselling for Indigenous survivors and the friends and family of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people
Battered Womens Support Services
1-855-687-1868
intake@bwss.org
A feminist voice against violence and oppression, BWSS is a strong, dynamic organization that provides support and advocacy for women who have experienced abuse, as well as community education and training about violence against women.
Other Resources
Povnet: https://www.povnet.org/find-an-advocate This is a search tool that allows you to find a legal advocate near you or one that serves people provincially.
BC Housing: https://www.bchousing.org/home. This is the main point of access to social housing. You can submit and application and you doctor can complete a supplemental form to your application if your health is at risk. Unfortunately, people often still wait years to be approved, so you may want to connect with other resources that support people looking for housing.
BC Housing for apps incl. SAFER: 1-800-257-7756 (toll-free) or 604-433-2218
Main resource for people looking for low income and/ or supported housing in BC
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline:
1-833-900-1010- 24/7 access, can also use the chat function on the website.
https://www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/what-we-do
Office of the Ombudsperson (BC): Victoria: 250-387-5855/ Elsewhere: 1-800-567-3247
(Investigates complaints about unfairness in BC government services and makes recommendations to resolve disputes if internal process has not led to resolution.
Representative for Children and Youth (BC)
250-356-6710
Provides information and advocacy for children, youth and young adults up to age 27, re: services related to child protection, foster care, adoption, services for children and youth with disabilities, youth justice, child and youth mental health, and CLBC clients aged up to 24 years.
Sources Community Resource Society
Advocacy Services Program: 778-735-1368
Housing Program: 778-731-9195
https://www.sourcesbc.ca/our-services/advocacy-housing-prevention-services/.
They may be able to support you in finding housing.
West Coast Prison Justice Society: free legal service for prisoners in both federal and provincial prisons located in BC – prisoner welfare, including general treatment, human rights and medical care. https://prisonjustice.org/about/services-offered/
Prisoners should call Legal Services Society Call Centre at 1-866-577-5245 (federal) or 604-636-0464 (provincial).
Workers Advisors Office: contacts for locations throughout BC are here:
Provides advice and assistance to those who disagree with a WCB decision, can’t get a decision or are raising concerns about workplace safety. The office is completely separate from Worksafe BC.
