Vancouver, B.C. – April 2, 2026 — Disability Alliance BC (DABC) announced today that its nationally recognized Right Fit Program will lose its federal funding as of April 1, 2026, forcing the program to close and leaving hundreds of wheelchair users without critical housing support.

MEDIA ADVISORY

To highlight the urgent impact of this closure, DABC are inviting the media to attend a press conference on Thursday, April 2 at 12:00 PM at the Harmony Building (1451 East 12th Avenue, Vancouver). Harmony is a Brightside Homes development in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood, featuring more than 30 accessible units and housing several Right Fit clients. Right Fit clients will be available for interviews.

BACKGROUND

The Right Fit Program is the only initiative of its kind in Canada; directly matching wheelchair users with accessible housing and supporting them through the entire process. Wheelchair users face significant barriers to housing. Accessible homes are scarce and often filled without consideration of accessibility needs, while individuals requiring these units are left navigating complex systems alone. Without the Right Fit Program, wheelchair users will face increased risk of homelessness, institutionalization, or being forced to live in inaccessible and unsafe conditions.

“The loss of the Right Fit Program is devastating,” said Helaine Boyd, Executive Director of Disability Alliance BC. “This program fills a critical gap in our housing system. Without it, wheelchair users will be left without the supports they need to secure safe, accessible housing.”

Demand for the program continues to grow, with 226 wheelchair users currently on the waitlist—a 73% increase over two years. Since 2017, the program has placed 371 individuals into stable, accessible homes. Notably, 38% of clients served were homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness at the time of placement.

Right Fit client Shantal Bateham, a 29-year-old artist, says the program changed her life after years of searching for suitable housing.

“The Right Fit is not just an important program—it is vitally necessary. In my 14 years of living with a disability, it is the only program I have encountered that truly prioritizes matching accessible housing to people who need it. While other systems left me searching for years, The Right Fit helped me find a safe, accessible home in just one month.”

“When someone using a wheelchair is placed in housing that is not accessible, they cannot cook, bathe, or even leave their home independently—not because of their abilities, but because of the environment they are forced to exist in. Put that same person in an accessible home, and they become independent, empowered, and able to fully participate in their community. That is not just life-changing—it is community-changing.”

Media Assets

Photos of Right Fit clients are available upon request.

Media Contact

Helaine Boyd
Executive Director
Disability Alliance BC
Email: helaine@dabc.ca | Phone: 236-598-0463

About Disability Alliance BC (DABC)

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. As a registered charity, our mission is to promote a more inclusive and equitable society for people with all disabilities through direct services, community partnerships, systemic advocacy, research, and publications.

DABC provides a variety of one-on-one, free services to people with disabilities. The organization has over 60 dedicated staff, contractors and volunteers that work on targeted programming in advocacy, legal representation, tax filing, housing, income support, and accessibility.

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