Living with Disabilities: Everyday Strength and Joy in the Face of Barriers

Living with a disability doesn’t mean living without purpose, happiness, or independence. People with disabilities lead full, meaningful lives, filled with achievements, relationships, and dreams, just like anyone else. But they may face extra challenges that others do not. With the right support, accessibility, and respect, those challenges can be overcome. 

What Does “Living with a Disability” Mean? 

A disability is any condition that affects a person’s body or mind and makes it harder to do certain activities or interact with the world around them. Disabilities can be visible (like using a wheelchair) or invisible (like chronic pain or anxiety). 

Each person’s experience is unique. Some people need physical supports, like ramps or communication devices. Others may need flexible schedules, quiet spaces, or support workers to help with daily life. 

What Makes Life with a Disability Meaningful? 

People with disabilities want the same things as everyone else: connection, purpose, freedom, and belonging. They go to school, work, fall in love, travel, play music, and make art. They also make valuable contributions to their communities every day. 

But society isn’t always built with them in mind. Accessibility barriers—like stairs with no ramp, or websites without screen reader access—can create frustration and isolation. When we remove these barriers, everyone benefits. 

Example 

Emma is a young adult living with cerebral palsy. She uses a wheelchair and communicates with a speech device. For a long time, Emma lived in a home where outings were rare and activities weren’t planned with her needs in mind. She often felt bored and disconnected. 

Now, Emma lives with a home sharing provider who loves community involvement. Together, they go to art classes, farmers markets, and Emma’s favorite café. Her provider learned how to support her communication device, so Emma leads the way in planning her week. “I feel seen now,” Emma says. “I have things to look forward to.” 

How to Support People Living with Disabilities 

1. Listen First
   Everyone’s experience is different. Ask, “What do you need?” and “What matters to you?” 

1. Respect Autonomy
   People with disabilities should make their own decisions—big or small. Offer support, not control. 

1. Break Barriers
   Make your home, workplace, or service accessible. That might mean adding visual cues, removing clutter, or learning new ways to communicate. 

1. Celebrate Strengths
   Focus on what people can do, not just what they need help with. 

1. Include Everyone
   Don’t assume someone can’t participate. Ask how they would like to be involved, and adapt when needed. 

Resources by Region 

Here are some regional resources that support people living with disabilities across British Columbia: 

South Fraser 

• DCLS (Delta Community Living Society) – Community support, employment programs, and inclusive housing.
  🔗 dcls.ca 

• Inclusion Langley Society – Services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
  🔗 inclusionlangley.com 

Southern Interior 

• Pathways Abilities Society (Kelowna) – Skill-building, employment services, and housing support.
  🔗 pathwayskelowna.ca 

• Community Living BC – Interior Region Office – Local supports and referrals.
  🔗 communitylivingbc.ca 

North & Thompson Cariboo 

• AiMHi – Prince George Association for Community Living – Housing, advocacy, and inclusive events.
  🔗 aimhi.ca 

• Inclusion BC North Regional Office Support – Advocacy and resource connections.
  🔗 inclusionbc.org 

Vancouver Coastal West 

• Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) – Services for families, home sharing, and life skills.
  🔗 develop.bc.ca 

• Spectrum Society for Community Living – Individualized services for adults with disabilities.
  🔗 spectrumsociety.org 

Vancouver Coastal East 

• posAbilities – Inclusive programs, employment support, and community outreach.
  🔗 posabilities.ca 

• Kinsight (Tri-Cities) – Services for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
  🔗 kinsight.org 

Vancouver Island 

• Nanaimo Association for Community Living – Residential, day programs, and family support.
  🔗 nanaimoacl.com 

• Inclusion BC Island Contacts – Advocacy and disability rights connections.
  🔗 inclusionbc.org