Our Services
“A Clear Starting Point for Disability Services in British Columbia“
Helping individuals and families find the right disability supports.
Finding disability services can feel overwhelming.
Many people are unsure where to start, what supports may be available, or who they should contact.
You do not have to figure it out alone.
ELARA is here to help you understand your options, find the right supports, and take the next step with confidence.
How Can We Help?
You do not need to know which organization to contact before reaching out.
We are here to help if you are wondering things like:
- I was recently diagnosed with a disability. What should I do first?
- What disability benefits or financial supports may be available to me?
- How do I apply for disability supports?
- Which programs or services are right for my situation?
- Where can I find housing or independent living supports?
- I want to work. What employment supports are available?
- I need mental health or wellness supports.
- I would like to meet new people or become more involved in my community.
- I am new to British Columbia. Where should I start?
- I am not sure who I should contact.
If you are unsure where to begin, we can help you understand your options and connect you with the programs, services, and community resources that best fit your needs.
Our Services
1. Information & System Navigation
We help individuals and families understand disability, health, housing, employment, financial assistance, education, and community services available throughout British Columbia.
Our goal is to make complex systems easier to understand, navigate, and access with confidence.
2. Initial Disability Navigation
Not sure where to start?
This service is intended for individuals who believe they may have a disability or who are seeking disability-related supports but are unsure where to begin.
Through a brief questionnaire and an initial consultation, we help individuals:
- Understand possible disability support pathways
- Learn about services that may be appropriate for their situation
- Identify recommended next steps
- Understand assessment or diagnosis processes
- Prepare for future applications
This service provides general navigation and information only.
ELARA does not provide medical diagnoses or determine eligibility for government or community programs.
If another organization or service is better suited to an individual’s needs, we will help connect them to the most appropriate community resources.
3. Application Preparation Support
Applying for services can often feel confusing and overwhelming.
ELARA helps individuals prepare for applications by explaining:
- Eligibility requirements
- Required documentation
- Application processes
- Supporting documents that may be needed
- Recommended next steps before submitting an application
Our goal is to help individuals feel informed and prepared before beginning the application process.
4. Community Resource Connections
Every person’s situation is unique.
ELARA connects individuals and families with appropriate government agencies, healthcare providers, non-profit organizations, peer support groups, housing resources, employment services, educational resources, and other community programs based on their individual needs.
Our goal is to help people find the right support as early as possible.
5. ELARA Membership
Individuals who meet ELARA’s membership criteria may become ELARA Members.
Membership is intended for individuals living with disabilities who wish to receive ongoing navigation support, participate in ELARA programs, and remain connected with the ELARA community.
Members may have access to:
- Ongoing navigation support
- ELARA community programs
- Educational workshops
- Peer support opportunities
- Community events
- Resources and updates
- Future member services as ELARA continues to grow
6. ELARA Community Programs
As ELARA grows, we aim to develop community-based programs that complement existing services and respond to changing community needs.
Future programs may include:
- Peer support groups
- Educational workshops
- Resource navigation programs
- Social and recreational activities
- Family and caregiver support
- Volunteer opportunities
- Employment readiness initiatives
- Community events
- Additional programs developed in response to community needs
7. Ongoing Navigation Support
Support does not necessarily end after a referral or successful application.
As people’s needs change over time, ELARA aims to continue providing guidance by helping members access additional services, community resources, and ELARA’s own programs whenever appropriate.
We believe that successful community inclusion is an ongoing journey, and we strive to provide continued support whenever possible.
8. Service Coordination and Outcome Tracking
To provide consistent, coordinated, and high-quality support, ELARA may maintain confidential client records, with the individual’s consent where required by applicable law.
Information collected may include basic contact information, the reason for seeking support, referrals provided, services accessed, and follow-up outcomes.
Maintaining appropriate service records helps ELARA:
- Coordinate ongoing support
- Reduce duplicate services
- Monitor referrals and service outcomes
- Better understand community needs
- Improve future programs and services
- Measure the impact of our work
- Demonstrate accountability to funders, community partners, and stakeholders
All personal information is collected, stored, and protected in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.
Who We Support
Our services are available for:
- Individuals with disabilities
- Individuals who believe they may have a disability or are exploring disability-related supports
- Families and caregivers
- Newcomers to British Columbia
- Community support workers
What Makes ELARA Different?
Many organizations begin providing services only after an individual has received a diagnosis or has been accepted into a program.
ELARA also supports people before that stage.
For individuals who believe they may have a disability or who are seeking disability-related supports, ELARA helps them understand available pathways, prepare for assessments or applications, and connect with the organizations best suited to their needs.
If an individual is ultimately found not to meet disability-related eligibility requirements, ELARA will, whenever appropriate, help connect them with other community services that may better support their circumstances.
Rather than replacing existing organizations, ELARA works alongside them by improving access to information, reducing confusion, strengthening service coordination, and helping people reach the right supports more efficiently.
As ELARA grows, we are committed to continually evaluating our services, learning from community needs, and improving the quality and impact of the support we provide.
ELARA does not provide medical diagnoses or determine eligibility for government programs. Final eligibility decisions are always made by the appropriate healthcare providers, government agencies, or service organizations.
What We Do Not Provide
While we are happy to guide and support you throughout the process, ELARA does not:
- Submit applications on your behalf
- Provide legal advice
- Provide medical advice
- Make eligibility decisions
- Replace government agencies or community organizations
Need Help Getting Started?
You do not need to have everything figured out before contacting us.
Whether you are looking for support for yourself, a family member, or someone you care about, we are here to listen, answer your questions, and help you find the right place to start.
Together, we can help you understand your options, connect with the right supports, build meaningful community connections, and move forward with confidence.
Explore our Resources or Contact Us.
Still not sure where to start?
Reach out anytime. We’d be happy to help.