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Transitions Fair - April 17, 2024

This year’s Transitions Fair will be returning to the Henry Grube Education Centre from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on April 17, 2024.

This annual event hosts numerous community agencies to help families prepare students from Grades 10 – 12, with diverse needs, for this significant transition.   

Parents, who are considering potential avenues to help them transition to adulthood, can access a diverse range of community agencies and resources available here. These agencies put youth at the forefront of every decision to assist them in becoming contributing and inclusive members of the community.  

On this page, you will find links to information about post-secondary education, vocational training, employment, community participation, leisure activities, personal growth, and transition services.  

Any questions, please email Kamloops Transitions Fair.

(250) 371-3684

CYSN, a voluntary service program, is part of the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Provides a range of family support services such as a child and youth support workers, job skills/supports, and direct funded respite (subject to funding availability, eligibility, and may be waitlisted). CYSN is also the first point of contact to initiate autism funding and determines eligibility for the At Home Program. To be eligible for CYSN, a child or youth must be under 19 and diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or an Intellectual Disability according to the DSM-V definition, or eligible for the At Home Program. More information can be found . 

1 (855) 356-5609

STADD is a team-based, person and family-centred approach to services and supports for youth and young adults with developmental disabilities transitioning to adulthood. STADD’s focus is the transition-age period, between 16 and 24 years old. STADD provides Navigator services in over 145 communities in BC. 

(250) 377-4444

Community Living BC (CLBC) is the provincial crown agency, mandated under Community Living Authority Act, that funds supports and services to adults with developmental disabilities, as well as individuals who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and who also have significant difficulty doing things on their own. CLBC works with individuals, families, service providers, community and government partners to help people to have lives filled with possibilities in welcoming communities.  CLBC works to connect people with supports and their community. 

(250) 851-2947

Mission is to be the leader in the delivery of community social service while enhancing the lives of the diverse people we serve, our employees and partners. Specialize in providing community-based programs, resources and opportunities for families seeking support. 

Career options for everyone: The Education and Skills Training Program provide students who have experienced barriers to employment the knowledge and training to seek entry level jobs in a variety of areas.

The TRU Education and Skills Training (ESTR) Program offers three certificates for these students. Each certificate runs from September through May.  These are your options for the 2021/2022 academic year:

• Career Exploration           
• Kitchen Assistant
• Retail Assistant

In each certificate program, students divide their time between the classroom, field experiences, and work experience.  Students complete academic and employment skills classes and train in areas on campus and with local businesses.  Students are integrated into work places for the practicum portion of the program. 

For more information call Jane Horton at (778) 220- 4527 or send an email to (ESTR) Program or Jane Horton.

(250) 828-1508

Cares for individuals with developmental disabilities who require assisted living support. We help individuals live as fully and as independently as possible and adapt plans to each individual's changing needs. We offer a range of residential support options, including residential homes, home sharing, and independent living. We also have community-based programs, comprising of community inclusion and employment services, are individualized to meet each client's interests and have been designed to support a sense of success and contribution. 

Community Companian Program

The Community Companion Program (CCP) provides opportunities for folks with diverse abilities to build the lives they want by accessing personalized goal planning, life skills coaching, peer support, and connection to community resources. There are two programs in Kamloops; CCP1 which provides service to adults, and CCP2 which serves young adults transitioning into adulthood.

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Youth Transition team processes applications for youth aged applying for disability assistance. Disability assistance can help you if you need financial or health support. You must be designated as a Person with Disabilities (PWD) to receive this type of assistance.

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) to dedicated to providing programs for children, youth and young adults on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC.

To learn more about programs offered in the Kamloops region, please visit: 

 or email your inquiries here.

Camp Amasa has been providing camping opportunities for adults with special needs in the province of BC since 1983.  We offer bible-based (overnight) summer camps and off-season weekend retreats.This summer, we will welcome up to 96 campers to the Shuswap during three weeks of camp!    We will also have one week of camping in Vanderhoof.

Email contact: Jacquie Bolen

(250) 376-7878 Ext 2

Summer camps that we provide for children and youth ages 6-18 yrs. Summer Programs will run in July and Aug, 3 days/week.  Educational programs are very diverse and adaptations can be made to accommodate each individual and their needs. Summer campers must be receiving services from MCFD CYSN.  

Email contact: Kari Rubel

Special Olympics provide individuals with an intellectual disability the opportunity to enhance their life and celebrate personal achievement through positive sport experiences. Founded in 1968 the Special Olympics movement has grown to include over 3.7 million athletes in 170 countries. In 1980 Special Olympics BC (SOBC) became an accredited chapter of Special Olympics Canada. For more information on Special Olympics Canada or SOBC please visit their websites. 

(250) 377-7661

It's My Life Kamloops Society (IMLKS) is a non- profit organization dedicated to ensuring that adults with developmental disabilities are supported to enjoy a good life. This is done by supporting people to live in their own homes, work at a job they enjoy and to be contributing members of their community in a way that is meaningful to them. 

(250) 376-3660

Programs include child and family, youth, community living, housing, meals on wheels, support to family care network, literacy programs, counseling services, community gardens, community kitchens, and resources. 

(604) 326-3500

Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA) is a Provincial Resource Program that supports adults aged 19 years and older who require an augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) system due to a severe communication disability, i.e. speech that is not functional for daily communication. The goal of CAYA is to ensure that eligible individuals have access to the communication tools and professional support to enable them to create an adult life to the best of their abilities. 

(250) 554 0085

Provide programs to children and youth with developmental disabilities such as autism and intellectual disability, and their families. Examples of services are behaviour support, family and one-to-one support, and social development groups. Funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development/Children and Youth with Special Needs, and Community Living BC. 

(250) 374-3245

Kamloops Society for Community Inclusion is a not-for-profit charity organization dedicated to serving adults with diverse abilities to lead full and meaningful lives through community inclusion, employment and creative housing models that are tailored to individual need. Kamloops Society for Community Inclusion is overseen and directed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of family and community members.

We are proud to have served Kamloops for over 60 years, and are continually adapting and changing for the future. It is through our services and unique initiatives that we are able to support adults with diverse abilities to live inclusively and independently in their community. Provides opportunities for adults with a developmental disability to experience a full life in as many aspects as they so choose. Kamloops Society for Community Inclusion specializes in facilitating opportunities for true community inclusion and customized employment solutions on a person-by-person basis. 

(250) 377-3670

Open Door Group offers integrated services and supports that are accessible to all British Columbians. Specialized services for the following populations: persons with disabilities, youth, immigrant, Francophone persons, Aboriginal persons, & survivors of violence/abuse. Services also include job search, resources, employment planning, workshops, and training. Open Door Group can connect people to supportive employers who see people's strengths. They can also help people access the training and assistive technologies needed to work in a field of choice. It all starts with a conversation. Tell Open Door Group what you’re looking for in a job and they will work with you to explore all your options. Wherever you are in your career journey, they will support you along the way. 

(250) 434-9268

We are a small progressive community agency in Kamloops BC dedicated to enabling individuals with developmental disabilities to live with support in their own homes and to participate actively in community life. 

(250) 372-1799

The Kamloops Brain Injury Association serves individuals with acquired brain injuries, their families, caregivers and associates by offering specialized programs and life skills education. KBIA also facilitates education and awareness regarding acquired brain injury and offers prevention workshops and seminars to the community. 

(250) 376-9554

A variety of residential services which include home sharing, specialized group living, independent living and support living models. We also support individuals with Community Inclusion supported work, Group Day services, 1-1 community inclusion supports and life skills development. We pride ourselves in providing person centered and self-directed services to all of the individuals we support. 

(250) 554-7900

Programs include home sharing program (shared living and live-in support), day program, respite, life skills and employment support for adults with developmental disabilities.

(250) 851-7300

Health Services for Community Living (HSCL) works to maximize the health, independence and participation in the community of individuals they assist. HSCL is composed of a team of 5 different health care professionals including: Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Dietician, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. 

(250) 572-0616

VISION: Making the Mountain Experience Accessible to All is a volunteer based, non- profit, charitable organization.

MISSION: To provide opportunities for people with a wide range of disabilities to participate in adaptive snow sports and recreation programs at Sun Peaks Resort.

Toll-free 1 (866) 939-5188

Provides free evidence-based information and training resources for the autism and special needs community. See ACT’s for a summary of education-related resources. 

CPABC is a non-profit organization founded in 1954. We provide programs, services, and financial resources at no cost to people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities across BC. We offer Adapted Yoga, Dance, Movement Therapy, Educational Workshops and Social Nights, all accessible through Zoom. All our programs are free and accessible! We offer funding opportunities for Camperships, Education Bursaries, and Equipment Subsidy for our members. Our mission is to help provide a Life Without Limits for all members.

Child and Youth Mental Health services use a team approach, which includes some combination of master’s level clinicians, clinical social workers, nurses, and outreach workers who provide a variety of services and specialized programs. Services offered include: mental health intake, assessment, treatment, case management and consultation. These are available based on need, current demand, and best fit for the individual and family. The assignment of services is determined by the CYMH intake clinician or team in consultation with the client or family. Many locations offer therapeutic groups and parenting skills sessions.

(250) 371-4100

The Children's Therapy & Family Resource Centre is an accredited, non-profit agency owned and operated by the Thompson Nicola Family Resource Society. We provide therapy for children with an identified need(s) (up to age 19) and support these children, their families and the communities in which they live.

(250) 376-6494

Provides therapeutic, life skills and family support services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a day program, as well as individual services in an extended program. Community Inclusion Services for adults with ASD including employment, skill development, and community-based as well as home-based inclusion.

(250) 828-3582

A subsidy program that gives people with low income access to recreational activities and City of Kamloops facilities. The City of Kamloops provides both specialized recreation programs and is open to making any of its programs adaptable for participants.

(250) 377-4444

Community Councils operate in each of CLBC’s Community Living Centre areas across the province and help to ensure that self- advocates, families, community members, and service providers play a major role in achieving CLBC’s vision of fostering good lives in welcoming communities. They work collaboratively with community partners to support community inclusion, citizenship and full participation of people with developmental disabilities.

(250) 377-4444

Community Living BC (CLBC) is working on the benefits of inclusive hiring and workplaces.

(250) 377-6500

An Interior Health Authority Mental health program that provides specialized mental health consultation and treatment services for individuals with developmental disabilities age 14 years and older.

(250) 851-7549

Health Services for Community Living (HSCL) works to maximize the health, independence and participation in the community of individuals they assist. HSCL is composed of a team of 5 different health care professionals including; Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Dietician, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.

(250) 554-9486

Located at 4-685 Tranquille Rd., A New Beginning Urban Indigenous Youth Centre is a place that welcomes Indigenous youth between the ages of 16 and 27, who require support to become independent. We offer one to one support, as well as a safe space for youth to gather, socialize, prepare food, use Wi-Fi, access a computer, phone, common area TV and video games. We also have access to food to take home, toiletries, harm reduction products, clothing, showers and laundry.

The Center is a safe, culturally friendly space that is inclusive to all Indigenous youth. They are welcome to spend time engaging with each other, the youth support workers or their own activities. Activity schedules and up-to-date information can be found on Facebook on the LMO Indigenous Youth page.

Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation

1 (866) 866-0800  

The government of BC has simplified the process for youth with developmental disabilities who are applying for disability assistance.

(250) 434-2729

Provides behavioural support services for CLBC-funded individuals in Kamloops and surrounding areas. Support individuals and their caregivers to prevent and manage challenging behaviours through Positive Behaviour Support Planning, Safety Planning, and training.

(250) 434-2236

Pivot Point specializes in intensive therapeutic interventions for children, teens, and adults with diverse abilities. Pivot Point’s mission is to help create the turning point in people’s lives that will give inspiration and focus to personal growth and success. Pivot Point offers ABA support, mental health services, online and in-person groups and camps, adult services, educational support, and teen transition services.

(250) 314-9669

A fully delegated Aboriginal Agency that provides a range of services to Aboriginal families and children living in seven Secwepmc communities and within the Kamloops area. Services include: child and family services wellness team, Aboriginal child and youth mental health, infant development/supported child development, and Aboriginal family group conferencing (family circles).