Home Sharing Support Society of BC

Dear Home Sharing Community Member,

We hope you’re doing well. We wanted to remind you about our upcoming Connect & Collaborate session. This session is all about Neurodiversity and Indigeneity: From Childhood to Adulthood.

If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s your chance! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear our amazing speaker!

Presenter:

Nicole Ineese-Nash (she/her) is an Oji-Cree educator, researcher, and community helper whose work focuses on Indigenous community development, mental health and wellbeing, education, and land-based practices. She is a member of Constance Lake First Nation in Treaty 9 territory and resides and works in Tkaronto. Nicole is an assistant professor in the schools of Early Childhood Studies and Child and Youth Care at Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as the academic coordinator of the Indigenous Child and Youth Engagement Certificate at the Chang School of Continuing Education. Nicole founded and serves as the executive director of a national non-profit organization called a Finding Our Power Together, which provides mental health resources to Indigenous communities across Canada. Nicole has worked directly with Indigenous youth, children, and communities for over a decade and seeks research and teaching opportunities that promote Indigenous self-determination and resurgence. 

Session Details: 

Date: July 18, 2024 

Time: 10:00AM – 11:30 AM (PST) 

Location: Virtual session via Zoom

*Once registered the link to the session will be sent out the day prior to the event. 

Registration closes two days before the event at 4:00 PM. To ensure your participation, please register before this deadline.

To Register:

Visit our website at www.homesharingbc.ca, under the “Events” tab from the main menu, and click on the session link to sign up.

Can’t Attend Live? We’ve Got You Covered! 

We understand that some of you may have work commitments and might not be able to attend the session live. Don’t worry; The session will be recorded, and if you’ve registered for the session, you’ll receive access to the recording.  

Pre-Submit Your Questions 

For those attending in-person or may not be able to attend, we invite you to pre-submit your questions via this LINK. This will help us prepare information and/or resources in advance.  We answer pre-submitted questions first and time permitting live questions.

Connect with us on social media! 

If you have any questions or need accommodations, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We are here to assist you.

We hope you can join us for this important session. Thank you for being an integral part of our community, and we look forward to seeing you!

Best regards,

Trina Plamondon 

Executive Director 

Home Sharing Support Society BC 

trina@homesharingbc.ca  

Ph. 604.243.2430 

Web: www.homesharingbc.ca  

Home Sharing is Living Better Together 

We acknowledge that HSSSBC office operates on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples-Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh & Musqueam First Nations. We respect the land and honour this tradition of land acknowledgment that dates back centuries for Indigenous people. 

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any accompanying documents contain confidential information intended for a specific individual purpose.  This message is private and protected by law.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying or distribution, or the taking of any action based on the contents of this information, is strictly prohibited. 

Home Sharing Support Society of BC

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What’s On at the HSSSBCJuly 2024 Edition

Home Sharing Board Vacancies

About

Co-operative Entrepreneur Training Program (CETP)

Info

Accessible Service Delivery
Feedback

Happy July to everyone in the Home Sharing community!  We have been very busy at the HSSSBC planning events, speakers & opportunities for you to provide your input to make a difference in home sharing.

HSSSBC Board of Directors is RecruitingDo you want serve your community by volunteering some of your time and expertise to a non-profit board supporting the disability sector?  If you are a self-advocate, or have legal or accounting experience we would like to hear from you.  The Home Sharing Support Society BC currently has opportunities to serve on our HSSSBC Board of Directors.  Our mission is to enhance and support the sustainability and quality of home sharing and other housing options for adults with developmental disabilities throughout British Columbia. 
 The Home Sharing Support Society BC works collaboratively with a cross-section of the Home Sharing community from across the province. This includes families, people in a home sharing arrangement, providers, those coordinating services, self-advocates, funders and other key community partners.    Learn More About Us: https://homesharingbc.ca/about-us/   
Co-operative Entrepreneur Training Program (CETP)Are you or someone you know gifted with an exceptional talent or business idea but face barriers to employment? Vancouver Island University offers a unique opportunity that might be the perfect fit. The Cooperative Entrepreneur Training Program (CETP) is designed to empower individuals with disabilities or other employment barriers to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.  
CETP is an online program that equips you with crucial business skills needed to start and run your own business. This includes everything from business strategy and financial literacy to digital marketing. The program is tailored for Canadians over the age of 17 who have diversabilities or any barriers that hinder regular employment. 
 Program Highlights: 
Flexible Online Delivery: Participate from anywhere in Canada. 
Mentorship: Get paired with experienced business owners who provide personalized guidance. 
Financial Support: Access multiple sources of funding to cover your program costs, with a safety net to withdraw without fees if funding isn’t secured. 
Learn more here!
Check your Bias!The IAT measures the strength of associations between concepts (e.g., black people, gay people) and evaluations (e.g., good, bad) or stereotypes (e.g., athletic, clumsy). The main idea is that making a response is easier when closely related items share the same response key. When doing an IAT you are asked to quickly sort words into categories that are on the left and right hand side of the computer screen.Take your test here!
Interesting StudyConscious and Unconscious Disability Attitudes In this study patterns of explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious) attitudes towards disability are examined.
BC Government’s Accessibility Feedback ToolThe BC government is making it easier for people with disabilities to provide feedback on accessibility! They’ve launched an online tool to share your experiences with provincial government services. You can find it on the “Accessibility” link at the bottom of any government webpage, or directly at gov.bc.ca/accessibilityfeedback. And if you prefer, you can still provide feedback by email, phone, or mail. 
Accessible Service Delivery From May 31 to July 31 2024, people, organizations and industry groups within B.C. are invited to provide input on draft recommendations for Accessible Service Delivery and Employment Accessibility standards under the Accessible British Columbia Act
These recommendations will form the basis of future accessibility regulations in B.C.   (source: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/accessiblebcactstandards/

What’s On at the HSSSBC

LogoWhat’s On at the HSSSBCJune 2024 Edition
Home Sharing Board Vacancies
About
Trauma Informed Mediation
Info
Accessible Service Delivery
Feedback

Happy June to everyone in the Home Sharing community!  We have been very busy at the HSSSBC planning events, speakers & opportunities for you to provide your input to make a difference in home sharing.
Important Days in JuneAlzheimer’s & Brain Awareness MonthDravet Syndrome Awareness MonthNational Employee Wellness MonthCataract Awareness MonthThe Longest Day (Alzheimer’s Awareness) – June 21Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day – June 23National PTSD Awareness Day – June 27
Home Sharing Support Society BC – Board Member VacanciesThe Home Sharing Support Society BC currently has some opportunities to serve on our HSSSBC Board of Directors.  Want to contribute?  If you have are a self-advocate, or have legal or accounting experience we would like to hear from you.  The Home Sharing Support Society BC works collaboratively with a cross-section of the Home Sharing community from across the province. This includes families, people in a home sharing arrangement, providers, those coordinating services, self-advocates, funders and other key community partners.  Learn More About Us: https://homesharingbc.ca/about-us/   Accessible-IT converts your PDFs into accessible versions for people with visual or cognitive disabilities.  As many as 20% of internet users have some form of visual impairment. 1 in 3 adults will experience blindness or partial sight as they age. 
Click HERE to check it out!
A Trauma-Informed Meditation to Uncover the Potential for HealingA 12-Minute Meditation to Uncover the Potential for Healing Stop. Here, simply notice any reactions you’re having in this moment. You might notice a particular sensation or stressor. Simply notice. This gentle act of noticing allows us to create some space for our automatic reactions. When we notice, we allow ourselves to choose to respond with intention. 
 Take a breath. Allow yourself to breathe as deeply as is comfortable for you. Breathing deeply can bring us to a state of equilibrium—to a place of support, and maybe even a little peace. 
 Observe. With this greater sense of ease that you’re cultivating, you can continue to observe what is arising for you in this moment. Between stimulus and response, there is space. 
 Imagine. Now, let’s imagine together. First, imagine a door and an invitation to open the door. Imagine walking through and inside the space feels quiet and peaceful. Pause there. Now, bring to mind a memory that brings feelings of joy, and peace, and even a little excitement. Feel the energy of this moment. Pause there. Next, bring to mind a moment when you felt awe. Maybe a beautiful scenic view at the end of a long hike. Imagine the work it took to get you there. And now feel the satisfaction of arriving at this spot. Feel the joy. Pause there. Finally, imagine a kind, loving figure, maybe a grandmother figure. Feel them sharing their warmth and love with you. Reminding you that you are loved. Rest in that peace and love for a moment. Know that this kind, loving space is available to you at any time. 
 Proceed. When you’re ready, bring your attention back to your breath, wiggle your fingers and toes. Know that you can carry this feeling of spaciousness, joy, trust, and ease into your day with you. 
Mindfulness Practice, helps with Cultivating Mindfulness through Meditation (link)
The NTG is a not-for-profit organization charged with ensuring that the interests of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia – as well as their families and friends.    Recently, they held an online webinar and shared some resources that would be useful for the home sharing community: Guidelines for Structuring Community Care and Supports for People with Intellectual Disabilities Affected by Dementia (link). Dalton Protocol for Recording Baseline Information – Instrument Guide (link)  NTG-Early Detection Screen for Dementia (print version here, electronic version here) Jenny’s Diary (link)  
Accessible Service Delivery
From May 31 to July 31 2024, people, organizations and industry groups within B.C. are invited to provide input on draft recommendations for Accessible Service Delivery and Employment Accessibility standards under the Accessible British Columbia Act
These recommendations will form the basis of future accessibility regulations in B.C.   (source: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/accessiblebcactstandards/

Home Share Support Society BC

Dear Home Sharing Community Member,We hope you’re doing well. We wanted to remind you about our upcoming Mental Health and Wellness Webinar!If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s your chance! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear our amazing speakers!Presenters:Jessica grew up in a close-knit community nestled in the heart of Labrador. She is a proud granddaughter, daughter, sister, auntie, cousin, friend, partner, and dog mom. Currently residing on Treaty 8 Territory in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Jessica works as a Community Wellness and Protection Advisor with the Canadian Red Cross.  Jessica comes from a background in Addiction Counselling with lived and learned experience, which contributes to her work in implementing initiatives that promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Jessica believes in the strength of grassroots movements and encourages tangible action plans to create meaningful changes. Beyond her professional endeavours, Jessica finds inspiration and fulfillment in the simple joys of life. Whether she is engaging in the gentle art of beading, a practice that allows her to connect with her cultural roots or sharing moments with her partner and fur baby in the great outdoors, Jessica embraces each day with openness and gratitude.   Michelle Skanes joined the Canadian Red Cross as a Registered Nurse/Public Health Advisor with the Indigenous Peoples Help Desk in 2021.  As a Mi’kmaq woman, and a proud member of the Qalipu First Nation in Newfoundland, Michelle strives to support Indigenous communities across the nation through health promotion initiatives and in community clinical supports.   With a diverse background experience living and working in Indigenous communities, Michelle has been leading the Indigenous Opioid Harm Reduction team within the Canadian Red Cross, with a primary goal of enhancing the existing supports and services to further expand Indigenous cultural safety, relevance and knowledge within the product service line. Michelle comes from a nursing, education and business background, and this formal training combined with lived and learned experience has contributed to the development and direction of the Indigenous Opioid Harm Reduction team.  For the past few years Michelle has been involved in Opioid Harm Reduction and supports that work with training including Indigenous Cultural Safety, Trauma Informed Care, Psychological First Aid, Suicide Prevention, Indigenous Mental Health and Addictions summits, Canadian Nurses Association training in Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder, as well as Canadian Red Cross training in First Aid for Opioid Emergencies, Opioid Harm Reduction Champion and Opioid Harm Reduction Leadership Course. She firmly believes that even tiny, positive, strengths-based changes can have immense cumulative positive impacts and integrates advocacy for improvements in the lives of Indigenous peoples on a daily basis both within her work and life.  Collaboratively, one step at a time, we can reduce the impacts of opioids and reduce harm in Indigenous communities.    
Session Details: 
Date: May 23, 2024 Time: 10:00AM – 11:30 AM (PST) Location: Virtual session via Zoom *Once registered the link to the session will be sent out the day prior to the event.  Registration closes two days before the event at 4:00 PM. To ensure your participation, please register before this deadline.
To Register:
Visit our website at www.homesharingbc.ca, under the “Events” tab from the main menu, and click on the session link to sign up.
Can’t Attend Live? We’ve Got You Covered! 
We understand that some of you may have work commitments and might not be able to attend the session live. Don’t worry; The session will be recorded, and if you’ve registered for the session, you’ll receive access to the recording.  
Pre-Submit Your Questions 
For those attending in-person or may not be able to attend, we invite you to pre-submit your questions via this LINK. This will help us prepare information and/or resources in advance.  We answer pre-submitted questions first and time permitting live questions.
Connect with us on social media! Facebook Group Instagram  If you have any questions or need accommodations, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We are here to assist you.
We hope you can join us for this important session. Thank you for being an integral part of our community, and we look forward to seeing you!
Best regards,
Trina Plamondon Executive Director Home Sharing Support Society BC trina@homesharingbc.ca  Ph. 604.243.2430 Web: www.homesharingbc.ca  Home Sharing is Living Better Together   We acknowledge that HSSSBC office operates on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples-Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh & Musqueam First Nations. We respect the land and honour this tradition of land acknowledgment that dates back centuries for Indigenous people.   CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any accompanying documents contain confidential information intended for a specific individual purpose.  This message is private and protected by law.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying or distribution, or the taking of any action based on the contents of this information, is strictly prohibited. 
LogoCopyright (C) 2024 Home Sharing Support Society BC. All rights reserved.
Thank-you for signing up for the Home Share Support Society BC’s Newsletter!

Our mailing address is:
Home Sharing Support Society BC 18th Flr, 450 SW Marine Drive Vancouver, British Columbia V5X0C3 Canada

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HSSSBC

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What’s On at the HSSSBCMay 2024 Edition
Home Sharing Providers  Virtual CoachingSign-upEmergency Preparedness WebinarRegisterMental Health & Wellness WebinarRegister


Happy May to everyone in the Home Sharing community!  We have been very busy at the HSSSBC planning events, speakers & opportunities for you to provide your input to make a difference in home sharing.
Important Days in MayALS Awareness MonthArthritis Awareness MonthMental Health Awareness MonthNational Stroke Awareness MonthInternational Cri du Chat or 5p Minus Awareness Day – May 5Fibromyalgia Awareness Day – May 12Global Accessibility Awareness Day – May 18World Multiple Sclerosis Day – May 30
Home Sharing Providers – Virtual CoachingAre you a Home Sharing Provider who has a home sharing question or needs some advice?
The HSSSBC has got you covered with a free virtual coaching service that has been designed specifically for Home Sharing Providers. This service is open to any approved Home Share provider in BC,  with or without a current client.   What you can expect from your Home Sharing Coach We can provide remote (telephone/ virtual meetings) assistance to help you navigate your home sharing arrangement.  Our expert coaches will share invaluable insights, strategies, tools, and best practices, empowering you to create a harmonious living situation based on your unique needs.  
Fill out the form HERE to sign up for a free session 
Staying Healthy While Caregiving
Self-care is one of the most important challenges of being a caregiver. This free course explores why staying healthy is key for caregivers, and identifies tools and solutions for supporting yourself while caring for another. What you will learn: Recognize how staying healthy while caregiving will make you a more effective caregiver How to assess how you are currently taking care of yourself Discover strategies for staying healthy while caring for another How to identify ways to include self-care in your current life and routine. 
Access the FREE course here!
Our Connect & Collaborate Session this month is a webinar discussing emergency planning! This month feature presenters are emergency preparedness specialists!
Overview of SessionEmergency Planning Essentials: Creating Protocols and Strategies for Crisis Situations in Home SharingNavigating Crisis: Tools, Resources and Techniques for Responding to and Managing Emergency Situations
May 16, 2024 – Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Link for registration
Want to see what is coming up in future Connect & Collaborate sessions? Check out our events HERE. We heard your feedback & this year there will be more opportunities for networking & connections at each session.
We have a new webinar this month focusing on Mental Health and Wellness!  Our speakers, Jessica Pye and Michelle Skanes are joining us from the Help Desk for Indigenous Leadership.
Overview of SessionStigma, self-care, caring for others, Indigenous practices on wellness, and harm reductionFacilitated interactive session for audience questions
May 23, 2024 – Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Link for registration
Resources:
Check out our “Resources” section for past Connect & Collaborate session, information, resources & more!
Connecting Queer Communities (CQC) is a social group for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks with cognitive disabilities to connect with each other, and with the broader queer community of the Lower Mainland.  Curiko:”We’re a community of people with and without disabilities. Discover new things about yourself, others, and the world around you. Connect with your fellow humans through community-led experiences.” (link) Options for Sexual Health – Sex Sense:”Sex Sense is a free, pro-choice, sex-positive, and confidential** service. Our team of registered nurses, counsellors, and sex educators offer information and resources on sex, sexuality and sexual health, for people living in British Columbia and the Yukon, Canada.”(link) QMUNITY:”QMUNITY is a non-profit organization based in Vancouver, BC that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives. We provide a safer space for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies to fully self-express while feeling welcome and included. Our building serves as a catalyst for community initiatives and collective strength.”(link) The Self Advocate Podcast: “A podcast about disability, focusing on arts and culture, including, music, the fine arts, the performing arts, podcasts, blogs, online videos, books and authors, events that are both related to disability and the wider community. Produced by Alison Klein. New Episodes every other week.” (link)
The NTG is a not-for-profit organization charged with ensuring that the interests of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia – as well as their families and friends.    Recently, they held an online webinar and shared some resources that would be useful for the home sharing community: Guidelines for Structuring Community Care and Supports for People with Intellectual Disabilities Affected by Dementia (link). Dalton Protocol for Recording Baseline Information – Instrument Guide (link)  NTG-Early Detection Screen for Dementia (print version here, electronic version here) Jenny’s Diary (link)  
Co-Design Labs
Our Co-Design Labs are based on the philosophy community-led lived-experience. This means that we invite people to engage as members of the home sharing community, to share their direct personal experiences. These experiences are important as they hold the nuances and elements of lived-experience from community stories, events, and happenings that are critical to the framing and shaping of experience.
Our co-design labs  aim to always work closely with how the communities we are collaborating with shape and define lived-experience from the perspectives of people within co-design.
Our current topic of focus is respite.  The home sharing communities expertise and experience will be important as we continue to plan for the future of home sharing.
Join our co-design lab to provide your input. 
Register HERE

HSSBC – Virtual Session

Dear Home Sharing Community Member,We hope you’re doing well. We wanted to remind you about our upcoming Connect & Collaborate session. This session is all about exploring mental health.Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear our amazing speaker Dr. Connie Coniglio.Use This Zoom Link to Joinhttps://zoom.us/j/98933186856
Presenter:
Kelsey Savage (she/her) began her training in sexual health education in 2014. Since then, she has become a Certified Sexual Health Educator, and worked independently in the BC public and private school system, as well as the Community Living Sector. She managed the Options for Sexual Health Vancouver Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital for half a decade, and has been part of the Real Talk team since its inception in 2018. In 2023, she led the Connecting Queer Communities Project, and is now the SOGI Culture Development Lead for Kinsight Society.kelsey@real-talk.org 
John Woods (he/him) has worked in the community living sector since 1992, and with Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion since 1997. He is also a Certified Sexual Health Educator. John founded Real Talk in 2017 and is the organization’s manager. John also works with Options for Sexual Health in their Education department. John holds a BA from the University of Manitoba. In his free time he enjoys running, biking, and composing music. john@real-talk.org Hi! I’m Alison and I’m from Vancouver. I use she/fae pronouns. I am neurodiverse and queer. I have a Master’s Degree from Athabasca University in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Adult Education and Disability. It just means that I am taking many theories from many different subjects from the social sciences (think of anthropology or sociology) and putting it into my own terms for my thesis. I have a radio show and podcast on Co-op Radio about arts and culture in the disability community, called The Self Advocate. When I’m not studying or working on my radio show, I like to knit, go to festivals, concerts, art shows, and conferences, and watch both The Young and The Restless and reruns of Law and Order (any of the franchise!). Did you know that there are two queer couples on The Young and The Restless?! 
Session Details: 
Date: April 18, 2024 Time: 10:00AM – 11:30 AM (PST) Location: Virtual session via Zoom Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/98933186856
Can’t Attend Live? We’ve Got You Covered! 
We understand that some of you may have work commitments and might not be able to attend the session live. Don’t worry; The session will be recorded, and if you’ve registered for the session, you’ll receive access to the recording.  
Pre-Submit Your Questions 
For those attending in-person or may not be able to attend, we invite you to pre-submit your questions via this LINK. This will help us prepare information and/or resources in advance.  We answer pre-submitted questions first and time permitting live questions.
Connect with us on social media! Facebook Group Instagram  If you have any questions or need accommodations, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We are here to assist you.
We hope you can join us for this important session. Thank you for being an integral part of our community, and we look forward to seeing you!
 We acknowledge that HSSSBC office operates on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples-Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh & Musqueam First Nations. We respect the land and honour this tradition of land acknowledgment that dates back centuries for Indigenous people.   CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any accompanying documents contain confidential information intended for a specific individual purpose.  This message is private and protected by law.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying or distribution, or the taking of any action based on the contents of this information, is strictly prohibited. LogoCopyright (C) 2024 Home Sharing Support Society BC. All rights reserved.
Thank-you for signing up for the Home Share Support Society BC’s Newsletter!

Our mailing address is:
Home Sharing Support Society BC 18th Flr, 450 SW Marine Drive Vancouver, British Columbia V5X0C3 Canada

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

Mental Health and Behaviour Interface – Dr. Palanisamy

Please save the date! Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested.

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

Platform: Zoom

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DqIz8DKTRMChPy20dQZ1Lw

Presenters

Aubrey Mosher (BCBA), Michelle Upshaw (BCBA), Vikram Palanisamy (Psychiatrist)

Facilitator: Anne Halas – Facilitator

Topics Covered:

  • Terminology

·       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.

Preparation: Watch our first presentation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TeDI2wOi8M

Dr Vikram Palanisamy

Psychiatrist

Home Sharing Support Society BC

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What’s On at the HSSSBCFebruary 2024 Edition
NTG 2024 Family Webinar SeriesRegisterMental Health: Home Sharing Community RegisterCo-Design LabsRespiteJoin


Happy February to everyone in the Home Sharing community! We have been very busy at the HSSSBC planning events, speakers & opportunities for you to provide your input to make a difference in home sharing.
This month CLBC announced the new NTG 2024 Family Webinar Series which includes 5 free webinars discussing again and dementia with an intellectual disability. Registration is required.

Learn more about this program visit NTG’s Website or by clicking here.
February 27th, 2023: 1pm-2pm ESTTopic: Process of Aging
March 12th, 2024: 1pm-2pm ESTTopic: Early Screening for Cognitive Changes
March 26th, 2024: 1pm-2pm ESTTopic: Life Planning for Different Phases of the Life Journey
April 9th, 2024: 1pm-2pm ESTTopic: Behavioral Changes that Occur with Aging & Dementia
April 23rd, 2024: 1pm-2:30pm ESTTopic: Family Panel – Sharing Personal Experiences
Our Connect & Collaborate Session this month is a webinar discussing Mental Health in the Home Sharing Community!
Overview of SessionEmotional Well-being, Stress Management, and Self-Care in Home Sharing ArrangementsSupporting people with mental health diagnosisSupporting people with complex support needs (substance abuse, challenging behaviours)Resources, Supports & Information
February 15, 2024 – Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Link for registration
Want to see what is coming up in future Connect & Collaborate sessions? Check out our events HERE. We heard your feedback & this year there will be more opportunities for networking & connections at each session.
Are you part of the home sharing community? Do you want to access free Harm Reduction Training?
This course is designed to empower you with practical knowledge and strategies that can be applied both personally and within the scope of home sharing. As we continue our commitment to the well-being of our members, we believe that investing in harm reduction education is a meaningful step towards creating a safer and more supportive homes and communities.
Key Course Details:Duration: 30 days (self-paced) Prerequisites: Basic computer skills and access to MS Office 2010 or later Language: English (reading and writing at a grade 8 level) Enrollment: Register at any time during the month or year
Link for registration
Co-Design Labs
Our Co-Design Labs are based on the philosophy community-led lived-experience. This means that we invite people to engage as members of the home sharing community, to share their direct personal experiences. These experiences are important as they hold the nuances and elements of lived-experience from community stories, events, and happenings that are critical to the framing and shaping of experience.
Our co-design labs  aim to always work closely with how the communities we are collaborating with shape and define lived-experience from the perspectives of people within co-design.
Our current topic of focus is respite.  The home sharing communities expertise and experience will be important as we continue to plan for the future of home sharing.
Join our co-design lab to provide your input. 
Register HERE
New CLBC Program to Protect Home Sharing Providers from Property Damage

Dear Home Sharing Providers,

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.

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