Abilitas Foundation

Watch Abilitas' vision of accessible respite at the Cold Water Ranch. We welcome the donation of construction materials and (new) items of indoor & outdoor furniture. Email us.

Did you realize...

One in six BC residents has a permanent disability, whether this is a visual impairment, a spinal cord injury, or another kind of physical or cognitive impairment. Most of them live below the poverty line. Issues of cost and accessibility make much-needed respite and opportunities for outdoor recreation unattainable dreams for many families & individuals.*

Thousands of BC families with a child or parent living with a disability are currently facing crisis. There is a desperate need in our province for a barrier-free respite location where these families can rest, recharge & reconnect as a family and with other families, as well as enjoy the benefits of nature, so that they can find strength, hope and inspiration to face their challenging journeys.  

The Cold Water Ranch Lodge is a barrier-free environment created by the Abilitas Foundation: it is the first respite accommodation of its kind in BC. Abilitas has innovated respite by bringing it to the great outdoors and creating access to the benefits of nature and outdoor activities. Abilitas is collaborating with Power to Be Adventure Therapy Society which will offer accessible outdoor adventures for children and adults with disabilities or cancer and their families/siblings. Perhaps the most unique feature of the Cold Water Ranch Lodge initiative is that it comes at no cost to the guests.

"Waitlists for government assistance and respite support are forcing individuals and families into crisis, and driving parents into poverty and despair. A respite lodge like this will offer families a glimmer of hope."  - BC Association for Community Living 

_{*(Source of statistics:Government of British Columbia )}