Project serves disabled

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Aboriginal people with disabilities now have a single source for referrals to health services, medical equipment, employment and other information relating to disabilities and health.

The B.C. Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) recently received a contract to institute a pilot project that sets up a 1-800 telephone line for advocacy and referral purposes. The service is available to First Nations, Metis and Inuit people with disabilities, whether they live on- or off-reserve.

Mike Touchie, president of BCANDS, said, "This new initiative will allow all disabled Aboriginal people ... across Canada an avenue to meet their needs. We have many of our people who have nowhere to turn in time of crisis."

The advocacy and referral service toll-free number is 1-888-381-7303. It is TTY accessible. Further information about BCANDS is available on the Internet at www.bcands.bc.ca.