Hey everyone, just passing along that there is more information available from the Province of BC on their YouTube channel and on their website about the BC Vaccine Card.
CLBC COVID-19 Update
Hey everyone, CLBC has sent an update on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, which you can read here.
COVID-19 Symptoms and Testing
Hey everyone, we thought we would share this great PDF resource from the BC Centre for Disease Control listing possible symptoms of COVID-19 (thanks, Jackie!). If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed, you can get tested for COVID-19.
The BC CDC website also has more information on COVID-19 symptoms here. If you feel unwell and are unsure about your symptoms, you can always contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1.
Search for Self Advocates!
Hey everyone, as was reported in CLBC’s August 27th update, Down syndrome BC is forming a Self Advocate Advisory Committee! They are looking for self advocates with Down syndrome willing to volunteer their time to share their experiences and ideas.
Activities: The new Advisory Committee will meet a few times a year, discuss ideas and issues related to living with Down syndrome, and give feedback to Down syndrome BC about activities, vision and goals.
Requirements: Volunteers for this committee must be over the age of 16, live in BC, have Down syndrome and be interested in self advocacy work.
If you or someone you know is interested, send an email to hello@downsyndromebc.ca with “SAA Committee” in the subject line.
Election Time!
Hey everyone, there is going to be an election this month on September 20th, and CLBC’s August 27th update had some great information and resources to help get prepared:
- read information from Elections Canada for people with disabilities here
- learn about the tools and services that are in place to support accessible voting here
- learn more about how to vote, including the dates for advance voting, here.
Elections Canada helps make voting accessible:
Upcoming BCPF workshop:
BC People First (BCPF) wants to help people with diverse abilities to feel ready to vote and to know their voting rights, and they are hosting a workshop on Sep. 13th. Join presenters and BCPF Members Jo-Anne Gauthier and David Sherritt on Zoom from 1:00pm to 2:15pm PDT. You can find full details and register here.
Coping with Natural Disaster stress…
Hey everyone, CLBC’s August 27th update had some great information and resources to help cope with stress caused by natural disasters. Wildfires and floods can be a major source of stress and anxiety. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, know that you are not alone. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has a website dedicated to information and resources to help.
There are also free, confidential support and crisis lines available 24/7:
- KUU-US Indigenous line – 1-800-588-8717
- Interior BC Crisis Line – 1-888-353-2273 (chat and text services available)
- Northern BC Crisis Line – 1-888-562-1214
- BC Mental Health Support Line – 310-6789 (no area code required)
- Canadian Mental Health Association location finder
- Find virtual mental health supports available in BC
- BounceBack – a free skill-building program for overcoming low mood, anxiety stress or worry
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) presentations
Hey everyone, CLBC’s August 27th update included information about several presentations being hosted by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for people with disabilities and caregivers:
- Persons with Disabilities Presentation – September 2 and October 12, 2021 from 1:30PM – 2:30pm PDT
- Benefits and Credits for Caregivers Presentation – September 14 and October 5, 2021 from 1:30PM – 2:30pm PDT
- Scam Awareness Presentation – September 29 and October 26, 2021 from 1:30 – 2:15pm PDT
There is a full list of upcoming presentations and registration links here.
CLBC Update for Individuals & Families
Hey everyone, CLBC’s update for August 27th is now posted. All CLBC updates are posted on their website here and you can sign up to get updates using the link to the sign up page.
Highlights included this update:
- Government News: BC proof of vaccination requirement starts Sep. 13, masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces, and the Government of Canada has made Sep. 30 a federal statutory holiday (National Day of Truth and Reconciliation)
- Elections Canada: information for people with disabilities (election is Sep. 20)
- WOW Awards: nominations are open until Sep. 9
- Family Support Institute (FSI): list of upcoming free Family Hangouts
- CLBC’s website: helpful information and resources for wildfire preparedness
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): suggestions for dealing with the stress of natural disasters, as well as free, confidential support and crisis lines available 24/7 offering immediate help
COVID-19 and Rapid testing…
The Government of Canada has provided more information about rapid testing for COVID-19. Rapid testing has been an effective tool to curb outbreaks of all kinds. There are now rapid tests approved for use in Canada. They are:
- Easy to administer
- Able to provide results in 15 minutes
- Critical for preventing outbreaks in workplaces with close-contact employees
- Free for select businesses and non-profit organizations
More information about rapid testing can be found here.
ONLINE: Summer Swing & Social!
Hey everyone, the Nelson CARES Society is having their social on the 26th – share the info below, all are welcome!
- Time: Thursday, August 26th at 6:00pm
- Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6291747361
- Meeting ID: 629 174 7361
- Passcode (if required): CARES
