community-based services
Our Community Based Services (CBS) department provides one-to-one and/or group support to children and adults with disabilities and their families through a variety of programs. With support from a community support worker, individuals focus on life skill development in areas identified by the participants and/or their support network.
Unless otherwise noted, for further information about our programs, contact our Director of Community Services – Kim Miles, 604-985-5371.
INFANT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Infant Development Program (IDP) serves children from birth to three years old who are at risk for, or who already have a delay in development. IDP brings parents and professionals together to help children overcome developmental difficulties.
It’s an opportunity…
For parents to:
• Learn ways to encourage your child’s development
• Meet other parents
• Discuss parenting issues
• Make the best use of other community resources and activities
For your baby to:
• Become more independent
• Discover abilities
• Learn new skills
IDP is a “family-centered” program. This means that you, the parent, decide on what kind of support you need.
Families play a vital role in every child’s development. Physical, social, emotional, behavioural, communication and intellectual development depend in part on experiences provided by the infant’s family.
This is a self-referred program. Please fill out the IDP Referral Form. Once you enter this service, an Infant Development Consultant will visit you in your home. Together, you will plan activities that best meet both your child’s and your family’s needs. If your child has a disability (special need), up-to-date information will be available to you.
Infant Development Consultants are professionals. They have skills and knowledge in child development and can assist you to enhance your child’s development in these important years. The Infant Development Program works in partnership with other professionals in your community such as Public Health Nurses, Physiotherapists/Occupational Therapists and Speech & Language Pathologists
Your participation is voluntary and free of charge. The programs are supported by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Referrals can be made directly to the Infant Development Program (IDP). We strive to provide services in a timely fashion, but occasionally the demand for our services exceeds the capacity for us to do this. If this happens, your child may be placed on a waitlist for service.
For more information, contact:
Gaye Jackson, Manager Infant Development Program 604-986-1358.
special services to children
This program is for children & youth between the ages of 5 and 18.
We offer:
• After-school, small-group activities
• One-to-one individual support
• Day camps (during school breaks)
Each young person, along with their family or support network, develops a plan to be successful in reaching specific goals in community settings.
Children & youth enjoy fun, skill-building activities with Community Based Support Workers who are suitably matched with the individual or group for the best possible outcome. Average hours of service are 5 hours per week.
To access Special Services to Children, referrals are required from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Please call MCFD and talk to the Intake Worker at 604-904-4300.
teen and pre-teen social program
This small-group Saturday program is for individuals between the ages of 9 and 18. Youth enjoy recreational and community activities with their peers while building social and life skills. They are actively involved in planning activities, meeting as a group to create monthly recreation plans. This program is only closed on statutory holiday weekends.
To access Teen & Pre-Teen Social Program, referrals are required from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Please call MCFD and talk to the Intake Worker at 604-904-4300.
Youth Zone
Youth Zone was designed specifically for youth who are on the Autism Spectrum and may not feel that the other programs offered meet their needs. Youth Zone provides an opportunity for individuals to spend time with other like-minded peers. The group makes their own programming decisions guided by our facilitator who specializes in working with youth on the spectrum.
To access Youth Zone, referrals are required from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Please call MCFD and talk to the Intake Worker at 604-904-4300.
adult life skills
This program is for adults aged 19 and over who are interested in continuing to practice life-skills.
We offer:
• One-to-one individual support
• Small social group activities
Each adult develops a plan to be successful in reaching specific goals in community settings.
Adults enjoy fun, skill-building activities with Community Based Support Workers who are suitably matched with each person for the best possible outcome. Average hours of service are 4 hours per week.
To access Adult Life Skills, referrals are required from Community Living BC (CLBC). Please call CLBC and talk to a Facilitator at 604-981-0321.
stage (supporting transition adult group education)
STAGE is a transition service for young adults (ages 19 to 26) who have completed high school and are looking for continuing education opportunities.
The program offers small group classes such as:
• Work experience/Volunteering
• Broadcasting/Social Media
• Woodworking
• Property Maintenance
• Gardening
• Cricut Design
• Dance/Yoga/Meditation
• Social Skills
• Cooking
This time-limited program is designed for individuals who want to improve their academic, vocational and life skills. The average period an adult would be part of this program is 1-4 years, at which time they would access alternate services or employment opportunities. This service is best suited to those who wish to further their independence through community-based activities and do not require one-to-one assistance.
To access STAGE, referrals are required from Community Living BC (CLBC). Please call CLBC and talk to a Facilitator at 604-981-0321.
ZAP (Zoom ADULT PROGRAM)
ZAP is a virtual service, on Zoom, for adults with disabilities who are isolated and want to socialize.
This program is designed for individuals who want to improve their academic, vocational, life skills and social life during the COVID 19 pandemic. It is free of charge and self-referrals are accepted.
To access the ZAP Program contact Cathy Verge, Program Manager at 604-813-4781.
employment Support
This program is for adults ages 19 and over. Adults are matched with a NSDRC employment specialist will work with individuals to explore their skills, abilities, and goals and talk to local businesses and employers to understand their needs. They will then work with the individual to find and apply for jobs, or even work with an employer to create a job that will benefit both the individual and the employer.
Once a job is secured, the employment specialist will create supports to foster success; for example, working with the employer to make a list of key tasks for each day that is worked.
Sometimes, we will help an individual get started on the job and learn the job tasks; other times, we will work with the employer who will provide that training themselves. Eventually, any help needed on the job will come from co-workers.
To access Employment Services, referrals are required from Community Living BC (CLBC). Please call CLBC and talk to a Facilitator at 604-981-0321.
summer bursary program
We provide financial support to families of children and youth with disabilities to attend a recreation program and/or summer camp of their choice during July and August. Bursaries are open to residents of the North Shore. Applicants must be at least 3 years of age (entering pre-school in September) and under the age of 19 as of July 1st.
Bursary applications are now closed for 2024. Bursary applications are available annually from February 1 to April 1.
Find out more about the Summer Bursary Program here . The Frequently Asked Question section reviews the most common questions we receive about the program. Download the Receipt for Hours Worked form here .
For more information, please contact:
Kim Miles, Director Community Based Services 604-985-5371.
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North Shore Disability Resource Centre
3158 Mountain Highway
North Vancouver, BC
V7K 2H5
phone: 604-985-5371
fax: 604-985-7594
email: nsdrc@nsdrc.org
connect with us
The NSDRC was started by a group of families in 1976. In the years since, we have worked for a "Community for All" by developing and providing community housing, infant development programs, youth groups, community-based services, and information and advocacy.
We are grateful for the opportunity to work, live and play on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.