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Introduction/Overview


Services for Persons with Disabilities refer to tailored programs designed to support the unique needs of refugees and displaced persons with physical, intellectual, or sensory disabilities. These services focus on providing equal access to healthcare, education, mobility aids, and protection from neglect and discrimination. Refugees with disabilities often face additional barriers to accessing essential services, making specialized programs crucial for ensuring their independence, dignity, and inclusion.


At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we are committed to promoting the rights, well-being, and inclusion of refugees with disabilities. Our programs aim to remove barriers to access and empower individuals with disabilities to fully participate in their communities, ensuring that they receive the healthcare, education, and protection they deserve. Our services are rooted in the principle that everyone, regardless of ability, should be treated with dignity and have access to opportunities for personal development and inclusion.


This approach aligns with key international frameworks:


A Vision for Disability-Inclusive Communities


At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), our vision is to create communities where refugees and displaced persons with disabilities are fully integrated, respected, and empowered. We believe that people with disabilities should have access to healthcare, education, employment, and social participation on equal terms with others. Through our programs, we strive to remove barriers and promote inclusivity in every aspect of community life.


Our vision includes providing access to specialized healthcare, rehabilitation services, education, and social inclusion activities that enable persons with disabilities to lead independent lives and contribute to their communities.


How We Deliver This Vision: Comprehensive Services for Persons with Disabilities


RefPIC’s Services for Persons with Disabilities adopt a holistic approach to addressing the needs of refugees with disabilities. We partner with healthcare providers, disability organizations, and advocacy groups to offer accessible and inclusive services.


Key components of our Services for Persons with Disabilities include:


  • Accessible Healthcare and Rehabilitation: Providing specialized healthcare and rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, mental health support, and assistive devices.


  • Inclusive Education and Training Programs: Offering inclusive educational opportunities, vocational training, and skill development to ensure persons with disabilities can pursue academic and professional goals.


  • Mobility Aids and Assistive Technology: Supplying mobility aids, hearing devices, and other assistive technologies to improve independence and quality of life.


  • Protection from Discrimination and Abuse: Implementing programs to prevent neglect, abuse, and discrimination, ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities are protected.


  • Social Inclusion and Community Engagement: Organizing activities that foster social inclusion and community participation for persons with disabilities, promoting a sense of belonging.


Why Services for Persons with Disabilities Matter


Refugees with disabilities face multiple challenges, including limited access to healthcare, education, and employment. Without targeted services, they are at risk of isolation, discrimination, and neglect. RefPIC’s gender-sensitive, disability-inclusive programs ensure that persons with disabilities are supported, protected, and empowered to participate fully in society.


These services not only improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities but also strengthen the communities they live in by fostering inclusion, diversity, and equality. By promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, we contribute to building more resilient, compassionate, and inclusive societies.


Looking Ahead: Expanding Services for Persons with Disabilities


As RefPIC continues to expand its services for persons with disabilities, we are committed to enhancing access to healthcare, education, and social inclusion for refugees with disabilities. By focusing on removing barriers and promoting inclusive opportunities, we aim to provide comprehensive support that enables individuals to thrive.


Our Triple Nexus Approach—integrating humanitarian assistance, development, and peacebuilding—ensures that our disability services are part of a broader strategy to promote resilience, inclusion, and social integration.


What We Aim to Achieve


Our primary goals in supporting persons with disabilities include:


  • Accessible Healthcare and Rehabilitation: Ensure refugees with disabilities have access to specialized healthcare and rehabilitation services.


  • Inclusive Education: Promote access to inclusive education and vocational training, helping individuals develop skills and pursue careers.


  • Mobility and Assistive Technologies: Provide mobility aids and assistive devices to enhance independence and quality of life.


  • Protection and Advocacy: Protect individuals from discrimination, abuse, and neglect, ensuring their rights are respected.


  • Social Inclusion: Foster community engagement and social participation, ensuring persons with disabilities are included in every aspect of community life.


How We Deliver Impact


  • Accessible Healthcare and Rehabilitation: We provide specialized healthcare services, including rehabilitation and mental health support, tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities.


  • Inclusive Education and Training: RefPIC offers inclusive educational programs and vocational training to promote lifelong learning and economic self-sufficiency.


  • Technology: We supply necessary mobility aids and assistive devices to support independence and improve quality of life.


  • Protection and Legal Support: We provide protection from abuse and discrimination, ensuring individuals with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect.


  • Social Inclusion and Engagement: Our social inclusion programs promote engagement in community activities, fostering belonging and collaboration.


Who Benefits


  • Refugees and Displaced Persons with Disabilities: Gain access to critical health services, education, mobility aids, and inclusion programs that promote dignity and independence.


  • Host Communities: Benefit from inclusive practices that strengthen social cohesion and promote equality.


  • International Stakeholders: Governments, NGOs, and organizations benefit from inclusive programs that uphold the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.


Governance, Oversight, and Accountability


At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we uphold the highest standards of governance, oversight, and accountability across all our programs. As a registered nonprofit, we operate in full compliance with the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and adhere to guidelines set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for charities. This ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with national laws.


In addition to federal compliance, RefPIC adheres to provincial nonprofit regulations where we operate, both within Canada and internationally. Where necessary, we incorporate separately in different jurisdictions to ensure we meet local legal requirements. This enables us to operate effectively across regions while maintaining the highest levels of accountability and legal compliance.


  • National and Provincial Compliance: RefPIC strictly follows Canadian laws governing nonprofit organizations, ensuring transparency, financial accountability, and ethical standards. By complying with federal and provincial nonprofit regulations, we meet all legal requirements in the regions we serve.


  • International Standards and Frameworks: RefPIC's work is further guided by international laws and frameworks that protect refugee rights and promote sustainable development. We align our programs with global best practices to ensure our initiatives serve refugees and displaced persons effectively.


  • Strong Accountability Practices: We collaborate with local, national, and international stakeholders to ensure responsible resource management and effective service delivery. Through regular evaluations, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement, RefPIC ensures that our programs meet the immediate needs of refugees while contributing to long-term sustainable outcomes.


For more details, visit our Governance, Oversight, and Accountability page to learn more about our commitment to ethical practices, program evaluation, and compliance with legal frameworks.


Get Involved/Call to Action


  • Support Services for Persons with Disabilities: Advocate for inclusive services that promote dignity and independence for persons with disabilities.


  • Volunteer: Contribute by providing specialized training, healthcare support, or assisting with community engagement activities.


  • Partner with Us: Collaborate with RefPIC to enhance programs that support refugees with disabilities.


  • Donate: Your contributions help fund services that provide critical support for persons with disabilities, ensuring they can lead dignified and fulfilling lives.


Useful Resources (External Links)


  • Strengthening Protection of Persons with Disabilities in Forced Displacement:

    Developed by UNHCR, this facilitator's guide focuses on enhancing the protection of displaced individuals with disabilities, offering practical tools and strategies for implementation. Access the guide


  • Disability Inclusion in Forced Displacement:

    This toolkit provides comprehensive guidance on ensuring disability inclusion in humanitarian responses, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and participation. Access the toolkit


  • UNHCR’s Approach to Persons with Disabilities in Displacement:

    This document outlines UNHCR's strategies for addressing the needs of displaced persons with disabilities, focusing on protection, inclusion, and empowerment.

    Access the document


  • Refugees and Migrants with Disabilities:

    This resource from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs discusses the intersection of disability and migration, highlighting challenges and policy considerations.

    Access the resource


  • Humanitarian Inclusion Standards for Older People and People with Disabilities:

    Developed by the Age and Disability Capacity Programme (ADCAP) and the CHS Alliance, this resource provides minimum standards for the inclusion of older people and persons with disabilities in humanitarian responses. It emphasizes accessibility, protection, and participation in line with global best practices.

    Access the standards





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