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Have you been confused by hearing ‘they don’t have severe mental illness, they don’t have an Axis 1 diagnosis, they are not psychotic, and they are not certifiable?’
Have you ever wondered why psychiatrists ask so many questions?
Do you find it hard to tell the differences between Functional Behavioural Assessment and Functional Analysis and would like to understand what the terms ‘positive behavioural support plan’, ‘safety plan’, ‘behavioural support plan’ mean?
Would you be interested in learning how behavioural consultants can work together with psychiatrists in managing people with IDD and mental illness?
Join Us for the 2nd Session on ‘Mental Health and Behaviour Interface’ as we would be covering these issues in the presentation.
You will be receiving a registration link in the next few days
Date & Time:7th March 2024 | 12:00 noon to 1:15 pm
· Psychiatric Terms: Severe mental illness, Psychosis, not certifiable, Axis 1 Diagnosis
· Clarification on terms like FBA, PBS, BSP, Safety Plan, Crisis / De-escalation Plans, Skill building plans
Psychiatric and Behavioral Assessment insights
Collaboration between BCBA and Psychiatrists with case example
Who Will Benefit: Behavioral therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, nurses, CLBC facilitators, family doctors and other staff working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.
We are pleased to inform you about the launch of a property support program that will provide home sharing providers with comprehensive insurance coverage against significant property damage and protection from occasional minor property damage (outside of normal wear and tear) caused by individuals supported in home sharing.
We appreciate your dedication and patience over the years while we worked towards this important initiative. Your input and feedback have been instrumental in shaping this program, and we are thrilled to see it come to fruition.
This group policy is effective immediately and fully funded by CLBC. If you provide home sharing services under a contract with an approved CLBC Agency and have homeowner or tenant insurance, you will automatically receive coverage.
Individualized Funding agreements or Person-Centred Societies / Microboards are covered by this program if you have ‘home sharing’ as a funded service in your current CLBC contract. Agents and Directors of Person-Centered Societies should contact their CLBC analyst if they need to make a claim.
We recognize that home sharing providers play a critical role in our services, providing essential support and care to individuals with diverse needs. We also understand that accidents can happen, and damages to homes or property may occur as a result of individual support needs or unforeseen incidents.
The new Home Sharing Property Support Program safeguards home sharing providers through two different streams:
1. Insurance Rider for Major or Catastrophic Damages:
If you are under contract with an agency, you are eligible for this component which offers extensive protection against major or catastrophic damages. This program aligns with your existing insurance arrangement, providing coverage of up to $500,000 with a deductible of $25,000. We will ensure a smooth claims process for you by covering the deductible if a claim proceeds. Upon enrollment, you will receive a certificate of coverage, completed by your contracting agency, and an adjuster will work collaboratively with you and your agency to assess damages should you need to make a claim.
This program is fully funded by CLBC, and we will work with your contracting agency to arrange payment or reimbursement of any deductible.
2. Reimbursement Program for Minor Damages:
In addition to the Insurance Rider, we are introducing a reimbursement program to cover minor damages. This program reimburses home sharing providers with the cost of repairing minor damages to their homes caused by the individuals they support. Our CLBC funded home sharing agencies will work closely with home sharing providers to assess damages.
When damage occurs, the contracting agency will work closely with the home sharing provider to assess the damage. For damages less than $1,500, agencies can authorize reimbursement directly. For damages over $1,500, agencies will seek pre-approval from their CLBC analyst. Agencies will invoice CLBC on a regular basis for the approved damages, and this approach streamlines the payment process, ensuring efficient approval and payment for minor damages.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the individuals we serve and for being an integral part of the CLBC community.
Additional Resources:
Supporting Documents: To help you learn more about this program and how to make a claim, we have posted further information on our CLBC website including a list of Frequently Asked Questions and a Guidance Document for Agencies (home sharing providers may also find this document helpful). You can view these materials on the Home Sharing Property Support Program webpage here.
Information Session: We have scheduled an information session for home sharing providers and service providers with CLBC staff and the insurance provider. Mark your calendar; the session is on Wednesday, January 17 from 11am to 12pm (PST). Stay tuned for a formal invite! For those who cannot attend, it will be recorded and posted on the CLBC website by the end of January.
If you need further information about the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your agency.
CLBC releases progress report for International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Earlier this month, December 3 marked the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). This annual day of recognition is about promoting the rights and well-being of people with disabilities and raising awareness of the inclusion of people in all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Many community celebrations took place, including a self-advocate panel discussion hosted by BC People First and a screening of the Freedom Tour movie hosted by the BC Self Advocacy Leadership Network.
To help honour this day, CLBC released the first report documenting progress towards our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan goals and the vision for “communities of belonging, and lives of connection.”
New Chair for the CLBC Provincial Advisory Committee
Congratulations to Zafar Adeel, member of the Simon Fraser Community Council, who was appointed by the CLBC Board of Directors as the next Chair of the Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC). In addition to being a parent of a young man who receives support from CLBC, Zafar is a professor at Simon Fraser University and a resource parent with the Family Support Institute. Click here to read more about Zafar.
For more information about the Provincial Advisory Committee and how to get involved in your local Community Council, contact CLBC’s Community Engagement team at CLBC.Connect@gov.bc.ca.
Apply to be on CLBC’s Accessibility Committee
British Columbia’s accessibility law, the Accessible British Columbia Act, was put into place in June 2021. To align with this law, CLBC is creating an Accessibility Committee and is currently accepting applications.
The committee will help us identify, remove and prevent barriers, and guide us to become a more accessible organization for all people with disabilities.
The Accessibility Committee will meet virtually about four times per year. Meetings will be approximately 1.5 hours long and held in the mid to late afternoon on a weekday.
CLBC Indigenous Advisory Committee unveils new logo
Symbols play an important role in Indigenous cultures across Canada. They serve as visual markers, connecting individuals and communities, collective traditions and ancestral wisdom. They are powerful tools that convey cultural identity and foster a sense of empowerment and resilience.
As part of November’s Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, CLBC’s Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) proudly shared its logo, a symbol that honours the committee’s past and will represent it into the future.
“The support for, and incorporation of, the new Indigenous Advisory Committee logo is another positive step forward by CLBC as it continues its journey forward. Today, and in generations to come, Indigenous peoples will see this logo and know that they are not only part of CLBC and welcomed, but will be forever instrumental in its ongoing success,” says Neil Belanger, IAC Chair and CEO of the BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society.
Land acknowledgement ceremony held in Prince George, Lheidli T’enneh Territory
CLBC’s Prince George office recently hosted a special land acknowledgement ceremony to show recognition and respect for the unceded traditional ancestral territory of the Lheidli T’enneh peoples, past and present, whose land our office resides on.
The UBC Centre for Inclusion and Citizenship is working with CLBC to gather data about housing. They are running a survey on housing innovation that aims to study innovative solutions to inclusive housing options.
Any experience and knowledge that survey participants share will be valuable in helping to understand what supports innovative housing solutions.
Your voice counts! Provide your feedback on the Canada Disability Benefit
The Government of Canada is asking for feedback from Canadians to help inform the design of the regulations for the Canada Disability Benefit. This new benefit aims to address financial hardships and reduce poverty among working-age Canadians with disabilities. Learn more about the Canada Disability Benefit here.
Feedback is being collected from now until Thursday, December 21, 2023. All Canadians, especially individuals with disabilities, their caregivers and family members, as well as organizations dedicated to working with people with disabilities, are invited to participate and share their views. Learn more about this opportunity and how to provide your feedback here.
There will be more opportunities to provide input after draft regulations are published, which is expected to be in 2024.
Self Advocacy Corner Self advocate athlete is making a difference
Self advocate, CLBC employee and athlete David Johnston was recently featured in a Special Olympics article. He has a passion for sharing stories about athletes and is currently taking part in a six-month Athlete Storytelling Training Series. Through this training opportunity, seven athletes across the Special Olympics North America Region learn storytelling skills such as writing a lead, conducting an interview, drafting a social media post and pitching a story to an editor.
Self Advocates of Semiahmoo share videoTo recognize the recent International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Self Advocates of Semiahmoo created a video for their Facebook channel sharing some of the things that they have accomplished and are proud of in their lives, as well as advice and ideas for others.
You can watch the video here. Enjoy the Holiday Edition of the Kamloops Self Advocate NewsletterLooking for interesting interviews, good jokes, recipes and ways to stay connected during the holiday season? Check out the Holiday Edition of Krystian Shaw’s Kamloops Self Advocate Newsletter, written by people with diverse abilities.
Families Supporting Regular Equitable Authentic Lives (R-EAL) hosts an online Imagine the Possibilities event each month. This is a safe and supportive space for families to explore the possibilities and opportunities of lifelong inclusion for their family member with a developmental disability.
Call for Workshop Proposals for Inclusion BC’S annual Conference
Inclusion BC’s annual conference, Everybody Belongs, will be held from May 30 to June 1, 2024 in Nanaimo. The call for workshop proposals is now open. Anyone interested is invited to share their knowledge and experience with an engaged audience.
Inclusion BC is looking for proposals in the areas of community and disability supports, early years supports, education and childcare, employment and skill development, health and wellness, and housing and income supports.
Canadian Health and Wellbeing in Developmental Disabilities Digital Conference taking place in February
Join the third annual Health and Wellbeing in Developmental Disabilities digital conference taking place virtually on February 7 and 8, 2024. The conference will feature health professionals, community partners and people with lived experience sharing practices that contribute to positive physical and mental health outcomes for people with developmental disabilities throughout their lives.
The holiday season is a joyful time for many. However, we also recognize that for others it can be a challenging time. Here are some resources that are available to support anyone dealing with challenges during this time and throughout the year:HelpStartsHere.gov.bc.ca – Managed by the B.C. Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, this website provides information and resources around wellbeing, mental health and substance use. The phone line 310-6789 (no area code required) is also available for anyone seeking emotional support and mental health information. The Government of Canada Crisis Line – People across Canada can call and text 9-8-8, a new three-digit service, for help when they need it most. The service offers trauma-informed and culturally affirming support to anyone who is thinking of suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Concurrent Disorders Webinars offered by BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services
BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services is offering a webinar series called Demystifying Concurrent Disorders created by patients and families for patients and families.
Plan Institute hosts regular webinars on the Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP) and Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning.
Registered Disability Savings Plan Webinars
The Beginner RDSP workshop (Level 1) is for those who want to learn what an RDSP is, who qualifies, how to apply for the Disability Tax Credit, and how to open an RDSP.
The Advanced RDSP workshop (Level 2) is for those who already have an RDSP or have already taken Level 1 and would like to deepen their knowledge and learn how to maximize growth.
The next RDSP webinars are scheduled for January 10, 2024 (Level 1) and January 17, 2024 (Level 2).
In this webinar, attendees learn how to arrange their estate, prepare a will, and the various ins and outs of setting up a trust specifically for a relative or loved one with a disability.
The next Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning webinars are scheduled for January 18, February 15 and March 28, 2024.
Complete a survey to validate how poverty is measured in Canada
Statistics Canada is gathering input from Canadians through a survey to help validate how poverty is measured. It is important that the voice and experience of people with disabilities is represented in this data.
Join a Community Council event in your local community
Councils have been busy over the fall planning holiday events and sharing connections over a meal, such as the CLBC Upper Fraser Council pictured here at a recent Council gathering in Abbotsford in November.
Anyone interested is invited to attend these upcoming gatherings to learn how Community Councils are making a difference and find out ways to get involved:
Richmond Community Council Gathering
When: January 25 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm PST Where: Thompson Community Centre at 5151 Granville Avenue, Richmond RSVP:CLBC.Connect@gov.bc.ca
Vancouver Council hosts Celebration of Community Inclusion
The Vancouver Community Council is hosting a celebration of community inclusion on January 27, 2024, from 11am to 2pm.
The event will highlight the abilities and accomplishments of persons with developmental disabilities and include presentations from self advocates and allies, information tables, games, a caricature artist, snacks and prize. Click the picture to the right to see all the details.
Are you interested in volunteering to create inclusive communities? Community Councils are an important way for CLBC to listen and learn from people we serve. Learn more about CLBC Community Councils here.
Contact CLBC.Connect@gov.bc.ca to set up a time with the Community Engagement team to learn more about volunteering on a CLBC Community Council.
Stories and CelebrationEngaging around housing at Housing Central
During November, attendees from across B.C. took part in the sold out Housing Central conference in Vancouver, with CLBC staff and self advocates playing important roles. Hosted each year by the BC Non Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA) and delivered in partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) and the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC), Housing Central is Canada’s leading education, professional development and networking event for the community housing sector. CLBC is a proud sponsor of the conference.
During the conference, CLBC Housing Leads were at our booth in the exhibitors’ hall actively connecting with attendees about the importance of inclusive, accessible and culturally safe housing. CLBC staff also presented some of the conference’s informative and engaging sessions.
You can also learn more about inclusive housing by visiting the KeyToHomeBC.ca website, created through a partnership between CLBC and Inclusion BC.
Video profiles creative partnership supporting people with developmental disabilities who have complex needs
At the Housing Central Conference, CLBC CEO Ross Chilton presented a new video profiling Grosvenor House in Surrey. This creative pilot project between CLBC, Lookout Housing and Health Society and the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA) is helping people with developmental disabilities who have complex needs, including those dealing with addiction and homelessness.
You can watch Ross’s speech here and click the image below to watch the video on Grosvenor House.
Signing off
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 safe, connected and included in their communities.
We look forward to bringing you more news, information and resources when the Update resumes in late January 2024.
Community Living BC encourages anyone who has not yet had their flu and COVID-19 update vaccinations to do so as soon as possible.
The BC Centre for Disease Control reports that while COVID-19 activity has started to decline, it continues to be a risk especially for those who remain unvaccinated. At the same time, the number of influenza cases has begun to climb and adult visits to emergency departments for respiratory symptoms have increased.
Individuals supported by CLBC remain a priority to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Invitations were sent by email or text message to everyone who has registered to receive a COVID-19 immunization in B.C. The invitation has a direct link to book your COVID-19 and flu appointment online. These vaccines are free and available at pharmacies, health authority clinics and some primary care providers’ offices.
You can also book COVID-19 and flu immunizations through the Get Vaccinated system. If you need help scheduling your vaccine appointment, call: 1-833-838-2323. This phone line is available 7 days a week, from 7am to 7pm, and from 9am to 5pm on statutory holidays.
If you are a person who receives CLBC supports and are unsure about getting your shots or still trying to decide, you can listen to a personal message from Dr. Bonnie Henry and stories from other self-advocates on our You Can Too! web page here.
CLBC urges all who intended to get the shots, but have delayed doing so, to book both shots at the same time and before the holiday season.
For more than two decades, CLBC has proudly marked the occasion of Community Inclusion Month in October. 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 healthcare, employment, cultural activities, recreation, and sport.
Remember, we all play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive society. Here are some things you can do:
Participate in Community Inclusion Month events that are taking place in your community.
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.
Let us know what’s happening in your community. You can let us know at CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca and we will help spread the word via our website and social media pages.
Share impactful stories, videos, and testimonials of individuals benefiting from inclusion with us. Reach out to CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca, and together we will amplify your efforts through our website and social media platforms.
During Community Inclusion Month, CLBC will be recognizing inclusion champions through our Widening Our World (WOW) awards. We look forward to announcing the winners in the coming days on our website here. Help us celebrate this year’s WOW Awards and the recipients as award presentations take place.
Every step we take forward together can make change. We thank all British Columbians for their support and contribution to fostering inclusive communities, places where everyone has possibilities and is welcomed.
Welcome to the September 2023 edition of CLBC’s Update for Individuals and Families. We hope you and your families have had a safe and happy summer. Our thoughts remain with everyone in our province who has been impacted by the wildfires.As we move into the fall, we look forward to once again sharing information, helpful resources and uplifting stories with you through this monthly Update.CLBC and Government NewsJoin CLBC’s September 20 open board meeting
CLBC will be holding its next open board meeting from 9am to 12pm on Wednesday, September 20. CLBC eligible individuals, families, service providers and members of the public are welcome to join remotely via the Microsoft Teams meeting platform.
You will hear project updates from CEO Ross Chilton on recruitment for our Board, a grant to an innovative new family group, a recent Board visit to the Gitxsan First Nation, our emergency housing supports trial, and CLBC’s partnership with Foundry.
The meeting also includes a presentation from John Stinson, VP of Service Delivery and Innovation, on the Re-imagining Community Inclusion commitment to improve collaboration with the Ministry of Health on topics like access to health systems and aging. The meeting includes reports from the Chairs of our Indigenous Advisory Committee and Provincial Advisory Committee.
To receive a link to join the meeting, send an email to padminee.chundunsing@gov.bc.ca along with your name and agency name (if applicable).
Recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt DayCLBC respectfully acknowledges the upcoming Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 as a time of recognition to honour survivors, the lost children of residential schools, their families, and communities. In March of this year, the Province of B.C. passed legislation to make September 30 a statutory holiday. This gives more British Columbians the opportunity to get involved in advancing reconciliation by participating in local commemoration or education events, having important conversations with their families, friends and communities, and finding meaningful ways to learn more about our shared history.Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that encourages all Canadians to wear orange to honour the children who survived residential schools and remember those who did not.
Connect with CLBC’s Provincial Community Engagement Lead
“Hi, my name is Brita Hall and I would like to introduce myself as the CLBC Provincial Community Engagement Lead. I am very excited to start my new role leading community engagement initiatives that help CLBC listen to, learn from, and partner with the people and families we serve and the communities that support them. This includes supporting the leadership of our CLBC Editorial Board, Provincial Advisory Committee, and 13 Community Councils.
Let’s connect! Are you a self advocate, family member, partner organization and/or member of the community working to strengthen inclusion and connection in your community? Please reach out and let us know what you’re up to so we can share with others. If you would like to know how to get involved in community engagement activities at CLBC, including contributing to this CLBC Update for Individuals and Families, email me at CLBC.Connect@gov.bc.ca. I’d love to hear from you!”
New L.I.F.E. SERVICE begins plans to expand in 2024
CLBC has targeted ten communities for this year’s expansion of the new L.I.F.E. service. A proposal letter was sent in August 2023 to qualified service providers in ten identified areas: North Shore area (including North Vancouver, Sea to Sky, Squamish, Bella Coola, and Powell River); Burnaby; Mission; Surrey/Delta; Victoria; Nanaimo; Vernon; Trail; Kamloops; and Kitimat. These areas were identified with input from CLBC regions about service provider and CLBC staff readiness.
CLBC’s goal is to identify ten successful agencies by November 2023. The new services will begin development in January 2024.
You can speak to your CLBC facilitator to find out about availability of the L.I.F.E. service in your area. Even if the L.I.F.E. service is not yet available in your area, CLBC encourages you to make a formal request for it through your local CLBC office. This will help us keep track of the interest for the service to support finding new service providers to deliver it in your area.
People who receive CLBC individualized funding – and hire staff with that funding – must have a Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP) Employer Account number to request criminal record checks for any staff they hire with the funding provided by CLBC.
When applying for an Employer Account, it is also important to note the CRRP no longer requires:Proof someone is receiving at least 50% provincial fundingA letter from CLBC to prove a person is contracting with CLBC (in some circumstances a letter might still be requested. Your CLBC analyst can provide it)Photocopies of the applicant’s identificationCLBC has updated our Frequently Asked Questions document and the Drivers’ Abstract Checklist to reflect the CRRP’s recent changes. Thank you for the WOW nominations!
CLBC’s annual Widening Our World Awards (WOW) celebrate people in B.C. who are working to make our communities more inclusive of people of all abilities. This year, we focused on employment to celebrate and highlight the work of inclusive employers across the province.
Nominations closed last week on September 7, 2023. We are sending out a heartfelt thanks to everyone who took time from their busy days to submit a nomination for the 2023 WOW Awards. The evaluation committee is currently reviewing the nominations received to select this year’s recipients. We look forward to celebrating the recipients in their hometowns with friends, family, staff and service providers in October as part of Community Inclusion Month.
Moving, or thinking of moving? Learn more about CLBC’s Transfer PolicyWhen you choose to move to a new community in B.C., CLBC wants you to continue receiving the right services. CLBC’s Transfer Policy provides a clear understanding of what individuals and families should expect from CLBC when planning a move.With at least 90 days’ notice, we can carefully plan, help you understand the available services in different areas, and assist you in making informed decisions. Our goal is to minimize the possibility of service disruptions and ensure your needs are met in your new community.Here are the key steps for you to take if you are planning to move:Contact your CLBC facilitator or local CLBC office at least 90 days before you want to move. Your facilitator will let you know if your move is a ‘transfer’ and they will help plan with you so you can continue accessing CLBC services in your new community.Check the Transferring your CLBC Services page on CLBC’s website here for more information to help you better understand what to expect when transferring your CLBC services from one quality service area to another.
NextRide technology being expanded for BC Transit
BC Transit is receiving nearly $17 million to expand its NextRide digital system for its province-wide bus fleet. NextRide technology enables added accessibility for passengers with onboard automatic voice announcements and digital visual displays for the next bus stop location.
“An upgraded NextRide will offer our customers real-time transit information about bus locations, route schedules and detours,” said Erinn Pinkerton, president and CEO of BC Transit, in a statement. “This modern technology helps riders better plan their travel, saving them time as they go about their day.”
BC People First presents on Language, Labels and Ableism
How does language harm and how does language help? Join BC People First (BCPF) for an upcoming panel presentation called Language, Labels, and Ableism.
Presenters who will be sharing their experiences include Margaux Wosk, Charlene Barney, Nicole Babor, Noel Anderson, Justin Albay and Jo-Anne Gauthier.
The presentation takes place virtually on Tuesday, September 26 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm (PDT).
Join the People First Movement in British Columbia
Do you want to learn more about self advocacy and your human rights? Do you want to meet new people or share your experiences to help others? Become a BCPF Member – it’s free.
BCPF is an independent non-profit society for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and self advocates from across British Columbia. It is membership-based and volunteer-run by self advocates for self advocates.
Register for the 22nd Annual Self Advocacy Leadership Retreat in Mission
Join the next Self Advocacy Retreat in Mission, B.C. to learn more about advocacy, safety, rights, healthy relationships and how to become leaders in your own community.
The annual event takes places at the Camp Luther Retreat Centre at 9311 Shook Road from October 27 to 29, 2023. The price is $270 (including tax) per person, which includes two nights and three days accommodations, healthy meals, registration, all workshops and recreation.
CLBC’s Strategic Initiatives Advisors host a weekly virtual meetup called Let’s Get Together and Talk About Connections. You’re invited to join every Thursday at 12:00pm noon to hear about and share what’s happening around the province and in your own community. Learn more about this weekly event here.
To join, go to this Zoom link, then enter the passcode: CLBC. You can also join over the phone by calling 1-778-907-2071
The Family Support Institute of BC offers various Family Hang outs and Learning Explorations.Family Hang Outs are a safe space for families and caregivers to come together for support, inspiration and troubleshooting. Sessions are either themed or open for general conversation. Learning Explorations are free online sessions that offer families, individuals, and professionals the chance to learn, connect and share on a variety of topics. Visit the FSI Calendar of events here for a list of upcoming hang outs and learning sessions.
Please note: All FSI Zoom sessions can be accessed by telephone. If you need assistance registering for any session, please call the FSI office at 1-800-441-5403.
Understanding Home Sharing Contracts
Home sharing is an arrangement where an adult lives in a person’s home and receives support and services based on their personal goals and needs. Home sharing providers and the adults who live with them enrich each others’ lives, and they share experiences and rely upon each other’s skills.
Home sharing services are offered in many ways. Some people live with a family, others live with a roommate or a couple, and some may live in a separate suite that is part of the home.
The Home Sharing Support Society BC is hosting a free webinar called Understanding Your Home Sharing Contract. The webinar takes place Wednesday, September 20 from 10am to 11:30am (PDT) and everyone from the home sharing community is invited to attend.
This event is an opportunity to gain valuable insights about home sharing contracts, and will feature a panel of experts discussing key topics as well as time for questions.
Join the Burnaby Primary Care Network for the Fall 2023 virtual DocTalks Series
The Burnaby Primary Care Network has been holding interactive webinars hosted by Burnaby doctors on different health related topics, so participants can have their questions answered. Attendees can join from any part of B.C. and all sessions are recorded and made available online.
Topics for the upcoming Fall 2023 DocTalks series are:A-Typical: Learning how to support complex kids Friday, September 15 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm (PDT) How to support ageing adults with disabilities… and when? Friday, September 29 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm (PDT) Navigating medical and social supports for disabilities Friday, October 13 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm (PDT) Learn more and find all of the registration instructions here.
CLBC Community Councils
Volunteer on a CLBC Community Council!
Do you care about building communities where everyone belongs? So do the volunteers on Community Councils!
Community Councils are run by volunteers who work with CLBC and community partners to support the inclusion, citizenship and full participation of people with developmental disabilities. Council members also play an important role in providing information and advice on CLBC projects and strategic plan goals.
Whether you want to explore becoming a member, join a Council meeting as a guest, or simply learn about what your local council is working on, our Community Engagement team can help you connect. Email CLBC.Connect@gov.bc.ca to get involved.
Plan for a Better Future with the North Shore Sunshine Coast Community Council
Join the North Shore Sunshine Coast Community Council and Community Living Society for the upcoming presentation Plan for a Better Future – Aging Parents and Caregivers. This presentation will help parents and caregivers understand the power of planning in key areas for their loved one with a disability and think about ways to go from feeling unprepared to having peace of mind about the future. Speakers include Community Living BC, Community Living Society, Family Support Institute and PLAN BC. There will be refreshments and games.
Seating is limited so anyone interested in attending is encourages to RSVP by September 30 to Rhea.Miguel@gov.bc.ca.
Stories and Celebration
September is Disability Employment Month
The Province of B.C. has again proclaimed September as Disability Employment Month. This month celebrates the significant contributions of people with disabilities and employers who demonstrate inclusion and leadership. The proclamation also affirms B.C.’s commitment to working with employers to recruit, retain and promote people with disabilities in their workplaces.
You can read the official proclamation here and search for the hashtag #DisabilityEmploymentMonth on social media to see posts and updates being shared throughout September.
Recognizing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention and Support Month
September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention and Support Month in B.C. and International FASD Awareness Day took place this past Saturday, September 9. This day and month are recognized to highlight the importance of not drinking alcohol for the full nine months of pregnancy, as well as to improve the prevention of FASD and increase access to diagnosis and support.
We’re now just over two weeks away from Community Inclusion Month. Every October in B.C., Community Inclusion Month celebrates the valuable contributions that people with developmental disabilities make and recognizes the importance of communities where everyone is included.
Stay tuned to CLBC’s Community Inclusion Month webpage here as October approaches and during the month as we will be sharing events, stories, community proclamations and information and also announcing the recipients of CLBC’s 2023 Widening Our World (WOW) Awards.
Have an event, story or other highlight you’d like to share? Send an email to CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca and let us know.
As we sign off this edition, we’d like to share a quote from Jacob, who lives on Gitxsan Lax ‘yip and receives services from Hazelton Community Services.
Jacob tells us why supports in the community, and community inclusion, are so important:
“I never used to really leave my house much or talk to people, but now my worker cracked me right open like a nut.”
Posted on
Update on shelter rate increase for supported individuals in CLBC home sharing or staffed homes Further to the July 7, 2023 Info Bulletin on the CLBC Individual Financial Contribution Policy and the government’s shelter rate increase, we are writing to provide an update on the upcoming increases.
The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR) is now implementing the shelter rate increases. To make sure all home sharing and staffed home providers can access the government’s $125 increase to the maximum shelter allowance rates for individuals on disability assistance, effective August 2023:CLBC’s standardized individual financial contribution rate for people who are under 65 and receive PWD will increase from $716.13 to $841.13. CLBC will provide an equivalent increase in payments to home sharing providers for people who are age 65+ and receive OAS/GIS. CLBC has worked with the Ministry to have increases for individuals under 65 flow through to home sharing and staffed home providers. If supported individuals do not have the right information in their Shelter Information Forms, additional steps may be required. CLBC has notified agencies about these individuals and the steps required to update Shelter Information Forms.
The Ministry is recommending that individuals who need to submit an updated Shelter Information Form do so as soon as possible. SDPR has indicated that, even though the change may not be reflected in the July 19th, 2023 (August benefit month) cheque, the payment amount will be adjusted as per the start date reflected in the Shelter Information Form (eg. August 1, 2023).
As noted above, CLBC will be providing increases to service provider Home Sharing contracts to match individual contribution rate increases for people age 65+ who receive OAS/GIS (i.e. $125/month increase for individuals on OAS/GIS effective August 1, 2023). The process for updating contracts takes some time and may differ among agencies. Increases will be retroactive. If you have questions regarding the timing and process for receiving this increase, please speak to your coordinating agency.
Questions about the maximum shelter rate increase or how to update a shelter information form can be directed to the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction through My Self Serve or by phone at 1-866-866-0800.
Important information on upcoming PWD shelter rate increases
Hello Service Provider Colleagues,
I am writing to you because your agency coordinates home sharing resources and/or staffed living services through contracts with CLBC.
As I believe you are aware, Community Living BC has been working in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR) to confirm under what circumstances individuals on disability assistance who reside in home sharing and staffed living services will automatically receive the $125 shelter rate increase. The increase was announced in the B.C. Government’s budget in February 2023 and goes into effect on August 1, 2023. Under CLBC policy, the shelter increase will be passed on to the individual’s home sharing or staffed living provider.
MSDPR will be providing a message to all individuals on disability assistance in early July via My Self Serve or mail. The letter will include the following statement:
“Clients who reside in Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) contracted residential facilities will have their CLBC standardized rate automatically updated to include the increase and no action is required.”
This means that if the individual has the standardized rate of $716 or $716.13 registered as their current rental expense, they will see that amount automatically increase to $841 or $841.13. If an individual does not receive the current standardized rate of $716 or $716.13 from the Ministry, they may need to update their information by completing a Shelter Information Form (HR3037) and submitting it through MSDPR’s My Self Serve system at Myselfserve.gov.bc.ca, or in an MSDPR office. If an individual is not sure what their current shelter allowance is, they can check My Self Serve, review their last direct deposit cheque statement or review their cheque stub if they receive a paper cheque from the Ministry. When completing the Shelter Information form (HR3037), in the section titled “Type of Rental Accommodation”, they should check “D. Other” and please specify “CLBC Home Share Provider”. In the section titled “Accommodation Information”, they should include the new Total Rent of the Unit (i.e., $841.13).
In the first couple of weeks of July, CLBC will be sending you a list from MSDPR of individuals who are receiving home support services through your agency and who do not have the standardized rates registered with MSDPR. Because of the tight turnaround time before disability assistance is disbursed, we recommend that if individuals know they have non-standardized rates, they update their shelter information with MSDPR by July 10 or sooner. If an individual is unable to make that timeframe, the Ministry can process their shelter information form anytime and issue a separate payment for the August benefit month based on the individual’s form confirming the change happened for August 1, 2023.
Thanks in advance for your assistance in communicating with individuals, their families and their home support providers to ensure they are fully aware of these changes to their shelter rate and what steps they may need to take to receive it.
Individuals with questions about the shelter increases should be directed to MSDPR through My Self Serve or, where the individual is not registered for My Self Serve, by contacting the Ministry at 1-866-866-0800.
Sincerely,
John Stinson VP, Service Delivery and Innovation Community Living BC
Learn about CLBC’s Cultural Safety Principles in new video
Dear Service Providers,
In the fall of 2022, Community Living BC created its first Cultural Safety Policy. The policy describes cultural safety principles and practices that will guide how CLBC staff and service providers engage, support, monitor, and plan with First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals, as well as their families, support networks and communities. This policy is an important step towards ensuring CLBC’s and the community living sector’s actions align with the rights of Indigenous Peoples, which is a key goal of our current Strategic Plan.
CLBC has created a new video to raise awareness and understanding of the six principles that guide the Cultural Safety Policy:Culturally Responsive ProgrammingIndigenous Anti-RacismIndigenous Trauma Informed and Responsive ApproachPromoting, Maintaining and Sustaining ConnectionsPerson-Centred ApproachPromoting a Coordinated Service Approach Click here to watch CLBC’s Cultural Safety Principles video
The video, along with the Cultural Safety Service Provider Practice Guide, is a tool to support service providers and CLBC staff to learn how to offer our services in ways that are as culturally safe as possible.