The RCD's Services & Activities
The mainstay of RCD’s service and activities is our Independent Living (IL) Program which consists of four Core Pillars of Service: Information and Networking, Skills Development, Recreation & Peer Support, and Community Engagement. It forms the infrastructure of our program delivery and is always being updated and adjusted based on client, participant, and community needs.
Information & Networking
Information and Referral Service – This complimentary service provides specialized information, referrals, and networking services pertaining to disability and accessibility issues, clear and up-to-date information on resources and options available to people with disabilities, their families, friends, community and support networks. We support each person’s ability of self-determination to take control of their own lives, through informed decision making, nurturing peer support, and establishing a strong support network. Individualized support and referrals are provided for the application of government benefits specifically for people with disabilities, including but not limited to provincial and federal benefits, Disability Tax Credits, Registered Disability Savings Plan, municipal recreational subsidy, HandyDART, housing etc.
The program is offered in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. By appointment.
Community Outreach – Essential to providing information and increasing the awareness of RCD, our community outreach team networks with other agencies, organizations and businesses by attending local community pop-up events, fairs, markets, forums or conferences. In addition, the team oversees work relating to the provision of educational workshops for members, support networks and the public.
Moms’ Support Group Language Club – RCD offers this special meeting for parent members of the Chinese Support Group to learn Cantonese and Mandarin exchange, as well as English. The program enables participants to not only learn and practice something new but more importantly, it is an opportunity to engage with other parents experiencing some of the same challenges with their loved ones.
Empowered Wellness Series – a series of special themed events with a goal to offer public awareness and educational workshops is offered to provide pertinent information and resources related to community interests, disabilities issues, and financial matters – Financial Fitness, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle & Growth and Access & Tech run quarterly for several weeks each and is offered in person and via zoom.
RCD Chinese Support Group – The goal of this group is to provide the Chinese-speaking community with support and resources pertaining to disability issues and concerns. The group meets monthly, holds various social activities and is open to people with disabilities, as well as family and community members.
The renewed permit will be sent in the mail, or picked up in person by arrangement. Permit holders can use the expiring permit till the end of the expiring month and would have enough time to receive the renewed permit.
Skills Development
RCD offers opportunities for self-help, learning and employment skills, personal growth, individual empowerment, dealing with barriers and taking control of their lives through the development of specific skills and knowledge.
English Course – RCD has designed this course for people with disabilities to learn fundamental communication skills in a friendly and comfortable environment thereby providing them with self-confidence and the ability to interact and advocate for themselves.
The course provides different levels and formats of curricula, and students progress through the course at their own pace. The syllabus includes vocabulary, spelling, grammar, writing, comprehension, and presentation in the format of group activities, small group tutoring, and continuous revision. Also offered is a Conversation Class, Reading and Writing, and Fun With Words that follow the same concept and outcome of building self-confidence and the ability to interact with others. Cost $50 per course
Life Skills Training – the purpose of this training which is fundamental to the Independent Living philosophy is to increase participants’ knowledge and ability in acquiring and building upon the skills necessary for everyday living. Topics include Eating Right, Simply Cooking, Money Management, Road & Home Safety, Using the Bus System, Proper Social Conduct and much more. This program is very popular as many of our participants are learning these skills for the very first time.
Public Speaking – Overseen by a Toastmaster who follows the toastmasters format, this very popular program builds confidence and communication skills that will ultimately assist in acquiring independence. Registration and pre-screening are required as this is an elevated level of communication.
Jobs Club or Pre-Employment Skills Training – this training is for people with disabilities who are motivated and committed to develop skills and become ready for work. The Jobs Club is a natural progression for individuals completing the Federally funded IM&M+ program as it focuses on skills such as resume writing, job searching, interview preparation and more. RCD currently has a team member working with 18 clients who are dedicated to building the program following the retirement of the program manager.
Computer Courses – RCD offered computer classes consisting of Windows Basics, Microsoft Word, navigating the Internet, and more. In addition, we also offer technology training on the iPad, and the effects AI has on people with disabilities. Courses are provided in English and Chinese.
Recreation & Peer Empowerment
Recreation & Peer Empowerment promotes integration and participation in the larger community and encourages people to face new and possibly challenging situations – most for the very first time. We encourage sharing knowledge from life experience, developing leadership skills, reducing individual isolation and supporting rights and responsibilities.
Creative Arts Club – The Creative Arts Club assists in providing personal well-being, cognitive development, and fine motor skills to all participants. It offers a means for self-expression, stress reduction, and a sense of achievement. Also, it enhances problem-solving abilities, helps to improve social skills, and boosts creativity and imagination. Supported by volunteer instructors, this popular program meets maximum capacity of 25 participants every term.
FUN Exercise – participants with diverse abilities join in exercises to improve functional skills, which help them perform activities of daily living with more ease and confidence. Exercises include flexibility and strength training, coordination, balance and motor control.
Fun with Kalimba – Introduced in 2024, this popular class teaches participants the Kalimba. A musical instrument that helps stimulate memory, fine motor skills, and learning new skills more quickly. There is a small fee to join.
Games Social Group – Individuals attend for various fun activities such as online, board, table tennis and card games. These activities provide excellent social interaction and networking.
Mom’s Fitness Group – a special support group for mothers who have children (young and adult) with disabilities to get together and share their experience. Part of the weekly gathering is set aside for sharing and other consists of social opportunities such as dance and fitness.
Relaxation Retreat – This class is aimed at self-care, health and wellness and includes guided imagery, stretching, relaxation breathing exercises, basic meditation, and much more. The format is casual, self-guided and instantaneous. Participants are encouraged to explore passive relaxation and non-religious meditation.
Singing Club – This fun club is aimed at socialization with participants taking part in learning new songs and singing each week. From time to time, karaoke takes place where everyone has a chance to fully express themselves. Another very popular club especially for participants who are mostly non-verbal or experience challenges in communicating.
Sports and Running Club – The sports and running club takes place twice a week from September to June. Through a partnership with the Richmond School Board, participants meet at a local school gymnasium to engage in various sports and activities such as basketball and a form of badminton called speedminton designed for people with disabilities. They also train on the school’s track for the BMO RUN4HOPE Vancouver Marathon.
