Programs: Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities

What is EPPD?

The Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD) is a Ministry of Housing and Social Development initiative that provides a range of specialized services to help individuals with disabilities participate in their communities, pursue their employment goals as they are able, increase their self-reliance, and build skills and experience that may lead to further employment or volunteer opportunities.

Services are delivered through EPPD Service Providers throughout the province. EPPD participants collaborate with their local EPPD Service Provider to establish their personal employment goals and plan. Outcomes of these goals and plans may be:

• part-time employment;
• full-time employment;
• self-employment;
• voluntary employment;
• training or studies that lead directly to employment.

For more information about the Ministry of Housing and Social Development's EPPD program, visit the EPPD website .

What is ATBC’s Role in the EPPD Program?

ATBC’s role is to support the EPPD Service Providers and their clients by coordinating the EPPD loan bank of assistive technology and providing related services to EPPD program participants. These services include:

• performing assistive technology assessments for the working or learning environment;
• providing assistive technology on loan for evaluation or long-term use;
• providing assistive technology training and on-going support.

How Can I Apply for ATBC EPPD Services?

In order to receive equipment through ATBC’s EPPD services, you must be referred to ATBC by a BC public post secondary institution, or by an EPPD Service Provider, as part of your employment plan.

If you are attending a public post-secondary institution and have a permanent disability, visit the institution’s office for disability services to enquire about application to the EPPD program. If you are not presently enrolled in a public post-secondary institution or are employed and need assistive technology services, then contact your local EPPD Service Provider for details.

Find an EPPD Service Provider

Refer to the table below for EPPD Service Provider contact information.

Vancouver Island

WCG International HR Solutions

Tel. 1-866-689-7150

Vancouver Coastal

Open Door Group (formerly THEO-BC)

Tel. 1-866-377-3670

Fraser

WCG International HR Solutions

Tel. 1-866-689-7150

Interior (includes Cariboo, Okanagan, Kootenays)

Open Door Group (formerly THEO-BC)

Tel. 1-866-377-3670

The North

WCG International HR Solutions

Tel. 1-866-689-7150

Other (predominantly serving Vancouver Coastal and Fraser regions)

Mental Health Impairment

Open Door Group (formerly THEO-BC)

Tel. 1-866-377-3670

Physical or Mobility Impairment

Neil Squire Society

Tel. 604-473-9363