The Handy Circle Promotions Society Fact Sheet
The Handy Circle Promotions Society is a self help support group for people with any kind of disability, formed in 1985, registered under the B.C. Society Act and has charitable tax status.
Our office is located at #107- 490 Quebec Street, Prince George, BC. V2L 5N5
Ph: (250) 563-1852 or Fax: (250) 563-1855
We focus on various issues that affect people with disabilities.
1985 - Introduced a community newsletter called "The Communicator" which helps promote the needs and skills of people with disabilities.
1986 - Worked with the Carefree Society to raise funds to take 65 persons with disabilities to EXPO. Sponsored a public hearing on Transportation in December. Recommendations given to the City of Prince George and B.C. Transit resulted in improvement of both the Handydart system and public transit in the city.
1987 - With a city grant hired six disabled people to take an accessibility study of public facilities in Prince George. Printed the "Special Needs Access Guide."
1988 - Worked with members of the Kiwanis Club of Prince George to establish an Independent Living Resource Centre. Worked with operators of Emerald Taxi to start a wheelchair taxi service.
1989 - Opened the Independent Living Resource Centre at 490 Quebec Street where seven community organizations rent office space. We helped launch the 24 hr. wheelchair taxi service in May 1989.
1990 - Held a public hearing on "Access to all Transportation Services" (local, Provincial and Federal Government Services). Formed a housing committee to address the need for adaptable housing. Held a public hearing on Wheelchair Accessible Housing in October.
1991 - Assisted B.C. Transit with a telephone survey on bus transportation and taxi service for people with disabilities, which resulted with recommendations to City Council to increase the Handydart service: introduced a taxi supplement and taxi script. All recommendations were accepted by City Council to take effect 1991- 92.
1992-1993 - Established a data-base for our Information Resource Centre,(through a grant from Ministry of Social Services), to dispense information to the public on; services, associations, programs, etc., which involve or effect people with disabilities (local, provincial, federal). To be staffed primarily by volunteers who have disabilities. Assisted in forming "The Inter-Agency Accessible Transportation Action Committee".
1994 - Conducted a survey of Rental Property.
1995-1996 - Revised the Special Needs Access Guide.
1996-1997 - Printed Prince George Special Needs Accommodation Guide
1998-1999 - Continuing to help and advocate for people with disabilities
Services we provide:
H.A.A.T.S. - Handy Access Advisory Team Service for business owners.
H.I.T.S. - Handy Independent Travel Service - Information for booking travel tours for people with disabilities.
C.R.E.D.I.T. - Creative Employment Development Initial Training for office management practice. This is just a basic training for people wishing to upgrade or learn new skills, and it also gives people with skills the opportunity to train others in our accessible office.
Links to Special Needs Websites
angelfire
CNC
Access-Ability
Canadian Abilities Foundation
Disabled NewNet
CNC. (Library)
