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.

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 Huang for more information or training schedule.

The RCD Computer Training Courses are going through different changes to adapt to current trends in technology. The courses are usually offered in January, April and September. The weekly classes include various practical computer courses such as Windows Basic; Microsoft Word, Excel and more. New classes such as iPad and Content Creation have been added.

There is a small fee for registering for the classes.

For registration and arranging for interview for current or upcoming term, please contact Ian Yeung or call 604-232-2404.

For more information about the Computer Training Course, please contact Ian Yeung 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.

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.
Click here to download Disability Awareness & Sensitivity Training Brochure.

For more information or booking for training, please contact Dina McInnes or call 604-232-2404.

The RCD English Courses are offered 3 terms a year, each term is usually comprised of 10 weeks.
Different levels of classes are held weekly on Monday or Wednesday or Friday afternoons. Courses fee is $50.

Space is limited; register early.

New students need to attend assessment before placement in different levels.

Spring Term: April to June
Fall Term: September to December
Winter Term: January to March

For registration and arranging for assessment, contact Dina dina@rcdrichmond.org or call 604-232-2404.

Click here for current English Course Flyer.

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.

Does your brain go blank when speaking in front of others?
Come to gain more confidence and become a master of speech!
January, April & September Terms (See schedule for exact dates)

Every other Thursday 3:00 – 4:30pm

Total 10 Sessions in a term

Cost: $10

Enquiries and registration: Dina ( dina@rcdrichmond.org )

To download:

Current Course Poster

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:

* Volunteer Policy & Guidelines
* Volunteer Manual
* Disability Etiquette & Words with Dignity

Click here to download a Volunteer Registration Form.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Ian or call 604-232-2404.