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Press Release and Media Advisory: Loss of Accessible Housing Program Leaves Wheelchair Users at Risk of Homelessness
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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DABC Job Opportunity: Right Fit Accessible Housing Research Specialist
December 22, 2025 by DABC
Open: December 19, 2025
Closes: January 12, 2026
Location: Vancouver
Category: Community and Social Services Job
Type: Part-time Contract (24 hours/week); Remote
Length of the position: 6 months
Compensation: $35 / hour
Who We Are
Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We are a non-profit, charitable organization that champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities. 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. through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.
Program Description
Launched in 2017, the Right Fit program is a multi-partner service designed to address the shortage of wheelchair accessible housing in the Vancouver region. The program matches affordable, accessible homes and independent living supports with people who need them.
Led by Disability Alliance BC in partnership with the Individualized Funding Resource Centre Society (IFRC), the Right Fit program provides peer-led navigation support to wheelchair users and their families, which includes holistic assessments, coordination of disability-related supports (such as home support, equipment, and assistive technology). The Right Fit maintains a comprehensive inventory of accessible units through a standardized Accessibility Checklist. The program also works with housing providers by matching vacant units with wheelchair users who have diverse accessibility needs, ensuring the most effective use of available accessible housing.
Job Description:
The Accessible Housing Research Specialist will support the Right Fit team by conducting client surveys, documenting client needs, analyzing survey data, conducting a feasibility study on home adaptations, coordinating accessibility improvements, and assisting in consultations involving housing professionals and individuals with lived experience. This role reports to the Right Fit Program Manager.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- Conduct in-person Right Fit client surveys
- Document client needs and accessibility requirements
- Photography units, accessibility features, and (with consent) clients
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Conduct feasibility study on home adaptations
- Coordinate accessibility improvements for clients
- Assist with consultations involving housing professionals and individuals with lived experience
- Prepare reports, presentations, and other documents as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned.
The successful applicant must:
- Have a degree or diploma in urban planning, architecture, interior design, occupational therapy, housing construction, social science or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
- Have knowledge and/or experience with accessible housing
- Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Have strong verbal and written communication skills
- Be team-oriented with a positive and approachable attitude
- Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients across many diverse backgrounds
- Have the ability to act ethically and handle sensitive information with confidentiality
- Be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a team as well as independently
- Have excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and manage priorities effectively
- Be technologically proficient with computers and computer programs, including Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook
- A driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required
The following are strong assets for this position:
- Experience in the non-profit sector
- Experience with a disability and/or supporting people with disabilities
- Proficiency in photography and photography/video editing software
This is a fixed term, contract position with the possibility of extension based on future funding.
Location: This position is based in the Lower Mainland, on the Unceded Territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Nations. Applications from individuals residing outside the Lower Mainland will not be considered.
The contractor will work primarily from their home but must reside in the Lower Mainland to conduct in-person visits of clients and unit visits. Occasional travel to the DABC office in Vancouver will be required. Some evenings and weekend work may occur.
Commitment to Equity
DABC is 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, people of colour, 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.
Importantly, we are looking for people who want to make a long-term commitment to our organization and have a strong desire to uphold the rights and dignities of people with disabilities.
To Apply:
Please submit a resume and brief covering letter addressed to Isabelle Groc, Program Manager of the Right Fit at rightfit@dabc.ca using the subject heading “Job Application: Right Fit Accessible Housing Research Specialist”. No phone calls please.
Applications are due no later than midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Applicants must be legally allowed to work in Canada.
