Welcome to the November 2025 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. 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
- Recognizing Indigenous Disability Awareness Month in November
- Join documentary screening with Indigenous self-advocate Sandra Pronteau
- Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day
- Join CLBC’s November Board Meeting on Thursday, November 27 from 9 – 11:45 a.m. PST
- CLBC shares progress and looks to the future in final report on 2022-25 Strategic Plan
- Now accepting applications: Canada-BC Housing benefits for market rentals
- Nominate someone for BC People First Self-Advocate Leadership of the Year Award
- Join the upcoming Connections Hour hosted by BC Self Advocate Leadership Network and Curiko
- Earn $100 by sharing your story with Self-Advocate Net
- Access free support from Nidus for Representation Agreements
- Learn about personal planning with Nidus and Vela at upcoming webinar
- Find staff with Support Worker Central job board
- Free Inclusion BC online course on the history of disability rights
- Research study promotes brain health for people with developmental disabilities
- Plan Institute is Offering Webinars in Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish and Farsi
- New National Autism Support Line launched by Autism Canada
- Kootenay Community Council Launches Lending Library
- Community Councils are hosting fun, inclusive events across B.C., including Halloween dances and open houses
- Volunteer on a CLBC Community Council near you
- Celebrating the recipients of the Home Sharing Support Society of BC’s Home Sharing Awards
- Exploring the meaning of authentic inclusion with Marta Carlucci, Family Leadership Coordinator at REA-L
- Jacob Rosser shares what community inclusion means to him
- Recognizing International Day of Persons with Disabilities
CLBC and Government News
Recognizing Indigenous Disability Awareness Month in November
CLBC is proud to join our partners and government in recognizing Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) this November, now entering its second decade. Established in 2015 by the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS), IDAM celebrates the unique contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people with disabilities across B.C.
November is a time for CLBC staff and service providers to reflect on the importance of walking together in reconciliation with Indigenous individuals, families, and communities. CLBC’s Indigenous Relations team works to improve access to services for Indigenous individuals and communities. The team also continues to raise awareness of available supports and deepen staff understanding of Indigenous history and culture.
Read the official B.C. Government proclamation here.
Join documentary screening with Indigenous self-advocate Sandra Pronteau
To commemorate National Indigenous Disability Awareness Month ConnecTra will be hosting a documentary screening featuring Sandra Pronteau, a Cree-Metis Indigenous woman who has spent many years advocating from various social issues, from equal education rights to support for Indigenous people with disabilities.
The event is happening on November 17 from 3 to 4 p.m. PST on Zoom and will also feature a Q&A session with Sandra after the screening. Register here on ConnecTra’s website.
Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day
Every November, Canadians recognize November 8 as Indigenous Veterans Day and November 11 as Remembrance Day. These days honour those who have served and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace.
Self Advocate Net has created a page on their website here to share information and messages recognizing Remembrance Day.
Join CLBC’s November Board Meeting on Thursday, November 27 from 9 – 11:45 a.m. PST
Individuals and family members are invited to join CLBC’s Open Board Meeting on Thursday, November 27 from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m. PST. This meeting will include a panel discussion on parenting with a disability, led by Catriona Johnson, CLBC’s Director of Governance and Policy. The panel will feature Michelle Goos, CLBC Service Delivery Advisor, whose research on this topic was recently published.
To register to attend the meeting, please send a request to Padminee.Chundunsing@gov.bc.ca asking to attend the November Open Board Meeting. You will receive a Microsoft Teams meeting link and an information sheet on how to use Teams.
The CLBC Board meets four times each year and meetings are open to the public. Information about the board schedule, how to attend a meeting remotely, and the upcoming meeting agenda can be found on the CLBC Board Meeting webpage here.
CLBC shares progress and looks to the future in final report on 2022-25 Strategic Plan
As Community Living BC celebrates 20 years of supporting inclusive communities across our province, we are also marking the completion of our 2022–2025 Strategic Plan. This year’s Strategic Plan Third Year Report highlights the achievements made possible through strong relationships with individuals, families, self-advocates, service providers, staff, Indigenous partners, and community organizations.
Learn more and read the full Strategic Plan Third Year Report here.
As CLBC concludes its 2022–2025 Strategic Plan, we are beginning the process of engaging individuals, families, and partners to help shape the next Strategic Plan. This work will build on lessons learned, strengthen what is working well, and ensure that the voices of self-advocates, families and the community remain at the heart of CLBC’s future direction.
Help shape CLBC’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan.
Now accepting applications: Canada-BC Housing benefits for market rentals
CLBC is now accepting applications for the Canada-BC Housing Benefit, a limited program available for individuals who are eligible for CLBC services and live in private market rentals. CLBC is administering this program, which is funded by the federal government’s Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) through BC Housing.
Learn more about the benefit, eligibility criteria and how to apply on CLBC’s website.
Please email CLBC.HousingBenefit@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.
Self-Advocacy Corner
Nominate someone for BC People First Self-Advocate Leadership of the Year Award
Do you know a self-advocate with an intellectual or developmental disability who has been championing their rights and the rights of others this past year? Nominate them for the BC People First (BCPF) Self-Advocate Leadership of the Year Award! BCPF is a non-profit provincial organization that is part of the international PEOPLE FIRST movement. They have been the independent voice of self-advocates in BC for over 40 years. This award goes to someone in B.C. who has shown leadership and knowledge throughout the past year in the field of advocating for the rights of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Nominations close on November 10, 2025.
Visit the BCPF website to learn more about eligibility criteria and to make a nomination.
Join the upcoming Connections Hour hosted by BC Self Advocate Leadership Network and Curiko
BC Self Advocate Leadership Network and Curiko now partner to host Connections Hour. Connections hour is a place to meet new friends and to hear and share what’s happening around the province and in your community.
The next Connections hour is November 6 from 12 to 1 p.m. PST and happens every 2nd Thursday following that.
Register here on Curiko’s website or email SarahK@Curiko.ca for the link.
Earn $100 by sharing your story with Self-Advocate Net
Self-Advocate Net publishes up to four stories each month from self-advocates across B.C. The website pays $100 for each story it publishes. Recent stories published on the site include:
- A day dream at warehouse studios by Brenna Finch
- My peer facilitator experience by Emily White
Learn how to submit your story idea and get paid on the Self-Advocate Net website.
Staying Supported and Connected
Access free support from Nidus for Representation Agreements
Nidus is a non-profit organization that provides education, support and assistance with personal planning and Representation Agreements. They have developed institutional expertise about the creation, use, and support around these important planning tools. Here are some key Nidus resources to help you with your personal planning:
- Learn more about Representation Agreements and Representatives: Guidance and support from understanding all of your options, including issues with Section 7 Representation Agreements (RA7). Visit Nidus’ website to learn more.
- FREE phone support: Have questions about creating and registering a Representation Agreement? Nidus offers free phone support to CLBC supported individuals. To learn more, please email info@nidus.ca including a note that you or the individual you support is eligible for CLBC services.
- FREE in-person appointments: Have questions about creating and registering a Representation Agreement? Nidus offers free in-person appointments with their trained volunteer at South Granville Seniors Centre. These appointments are open to everyone. To book an appointment call 604-732-0812.
Learn about personal planning with Nidus and Vela at upcoming webinar
Curious about how personal planning differs from estate planning? Join Nidus and Vela for a practical, informative sessions that will leave you with all of your questions answered. After the webinar, there will be time for a brief Q&A period.
Everyone is welcome to register and attend. Have questions in advance? Email info@nidus.ca.
Register and learn more about the webinar here.
Find staff with Support Worker Central job board
Support Worker Central (SWC) is a province-wide job board that connects people with disabilities and support staff. It is a unique job board because it is designed for people with disabilities and their support systems who hire their own staff.
Sign up and find your next staff person at www.supportworkercentral.ca.
Free Inclusion BC online course on the history of disability rights
Building an Inclusive BC: The History of Disability Rights is a free, self-paced, online course offered by Inclusion BC. It was developed in partnership with the BC CEO Network and offers a powerful introduction to the history of disability rights in British Columbia through eight engaging modules designed to spark reflection, deepen understanding, and inspire action.
This course is for anyone who wants to better support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—whether you’re a service provider, community member, advocate, or policymaker. As many of us know, this history wasn’t taught in school. Now’s the time to learn it.
Register for the course on Inclusion BC’s website.
Research study promotes brain health for people with developmental disabilities
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CAMH) is doing a research study to promote the brain health of older Canadian adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.
To participate, you must be a family caregiver either aged 60 or older caring for an adult with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, or of any age caring for an adult with an intellectual and/or developmental disability who is 40 or older. All participants must live in Canada and have access to the internet on a computer or phone.
This study runs from November 11 to December 16. Anyone interested in participating can complete the Expression of Interest and Collaboration Form here. For more information contact brainhealthlDD@camh.ca
Plan Institute is Offering Webinars in Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish and Farsi
Learn about disability benefits in Canada you or a family member could be eligible for! Plan Institute invites speakers of Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish, and Farsi to attend interpreted webinars on the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Attendees of the interpreted versions of the webinars get access to a live expert Q&A as well as translated notes of the presentation.
- DTC in Arabic, Saturday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- RDSP L1 in Spanish, Wednesday, November 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- DTC in Farsi, Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Visit Plan Institute’s website to register.
New National Autism Support Line launched by Autism Canada
With support from CN, Autism Canada has launched Empowering Connections, a national support line dedicated to Autistic and neurodivergent people across Canada. This service offers a safe, understanding space for non-crisis support, from sharing achievements to finding peer-informed guidance, or simply connecting with someone who understands.
The support line will be accessible through phone, chat, virtual meetings, and email, offering a welcoming space for empathy and understanding during challenging moments. Grounded in lived experience, Empowering Connections nurtures well-being, trust, and a sense of belonging within the neurodivergent community.
Learn more about the Autism Canada Support Line here.
CLBC Community Council Corner
Kootenay Community Council Launches Lending Library
On October 8, CLBC’s Kootenay Community Council launched its new Lending Library project — a collection of inclusive and educational books available for borrowing, created in partnership with the Trail & District Public Library.
The event welcomed community members to learn more about the initiative and explore the collection. Library Director Samantha Murphy spoke about the Trail Library’s partnership with the CLBC Community Council and the importance of accessible, inclusive resources in the community. Guests also enjoyed lunch together and had the opportunity to sign out books from the new collection. The Lending Library event was also featured in the Trail Times.
Read more about the Lending Library grand opening on CLBC’s website.
Community Councils are hosting fun, inclusive events across B.C., including Halloween dances and open houses
The Vancouver Richmond Community Council hosted a Halloween open house with a prize for the best costume, while the Central Island Community Council hosted a Halloween after-party dance. Community members came together to celebrate, dress up in costumes, share food, and enjoy prizes, face painting, an arts table, and resource tables.
The Central Island Community Council was also recognized by their city with an official proclamation declaring October as Community Inclusion Month. The Council proudly shared this proclamation at their Halloween dance to mark the close of Community Inclusion Month.
Volunteer on a CLBC Community Council near you
Interested in volunteering to create inclusive communities? Want to be a part of the CLBC governance structure? We invite you to join your local CLBC Community Council!
People on CLBC Community Councils include individuals and families who receive support from CLBC, service provider partners and community allies.
In partnership with CLBC, Community Councils:
- Build relationships with community leaders to create a more inclusive B.C.
- Connect individuals and their families to information, resources, and each other.
- Listen to the experiences of people and families served by CLBC to help make things better.
- Take actions that lead to social change and inclusive communities for all people.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about CLBC Community Councils here.
Interested in joining? Contact CLBC.Connect@gov.bc.ca to set up a time with the Community Engagement team and learn more about volunteering on a CLBC Community Council.
Stories and Celebrations
Celebrating the recipients of the Home Sharing Support Society of BC’s Home Sharing Awards
On October 7, 2025, the Home Sharing Support Society of BC (HSSSBC) hosted its annual Home Sharing Provider (HSP) Awards to recognize the dedication and impact of home sharing providers across the province.
CLBC’s CEO, Ross Chilton, had the pleasure of attending and presenting the Home Sharing Provider of the Year Award. CLBC is proud to join HSSSBC in celebrating this year’s award recipients and all home sharing providers who help ensure adults with developmental disabilities can live full lives as valued members of their communities.
Learn more about the HSP Awards and 2025 recipients on HSSSBC’s website.
Exploring the meaning of authentic inclusion with Marta Carlucci, Family Leadership Coordinator at REA-L
CLBC is excited to share this short video from the family-led group Regular Equitable Authentic Lives (REA-L) where Marta Carlucci, Family Leadership Coordinator at REA-L, explores what authentic inclusion means and invites everyone to reflect on the question: What does an inclusive life look like to you?
REA-L is a provincial non-profit organization, creating a provincial network of families who are intentionally exploring and choosing options that decrease dependency on traditional services for their family members with an intellectual or developmental disability.
To learn more about REA-L and their upcoming events, visit their events calendar for shared learning and connection events, listen to their podcasts featuring families sharing stories and learning together in support of lifelong inclusion, or read their family stories that share lived experiences.
Watch Marta’s full video on CLBC’s website here.
Jacob Rosser shares what community inclusion means to him
During Community Inclusion Month, CLBC’s Community Engagement Team had the privilege of interviewing Victoria’s self advocacy leader, Jacob Rosser.
Jacob shared many heartfelt examples of how he feels included in his community. From sports to education, faith, and volunteering, Jacob’s life is filled with meaningful connections and contributions. One of the places Jacob feels most included is his synagogue, a place of worship in the Jewish community. “It’s one of the best communities where I feel the most included,” he said. Jacob’s story is a powerful example of what true inclusion looks like.
Watch the full video interview with Jacob Rosser here.
If you have a story or celebration of inclusion to share, we’d love to hear from you! Connect with us at CLBC.Connect@gov.bc.ca.
Signing Off
As we sign off, we want to take a moment to recognize the upcoming United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), which takes place every year on December 3. This annual celebration promotes the rights and well-being of people with disabilities and raises awareness of the inclusion of people in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
Many communities host local celebrations and events to mark the day, including some of the ones listed below:
- International Conference on Disability and Diversity from November 24 to 25 in Vancouver, B.C.
- We Are One Performance on November 30 in Victoria, B.C.
- Project EveryBODY Inclusive Market Fair on December 3 in Vancouver, B.C.
Until next edition…
CLBC’s Update for Individuals and Families. November 2025 edition
