Tel: 604-232-2404,
Address:
#100-5671 No.3 Rd. Richmond, B.C. V6X 2C7 Click here for our location
The RCD's Services & Activities
The Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) is a consumer centered organization committed to enabling all people with disabilities in making informed choices, creating opportunities, meeting their goals and reaching their full potential. We offer an empowering, friendly environment where we work to provide quality services that lead to inclusion for people with disabilities and greater public awareness.
The RCD responds to the needs of members and communities, thus designs and provides services and activities involving skills development, literacy, health, recreation, technology, peer support and disabilities support services. We take a cross and multi-disability, self-directed and inclusive approach.
To remain a vibrant and modern agency, we have always understood that its enduring strength lies in its ability to be flexible and to constantly seek ways to improve how we provide resources, services and programming for our participants. The goal is to adapt to the new challenges of today – and tomorrow.
IL Services
1. Information & Networking
2. Skills Development & Empowerment
The Community Access Project (CAP) is a Government of Canada initiative, administered by Industry Canada, which aims to provide Canadians with affordable public access to the Internet and the skills they need to use it effectively. With the combined efforts of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, community groups, social agencies, libraries, schools, volunteer groups and the business community, CAP helps Canadians, wherever they live, take advantage of emerging opportunities in the new global knowledge-based economy. Under CAP, public locations like schools, libraries and community centres act as "on-ramps" to the Information Highway, and provide computer support and training. The project plays a crucial role in bridging the Digital Divide; contributing to the foundation for electronic access to government services; encouraging on-line learning and literacy; fostering the development of community based infrastructure; and, promoting Canadian e-commerce.
The Community Access for Computer at the Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) is also partially funded by Industry Canada. It is administered and maintained by the staff and CAP youth interns at the RCD. The aim of the CAP project is to encourage those individuals who otherwise face barriers to Internet and technology, to become comfortable and familiar with the many aspects of the Internet and computer usage.
RCD CAP site opens daily from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are 8 computer stations available for public access, including various assistive technologies for people with different disabilities, as well as 3 stations that are equipped with electrical height adjustable computer desk.
New Occupation Profiles in Explore Careers – Jan 2012
There are updated interviews and new occupation profiles added to the Career Cruising database. Here are the occupation profiles that have added most recently (Jan 2012):
Bill and Account Collector
Pipelayer
Energy Auditor
Radio / Television Program Director
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Software Engineer
Please note that the hardware engineer and software engineer profiles have replaced the computer engineer profile.
The RCD strives to heighten awareness for disabilities issues by offering a channel for caregivers to be aware of and learn how to address the needs of persons with disabilities. The Caregiver Circle Training is specifically designed to teach a basic array of skills to provide support, as well as some basic techniques for communication and self-care.
The RCD will offer the training series based on demands from the community; the presentation can be conducted either in English or Chinese. Please contact Ella for more information or training schedule.
The RCD Computer Training Courses are usually offered on a 12-week term basis, starting in January, April and September. The weekly classes include various practical computer courses such as Computer & Windows Basic; Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint; Keyboarding; Internet & Email; Photoshop Element and more.
Course fee is $45 for whole-term course (12 weeks) and $30 for short-term course (8 weeks).
For registration and arranging for interview for current or upcoming term, please contact Viet Vu or call 604-232-2404.
For more information about the Computer Training Course, please contact Viet Vu or Ian Yeung call 604-232-2404 Click here to download the Computer Class Schedule.
Refund and Credit policy:
If you can no longer attend the class(es) you have registered for, please
let us know as soon as possible. There are some conditions that apply to
our Refund and Credit policy, please refer to the category below:
Full Refund: Two weeks prior to the first day of class
Credit: One week prior to the first day of class OR during the first week of the term.
No refund nor credit: After the first week of class.
Disability Awareness & Sensitivity Training
This training workshop is designed to assist people in feeling more comfortable working with and communicating with individuals with disabilities. Topics include: appropriate language, types of disabilities, helpful hints in working with and accommodating various disabilities. The workshop is designed to be educational but light-hearted with sharing of personal stories and experiences. It could also be customized to include some exercises and simulations of what it is like to live with a disability.
Course Objectives
Provide training focusing on disabilities and pertinent issues
Develop awareness for the abilities of persons with disabilities
Explain techniques and strategies to use when interacting with persons with different types of disabilities
Identify the keys to effective communication with person with disabilities
Increase awareness of accessibility issues with practical application
Click here to download Sensitivity Training Fact Sheet and background. Click here to view Sensitivity Training Workshop curriculum & service fee.
to download Disability Awareness & Sensitivity Training Brochure.
Click here to download Disability Awareness & Sensitivity Training PowerPoint Presentation.
For more information or booking for training, please contact Ella Huang or call 604-232-2404.
English Class
The RCD English Course is offered 3 terms a year, each term is usually comprised of 12 weeks.
Classes are held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Course fee is $80; space is limited;
Space is limited; assessment and registration are required.
Spring Term: April to June Fall Term: September to December Winter Term: January to March
For registration and arranging for assessment, please contact Skills Development Coordinator: Dinadina@rcdrichmond.org or call 604-232-2404.
Click here for English Course Curriculum Summary. Click here for English Course Brochure. Click here for English Course Flyer.
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is the ability to understand finance. More specifically, it refers to an individual's ability to make informed judgements and effective decisions about the use and management of their money. The RCD offers Public Education Series including Financial Literacy topics regularly; some topics covered are Financial Planning, Tax Matters and RDSP for People with Disabilities. During these workshops, you will discover how to empower yourself with the financial skills that will help you learn to save and manage money and as well as develop financial independence.
For more workshop schedule and details,
please contact RCD Office at 604-232-2404.
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Click here to view more info on RDSP.
Each One Teach One Financial Literacy Workshops Click here to view the entire schedule and topics
This training is designed for people who have not worked with people with disabilities before. We start off with a round of icebreaker activity followed by a series of team building exercises. Within this training we will have a disability awareness and sensitivity workshop in order to understand the needs of people with disabilities. Finally we will have a session where staff and veteran volunteers share their experience in working with people with disabilities.
RCD Documents for Volunteers are downloadable here:
Click here to download a Volunteer Registration Form.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Viet or call 604-232-2404.
YEA Public Speaking Class
RCD Youth Group Public Speaking Class
Does your brain go blank when speaking in front of others?
Come to gain more confidence and become a master of speech!
Jan 11th - Mar 22nd, 2013
Every 2nd & 4th Friday 4:00 – 5:30pm
6 Sessions in each term,
Registration Fee: $10 per person
People who are interested in Arts & Crafts have a chance to get together and work on different arts projects, supported by a group of volunteer instructors. There will be 8 sessions per spring, fall and winter term. All materials are included; material fee is $20 to pay at registration or $3 drop-in fee. Registration is required for all participants. Click here to download brochure Click here to download Registration Form.
Chinese Friday Frenzy (in Cantonese) – this social group is coordinated by volunteers from the RCD Chinese Support Group, providing social opportunities to Chinese speaking members. The content includes various activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, dance and exercise and more. Material fee is $2 per session. There is a Wait List for participation.
Please call Annie (in Cantonese) at 604-241-8308 for registration and details of schedules.
The Outdoors and Nature Club meets for a planning meeting, usually the first Tuesday of the month at 12:00 PM. We try to plan at least 1 outing each month. Anyone interested is welcome; please bring your ideas of great places you would like to visit. The only cost will be transportation and entry to any venue that we may visit.
The FUNdamental Skills Exercise Training is to assist people with disabilities develop and improve their functional skills, which help them perform activities of daily living with more ease and confidence. In this activity, participants will form friendships and teamwork; improve physical strength and coordination; and have FUN in a safe and supportive learning environment. People with diverse needs sometimes find conventional exercise class at gyms and fitness centres too demanding and lack appropriate accommodations for individual needs. This project will take into consideration the different needs of participants, and follow a class plan which is specifically developed for people with disabilities, by a kinetics expert.
The programming design of this activity focuses on five different areas: flexibility, balance, coordination, motor control and strength. Most participants can join the activity and learn a full range of training movements; while some may choose different combination of movements or with modification to suit their special needs and/or training goals. There is also team play where team building and peer support are encouraged; also participants will be supported to work with each other.
Participants can improve motor skills, dexterity and coordination, as well as self-confidence and self-esteem. A series of 10 classes is offered on Wednesday mornings with 10 to 11 a.m. A combined class for people with cognitive, developmental, and mobility disabilities, is currently offered. The course fee is $8 per lesson, or $80 for the term, space is limited, early registration is recommended.
Yoga is good for your body, mind and soul. It will improve flexibility, balance and strength and increase energy and vitality. It will also help you to relief stress and to create emotional stability. This is the purpose the RCD is offering Mom’s Yoga to mothers who are caring for their children with disabilities.
The Mom’s Yoga class is a good way to be around other moms in a relaxing environment, taking a break from everyday routine of care giving. We meet every Friday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at instructor’s house. The class is taught by Maggie Li, a professional yoga trainer.
Monthly pass of $10 to attend the class. Bring your own yoga mat, all additional props and gears not included. No drop in, pre-registration is mandatory. There is a wait list due to limited space.
Call Ella at 604-232-2404 for more details and registration.
The Singing Club Meets on Thursday mornings at 10:00. Come out and have fun, meet some new friends and exercise your vocal chords. This is a free activity.
Our Social Group is meeting on Thursday afternoons 1:45-3:30 PM. Come out and meet new people, play games, draw or color, occasionally we watch a movie, and often snacks and refreshments are served.
Join us for some Chess or other strategy games!
The game of chess has a fine historical, recreational and intellectual tradition which is appreciated by people of all abilities. The RCD is excited to offer this brand new Strategy Games Club to stimulate the potential of people with disabilities and enhance confidence and self esteem through the learning of chess skills, and strategy development.
The Strategy Games Club, suitable for both expert and novice players, is held on Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. No registration required, available to all RCD members who are interested in any types of Chess (International or Chinese), board games such as Scrabble, as well as a variety of exciting games to exercise your mind.
The newest addition to the club activity is the Wii Game; come and play virtual bowling, golfing, cycling, archery, etc.
For more information please contact Rich Green or call 604-232-2404.
Table Tennis Club
The Table Tennis Club meets on Thursdays from noon time to 1:45 p.m. Learn and practise Ping-Pong with friends and get some exercise. This is a free activity.
Currently replaced by the FUNdamental Exercise Class, Tai Chi Class will be offered again in future.
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice that exercises both body and mind to restore and maintain physical and mental health through balance, peace of mind and focus.
People from all over the world and of all abilities have benefited from the relaxing, healing and calming effects of Tai Chi.
Content includes Qi Gong 18 Forms and other exercises to get you moving around, practice coordination and have fun.
For first time registrant: Click here to download registration form. Click here to download Personal Health Form.
Walking & Wheeling Club
Walking is an activity that is often overlooked despite its proven role in losing weight, preventing diseases and improving moods.
People of all abilities have realized and appreciated this leisure activity for its role in improving mental and physical well-being as well as promoting a sense of belonging through interaction with the community.
Are you interested in knitting? Join our knitting club and learn basic and advanced skills for making any project of your desire – basic or fancy. The club meets every Monday from 11:30am to 1 PM at the Centre. There is a drop-in fee of $2. Janet, our volunteer teacher has lots of new ideas for individual and group projects. Click here to download brochure Click here to Registration Form here.
We only offer this service prior to the tax return season. We just finished this season’s tax return and we would like to thank our volunteers for the great job that they did. The next tax return season will be back next year in March and April.
Click here for 2013 Income Tax Filing Service schedule.
The FUNdamental Skills Exercise Training is to assist people with disabilities develop and improve their functional skills, which help them perform activities of daily living with more ease and confidence. In this activity, participants will form friendships and teamwork; improve physical strength and coordination; and have FUN in a safe and supportive learning environment. People with diverse needs sometimes find conventional exercise class at gyms and fitness centres too demanding and lack appropriate accommodations for individual needs. This project will take into consideration the different needs of participants, and follow a class plan which is specifically developed for people with disabilities, by a kinetics expert.
The programming design of this activity focuses on five different areas: flexibility, balance, coordination, motor control and strength. Most participants can join the activity and learn a full range of training movements; while some may choose different combination of movements or with modification to suit their special needs and/or training goals. There is also team play where team building and peer support are encouraged; also participants will be supported to work with each other.
appreciated this leisure activity for its role in improving mental and physical well-being as well as promoting a sense of belonging through interaction with the community. 