 Welcome to the December 2024 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 X.com 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.
CLBC and Government News
Self-Advocacy Corner
Staying Supported and Connected
CLBC Community Councils
Stories and Celebrations
CLBC and Government News
Report shares progress on CLBC’s Strategic Plan goals
Read the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan Second Year Report here. As our Strategic Plan is implemented, CLBC is committed to learning and welcomes feedback from individuals, families, support networks, service providers, staff and community partners. If you have thoughts about the Strategic Plan, you can send an email to CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca. New framework builds stronger foundation for person centred services A Person Centred Society, or PCS, is small group of trusted people who come together to form a non-profit organization with the goal of helping an individual with planning, decision making and support. Some PCSs will contract with CLBC to manage the services for an individual. This option provides an alternative to accessing support through other CLBC-funded service providers. CLBC, in collaboration with Vela Canada, has launched a new Person Centred Societies Policy and Contracting Framework found here. For years, person centred models have delivered remarkable outcomes, transforming the way services are designed and delivered. This new Framework ensures consistency and transparency in service delivery, supporting people and families more effectively. Most importantly, it helps people reach their goals while they stay in control of the services they receive. To learn more about Person Centred Societies, or if you are interested in forming one, visit Vela’s website at velacanada.org or call 604-539-2488. VIDEO: Let’s work together to create inclusive, affordable and accessible housing opportunities People with developmental disabilities in British Columbia are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis, with many lacking housing options, living with aging family or facing homelessness and poverty. Creating more opportunities for inclusive, affordable and accessible housing in every community is a collective responsibility. Rising to this challenge will take housing providers, service providers, developers, municipalities, CLBC, communities, individuals and families coming to the table together. To share this message, and to build partnership and collaboration around housing, CLBC has created a new video called Let’s work together, which was first presented by CLBC CEO Ross Chilton at the provincial Housing Central Conference in November. Learn more and watch the video here.
Federal government is asking for input on advance requests for MAID Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a process that allows a person to receive assistance from a medical practitioner in ending their life, if specific eligibility criteria are met. The Canadian government is looking for people’s thoughts because it is considering if it should allow for advance requests for MAID. An advance request would be made by an individual who still has the capacity to make decisions, before they are eligible for MAID or want to receive it. The intent is for MAID be provided in the future after the person has lost the capacity to consent, and when certain conditions specified in their request are met. In Canada, advance requests for MAID are currently not allowed. MAID is a complex and sensitive issue and people hold a broad range of perspectives, including on advance requests. To share your thoughts, you can complete this anonymous online questionnaire that is open until February 14, 2025. Health Canada will publish a report on key findings of this national conversation in spring 2025. BC Housing shares information about extreme weather response shelters With winter upon us, it’s important to stay updated if you or someone you know needs information about extreme weather shelters. The BC Housing Extreme Weather Response Shelter Map provides locations and information of shelters in communities across the province. The map is updated when communities issue or cancel an extreme weather alert. Sign up for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations
As respiratory illness season approaches, you can help protect yourself and your community by getting the latest flu and COVID-19 immunizations. You can receive these vaccinations at the same time. Notifications have been sent out to anyone registered in the Get Vaccinated system, and you can find more information on the B.C. Government website here.
Self-Advocacy Corner Share your good news story and get paid Do you have a story to share? SelfAdvocateNet.com is looking for self-advocates across B.C. to share their experiences and achievements. They publish up to four stories each month and pay $100 for every story featured. Check out these recently published stories:
Eliza taught herself how to make baby hats, dolls, scrunchies and facial pads. Six years ago, she started her own business and now sells her creations at craft fairs, markets and more.
Louise shares her experience of advocating for herself and standing up for others who experience barriers. She reminds us that we are all important and unique in our own ways, and everyone deserves to belong and be included. If you have a story to share, find out how to submit your story idea here.
Tracey thrives in new job at Save-On-Foods
Tracey has continued to learn new skills on the job. In addition to being trained in food preparation, she has also been trained to operate the cash register. Tracey loves working at Save-On-Foods, helping customers while proudly wearing her shirt and hat emblazoned with the Save-On logo. Having secure employment in a unionized position has given Tracey newfound self-esteem and purpose. She has worked hard and her efforts have paid off, literally. For Tracey, regular employment has been a journey of achievements on the road to independence.
Become a BC People First member today BC People First Society (BCPF) is made up of a group of people from across the province who want to make sure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included and respected as full citizens in their communities. They do this by supporting each other to speak up for themselves and by sharing advocacy skills with each other. For anyone interested, you can sign up to become a BCPF member here.
BC Self Advocate Leadership Network seeking supporters and members
BCSALN is looking to grow their network and welcome new supporters and members. This is a great opportunity for self-advocates who want to build connections and leadership skills, promote positive change, be mentored and mentor others, and contribute to the self-advocacy movement. If you are interested in being involved with BCSALN as a supporter or a member, please email salnbc@gmail.com.
Connections Hour resumes in the new year
The BC Self Advocate Leadership Network and CLBC are pausing their weekly Connections Hour for the holidays. The last session of the year took place on December 19 and sessions will start again on January 9, 2025, at 12:00pm (PST). Self-advocacy leaders host these virtual connection opportunities to share what’s happening around the province and in your own community. On January 9, you can join Connections Hour by visiting this Zoom link and entering the passcode: CLBC. You can also call in using your phone to 1-647-374-4685.
Staying Supported and Connected
Plan Institute shares new Canada Disability Benefit and Disability Tax Credit resources Plan Institute is a non-profit organization that supports people with disabilities to live a good life. They provide educational materials and helpful resources, work on community projects and partner with others to create innovative programs and positive policy changes. Plan Institute recently announced the launch of two new free services:
Both services are available to everyone in Canada. Join the Canadian Health and Wellbeing in Developmental Disabilities Digital Conference
This online conference will bring together health professionals, community partners and people with lived experience to share best practices for improving physical and mental health outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout their lives. Reduced registration fees are available for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Contact facmed.registration@utoronto.ca if additional financial assistance is needed. Learn more about the conference and how to register here. Free technology services available to support independent living Technology for Living is an organization that provides people who experience physical barriers with peer support, innovative technologies, respiratory therapy services and equipment that addresses unmet needs and increases independence, inclusion and wellbeing. The Technology for Independent Living Program provides Environmental Control Systems to help people with significant physical disabilities to control devices in their homes and on the go. Some of these devices include: TVs, lamps, fans, door openers, adaptive gaming controllers and more. Learn more about the Technology for Independent Living Program here, including information about how to apply. Mindfulness program supports family caregivers The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) with support from the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence is hosting a free six-week virtual mindfulness program for family caregivers. Upcoming sessions will take place from January 28 to March 4, 2025, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm (EST).
Call for workshop proposals for Inclusion BC’s annual conference Inclusion BC’s annual conference, Everybody Belongs, will be held from June 19 to 21, 2025, in Richmond. The call for workshop proposals is now open until January 15, 2025. Anyone interested is invited to share their knowledge and experience with an engaged audience. Inclusion BC is looking for proposals in the areas of personal development, families and children, employment and transitions, community development, advocacy, and First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous experiences. Learn more and submit workshop proposals here. Support for financial planning available for francophones across Canada Finautonome is a community-based francophone non-profit organization dedicated to improving the financial well-being of people with disabilities. They provide coaching and tools to help individuals access government programs and tax benefits, support skill development to enhance financial independence, and educate professionals to better assist their clients with disabilities in accessing these resources. Finautonome offers support services for people with disabilities and their loved ones across Canada. Learn more about Finautonome here. Learn about Support Worker Central at upcoming webinar
The next Learn about Support Worker Central webinar is scheduled for January 28, 2025, from 10:00am to 11:00am (PST). Learn more about the webinar and register here.
Podcast shares conversations about navigating hope and fear
REA-L Conversations is a podcast for families who are striving for a regular, equitable and authentic life for their family member with an intellectual disability. Through conversation, stories and reflection, families speak frankly about the ways in which they are supporting their family member’s vision to live an inclusive life participating and contributing to their communities. The podcast is produced by REA-L (Regular Equitable Authentic Lives). Listen to the latest episode of the podcast, Navigating Hope and Fear, on the REA-L website here.
Join Family Support Institute’s new Gender Marvelous Family Hangout sessions
The Family Support Institute of BC is hosting a new online Family Hangout called Gender Marvelous for parents and families with gender-diverse or Two-Spirit children and family members. The Hangout is hosted by parents of gender-diverse children and will meet every other week. The first session is scheduled for January 14, 2025, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm (PST). Learn more about Gender Marvelous Hangouts and register for upcoming sessions here.
CLBC Community Councils
Volunteer opportunity on the CLBC Kootenay Community Council
If you or someone you know wants to learn more about this volunteer opportunity, contact CLBC.Connect@gov.bc.ca and the CLBC Community Engagement Team will be happy to connect with you.
Join the Central Island Community Council Valentine’s video dance party
CLBC’s Central Island Community Council is partnering with Nanaimo Community Dances to host a Valentine’s Masquerade Video Dance Party in person and online. The dance party takes place Saturday, February 8 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm (PST). Read more about this event and how to join here. CLBC Community Councils help connect individuals and their families to information and resources, as well as take action that leads to social change and inclusive communities for all people. Hosting dances is one-way Community Councils bring the community together to celebrate and have fun.
Highlighting Council leadership in inclusive housing
Volunteers on CLBC Community Councils include individuals and families who receive support from CLBC, service provider partners and community allies. Community Councils are an important way for CLBC to listen and learn from people we serve. Learn more about CLBC Community Councils here and find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) here. Want to explore becoming a volunteer, join a Council as a guest or learn about what your local Council is working on? Our CLBC Community Engagement Team can help you connect. Send them an email at: CLBC.Connect@gov.bc.ca.
Stories and Celebrations
Cecilia finds passion in photography
“I look forward to taking more pictures. I want to learn about photography and would like to learn more and take more pictures, on a camera. I’m excited about upcoming travels and taking pictures. It’s very exciting. It’s great!” says Cecilia.
Campaign highlights the value of inclusive employment Inclusion BC’s Freedom to Work campaign focuses on helping businesses understand the benefits of hiring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One way to promote inclusive employment is to share stories. Visit the Freedom to Work webpage here to find video stories from Gibsons, Richmond, Victoria and Campbell River showing how inclusive employment is helping businesses and people to thrive. You can also watch a Global News interview highlighting the benefits of employing people with disabilities here.
Signing off for 2024 Community Living BC wishes you a happy and safe holiday season and best wishes for the new year! CLBC thanks the people we serve, their families, service providers, the self-advocacy community, our community partners and British Columbians across the province for their efforts during this past year to help keep people included, connected and safe in their communities. We look forward to bringing you more news, information and resources when the Update resumes in late January 2025. Until next edition…
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Eliza’s Yarned Goods
Standing up for those with a disability
Tracey joined Employment Services at Inclusion Parksville in 2022, having never had a paid job. From day one, her dream was to work in the food industry. After receiving support from Employment Services, Tracey successfully completed her FOODSAFE course and obtained part-time employment at Save-On-Foods as a Restaurant Clerk.
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