Welcome to the Volunteer Disability Advocacy Program!
Print the Volunteer Disability Advocacy Program flyer by clicking here.
TAPS is seeking volunteers to assist people to apply and qualify for persons with disabilities status with the Ministry of Housing and Social Development.
This is an opportunity to develop legal advocacy skills and knowledge, and provide tangible, sustained support and assistance for persons with disabilities.
Next volunteer training sessions start May 28th, 2009.
If you are interested, please contact: Katie Tanigawa
Volunteer Disability Advocacy Coordinator
Phone: 250-361-3521
Email: vdap at tapsbc.ca
This program is funded by
The Law Foundation of British Columbia.
Volunteer Legal Advocates
Work Responsibilities
Volunteer advocates are responsible to:
work with TAPS clients to prepare their applications for person with disabilities status;
communicate, both in writing and verbally, with medical professionals to support clients' applications for person with disabilities status;
communicate with staff of the Ministry of Housing and Social Development (MHSD) as required;
respond promptly to calls from clients;
manage files effectively;
represent applicants in their appeals if they are denied person with disabilities status;
report to, and work under, the supervision of the Volunteer Disability Advocacy Coordinator; and
provide a high quality of advocacy service to those they assist.
Training and Support
Prior to commencing advocacy work, volunteer advocates complete a 5 session training program. This training program covers:
the legal criteria for persons with disabilities status;
the skills of interviewing applicants, negotiating benefits with staff of the MHSD, and representing applicants in the appeal process;
file management skills; and
how to effectively communicate with medical professionals and staff of the MHSD.
The Benefits to those who qualify for person with disabilities status
Applicants who qualify for person with disabilities status receive:
an additional monthly support allowance (for a single person $531.42 per month rather than regular rate of $185.00);
enhanced medical benefits (dental, optical, medical . transportation, medical equipment and supplies);
access to yearly bus pass for $55.00;
consideration for a monthly nutritional supplement;
priority for low income housing; and
an earnings exemption of $500.00 per month.
Your Commitment
Volunteer advocates:
work approximately one half day (morning or afternoon) per week for a minimum of 6 months;
provide a high quality of legal advocacy assistance; and
submit reports to the Volunteer Disability Advocate Coordinator on work completed.
The practice of the advocates at TAPS is to work in collaboration with those we assist. In the advocacy process we seek to pass along to those we assist legal knowledge concerning the benefits to which they are entitled and the skill to deal with the Ministry so that they are better able to advocate on their own behalf.
