Selfadvocatenet.com coverage of the Corona Virus Pandemic

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.

CLBC and Government News

New funding supports Re-Imagining Community Inclusion (RCI) projects

New provincial funding of nearly $5.3 million was recently announced during AccessAbility Week by Hon. Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. This new funding means more organizations can focus on creating projects that will make life better for people with developmental disabilities.

The funding will support Re-Imagining Community Inclusion (RCI) projects in the priority areas of inclusive housing, employment, health and wellness, inclusive Indigenous services and a community-inclusion innovation fund, which focuses on inclusion projects. Read more about the RCI initiative and about the organizations receiving funding here.

During AccessAbility Week, new provincial funding was also announced to help people plan for the future with the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), to provide greater access to communications technology, and to boost accessibility in B.C. communities.

Learn about Representation Agreements: Nidus provides education, information and support

Nidus is a non-profit charitable organization that provides education, assistance and support around personal planning. You can learn more about their work here.

Through grant funding from CLBC, Nidus is providing foundational information about legal concepts, as well as legal tools and procedures available to B.C. adults for planning, particularly Representation Agreements. Nidus will be sharing information through educational webinars and videos, and also providing support to individuals, families, service providers and CLBC staff.

The first webinar session “Representation Agreement Basics – the RA7” has been scheduled for two upcoming dates next week:

• Tuesday, June 14, 12:00pm to 1:30pm (PDT) – Click here to register
• Thursday, June 16, 7:00pm to 8:30pm (PDT) – Click here to register

Click here to learn more, including ways to access support from Nidus for individuals and families who are creating a representation agreement.

Ways to prepare and stay safe as flood, fire and extreme heat season approaches

As we move from spring into summer and temperatures rise over the weeks ahead, CLBC is reminding individuals and families about resources to help prepare for emergency situations caused by flooding, wildfires and extremely high temperatures.

We want to help ensure the individuals we serve who may be impacted are prepared and understand who to connect with. If you or your loved one lives in a CLBC-funded staffed home or home share, the home is required to have an emergency plan to support individuals in an emergency.

It’s also important for individuals and families to take time to get ready for emergencies and have their own plan in place. Being aware and prepared is the key to staying safe.

Find links and information on the CLBC website here about the many resources available to help plan ahead and to stay safe in the case of emergencies related to flooding, wildfires and extreme heat events.

CLBC Editorial Board seeking members from Interior and North regions

CLBC’s Editorial Board is made up of self advocates from across B.C. who bring their ideas, stories and input to CLBC communications, publications, projects and initiatives.

There is currently space on the Editorial Board for two self advocates from the Interior and the North regions. This is a two-year position for individuals who are eligible for supports and services from CLBC. Members receive a monthly board payment of $100 and travel expenses for attending meetings in Vancouver three times a year.

Successful applicants will:

• have a basic understanding and interest in the work of CLBC
• have an interest in self advocacy and disability related issues
• be comfortable speaking in front of a group
• be friendly, flexible and like working on a team
• have good listening skills
• be respectful of other people’s ideas
• show dedication to creating positive and supportive working relationships both in and outside CLBC

CLBC will help successful applicants learn the necessary skills and offer guidance to prepare and support them during their work with the CLBC Editorial Board.

Learn more about the Editorial Board on the CLBC website here, including the Terms of Reference. Anyone interested in applying can contact CLBC’s Self Advocate Advisor at Jessica.Humphrey@gov.bc.ca.

Booster doses help maintain protection

A booster dose is an additional shot of vaccine that helps you maintain and lengthen your protection against severe outcomes of COVID-19. When you get a booster dose, you help protect yourself and the people around you. Click the image to the right to view at full size and learn about the benefits of the booster shot ->

All British Columbians ages 12 and older are now eligible to get a COVID booster dose and will get an invitation to book a booster appointment six months after their second dose. Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, getting a booster dose, once you are eligible and your symptoms have passed, is important as post-infection immunity is temporary.

Second booster shots are also now available for seniors 70 and older and Indigenous people 55 and older once six months have passed since their first booster. You can learn more about boosters on the B.C. Government website here.

Self Advocate Corner

Share your feedback on the B.C. Employment Strategy for Youth

CanAssist is working with a provincial network of stakeholders to develop the Provincial Youth Employment Strategy (PYES) for youth with disabilities. The strategy will address service gaps and simplify the process of navigating the youth employment support system for youth between ages 15 to 30 who self-identify as having a disability (including mental health and substance use challenges). Learn more about this project here.

To develop the strategy, CanAssist is collecting input from youth with disabilities across B.C. who can click here to complete the online survey and have their voice heard.

Lauren’s Story premiers at Inclusion BC’s Everybody Belongs conference

A video story sponsored by UNITI, a partnership of three affiliated, non-profit organizations in Surrey, premiered at Inclusion BC’s, recent Everybody Belongs conference which took place in late May.

You can watch Lauren’s Story here, which focuses on the journey of housing activist and disability advocate Lauren Simpson as she works for affordable housing for herself and others.

Upcoming self advocate led events open to everyone

Join one of the upcoming self advocate led events below or visit the Calendar for Connection here to learn about other fun ways connect with others.

Breaking Away from the Covid Blues with Lynnetta hosted by Self Advocates of the Rockies society (SAOR)

• Meets the third Wednesday of every month from 1-2pm MDT/ 12-1pm PDT.
• Join the group on Google Meets by clicking here or dial: ‪(CA) +1 613-916-1823 PIN: ‪337 088 313#

Phone Tree with Self-Advocates of the Rockies Group Society (SAOR)

• Every Thursday: 2pm-3pm MDT; 1pm-2pm PDT.
• SAOR is holding weekly group phone calls to catch up with friends and meet new advocates from around the province.
• To register, email j.moore@realmbc.ca, or call 250-426-3393 by 3:00 pm on Wednesdays. Spots are limited to five per call so make sure to sign up to reserve your spot.

Join BC People First and become a member of the Self Advocate Presentation Team

BC People First Society (BCPF) is a non-profit provincial organization that is part of the international People First movement. BCPF has been the independent voice of self-advocates in B.C. for over 40 years.

Are you or someone you know interested in joining BC People First and becoming part of their Self Advocate Presentation Team? Members take part in presentations, workshops, focus groups, conferences and more. Learn about how to become a BC People First member here.

Publish your story for $100 on the Self Advocate Net website

Self Advocate Net is an online community that is the voice of self advocate leaders across B.C. It is a place to have a voice, break down stereotypes and encourage positive change in our communities.

Self Advocate Net publishes up to eight new stories per month on themes like achieving goals, inclusive employment, overcoming barriers, finding ways to keep positive, and using language that promotes inclusion and diversity. People who have their story published receive $100.

Learn more and submit your story idea on the Self Advocate Net website here. Priority is given to those who have not yet been published on Self Advocate Net.

Self Advocate course on COVID-19 and health starts June 16

Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities is recruiting participants from across Canada for its second round of virtual courses on COVID-19 and health.

Participants will learn how to rebuild more meaningful activities and routines in their daily lives and have questions answered about balancing safety and wellness and knowing when to get help for mental health concerns. Participants are introduced to health care communication tools, including My COVID Check-In, to improve health care visits. Learn more about the course here.

The course for self advocates starts next week on June 16. Anyone interested in participating can fill out this Expression of Interest and Collaboration Form, email hcardd@camh.ca or call 437-328-6761.

People Planning Together training takes place in August

People Planning Together is a free four-day, two-hour per day virtual training session for people with developmental disabilities who are interested in taking a leadership role in planning a life they desire. It is led and facilitated by Empowering Self Advocates to Take Action Co-operative (ESATTA) which is made up of people who also live with a label of developmental disability.

During the training, participants spend time identifying the things that are important to them for them to feel happy, healthy and safe. Participants decide what works for them and how other people in their lives can best support them.

The training takes place on August 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 10:00am to 12:00pm PDT and you can find the full details in the flyer here. If you or anyone you know is interested in taking part, or has questions, please contact James White at jamesdwhite31@yahoo.com or 604-803-1745.
Staying Supported and Connected

Spinal Cord Injury BC offers an Accessible Travel Guide

As people begin to travel again, the Accessible Travel Guide created by Spinal Cord Injury BC is a helpful resource to have available. From pre-trip planning through to check-in, departure and more, this guide helps people get the most out of their travel experience, regardless of their level of mobility.

Learn more and download the Accessible Travel Guide here.

Access gender-based violence resource for people with disabilities

Gender-based violence is any violence against a person that is because of their gender. Disability Alliance BC, Inclusion BC and Ending Violence BC have worked together to create a plain language guide for people with intellectual disabilities called What is Gender-Based Violence?.

The guide is available online here.

Autism Community Training gathers information on summer activities

Summer is just around the corner. To help families find recreation opportunities, Autism Community Training (ACT) has been gathering information on fun activities for all ages. The community events page on their website here is updated frequently with new events and activities taking place in B.C. They also share information for families about summer camps and activities here.

Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence offers support for caregivers and providers

The Azrieli Foundation has launched the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, a new non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting caregivers and paid care providers in Canada. The Centre advances the knowledge and capacity of the caregiving field, and advocates for effective and visionary social policy, with a disability-informed approach.

Learn more by visiting their website here where you can also sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date.

Inclusion Canada seeking organizations to host focus groups for the Canada Disability Benefit

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan is a Canada-wide plan developed to ask people with disabilities what actions the government should take to improve the lives of people with disabilities across Canada.

PLAN Institute is a supporting partner in the Financial Security Pillar of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan. This part of the plans looks at the immediate and long-term financial needs of Canadians with disabilities.

Inclusion Canada is inviting other organizations to host focus groups of up to seven people as part of their consultation process. The focus groups are opportunity to discuss and share ideas on what the Canada Disability Benefit should look like. If you work for or know of an organization that is interested in hosting a focus group, please contact Teisha at lugwuegbula@inclusioncanada.ca or at 416-661-9611 Ext. 253.

Stories and Celebration

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day

Tuesday, June 21 will mark the 26^th recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, which began in 1996. It is an official day to celebrate the culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in Canada. June 21 was chosen because of its alignment with the summer solstice, which is a significant day to the many Indigenous peoples and communities who have celebrated on this day for generations. This day can be commemorated in many different ways which celebrate the different talents, traditions and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. In past years, Indigenous communities have celebrated with powwows, potlatches, festivals or movie screenings by Indigenous filmmakers. It is a day to both honor the contributions and struggles of Indigenous peoples in a Canadian context, while recognizing the continued brilliance of Indigenous people in the face of colonization.

Click the links below to learn about some of the events happening around B.C. to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day:

• Surrey’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration and Wellness Event
• Métis Nation British Columbia celebrations
• Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre celebrations
• Port Moody Indigenous Peoples Day at Rocky Point Park
• Royal Roads University’s month of virtual events in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day

Signing off

In June, communities across B.C. and Canada celebrate Pride Month. It is a time when we celebrate diversity and LGBTQI2S+ communities, acknowledging their history, the hardships they have faced, and the progress that has been made.

Find information about Pride Month celebrations happening across B.C. here.

Until next edition…