Since 2014, the Dhinjal family has been fundraising for Aspire through an event called the Drive for Ability. Through this event, over $215,000 has been donated from family and friends. The donations have been used for various programs and projects within Aspire.
The Dhinjal family saw the need to support individuals and families through two programs:
- Drive For Ability Therapy Fund – supporting individuals with developmental disabilities who are seeking access to therapies and services that enhance their communication, independence, well-being, participation, and quality of life.
The fund is intended to help reduce financial barriers to accessing therapeutic supports, including occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, behavioural supports, mental health services, assistive technology assessments, and other therapeutic or skill-development services.
The fund recognizes the importance of individualized supports and the value of lived experience. It aims to empower individuals and families to access services that contribute to personal growth, inclusion, and full participation in community life.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE DRIVE FOR ABILITY THERAPY FUND!!
- Drive For Ability Scholarship – supporting learners with developmental disabilities who are pursuing educational, vocational, or skills-based training opportunities.
The program is designed to reduce financial barriers to education while recognizing individuals who demonstrate resilience, personal growth, community engagement, and a commitment to creating more inclusive and accessible communities.
The Scholarship values lived experience and seeks to empower learners to achieve their educational goals while contributing to a more inclusive community.
The Drive For Ability Scholarship will accept applications in early 2027.
Drive For Ability Therapy Fund
Up to $5000 available.
Eligibility Requirements
Residency: Applicants must be residents of Richmond, BC
Target Audience: Applicants must self-identify as having a developmental disability
Medical Documentation is not required. Applicants may apply independently, or a parent, guardian, family member, or other authorized support person may apply on behalf of an individual with a developmental disability.
Applicants (or their parent/guardian or support person) will provide a personal statement describing:
- their support needs and goals
- how the requested therapy or service will benefit them
- how the fund will help them access supports that may otherwise be unavailable due to financial barriers
Intended Use of Funds:
The fund may be used for a broad range of therapeutic, developmental, and support services, including but not limited to:
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Counselling or mental health supports
- Behavioural consultation or therapy
- Recreation therapy
- Social skills programs
- Assistive technology assessments
- Other therapies or services that support personal development, independence, communication, inclusion, or well-being
Applicants must identify the therapy or service they intent to access and provide an estimate of associated costs where available.
Applicants may be eligible for up to $5000 in funding.
Application Requirements
Applications may be submitted by the individual, or by a parent, guardian, or other authorized support person on the individual’s behalf.
Applicants must submit the following
- Completed Application Form
- Personal Statement (300-750 words). Applicants are encouraged to answer the following questions:
- What goals would you like to achieve through this therapy or service?
- How will the therapy or service support your participation, independence, communication, well-being, or quality of life?
- What barriers are preventing you from accessing these supports?
- How will the fund help you reach your goals?
- Optional Supporting Materials. Applicants may also submit:
- a reference letter
- a letter from a therapist, educator, support worker, or community professional
- information about community involvement, leadership, advocacy, or personal achievements
- quotes or estimates for proposed services
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following:
Preference may be given to applicants who are unable to access required therapies through public funding, extended health benefits, or other funding sources. However, all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of financial circumstances.
Funding decisions will be guided by the goals, priorities, and aspirations identified by applicants and their families.
Drive For Ability Scholarship
Stay Tuned – Application opening in early 2027.
Up to $2500 available for two recipients.
Eligibility Requirements
Residency: Applicants must be residents of Richmond, BC
Age Requirements
- Youth aged 16 years and older
- Post-secondary students
- Adult learners returning to education or training
- Lived Experience individuals pursuing non-traditional educational pathways
Target Audience: Applicants must self-identify as having a developmental disability
Personal Statement: Medical Documentation is not required, instead applicants will provide a personal statement describing:
- how their disability has influenced their educational journey and life experiences
- their future goals
- how the scholarship will support their success
Education or Training Status:
Applicants must demonstrate one of the following:
- Acceptance into a post-secondary, vocational, apprenticeship, certificate, or skills-training program
- Current enrollment in an eligible educational or training program
- Intent to enroll within the upcoming academic year
Acceptable documentation may include:
- letter of acceptance
- proof of enrollment
- registration confirmation
- other documentation verifying participation in an educational or training program
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following
- Completed Application Form
- Personal Statement (500-1000 words). Applicants are encouraged to answer the following questions:
- what are your educational, career, or personal goals?
- how will this scholarship help you overcome barriers and achieve your goals?
- in what ways do you hope to contribute to inclusion, accessibility, or your community?
- Proof of Enrollment, Acceptance, or Intended Registration
- Optional Supporting Materials. Applicants may also submit:
- a reference letter
- examples of volunteer or community involvement
- additional materials demonstrating leadership, advocacy, or personal achievement
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following:
- Educational and Career Goals: Clear and realistic goals that demonstrate commitment to personal development and future success.
- Community Impact and Inclusion: Evidence of involvement, leadership, advocacy, or a desire to promote inclusion, accessibility, and community participation
Guiding Principles
The Drive For Ability Scholarship program is guided by the following principles:
- Accessibility: application processes should be simple, welcoming, and free from unnecessary barriers
- Equity: the program recognizes that applicants may have diverse educational pathways, support needs, and life circumstances
- Inclusion: lived experience is valued as a source of knowledge, strength, and leadership
- Flexibility: a broad range of educational, vocational, and skills-based learning opportunities are recognized and supported
