Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation

The Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia, dedicated to empowering people with physical disabilities. Established in 1996 by Sam Sullivan, a quadriplegic who was injured in a skiing accident in 1978, the foundation aims to help individuals with disabilities overcome barriers through adaptive recreation, innovative devices, and social connectivity. It supports six affiliated societies that provide a range of specialized services and programs for people with physical disabilities across Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, and Canada[2][3][4].

History

The foundation was originally formed as the Reach Disability Foundation in June 1996 by Sam Sullivan, who sought to provide opportunities for people with physical disabilities to engage in active and meaningful community participation. In December 2001, the organization was renamed the Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation following a legal challenge by a similarly named group. Sullivan served as executive director until 2005, when he was elected Mayor of Vancouver. After his mayoral term, he returned to serve on the foundation’s board of directors in 2009. The board has been chaired since inception by Vancouver businessman Peter Jefferson. Sullivan's contributions have been recognized with several honors, including his investiture as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2005, the Terry Fox Award, and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Award. He was also appointed Canada’s ambassador for the 2010 Winter Paralympics hosted in Vancouver and Whistler[3].

Mission and Vision

The foundation's mission is to empower individuals with physical disabilities to take control of their personal journeys and to inspire them to reimagine what is possible. It envisions a world where people with physical disabilities feel empowered and supported to reach their full potential through access to adaptive programs, social connection, and innovative technologies[2][4].

Affiliated Societies

The Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation administers six affiliated societies, each focusing on different aspects of support and engagement for people with disabilities:

• British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society
• ConnecTra
• Disabled Sailing Association of British Columbia
• Tetra Society of North America
• Vancouver Adapted Music Society

These societies offer diverse programs ranging from adapted recreational activities and sailing to customized assistive devices and musical opportunities, fostering inclusion and participation for individuals with disabilities[3][4].

Programs and Impact

Through its affiliated societies, the foundation has been fostering meaningful experiences for over 35 years. It promotes outdoor recreation, social connectedness, and the development of innovative assistive devices to improve the quality of life for people with physical disabilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation and its societies implemented new services and virtual programs to address heightened mental and physical health challenges faced by the disabled community, including providing access to personal protective equipment and reducing risks associated with everyday activities[2][5].

Business Registration Number: 894468396RR0001
Registered charity compliant with Canada Revenue Agency regulations[4].