Bridges to the Future

Empowering youth with physical disabilities during their transition into adulthood

Mission: Inspire and facilitate youth of BC and the Yukon, who are living with physical disabilities, to be confident and independent in spirit, by:

• Initiating, building and maintaining positive relationships and a social network.
• Obtaining realistic education, employment and life skills training to result in community integration and participation.

Bridges to the Future is a community based resource program designed to help youth gain independence as they transition toward adulthood. The program was created in 2002 to support youth between the ages of 15-24 with physical disabilities. Muscular Dystrophy Canada is proud to present this program to youth with a variety of physical disabilities. 

Everyone faces challenges when moving from adolescence to adulthood. Bridges to the Future addresses the barriers faced during the transition by assisting and empowering youth with the necessary skills to move forward into adulthood as independently as possible.

The program is based on a variety of social events, educational events, online resources, and one-to-one support to prepare youth for their transition into adulthood. The success of Bridges to the Future is largely due to its focus on motivating and coaching youth while providing a supportive network as they work towards their goals.  In addition to trying new activities in the community and meeting new peers, support and opportunities are available to youth in five identified areas of: 1) Education and Vocational training, 2) Employment Connections/Counselling and Volunteering, 3) Life Skills Development, 4) Support Services and Relationship building, and 5) Community Participation and Involvement. Feedback from the youth is very important and participants help choose the topics and events through discussion with the Bridges to the Future coordinators.  

Bridges to the Future youth should be prepared to: meet new peers, create social networks, try new activities, make independent decisions, develop goals, volunteer, gain self-advocacy skills, become active in the community, explore education options, access vocational and employment counseling, and job training, discover personal talents, etc.

For more information, registration, or current Bridges to the Future events, please visit www.bridgestothefuture.ca.