What’s Happening in March
https://mailchi.mp/5a34ef93ad99/whats-happening-in-march?e=deb78ebb6b
 Important Days March 1: International Wheelchair DayMarch 3: World Hearing DayMarch 8: International Women’s DayMarch 21: World Down Syndrome DayMarch 26: Purple Day for EpilepsyNewsThe 2025 budget for British Columbia was delivered on March 4, 2025.The legislative session will run from February 18 to May 29, 2025.Disability Tax Credit Starting in June 2025, residents between 18 and 64 years old can qualify for the benefit if they have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit and meet the benefit’s other eligibility requirements.  Quotes From People With DisabilitiesOne big misconception is that I am not able to follow directions, learn or be employable. I want to work so I Can be independent and get my own apartment.Marcus Stewart Professional DevelopmentA Guide to Aging with Down SyndromeHelps individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers understand the aging process, manage age-related health issues, and promote independence. It also emphasizes social inclusion, long-term planning, and the importance of maintaining relationships and community involvement. The guide provides valuable resources for improving quality of life through tailored support and care.Healthy Aging for Adults with Down Syndrome | CDSS  On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:Respond to the reality of the person with dementia with a calming and reassuring approach.Understand the benefits of and know how to best support the development of the individual’s life story.Describe how to most effectively communicate with someone who has dementia.Apply a wide range of practical strategies that will support the environment of a person with dementia.Recognize and manage pain. Open Future Learning (OFL) ModuleDid you know you can access high quality professional development training from your home for free? Want to learn more ? Email us at: info@homesharingbc.ca Link: https://www.openfuturelearning.org OFL: Dementia Strategies Module Length: 95 Minutes Dementia causes people to lose skills and abilities they once had. What people are not losing, however, are their feelings and emotions. So let’s think about how we can make this part of people’s life enjoyable and stress free. This module is packed full of easy to use and practical strategies that will help you be able to better support people with dementia. This module features presentations from Diana Kerr and scenario-based excerpts provided by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Open Board Positions Want to contribute to the future of inclusive housing options for people with disabilities?The Home Sharing Support Society BC (HSSSBC) is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors. If you are interested in making an impact in the disability sector, and the desire to contribute your expertise, we invite you to apply.We are particularly looking for individuals outside the Lower Mainland with experience as Self-Advocates, Home Sharing Providers, Service Providers, or with a background in Finance/Accounting.Help shape the future of home sharing and improve inclusive housing options for adults with developmental disabilities across British Columbia. Meetings are held online, with opportunities for in-person connections.Apply now: Board@homesharingbc.ca Learn more: www.homesharingbc.ca Financial AbuseCanadians living with a disability are more likely to be victims of abuse, this includes financial abuse. It can be from a stranger, but many times abuse comes from someone the victim is familiar with. Sometimes it is a close friend, family member, or even someone whose role was to protect and care for the victim.  What is Financial Abuse? Financial abuse is the illegal or unauthorized use of someone else’s money or property. Some types of financial abuse are very clear, for example; theft or fraud. Other times financial abuse can be harder to put a name to and can include pressuring, forcing or tricking the victim into doing things they do not want to do.ResourcesFind Support BCFind Support BC connects families of persons with disabilities with resources available to them. Respite Care for the Fraser Valley CommunityPersonalized respite care services in the Chilliwack area, catering specifically to home share providers. Services offer respite and rest for those supporting adults with disabilities, and we work directly with providers to ensure tailored care. Designed with accessibility in mind, featuring main-level access with no stairs, ensuring easy navigation for those using walkers or wheelchairs. The private room includes a washroom equipped with a built-in shower seat, enhancing comfort and convenience. LINK Let’s Grow Together |
If your employees use their own vehicles on the job, our revamped webinar is for you. In under an hour you’ll learn the key points about safety compliance, including what you and employees each need to do. You’ll get tips on vehicle inspection and maintenance, and driver orientation and supervision. You’ll also get ideas on what you can limit when the vehicle is used for work. Register now and bring your questions.
Revised vehicle tool kit gives you tips and formsChances are, winter has been hard on vehicles. Spring is getting closer, which puts a different set of demands on them. To keep them in tip-top condition check out our revised Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance, and Selection Tool Kit. We’ve added tips and best practices, and gathered forms in one place. 
How to… check licence and driving recordsWhen did you last check the driver’s licence and driving record of your employees? If it’s been more than a year, it’s past due. Use the easy steps laid out in this month’s Road Safety Planner topic to get it done. You can also get ideas for assessing driver skills. 
Watch this: A webinar excerpt on reducing driving fatigueEye strain from low light, the February blahs, vehicles with heaters blasting — all of these factors can wear on drivers. Have your employees take 4.5 minutes to watch What Drivers Can do to Reduce Fatigue. 
Download this: A template for a road safety planIt’s a good time to review your road safety strategies. Use our Road Safety Plan Template to look for gaps in your plan and get ideas on how to strengthen it.
Register for this: A course on supervising driversTake a proactive approach to compliance by completing our online course, Supervising Employees Who Drive for Work. The information will come in handy when your organization hits busy season. 
What’s On at the HSSSBCJanuary 2025 Edition
Setting New Year’s Intentions
Home Sharing Providers Virtual Coaching
Emergency Preparedness Webinar
Mental Health & Wellness Webinar