Community Update: DABC Help Sheets Have Been Translated into Four Languages

In order to make our publications and resources available to more people, Disability Alliance BC has recently had many of our Help Sheets translated into four additional languages (Arabic, Persian, Punjabi and Spanish). Translation services are being carried out by MOSAIC, who is also our partner on our Accessibility for Newcomers project within our Advocacy Access program. Under this project, immigrants and refugees with disabilities have greater access in connecting with advocates for disability support services.

Translation of our Help Sheets would not have been possible without generous funding provided by the Law Foundation of BC. The Law Foundation is also the Advocacy Access program’s primary funder. In addition to financial support to run the program, the Law Foundation is also covering the costs of on-demand, live translation and interpretation services for client appointments with our advocates.

Our BC Disability Benefits Help Sheets are our most popular downloads. These self-help guides explain various benefits and programs, and how to apply for them.

These translations and English versions of the Help Sheets are located at the following link: https://disabilityalliancebc.org/publications/publications-bc-disability-benefits-help-sheets/.

MOSAIC is in the process of translating the remainder of our Help Sheets and our Canada Pension Plan-Disability (CPP-D) Guides into the four languages listed above. Once those translations have been finalized and uploaded, we will send out an additional Community Update and post an announcement on our blog and social media.

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Editorial by Jana Husseini from the Parenting with Disabilities edition of Transition magazine

Photo of Jana Husseini and her newborn daughter.

This article was written by Jana Husseini, and originally appeared in the edition of DABC’s Transition magazine, Parenting with Disabilities (Spring 2023). The text below is only an excerpt. Read the full issue here.


When my husband Mustafa and I started to think about a family, we had so many questions. As a woman with spina bifida, could I be a mother? Could I even conceive? What about all the social and environmental barriers for someone living with a disability?  

On top of all that, there were some prejudiced misconceptions that women with disabilities are not capable of having a family. 

But, our desire for a child was strong. We talked and talked about our fears and our hopes.

When I went looking for answers, it was my family, friends and peers who are mothers who taught me the most. One friend, a mother with quadriplegia, walked the path of motherhood before me. She and other women I knew convinced me I could follow.

A Learning Experience for Everyone

I looked for community resources and supports for me and Mustafa. One of the best I found was the Spinal Cord Injury of BC Sexual Health Centre. So many of my questions about pregnancy and motherhood were answered. We were so grateful for their practical and respectful support.

On the day I learned I was pregnant with Malika, we were filled with joy. Our journey toward growing our family had begun.

Researching and navigating the health care system as an expectant mother with a disability showed me a lot. As an advocate, it showed me even more.

All along the way, I had to advocate for myself within a system that wasn’t very prepared for a mother with disabilities.

On the other hand, I found many health professionals who were knowledgeable and compassionate. They wanted to find ways to support me, even when the system was not set up to do so.

My first pregnancy exam, for example, was done in a hospital rather than my gynecologist’s office because she didn’t have an accessible exam table. After having me as a patient, she got one.

I could not find any training specifically for mothers with disabilities, but I learned a lot from the Healthiest Baby Possible program for first time mothers.

What’s Missing?

I would love to see more understanding of the needs of mothers living with disability, whether it is a physical, mental health or other kind of disability.

When I was in the hospital to deliver Malika, my gynecologist held a meeting for all of the staff who would be involved. She wanted to be sure they understood as much as possible about the care and support I would need.

A central hub for parents with disabilities would be wonderful. I was able to find many resources on my own, but a one-stop resource would be a great support to parents. There are so many things to understand from pregnancy, to delivery, to the legal steps, to taking the child home.

There were times I was completely overwhelmed. A hub could provide new parents with care before and after delivery, access to a peer group of moms, in-home support, information and referral, and counselling.

The biggest gap for me was that I didn’t have any support after the delivery. The care and professionalism I experienced during pregnancy and delivery was amazing. Post-delivery, the only outside support I had was an Occupational Therapist who made sure my bassinet was accessible.

After the delivery, I was very depressed. I was completely on my own with Mustafa. I wasn’t ready to go home, but the hospital wanted me to vacate the bed.

Advice To Prospective Parents

If you are considering starting a family as a parent living with disability, I have these suggestions for you.

Be very informed about your own health. This includes your disability. Sometimes health professionals make suggestions that will not work for someone with your disability.

Be your own persistent advocate. You may not get all the information or support you need, unless you ask for it.

Research. Do your own research about programs and services, and talk to people. Peers are often the very best source for information and tips.

Educate everywhere you go. Chances are you will find many health professionals who do not know much about your disability, but are willing to learn.

In this Transition, you will read about how other people with disabilities are living and thriving as parents, even though we have all shared many of the same concerns and fears. We have also gathered lots of resources to help parents, no matter what kind of disability you may be living with.

We hope you find this edition helpful and even inspiring, whether you are already a parent or are considering starting a family.

Jana Husseini is an advocate with DABC’s Access RDSP program.

New Resource: Guide to the DTC and RDSP for Newcomers with Disabilities

This new guide is the result of a partnership between Disability Alliance BC, Plan Institute, and the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants.

It is designed to help frontline workers in settlement agencies and advocates introduce newcomers with disabilities to both the Disability Tax Credit and Registered Disability Saving Plan, explain the benefits of these programs, the eligibility criteria, and to guide them through the process, if and where needed.

Download the PDF in English and French:
English
French

Read it online in flipbook format here in English and French:
English
French