Victoria Disability Resource Centre

10/23/2025

Yay! Freda's back

10/21/2025

VDRC Office will Close at Noon (12:00pm) on Friday, October 24, 2025

The Victoria Disability Resource Centre will be closing early at noon on Friday, October 24, 2025 so that our staff can attend the Celebration of Life of a beloved co-worker and friend who passed away suddenly in June.

We appreciate your understanding as we take this time to honour her memory and support one another in grief.

Regular office hours will resume on Monday.

Thank you for your compassion and understanding.

— The VDRC Team

10/17/2025

We are excited to be hosting some new sessions of Chair Yoga this fall, held online via Zoom! Exact dates are to be determined, but we are likely aiming for early/mid November!

Chair Yoga is a modified form of yoga performed while seated in a chair, or using a chair for support. It offers accessibility to people with limited mobility, injuries, or those who are new to exercise, allowing them to build strength, flexibility, and balance while enjoying the benefits of yoga, such as improved posture, reduced muscle pain, and enhanced mental well-being. The practice involves modified yoga poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques to provide a gentle yet beneficial mind-body experience.

If you would like to register and share your preference on what days work best for you, please fill out the Google form at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvwkSc5dn5wVDmgA5Rer6mZG9x9PCiAzSFYOns7-BmPW9kdw/viewform

If you have any questions or require any accommodation, please email peersupport@drcvictoria.com!

Image Description: Poster advertisement for the Chair Yoga group, with a graphic of people with various disabilities. All info on the poster is in the social media post.

10/08/2025

Victoria Disability Resource Centre – 35th Annual General Meeting Update

On September 25, 2025, the Victoria Disability Resource Centre (VDRC) held its 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM). This important event gave us the chance to reflect on the past year, elect our board members, and celebrate the progress we’ve made together as a community.

AGM Highlights
- Financial Success: VDRC closed the year with $47,600 in revenue over expenses, up from $31,100 the previous year. This growth reflects the strength of our programs, donations, fundraising, and fee-for-service initiatives.
- Volunteer Contributions: Volunteers continue to be the heart of the VDRC, giving nearly 1,700 hours valued at more than $33,000.
- Program Growth: Increased revenue has allowed us to expand services and support new staff in areas such as volunteer coordination, parking permit assistance, and disability awareness training.

Board Transitions
We said farewell to long-serving board members Kim Donaldson, Doug Copley, and Saira Walters, whose dedication has helped shape the Centre’s direction.

At the same time, we warmly welcomed two newly elected board members, Layli Ford and Chris Sheaff. Although both were first appointed to the board earlier this year in March, they have already stepped into leadership roles as part of the Executive. Their energy and commitment are remarkable, and we are excited to see their contributions in the years ahead.

The 2025–2026 Executive Committee is as follows:
- Chair: Jeremy Scott (serving his second year as Chair)
- Vice-Chair: Caroline Calis (formerly Secretary)
- Treasurer: Layli Ford (newly elected in September, appointed to the board in March 2025)
- Secretary: Chris Sheaff (newly elected in September, appointed to the board in March 2025)

Image Description: A graphic with the VDRC logo and text that says "35th Annual General Meeting Highlights"

09/29/2025

In recognition of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, the VDRC will be closed on Tuesday, September 30th. We will reopen at 9:00am on Wednesday, October 1st.

Check out the link below from Indigenous Tourism BC for a listing of ceremonies and events happening in your area:
https://www.indigenousbc.com/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1332995498&gbraid=0AAAAADcmdOURhAAm4OLuZiHNmgZ_Q4ley&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI06Oht8b-jwMVWdLCBB2mxzfvEAAYASAAEgJDbfD_BwE

Image Description: the Every Child Matters logo, on an orange background.

09/26/2025

Unfortunately, word has come out that Canada Post has gone on strike. As a result, until things are resolved, we will not be able to have applications or renewals for parking placards mailed to us, nor will we be able to send out any processed placards.

We will still be available to process applications and renewals in-person at our office (817A Fort St.) We are open Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 4:00pm and Friday 9:00am to 2:00pm. If you are unable to make in to our office, it is okay to send a family member, friend or trusted acquaintance to pay for and pick up the placard on your behalf.

Placards can also be picked up at one of our satellite locations:

Sidney
Beacon Community Services
10030 Resthaven Drive
Phone: 250-656-5537
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

Brentwood Bay
The Community Resource Office, The Cultural Centre
1209 Clarke Road
Phone:250-652-8695
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00am to 2:00pm

Langford
Wes-Com Medilend (The Priory)
567 Goldstream Avenue
Phone: 250-478-5373
Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00am – 1:00pm

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will keep monitoring any upcoming news regarding the strike and update you accordingly as soon as we are able to. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Parking Program at 250-595-0044, extension 106 or parking@drcvictoria.com.

Image Description: the Canada Post logo.

09/25/2025

TODAY'S THE DAY! Join us for the VDRC 35th Annual General Meeting this evening at 6:00pm online via Zoom! Check out the post below for info on how to attend!

Find the AGM package here: https://drcvictoria.com/news-events/vdrcs-35th-annual-general-meeting-agm-is-thursday-september-25-2025-at-6pm/

Join Us for Our 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM)!

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Online via Zoom (no registration required)

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86329699738?pwd=15w6CkS3eTAoEaJgqmCtlyMnUsRVur.1

Or call 778-907-2071 and use meeting ID 863 2969 9738 and passcode: 695608

We’re excited to welcome guest speakers from the City of Victoria’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Accessibility Advisory Committee. They’ll share updates on the changes happening in our community, discuss shared goals, and answer your questions during a short Q&A session.

✨ Accessibility: ASL interpretation and live transcript will be provided.

For any accommodation requests, please contact Wendy at director@drcvictoria.com or call 250-595-0044 ext. 107.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate 35 years of community together. We hope to see you there!

The AGM package will be available soon.

Image Description: poster advertising the AGM, all info featured on it in above social media post.

09/23/2025

Independent Living Canada / Vie autonome Canada has a job position available for a new National Executive Director! Check out the link below for the full job posting and for how to apply!

https://www.ilc-vac.ca/article/recruiting-national-executive-director-1425.asp

Image Description: The ILC logo, with the text "NOW HIRING. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR"

09/22/2025

Just a reminder that the VDRC 35th Annual General Meeting is happening this Thursday, September 25th at 6:00pm online via Zoom! Check out the post below for info on how to attend!

Find the AGM package here: https://drcvictoria.com/news-events/vdrcs-35th-annual-general-meeting-agm-is-thursday-september-25-2025-at-6pm/

Join Us for Our 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM)!

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Online via Zoom (no registration required)

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86329699738?pwd=15w6CkS3eTAoEaJgqmCtlyMnUsRVur.1

Or call 778-907-2071 and use meeting ID 863 2969 9738 and passcode: 695608

We’re excited to welcome guest speakers from the City of Victoria’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Accessibility Advisory Committee. They’ll share updates on the changes happening in our community, discuss shared goals, and answer your questions during a short Q&A session.

✨ Accessibility: ASL interpretation and live transcript will be provided.

For any accommodation requests, please contact Wendy at director@drcvictoria.com or call 250-595-0044 ext. 107.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate 35 years of community together. We hope to see you there!

The AGM package will be available soon.

Image Description: poster advertising the AGM, all info featured on it in above social media post.

09/17/2025

A research team at York University is conducting an online study about the experiences, both positive and negative, of visible minority families of autistic youth and young adults aged 10-30 living in Canada and they are looking for your input!

You will be asked to complete an online survey (30-45 minutes) about your child, family flourishing, and experience living in Canada. To thank you for your participation, you will be entered in a draw to win one of ten $100 e-gift certificates.

Take the survey here: https://yorku.questionpro.ca/a/TakeSurvey?tt=wMLxVY4S9kSEwvp%2BGRv8wQ%3D%3D

For more information, please contact Nisha Vashi or Dr. Jonathan Weiss (Principal Investigator) at flourishingfamilies@yorku.ca York University, Department of Psychology!

Image Description: Flyer for the York University study. All relevant info is in the above social media post.

09/08/2025

Are you interested in exploring your artistic side?

Join us for the VDRC Art Group on Friday, September 19th, 2025 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, where you'll be able to draw, colour, and/or paint!

The group will meet at the VDRC office (817A Fort Street)!

All supplies will be provided (colouring books, canvases, felts, paint and brushes, and more)!

You can register by filling out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/mYFKsaFcXwK54hPv9 or by emailing peersupport@drcvictoria.com or calling 250-595-0044 and ask for extension 112.

Photo Description: A poster for the VDRC Art Group. All information within is also in accompanying social media post.

09/03/2025

Join Us for Our 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM)!

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Online via Zoom (no registration required)

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86329699738?pwd=15w6CkS3eTAoEaJgqmCtlyMnUsRVur.1

Or call 778-907-2071 and use meeting ID 863 2969 9738 and passcode: 695608

We’re excited to welcome guest speakers from the City of Victoria’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Accessibility Advisory Committee. They’ll share updates on the changes happening in our community, discuss shared goals, and answer your questions during a short Q&A session.

✨ Accessibility: ASL interpretation and live transcript will be provided.

For any accommodation requests, please contact Wendy at director@drcvictoria.com or call 250-595-0044 ext. 107.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate 35 years of community together. We hope to see you there!

The AGM package will be available soon.

Image Description: poster advertising the AGM, all info featured on it in above social media post.