https://mailchi.mp/8d0f17979dab/clbc-update-for-individuals-families-april-2026-edition?e=0c6e272074
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| Welcome to the April 2026 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, Instagram and Bluesky social media channels 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 NewsCommunity Leadership is shaping the next CLBC Strategic PlanCLBC’s WOW Award deadline has been extended to Sunday, April 19 at 5 p.m.More rent support now available for people served by CLBCExpanding culturally grounded support for Indigenous people with diverse needsBetter coverage now available for people with diabetes in B.C.Self-Advocacy CornerCheck out BC People First’s blog and submit your storyHot off the press: Kamloops Self Advocate NewsletterStaying Supported and ConnectedLearn about disability planning with Plan Institute’s webinarsThe REA‑L Conversations podcast explores honest stories about building inclusive lives Free course on brain health and aging for family caregiversLearn how to hire support staff with Support Worker CentralConnect, learn, and feel supported with the Family Support InstituteCLBC Community Council CornerYou’re invited to a CLBC Community Council Open HouseVolunteer on a CLBC Community Council near youStories and CelebrationsHousing project supports Indigenous women with complex needs in northern B.C.New video highlights importance of inclusion and lived experienceHow the WISE Ambassadors Club is helping people build skills and speak up CLBC and Government News Community Leadership is shaping the next CLBC Strategic Plan As CLBC works toward developing our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, we want to sincerely thank the incredible community-led leadership that made our recent engagement efforts so meaningful. Self-advocacy groups, CLBC Community Councils, service providers, and community partners across the province went the extra mile to host community conversations and create welcoming spaces for people with lived experience, family members, and support staff to share what matters most to them. Because of this collective effort, more than 1,100 people across British Columbia had their voice heard. Participation reflected strong and diverse representation from all five CLBC regions—Vancouver Island, Vancouver Coastal, Fraser Valley, Southern Interior, and North Thompson Cariboo. Importantly, the voices of people eligible for CLBC services and family members were equally represented, and were the majority of respondents. What’s Next? Over the coming months, CLBC will:Spend additional time engaging with Indigenous communitiesHost “What Did We Learn?” validation sessions throughout April and early May to check back with communities, confirm what we heard, and gather further inputPublish a public summary report highlighting key themes across all engagement groupsAll of this learning will inform a draft strategic plan, which will be brought to the CLBC Board for direction and approval. The final 2026–2029 Strategic Plan is expected to be published late fall. We are proud of the collaboration that led to such strong participation and thoughtful contributions. It tells us that people care deeply about CLBC’s work and want to be part of strengthening how we learn, grow, and make a difference for the people we serve. For more information about the CLBC Strategic Plan visit our website here. CLBC’s WOW Award deadline has been extended to Sunday, April 19 at 5 p.m.  Good news, there’s still time to submit your Widening Our World (WOW) Award nomination! The deadline for CLBC’s 2026 WOW Awards has been extended to Sunday, April 19 at 5 p.m. PDT. For 17 years, the WOW Awards have recognized people and places that are helping build more inclusive communities across B.C. This is your chance to celebrate someone who is making a meaningful difference. Nominate a person, group or place in your community that has gone above and beyond to advance inclusion and full citizenship for adults who have developmental disabilities. Find full details about the 2026 WOW Awards and nomination forms here. Learn more about the positive impact of nominating by watching this video of past WOW Award recipients. More rent support now available for people served by CLBC In November 2025, applications first opened for 50 rent supplements under the Canada-BC Housing Benefit. This program is funded by the federal government’s Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) through BC Housing and administered by CLBC. If you rent a home from a landlord or are getting ready to move into one and receive CLBC services, there are now 50 more rent supplements available to help make rent more affordable. Applications are open and there is no deadline to apply. 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. Expanding culturally grounded support for Indigenous people with diverse needs CLBC, in partnership with Aboriginal Friendship Centres, has launched the Connections Through Inclusion pilot project to expand culturally grounded support for Indigenous people with diverse needs. The initiative funds Community Connections workers in six communities across B.C. to help Indigenous adults access CLBC-funded services, housing, and community programs, while also connecting them to culture, Elders, and local supports. By providing Indigenous-led, culturally safe outreach, the project aims to reduce barriers, strengthen relationships, and support greater belonging, stability, and access to services. Learn more about this initiative and how it is supporting Indigenous people across the province on CLBC’s website. Better coverage now available for people with diabetes in B.C. More people in B.C. can now get help paying for diabetes supplies and devices. Starting April 1, 2026, coverage has expanded to include items like lancets, alcohol swabs, and ketone strips used for at-home testing. Some people may also be eligible for coverage of an insulin pump to help manage blood sugar. These changes are part of the national pharmacare program and aim to make diabetes care more affordable and accessible for people across the province. Learn more about the expanded coverage and how to access it on the Government of B.C. website. Self-Advocacy CornerCheck out BC People First’s blog and submit your storyBC People First (BCPF) is a non-profit organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to speak up for themselves and be included, respected, and valued as full members of their communities. Check out their blog where self‑advocacy leaders share stories and insights about knowing your rights, removing barriers, and creating inclusive communities. Created by and for self‑advocates in British Columbia, the blog features lived experiences, advocacy work, and perspectives from people with disabilities, offering readers a chance to learn from real voices and build greater understanding. BCPF members who want to be featured are welcome to share ideas or get support to write their own blog post. To learn more or get help contributing, email bcpfcoordinator@gmail.com Hot off the press: Kamloops Self Advocate Newsletter  The April 2026 edition of the Kamloops Self Advocate Newsletter (KSANews) is out now. Founded and run by Krystian Shaw, the KSANews is a community-driven platform celebrating the stories, achievements and voices of self-advocates in Kamloops. Whether you’re looking for uplifting articles, inclusion events or ways to get involved, KSANews offers a welcoming space centered around diverse lived experiences.The April issue shares updates, stories, and community news from local self-advocates, along with highlights of recent activities and what’s coming up in the Kamloops area. Read the full newsletter on Self Advocate Net website here. Staying Supported and ConnectedLearn about disability planning with Plan Institute’s webinarsJoin Plan Institute for webinars about the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the importance of wills, trusts and estate planning in BC. All webinars include a live Q&A. This April and May features interpreted sessions in Arabic and Farsi!Register for an upcoming webinar below:Farsi: DTC Webinar – Tuesday, April 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Mandarin: DTC Webinar – May 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Level 2: Advanced Registered Disability Savings Plan Webinar – May 19 from 4 to 6 p.m.Find Plan Institute’s upcoming webinars at planinstitute.ca/events The REA‑L Conversations podcast explores honest stories about building inclusive lives  Check out new episodes from REA‑L Conversations, a family‑led podcast exploring how people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can live regular, equitable, and authentic lives rooted in community. Through honest, unpolished conversations, families share lived experience about holding high expectations and building inclusive lives one step at a time.The podcast focuses on relationships, persistence, and everyday belonging—not perfect answers. New episodes include Dads on Inclusive Lives and Developmental Age Thinking: Why It’s Time to Let It Go—and listeners are invited to stay connected and join the conversation.REA-L Conversations is brought to you by Families Supporting Regular, Equitable, Authentic Lives, a provincial non-profit organization that is building a province-wide network of families who are intentionally exploring and choosing supports that reduce reliance on traditional services for their family members with intellectual or developmental disabilities.Check out the podcast here on REA-L’s website.Free course on brain health and aging for family caregiversAre you a family caregiver supporting an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability? A new virtual course from Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is now open for registration. Led by researchers at CAMH, this six-week program supports caregivers in understanding brain health, aging, and wellbeing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Open to caregivers supporting adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities aged 40+, the course includes weekly sessions, a resource workbook, and opportunities to share feedback. Watch a short video on the course here.Learn more and register here on the CAMH website.Learn how to hire support staff with Support Worker CentralAre you looking to hire support staff? Join this free online session hosted by Family Support Institute of BC to learn about Support Worker Central, a province-wide job board that helps families find and hire support workers.In this session, you’ll learn how to create an account, post a job, and find the right support for you or your family member. There will also be time to ask questions. This session is for people hiring support staff, but anyone interested in becoming a support worker is welcome to attend.The session is happening on May 20, at 12 p.m. PDT via Zoom.Register for the online session here.Connect, learn, and feel supported with the Family Support InstituteLooking for ways to connect with other families and caregivers? Visit the Family Support Institute’s calendar of events to explore a range of free online opportunities, including Family Hangouts and Learning Explorations.Family Hangouts offer a safe, welcoming space to share experiences, find support, and problem‑solve together through themed or open conversations on Zoom.Learning Explorations provide interactive sessions where families, individuals, and professionals can learn, connect, and share on a variety of topics.Check out the events calendar on the FSI website here to find upcoming sessions that fit your interests and needs. CLBC Community Council CornerYou’re invited to a CLBC Community Council Open HouseThis spring, we invite you to connect with your local Community Council and be part of the conversation shaping your community.CLBC Community Council Open Houses are taking place in communities across the province, offering a chance to meet new people, enjoy light refreshments, and learn how Community Councils help support inclusion and connection in your area.  South Central Okanagan Community CouncilDate: April 22 from 11:45 to 1 p.m. Location: 2045 Enterprise Way, Kelowna B.C. RSVP: clbckelowna@gov.bc.caCentral North Island Community Council Date: April 29 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Location: 107 – 1742 Cliffe Ave, Courtney B.C. RSVP: Call Donna at 250-218-9155Vancouver-Richmond Community Council Date: May 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. Location: 6380 No3 Road, Richmond B.C. RSVP: lucy.jaime@gov.bc.ca Volunteer on a CLBC Community Council near youInterested in volunteering to create inclusive communities? Want to get involved in 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. Find answers to frequently asked questions about CLBC Community Councils here. 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 CelebrationsHousing project supports Indigenous women with complex needs in northern B.C. A new home in Lheidli T’enneh territory (Prince George) is supporting six Indigenous women with complex needs who receive Community Living BC (CLBC) funded services. The home provides a safe, stable place to live with culturally grounded supports that help each woman thrive.This project was made possible through strong partnerships and shared commitment to culturally safe housing. Led by the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George (AHSPG), the project brought together multiple organizations, including the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA), National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. (NICHI), AiMHi – Prince George Association for Community Living, and Community Living BC.Learn more about this project and its impact by watching the video on the CLBC website. New video highlights importance of inclusion and lived experience  A powerful video from the Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) is a reminder to see people for who they are, beyond labels. It highlights the importance of listening to lived experience and creating communities where people feel respected, included, and understood.The DDA is a community living agency that offers programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families.Watch the video on the Developmental Disabilities Association’s YouTube channel.How the WISE Ambassadors Club is helping people build skills and speak up WISE Ambassadors left to right, Trevor Che, Akshay Sachdeva, Tamara Gowdyk.The WISE Ambassadors Club is led by and for people with disabilities and supported by Uniti’s WISE Employment Solutions, with a strong focus on inclusive employment and rights awareness. Ambassadors develop leadership, confidence, and self‑advocacy skills through workshops on communication, technology, workplace rights, and accommodations. They help ensure people with disabilities understand their rights at work and feel empowered to speak up for equitable treatment. At the same time, ambassadors engage with employers and community partners to build understanding of their responsibilities in creating inclusive and accessible workplaces. Through presentations to youth, businesses, advocacy groups, and conferences, they share lived experience and practical insight into disability inclusion and employment equity. This leadership helps break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and promote fair employment practices. By centring lived experience, the WISE Ambassadors Club drives meaningful change and strengthens inclusive employment across B.C. Read the full story here to learn how their voices are making an impact. Signing offUntil next edition… |
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