Search for commonly asked questions
Living with Disabilities: Finding Belonging and Building Community
Everyone deserves to feel connected, included, and valued. For people living with disabilities, building strong relationships and feeling part of a community is essential to well-being. Social connection reduces isolation, boosts mental health, and opens the door to shared experiences.
Why Belonging Matters
People with disabilities often face barriers to participation, physical, social, and attitudes. But when communities take steps to be more inclusive, everyone benefits. Belonging is more than just being present. It means being welcomed, heard, and appreciated.
Belonging can look like:
- Having close friends or chosen family
- Participating in community events or cultural groups
- Being part of a faith group, team, or club
- Feeling safe and accepted at home, school, or work
Real-Life Example
Nadia lives in Prince George and has Down syndrome. After high school, many of her friends moved away, and she felt lonely. With the support of her home-sharing provider, Nadia joined a local theatre group. She now helps with costumes and sometimes performs in small roles. Her confidence has grown, and she has made new friends who share her interests.
“I used to feel left out,” Nadia says. “Now I feel like I matter.”
How to Support Social Connection
- Start with interests – Help people explore hobbies and passions
- Make introductions – Connect people to local groups, clubs, or community centers
- Support communication – Use tools, gestures, or visual aids to build relationships
- Model inclusion – Show others how to adapt and include people of all abilities
- Celebrate together – Create opportunities for shared success and joy
Community Belonging by Region
Explore local spaces where people of all abilities can connect, participate, and belong through shared interests, fun, and community life.
South Fraser
Surrey Adaptive Sports & Recreation
Adaptive swimming, wheelchair basketball, and boccia for all ages and abilities
🔗 surrey.ca/recreation
Surrey Libraries – Inclusive Programs
Book clubs, tech help, and storytelling circles are designed with accessibility in mind
🔗 surreylibraries.ca
Southern Interior
Reel Youth – Okanagan Projects
Intergenerational media projects where youth and adults with disabilities co-create films
🔗 reelyouth.ca
Parks Alive! – Inclusive Music Events
Outdoor concerts and community picnics with accessible seating and sensory-friendly spaces
🔗 parksalive.com
North & Thompson Cariboo
Prince George Community Arts Council – Accessible Art Classes
Open studios, theatre groups, and costume design for people of all abilities
🔗 studio2880.com
Volunteer Prince George
Support local food banks, seniors’ homes, and literacy programs
🔗 volunteerpg.com
Vancouver Coastal West
Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports (VASS)
Skiing and snowboarding lessons at Grouse, Cypress, and Seymour Mountains
🔗 vass.ca
Theatre Terrific
Inclusive theatre company—acting, singing, and movement workshops for all
🔗 theatreterrific.ca
HUB Cycling – Adaptive Group Rides
Community rides for people using adaptive bikes or trikes
🔗 bikehub.ca
Vancouver Coastal East
Community Food Hubs – East Van & Burnaby
Volunteer in community kitchens, food shares, and garden collectives
🔗 vancouverfoodnetworks.com
Eastside Arts Society
Workshops in pottery, printmaking, and open mic nights—all open to diverse participants
🔗 eastsideartssociety.ca
Vancouver Island
Lifecycles Project Society
Volunteer in urban farms, school gardens, and food justice programs
🔗 lifecyclesproject.ca
Esquimalt Recreation Centre – Adaptive Dance & Swimming
Fun, inclusive programming with peer support
🔗 esquimalt.ca