| Welcome to the October 2023 edition of CLBC’s Update for Individuals and Families. As a reminder, you can find all Updates (including past editions) posted on our website here. You can also check out CLBC’s Facebook page here and Twitter page here. If you know of anyone who would like to receive future Updates, please share the link to our sign up page with them. If you have a specific question, or feedback about this update, you can send an email to CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca.
Topics in this edition include:
CLBC and Government News
Self Advocacy Corner
Staying Supported and Connected
CLBC Community Councils
Stories and Celebration
CLBC and Government News
Celebrating Community Inclusion Month in B.C.
 Community Living BC is pleased to join communities across B.C. in recognizing October as Community Inclusion Month. This month allows us to honor the dedication of individuals, families, and community members who tirelessly work towards creating more inclusive communities and opportunities for all British Columbians, especially those with developmental disabilities.
Every year, CLBC joins the Province and Inclusion BC to identify a theme that helps build awareness about the importance of including people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of their communities. This year, the focus for the month is to build awareness about the importance of including people with developmental disabilities in their communities in all aspects of society, including living independently, access to health, employment, cultural activities, recreation, and sports.
You can read the government’s Community Inclusion Month proclamation here. You can also visit CLBC’s Community Inclusion Month 2023 webpage here, which will be updated throughout the month with stories, events and other updates
Join us in recognizing Community Inclusion Month by sharing your support on social media. Use the hashtag #CommunityInclusionMonth to spread the message of inclusivity far and wide.
Self Advocacy leaders share what inclusion means to them
Self Advocacy Leaders from CLBC’s Editorial Board want to share messages for Community Inclusion Month on what inclusion means to them.
Watch the first video from Natasha here.
We will be sharing more videos on the CLBC Community Inclusion Month webpage and our social media channels throughout October.
You can learn more about the CLBC Editorial Board here.
Four inclusive employers recognized with Widening Our World (WOW) awards
 Since 2009, CLBC has presented Widening Our World (WOW) awards to recognize British Columbians who are creating opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to lead full lives, have rich relationships and choices in how they live and work.
This year, CLBC focused on recognizing employers for their inclusive hiring practices and workplaces. Due to the number of fantastic nominations received, this year’s evaluation committee of self advocates, family members and CLBC staff had to make some difficult decisions in selecting the following employers to receive an award this year:
- Keith Larson – Redux Nutrition, Chilliwack – Nominated by: Paul McCracken, Chilliwack Society for Community Living
- Bobbi Hunt – Mark’s Work Wearhouse, Abbotsford – Nominated by: Amy Saip, Community Living Society
- Kylah Bryde – North Peace Leisure Pool, City of Fort St. John – Nominated by: Shari Ashdown, Fort St. John Association for Community Living
- Brendon Osborn – Cintas, Langley – Nominated by: Tami Logan and Candice Dutton, Inclusion Langley
Throughout October, CLBC will be presenting the WOW award to each recipient in their home community. We congratulate the recipients, and all employers who were nominated this year. We also thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination to recognize an employer who is championing inclusive workplaces in communities across B.C. You can read more about this year’s WOW Award recipients on our website here, where we will also be sharing photos and stories from their Award ceremonies during the month.
Secwépemc Agency and Community Living BC sign historic agreement
 Indigenous adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Kamloops, or Secwépemc Nation area, can now receive support and community inclusion services directly from an established Indigenous service provider, after a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on September 15.
“This agreement is important because it demonstrates how we can collaborate with Indigenous partners to create culturally appropriate relationships,” said Ross Chilton, CEO of Community Living BC.
Read more about the historic agreement and the signing ceremony here.
CLBC recognized Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30, CLBC recognized Orange Shirt Day and the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation declared by the Government of Canada and marked by the provincial government of B.C.
Learn more about how CLBC and its staff recognized September 30 here, as well as information about CLBC’s work towards reconciliation and increasing cultural safety.
October is Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Awareness Month
 In 2014, the government of B.C. declared October RDSP Awareness Month to help raise awareness about this helpful savings plan. The RDSP is the world’s first savings plan specifically designed for people with disabilities. Even with little to no personal contributions, there are significant government contributions available to help many people in Canada with disabilities save for their future through the RDSP.
Access RDSP, a partnership between Plan Institute, BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) and Disability Alliance BC (DABC), provides free support and resources on the RDSP every step of the way. BCANDS offers Indigenous-specific navigation through the process.
The goal is to ensure that every eligible person has an RDSP to help them save for the future. If you or someone you know has a disability, visit the RDSP website, email info@rdsp.com or call 1-844-311-7526.
You can visit this page to find information about upcoming RDSP Level 1 & 2 webinars and Ask an Expert events taking place in October and beyond.
Share your voice in the Housing Innovation Survey
The UBC Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship is working with CLBC to gather data about housing. They are currently running a survey on housing innovation.
The purpose of this survey is for CLBC to learn about creative inclusive housing options for adults with developmental disabilities. It is designed so you may share inclusive housing options that you know to be effective or have heard about from others.
You can complete the survey on the UBC website here until October 23.
How to give feedback about Accessibility at CLBC
 In August, CLBC released its 2023-2026 Accessibility Plan, which sets out important goals with 30 steps that will be completed over three years. Read more about the Accessibility Plan here.
Along with the plan, CLBC has launched a new way people can provide feedback on accessibility by phone, email, online, in person and by mail. This can include feedback about accessibility challenges and barriers faced when:
- getting information from CLBC
- visiting CLBC offices
- talking with CLBC staff
- working at CLBC
Learn about the different ways to share your accessibility feedback with CLBC here.
Self Advocacy Corner
People Planning Together is coming to Victoria
The Empowering Self Advocates to Take Action (ESATTA) Co-operative is hosting People Planning Together (PPT) in Victoria on October 12 and 13. PPT is a two-day workshop for people with diverse abilities who want to take a lead in planning the life they want.
You can learn more about People Planning Together and how to register here.
Home Sharing Support Society BC self advocate board vacancy
 The Home Sharing Support Society BC has one opening for a self advocate to serve on its Board of Directors.
HSSSBC’s mission is to enhance and support the sustainability and quality of home sharing and other housing options for adults with developmental disabilities throughout British Columbia.
To learn more about this leadership opportunity, contact info@homesharingbc.ca.
Register for self defense and safety awareness training
Join the Okanagan Self Advocacy Group for an upcoming training session on October 28 on the topic of Self Defense and Safety Awareness presented by Andy Fanslau from Pure Self Defense.
Click here to find registration information.
The Okanagan Self Advocacy Group is sponsored by the CLBC South Central Okanagan Community Council. Learn more about volunteering on a CLBC Community Council here.
CanFASD is hosting an art competition for individuals with FASD
The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary research network, with collaborators, researchers and partners across the country.
CanFASD is currently hosting an art competition which is open to all Canadian residents with FASD. Submissions can be a sculpture, a painting, a photo, a drawing, a digital creation or anything you can think of. The submission deadline is Friday, November 17, 2023, at 12:00 midnight EST.
Find full details about the competition, and how to enter, on CanFASD’s website here.
Empower yourself with self advocacy resources from Idaho
The Idaho Self-Advocate Leadership Network has created several online training modules on how to learn and empower yourself in an advocacy journey, and to help you find services you need to have a better, happier life. Topics include Self Advocacy 101, Being a part of your community, and Sharing your story with legislators. Find all of these self advocacy training modules here.
Staying Supported and Connected
Exploring rhythms and roles of everyday life
Regular Equitable Authentic Lives (REA-L) is a non-profit organization creating a provincial network of families and providing space for these families to share information and learn from the experiences of others.
REA-L is hosting Families Creating Change One person at a Time on Tuesday, October 17 at 6:30pm PDT. This virtual event is an opportunity for families to share stories and reflect on ways to support regular, equitable and authentic lives for their family members, which includes ensuring they are immersed in roles that are valued in their neighbourhoods and communities.
Learn more and register here.
Connect and collaborate with the Home Sharing Support Society BC
The Home Sharing Support Society BC offers learning sessions for people connected to home sharing. Join them to learn more about Individual and Family Wellness in Home Sharing on October 19 from 10:00 to 11:30am. Learn more and find registration instructions here.
Learn more about home sharing as a support option on the CLBC website here.
Move and groove with Easter Seals
Easter Seals is offering an engaging, online program for youth ages 12 to 24. During the program there will be active games, daily challenges, and sport time with friends. The program runs on Tuesdays from 5:15 to 5:45pm, from October 3 to November 7, 2023.
Learn more and find registration instructions here.
Family Support Institute shares PWD shelter increase guide
The B.C. government announced the $125 shelter allowance effective August 1, 2023, for individuals receiving Persons with Disabilities (PWD) assistance.
The Family Support Institute has created a step-by-step guide to help people understand how the shelter share increase works.
Click here for the step-by-step guide.
CLBC Community Councils
Volunteer on a CLBC Community Council
 Calling all Upper Fraser Valley family members, self advocates, service providers and community members! The Upper Fraser Community Council is looking for volunteers to meet once a month to plan and host events and projects that build inclusion and opportunities for social connection.
Learn more and connect with others at the Upper Fraser Community Council Gathering on Wednesday, October 18 from 5:30 to 7:30pm at CLBC’s Abbotsford office. If you are interested in attending, please email: Alison.Lowe@gov.bc.ca
CLBC Community Councils consist of 7 to 15 volunteers who carry out activities that lead to social change and help build inclusive communities. Council events and activities include: promoting inclusive housing, mapping and sharing local community gifts and assets, hosting dances, self advocacy conferences, family forums and other opportunities for social connection and information sharing.
Councils are also an important way for CLBC to listen to and learn from the people we serve. Learn more about CLBC Community Councils here.
Become a volunteer with the Thompson Cariboo Community Council inclusive housing project
The Thompson Cariboo Community Council is looking for volunteers to support self advocate led presentations about inclusive housing throughout the Kamloops area over the next six months.
For more information about how to get involved with the Thompson Cariboo Council, please contact CLBC.Connect@gov.bc.ca.
Stories and Celebration
Andrea shares her story of inclusion
CLBC has partnered with Inclusion BC to showcase stories from around the province on employment, highlighting the kinds of support that can help people to thrive on their own terms. Watch the video Challenging Misconceptions: Andrea’s Story here.
Sharing stories about friends, fun and leadership
 Self Advocates of Nanaimo (SAN) share what they learned at the recent World Supported Employment Conference in Vancouver.
SAN members presented their film Friends, Fun and Leadership and sat on a panel to discuss what self advocacy is and why it is so important.
Click here to read the full story.
Signing off
As we sign off, a quick reminder that for most of us in B.C. our clocks will “fall back” before the next edition of this update reaches your inboxes.
On Sunday, November 5 at 2:00am the time moves back an hour to 1:00am marking the end of daylight saving time. Until next time…
 Click Here for PDF for this CLBC Update for Individual and Families from October 6th Edition
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