In the effort to protect the health and safety and those who we serve Handy Circle Resource Society have temporarily suspended drop-in Services on these premises until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to reopen soon. if you have any Questions 250-563-1852 P;ease call 250-563-1852 if you have taxes that need to be completed We will call you back Monday to Thursday You can pick up your completed taxes after we reopen.

Your 2019 taxes will transmitted to Revenue Canada, so no need to worry.

Handy Circle Resource Society is still closed, but we will keep you updated thank you!!!!

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Our Newest Program Has Just Launched

Digital Jumpstart is a free online program that helps people with disabilities improve their digital literacy so they have the confidence to take their next steps – join a job placement or readiness program, return to school, join the workforce, or simply become more confident using a computer.

Participants will work one-on-one with an instructor in a virtual classroom, covering topics based on the their needs. In addition, resources are available for basic digital literacy hardware, software, and training supports, such as Assistive Technology and low-cost internet bandwidth.

Visit our website for more information about Digital Jumpstart.

Michelle Gains More Independence

A Makers Making Change Success

Michelle, who has multiple sclerosis, was delighted to find two useful devices in our Makers Making Change program's assistive devices library.

“The paint tube top holder is very simple and makes a massive change for me when I paint."

With three dogs, another device that caught Michelle’s eye was the dog treat dispenser for a wheelchair.

“I can be quite weak and not have much reach in my arms... [My younger Bernese Mountain dog] is a pretty big guy, and giving him a treat, particularly while I’m out, often involves getting the one hand that’s not driving my chair slobbered on! The dispenser means I don’t have to fiddle with small treats, get my hands yucky, and Deefer thinks it’s magic!”

Visit our Makers Making Change website to find out how you can get involved.

Palmer Brushes up His Computer Skills

A Distance Computer Comfort Success

"I have to wear hearing aids often," says Palmer. "I am sensitive to light so I have to wear glasses. I have a bit of vision, but I can’t see print or colour."

Palmer was starting a program at college and needed to brush up on his computer skills. He was looking to learn screen reader JAWS, as well as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. This brought him to Distance Computer Comfort.

Palmer was paired with a volunteer tutor, John, and they worked together on a weekly basis. He found this online set-up "very accessible".

"It was excellent. Just about everything was helpful. There was always something new," he says of the lessons.

Visit our website to read more Distance Computer Comfort success stories.

Ergonomic Solutions Extend Jeremy's Workday

A WorkBC Assistive Technology Services Success

Jeremy often had to cut his work days short because of chronic pain.

“I did not have an ergonomic computer station, and it was causing me pain so much I had to just stop doing what I was doing,” he shares. “[My] condition limits me from walking, lifting, sitting too long at one time.”

Applying to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services has been a life changing experience for Jeremy.

“These accommodations have improved my ability to work by making it less painful to fulfill my duties and they give me more time at the job,” he says.

“If you are in need of this kind of support please get in touch with this great support group. The people are great to deal with and help out immensely."

Visit our website to read more WorkBC Assistive Technology Services success stories.

Solange Works Towards Opening Her Own Business

A Computer Comfort and Working Together Success

Solange has a great talent — she makes her own clothing and can replicate many designs. Having immigrated to Canada over 10 years ago, she had previously obtained a diploma in Fashion and Sewing Arts.

Solange has rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, and uses a power wheelchair.

Through Neil Squire's Computer Comfort Program, Solange received a refurbished laptop and one-on-one computer training.

She is currently in the Working Together Program. The team is working to secure her a part-time job, so she can save money to buy a new sewing machine and materials to open her own business.

Solange is a determined woman and has continued on a journey of learning and growth.

Visit our website to read more Computer Comfort success stories and Working Together success stories.

Join Our Study

We Are Seeking Participants

Do you have difficulty using your hands and arms and have trouble using a traditional mouse or track pad? Do you use an alternative mouse pointing device such as Quadjoy, Jouse, LipSync, trackball, etc.? If so, we could use your help with our pointing devices study.

Participants will be paid a $55 honorarium for a 30 minute session that you can do from your own home.

Please contact rd.info@neilsquire.ca if interested.

Read Our Annual Report

Just Published

You may read our 2019 - 2020 Annual report here. Please contact us if you would like to receive a hard copy.

Leaving a Legacy

Planned Giving

A planned gift is a personal and meaningful way to support Neil Squire Society. It allows you the opportunity to give in a way that leaves a lasting legacy, while providing you or your heirs with significant tax benefits.

To learn more about Neil Squire's planned giving program, please contact:

Shelina Dilgir, MA, CFRE
Director of Development
604 473 9363 ext. 141
shelinad@neilsquire.ca

Support Our Work

Every Gift Makes An Impact

Your support enables access to life-changing technology and knowledge, and invests in bridging the divide between disabled and non-disabled Canadians.

Digital Jumpstart is a free online program that helps people with disabilities improve their digital literacy so they have the confidence to take their next steps – join a job placement or readiness program, return to school, join the workforce, or simply become more confident using a computer.

Participants will work one-on-one with an instructor in a virtual classroom, covering topics based on the their needs. In addition, resources are available for basic digital literacy hardware, software, and training supports, such as Assistive Technology and low-cost internet bandwidth.

Visit our website for more information about Digital Jumpstart.