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.
The day was created based on the residential school experiences of the campaign’s founder, Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation.Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation here and about Orange Shirt Day here, including events taking place and resources for learning about Indigenous history and culture in Canada.
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.
Find more information on the L.I.F.E. service webpage here and you can also read Dalip’s story about accessing L.I.F.E. here.
Specific wording requested in applications for Criminal Record Check Employer Accounts
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.
Recently, the CRRP simplified the Employer Account application, and is asking that anyone who is receiving CLBC funding use specific wording in their application to streamline the processing time. You can find an example of a completed form with this specific wording and some additional supporting instructions on CLBC’s website here.
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.
Stay tuned to www.CommunityLivingBC.ca/WOW for updates on this year’s recipients.
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.”
Learn more about NextRide here.Self Advocacy Corner
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).
Register here by September 23 to receive the Zoom login information.
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.
Learn more about the many ways BCPF members get involved here. Please email hello@bcpeoplefirst.com if you have any questions.
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.
Find full event details and registration instructions here.
If you have any questions, please contact Coordinator Gregg Schiller at 604-688-7001 or by e-mail at GreggSchiller@shaw.ca.
People Planning Together is coming to Kamloops
The Empowering Self Advocates to Take Action Co-operative (ESATTA) and Speaking Up for Self Advocacy Awareness (SUSA) Society are co-hosting People Planning Together in Kamloops on September 14 and 15.
People Planning Together is a two-day workshop for people with diverse abilities who want to take a lead in planning the life they want.
Find full event details for People Planning Together along with registration instructions here.
Staying Supported and Connected
Let’s Talk about Connections!
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
Emergency resources for people with disabilities
Prepared BC is British Columbia’s emergency preparedness education program serving the general public, local governments, Indigenous communities and schools. They offer resources like this plain language handbook for Emergency Preparedness for people with disabilities.
Follow Prepared BC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact PreparedBC@gov.bc.ca.
Hang out with the Family Support Institute
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.
Find full details and register for Understanding Your Home Sharing Contract here.
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.
Visit our website here for more information on CLBC Community Councils.
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.
The event takes place Wednesday, October 11 from 10:00am to 2:30pm at Lynn Valley Town Centre in North Vancouver. Click here to see the invitation with full details.
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.
Thank you to Inclusion BC who have created a webpage for employers and businesses to learn more about inclusive hiring including this video highlighting the importance of inclusive employment for people with developmental disabilities. Please share it with your networks to promote and celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month.
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.
The theme for this year’s FASD Awareness Month is Uniting our Strengths: Finding Solutions Together. Read a statement from Hon. Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development, here and you can also learn more about FASD Awareness Month here. Follow the hashtag #FASDMonth2023 to see how community members, partners and organizations are working together to improve policy, practice, and awareness of FASD.
On September 9, and throughout FASD Awareness month, many people wear red shoes to raise awareness and start conversations about FASD. Learn more about the Red Shoes Rock campaign here.
Signing off
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.”
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