Finding answers to your questions and getting up-to-date information is very important. Community Living BC wants to help you do that more easily. We have created the CLBC COVID-19 Update for individuals and families, a quick and easy way to stay in touch with new developments, connection points and online resources.
Throughout the current COVID-19 crisis, you will be able find new information posted each week on this webpage and sent out via email to our subscriber list which you can join here. Please bookmark this link, and check back often.
Every edition of the CLBC COVID-19 Update will be posted below. If you have a specific question, send an email to CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca and we will try to address it in an upcoming update.
April 1
In this edition, find information about: COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals eligible for CLBC; Teleconference audio recording now available; B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan is ahead of schedule; Answers to frequently asked vaccine questions; Province-wide restrictions to keep people safe; First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) vaccination clinic update; Permanent increase to PWD rates; Strategies for mental health webinars; Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Services (DDMHS) to host Spring groups; Family-to-Family courses; Reminder about helpful mental health supports; Family Support Institute Recipes for Respite continue; Metis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) Food Security Pilot; Updated Support and Connection Toolkit; Planning for your COVID-19 vaccine: Plain language questions and answers; Self Advocates Leading Connection updates; COVID-19 Vaccine messages from self advocates and provincial leaders; Join the Vaxchamp campaign; Celebrate World Autism Awareness Day; and more.
In this edition, find information about: B.C. COVID-19 Immunization Plan moves into Phase 2; Vaccine appointments for seniors; Metis Nation BC (MNBC) supports vaccine rollout for Metis Elders and Seniors; Next teleconference for individuals and families; Posting for self advocate CLBC Board member extended to March 20; Family Support Institute hosts new online groups; Free and low-cost counselling available across B.C.; Free tax clinics during COVID; Updated Support and Connection Toolkit; Self Advocates Leading Connection upcoming events; Doctors answer vaccine questions from self advocates; Inclusion Saskatchewan offers plain language tool on supported decision making; The Anti-COVID Warrior; Vancouver poetry hotline launched to help fight isolation; Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21; Daylight Saving Time; and more.
In this edition, find information about: Update on the BC Recovery Benefit and people receiving PWD; COVID-19 vaccine information on the CLBC website; CLBC’s Board of Directors is recruiting for a self advocate board member; Plain Language teleconference summary now available; Government of Canada’s COVID-19 update for Indigenous people and communities; Winter Edition of CLBC’s Celebrate Diverse ABILITIES Magazine; Template assists people without technology; Find help at MindHealthBC; BC Rent Banks; Updated Support and Connection Toolkit; Self Advocates Leading Connection events; EverybodyMoves resource hub; Plain language COVID-19 vaccine facts sheets; Powwow Sweat teaches traditional Indigenous dances; Video about feeling sad; Black History Month; Spread the Word Inclusion campaign; and more.
In this edition, find information about: Province-wide restrictions remain in place; Next individual and family teleconference call; Frequently asked vaccine questions; Calendar for Connection events; Tools for planning and decision making; PLAN’s blog on intentional connection; FNHA mental health and cultural supports; Business grants for Métis entrepreneurs; Indigenous Canada free online course; Self advocates leading connection during COVID-19; Celebrating Family Day and Valentine’s Day; Random Acts of Kindness Day; and more.
In this edition, find information about: B.C.’s COVID Immunization Plan; funding to help people CLBC serves get back to work; pause on invoicing on Direct Funding (DF) contracts to support families to use respite flexibly; Plain language teleconference summary and audio recording; Herd immunity; Plain language information about vaccines; First Nations Health Authority resources; Indigenous Peoples, stigma and COVID-19; Webinar answers questions about the COVID vaccine; Seasonal Affective Disorder and the winter blues; Mental health resources for co-existing problems; Updated Connection toolkit; Self advocates leading connection in 2021; BC People First Annual Conference 2021; Self Advocates of the Rockies connection activities; New Be Calm hotline; “Wear a Mask” song by the Stone Poets; and more.
In this edition, find information about: Province-wide restrictions extended; Flexible Funding Options for Direct Funding Agents and Person-Centered Societies; Next teleconference for individuals and families; Information about the COVID-19 vaccine; Vaccines and consent for people with developmental disabilities; B.C. Recovery Benefit plain language summary; Exemptions to the mandatory mask order in B.C.; Recipes for Respite conversations; Tools for Connection; Happy Hour Hangouts; Self Advocate Leadership of the Year nominations now open; Learn about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Families share their pandemic stories; and more.
In this edition, find information about:B.C. Recovery Benefit; B.C.’s vaccine plan; Province-wide restrictions extended; B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) information in multiple languages; Find services and resources through HealthLinkBC; First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) food security toolkit; Toolkit for Connection; Mental health for adults with developmental disabilities: Virtual courses for family caregivers and self advocates; Update from the BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS); COVID-19 Indigenous Engagement Program; BC211 assistance; New LifeStreams website; Cultural and counselling support available to all First Nations people; brush up on digital skills; share your story on Self Advocate Net; An animated poem about how to be at home; sing along holiday music jam; posAbilities shares festive virtual events and activities; and more.
In this edition, find information about: Key To Home inclusive housing website; International Day of Persons with Disabilities; Teleconference plain language summary; Provincial Health Officer orders on social gatherings; BCCDC on safe social interaction; COVID-19 mouth rinse / gargle test available to adults; information on wearing masks; New Calendar for Connection; counselling supports for Indigenous people; food bank finder; support from Metis Nation; Updated Support and Connection Toolkit; Expression of Interest: Self Advocates Leading Connection during COVID-19; share your story in the next Celebrate Diverse ABILITIES magazine; new BC Disability website; Vancouver Easter Seals House opens doors for respite; Spirit Orcas fund raising, and more.
In this edition, find information about: Indigenous Disability Awareness Month; teleconference audio recording; Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley COVID restrictions; COVID-19 masking policy accommodations; B.C. Housing and emergency shelters; B.C. rent freeze extended; drug overdose prevention resources; reducing COVID-19 stigma; FNHA’s lateral kindness approach; Vela Canada’s monthly Solution Circles; a wellness guide; a caregiver self assessment tool; Internet for Good program; COVID-19 community grants; Annual Federal Policy Forum for Inclusion; sex in the time of COVID-19; updated support and connection toolkit; the Successful Project webinar; BC People First self advocacy panel; mindfulness study for Special Olympics athletes; transportation survey; CLBC’s 2020 WOW Award winners, and more.
In this edition, find information about: the upcoming teleconference for individuals and families; a partnership to share respite ideas; extension of the application deadline for the federal, one-time $600 payment; stories now being accepted for next Celebrate Diverse ABILITIES magazine; getting your annual flu shot; tips for cleaning properly to prevent COVID-19; mobile resources for caregivers; “Living Life to the Full” courses; BCANDS focus groups and Indigenous Support for Student Learning Program; Lifeguard app; Housing Central and Health and Wellbeing conferences; updated support and connection toolkit; CoMakeDo calendar; Real Talk honest conversations; BC People First Youth Leadership Committee; World Kindness Day; a poem from Self Advocate Net; tips for checking in on friends, and more.
In this edition, find information about: how to vote in the B.C. election; plain language teleconference summary and audio recording; the CLBC resiliency survey; Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP) Month; Government of Canada’s one-time payment for people with disabilities; staying safe during Halloween; a message from the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA); mental health screening self-tests; virtual courses for families and caregivers; free Nidus planning webinars; myCommunity BC on Instagram; updated support and connection toolkit; AutismBC “Telling Your Story” workshop; a story from Self Advocate Net about keeping busy and safe; the #WarriorUp campaign; public health posters created by Indigenous artists; Richmond Society for Community Living (RSCL) virtually inspired art exhibit; and more.
In this edition, find information about: the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB); keeping people supported during Community Inclusion Month; fall flu clinics; First Nations Health Authority virtual services; protecting against cyber threats; having courageous conversations about COVID-19; going out safely; Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Services support group sessions; mental health relief from Anxiety Canada; FSI Learning Exploration sessions; Métis Crisis Line; updated support and connection toolkit; ConnectAbility; Kamloops Self Advocate (KSA) Newsletter virtual Halloween party; BC People First “Why Self Advocacy?” session; posAbilities virtual art show and sale; Métis artists make traditional COVID face masks; and more.
In this edition, find information about: recent teleconference recording and plain language summary; COVID sense tips from Fraser Health; resources for staying safe indoors; new translated CLBC Information for Families sheets; Building a Gold Medal Support Network webinar; First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) web portal and videos; updated support and connection toolkit; opportunity to share your pandemic learning; BC People First We’re in this together Tuesdays return for the fall; Kudoz chat hub; connecting with people across the globe and information about Self-Care September.
In this edition, find information about: upcoming teleconference for individuals and families; interim guidance on Individualized Funding (IF); virtual welcome workshops; provincial supports for social services sector; Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB); tips for safer social interactions; Inclusion BC virtual learning series; tools for visiting the hospital; MyBooklet BC Version 2; Accessibility Project grants; new Mental Health resource page on CLBC website; updates and resources from Special Olympics BC; information about wearing a mask and exceptions for people with disabilities; assistance with technology; and more!
In this edition, find information about: provincial emergency supplement extended; federal one-time payment for people with disabilities, including support to access the payment; Canada Revenue Agency webinars; the difference between CLBC’s Stage 2 and B.C.’s Phase 3; face covering policies on public transit, including exemptions; Together We Ride campaign; Dr. Bonnie Henry’s Good Times Guide, Statistics Canada questionnaire on discrimination; Trauma-Informed Practice workshops; substance abuse and prevention and mental health resources; video on effective communication; Positive Awareness Podcast Episode 4; Barb Goode shares her COVID-19 test experience; Summer 2020 Edition of Celebrate Diverse ABILITIES magazine; WOW Awards nomination deadline; the 2020 Icon Award; and more.
In this edition, find information about: temporary emergency supports extended; 2020 WOW Awards; online map of COVID-19 collection centres; “How to travel responsibly” tips from Indigenous Tourism BC; new men’s virtual support group; social visitation essentials course; FSI Learning Explorations series; sibling research survey; new videos from Self Advocates of Semiahmoo; Special Olympics School of Strength; Behind the Mask program; updated support and connection toolkit and more.
In this edition, find information about: plain language summary of recent teleconference; helpful tools from Canada’s Public Health Agency; volunteer opportunities to help create accessibility standards; Disability Alliance BC free webinar; First Nations Health Authority mobile app and virtual doctor visits; the importance of planning; Anxiety Canada app for mental health support; emotional support guide for seniors; resources for visiting the doctor; SALN’s YouTube channel; the Great Big Swim; BC Autism Awards 2020; the Sproutflix Film Festival; updated support and connection toolkit and more.
In this edition, find information about: recent teleconference for family members; Direct Funded Respite rate increases; extension of provincial emergency supports; Phase 3 of BC’s restart plan; WorkSafeBC guidelines; protecting yourself from COVID-19 scams; Hope for Wellness help line; First Nations Health Authority guide; RDSP webinars; Douglas College’s Disability and Community Studies; TELUS low cost internet offer; BC People First cookbook and “We’re in this Together Tuesdays”; SALN podcast; Self Advocate Net stories; Be the Spark Campaign; FitNation; creating your own window art; Easter Seals summer camps; updated Support and Connection Toolkit; information on staying safe from the Representative for Children and Youth and more.
In this edition, find information about: plain language summary and audio recording of recent teleconference for individuals and self advocates; National Indigenous People’s Day; have your say on B.C.’s recovery; a toolkit for healthcare settings; myBooklet BC training sessions; guided mindfulness meditations; virtual drop-in counselling; self-help booklet series; video on wearing personal protective equipment (PPE); Camille’s story from Self Advocate Net; Ask an Advocate website; thank you to Dr. Behn Smith; an Astronaut’s guide to isolation; a virtual hike and more.
In this edition, find information about: interim guidance on first aid certification; upcoming teleconference for individuals and self advocates; provincial guidelines for social interactions; First Nations Health Authority resources; MindHealthBC; Relationship Matters webinar; FSI online calls; Self Advocate Leadership Network (SALN) resources and videos; stories from Self Advocate Net; call for stories for CLBC’s Celebrate Diverse ABILITIES magazine; updated Support and Connection Toolkit and more.
In this edition, find information about: plain language teleconference summary; upcoming teleconference for individuals and self advocates; Stage 2 COVID-19 recovery information; Indigenous resources and updates about a new director position and the Indigenous CLBC team; B.C. government social media updates; video on wearing on a non-medical mask; myCommunity BC mapping website; mental health first aid; share your video message with the Self Advocate Leadership Network; Self Advocate Net stories; a delicious recipe; virtual summer camps; ConnecTra Society’s virtual gatherings; a toolkit of resources and things to do, and more.
In this edition, find information about: plain language summary of hospital visit update; recent teleconference for individuals and families, including the audio recording; National AccessAbility Week; information on non-medical masks and face coverings; tips for coping with stress; Relationship Matter webinars; self care tips from a parent; virtual support group for caregivers; sessions to talk about anxiety; Self Advocate Leadership (SALN)’s new website; Coaches Corner by Kudoz; Dr. Bonnie Henry fan clubs; Theatre Terrific’s online classes and more.
In this edition, find information about: B.C.’s restart plan in plain language and sign language; changes to hospital visits guidance; the BC COVID-19 survey; a webinar on using sensory strategies at home; Plan Institute webinar series; health resources for the South Asian community; Anxiety Canada town halls; a booklet to help cope with feeling down; a sing along from home event; the Premier’s thanks to front line workers; the Sproutflix Film Festival and more.
In this edition, find information about: Vela’s help navigating emergency funding; the recruitment and retention project; B.C.’s restart plan; COVID-19 information in sign language; sessions to talk about anxiety; a webinar for self advocates on representation agreements; “We’re all in this together” Tuesdays; an easy and delicious recipe; kindness rocks; Special Olympics BC’s May in Motion; quarantine bingo and more.
In this edition, find information about: CLBC staff recognizing frontline support workers; refreshed web page for individuals and families, including plain language information; plain language testing guidelines; provincial and federal supports; Nidus; Disability Alliance BC; the BounceBack program; Self Advocate Leadership Network; technology give away program; an uplifting video from Sunshine Valley Community Services; Kudoz experiences and more.
In this edition, find information about:emergency funding in plain language; story call out for next edition of Celebrate Diverse ABILITIES; Family Caregivers of British Columbia; Canadian Mental Health Association; Self Advocate Net stories; What’s Up? Wednesdays; Coordinating “virtual supports” in Burns Lake; printable artwork and more.
In this edition, find information about:provincial emergency funding; the audio recording and plain language summary of the April 17 teleconference; support worker recruitment campaign; plain language posters and an emergency plan template; online resources and workshops; a photo contest; a music video by talented support workers and more.
In this edition, find information about:the government steering committee on responding to COVID-19; the upcoming teleconference for individuals and families; new virtual mental health supports; BCANDS; Vela; helpful tips from a father who sits on one of CLBC’s Community Councils; a toe-tappin’ musical number and more.
Click here to read the Update
CLBC and Government Updates
Minister convenes RCI Steering Committee for input on COVID-19 response
Minister Shane Simpson has convened weekly meetings of the Re-imagining Community Inclusion Steering Committee to receive input from self advocate, family and service provider groups on the government’s response to COVID-19.
Co-chairs of the group are Deputy Minister David Galbraith, CLBC CEO Ross Chilton and Inclusion BC Executive Director Karla Verschoor. Members include BC People First, Self Advocate Net, Family Support Institute, Inclusion BC, BC Family Net, CLBC Provincial Advisory Committee, BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society, BC CEO Network, Community Social Services Employers Association of BC, Federation of Community Social Services of BC and Community Living BC.
On April 10, 2020, the federal government announced its own disability advisory group. Find that information here.
Upcoming conference call for CLBC eligible individuals and families takes place this Friday
Following strong interest and participation in the March 26 and April 2 teleconferences for individuals and families, another call is scheduled for this Friday, April 17 from 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Shane Simpson, Dr. Daniele Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer, and CLBC CEO Ross Chilton will provide updates and address key questions.
You can join the teleconference by calling:
Vancouver – 604-681-0260
Elsewhere – 1-877-353-9184
Participant code: 37568#
Special Instructions: Due to the large number of participants, please start dialing in at 11:05 a.m.
As with past calls, a plain language summary and audio recording will be shared in this Individual and Family update as soon as they are available next week.
[Please note: The call specifically for CLBC eligible individuals and families about supports to individuals with developmental disabilities is on Friday. There has been some confusion about a separate call being organized on Thursday by the Accessibility Secretariat for the broader disability community. That Thursday call is not specifically about CLBC related services.]
Province expands virtual mental health supports
To support British Columbians during the COVID-19 pandemic, the provincial government has announced $5 million to expand existing mental health programs and services and launch new services.
Provincial updates and information in multiple languages
The provincial government’s COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information webpage shares important information and links for British Columbians and is updated regularly. Information on this page is also available in eight other languages which can be accessed by clicking the links in the “Translated Content” section at the top right of the page.
Staying connected and supported
British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS)
The British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society, or BCANDS, is an Indigenous not-for-profit charitable society serving the unique and diverse disability, health resource and support service needs of B.C.’s Indigenous population. If you are an Indigenous person living with a disability within the province of British Columbia, or are an on-reserve organization requiring health information, resources and support services, BCANDS may be able to assist. You can visit their website here for information and links to Indigenous organizations and their responses in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can also find details here about the BCANDS Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Program and its partnership with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
Vela Canada
Vela is a non-profit society that provides information and mentoring to individuals with disabilities and their families by exploring ideas and options that can lead to customized, inclusive and creative supports and services. This can be done by forming a Microboard and / or accessing Individualized Funding. Find a great summary of these supports, as well as links to more information, in the “How we can help you” section of their website homepage here.
During April, to help families with Microboards and / or Individualized Funding navigate through the COVID-19 crisis, Vela is hosting online conversations every Monday and Thursday at 7:00pm throughout the month. Find full event details on their website here.
Stories of hope and encouragement
Tips from a dad
A member of CLBC’s Upper Fraser Community Council who is a father of a person CLBC supports, has shared some heart-felt tips and guidance written to service providers and support workers, about how to best support his daughter, and others with diverse abilities, during this time of crisis. Click here to read his tips.
Caremongering movement pitches in
The Facebook group Canada Caremongering, created by the Care Foundation of Canada, originates in Vancouver with close to 1,900 members. The group is performing acts of caremongering by delivering food and supplies to those in need. Among the ways they are helping, they have donated 8,000 gloves and over $700 in groceries to the Surrey Food Bank. Their motto: Be kind. Be safe. Be a caremonger!
If you’re looking for support with staying healthy at home, check out Special Olympics BC’s Facebook page this month, where they are promoting Active April to encourage healthy lifestyles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every Monday at noon, Megan and Marlow host a live video session to launch the week’s activities, answer questions and more. Participants are then encouraged to follow along throughout the week and complete the activities on their own time.
Recognizing heroes in our communities
Here’s a great image we came across that pays tribute to the many people in our communities who are working hard during this current crisis. From health professionals and support workers to grocery workers, cleaners, drivers and many others, a heartfelt thank you for your tremendous efforts.
Stayin’ inside
We’re signing off this edition on a musical note. Musicians Brent McCullough, Alex Kilroy and Adrian Laird have put together this updated rendition of the Bee Gees classic “Stayin’ Alive” with lyrics that reflect our current times. Watch it here, and enjoy!
April 8
In this edition, find information about:the audio recording and plain language summary of the latest teleconference for individuals and families; plain language information about provincial government emergency supports; the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC; Autism Community Training; a personal perspective from a person with Autism; kitchen dancing; uplifting video messages; and more.
Click here to read the Update
CLBC and Government Updates
Teleconference audio and plain language summary now available
Last Thursday, April 2, a second teleconference for individuals and families took place. Minister Shane Simpson and Deputy Minister David Galbraith of the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Daniele Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer, and CLBC CEO Ross Chilton provided the latest updates and answered questions about services and supports.
You can listen to the audio recording of the call by hitting the play button below. (Click anywhere in the timeline to move forward or back in the call).
Plain language summary and info sheet about emergency provincial supports
On April 2, the provincial government announced a number of temporary supports and supplements to ensure people on income or disability assistance in B.C. are supported during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Cerebral Palsy Association provides support, education and information throughout B.C. Their mission is to raise awareness of cerebral palsy in the community, to assist those living with cerebral palsy to reach their maximum potential and to work to see those living with cerebral palsy to realize their place as equals in a diverse society.
April 2 marked World Autism Awareness Day. This day is celebrated every year to raise awareness about people on the autism spectrum throughout the world. In light of this, we also wanted to share some autism resources on physical distancing this month.
Autism Community Training (ACT), based and well-known in B.C., provides a wide range of information, resources and online events and training. Their goal is to enable parents, professionals and others to support children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder to live productive, satisfying lives within their families and communities. Their resources are free and are available online here without a password.
To mark World Autism Awareness Day with a practical initiative, ACT invited three respected mental health clinicians, who have presented for ACT on autism and mental health, to answer questions on anxiety and COVID-19. You can click here to watch their presentation.
A personal perspective
Alex, who is an adult with autism, shared some thoughts on his blog Autistically Alex about his experience in quarantine. Click here to read his post which includes information about practicing physical distancing and ways to find calm and order.
Stories of hope and encouragement
Message of gratitude
The following message was recently tweeted out by People First Canada and we wanted to share it:
“We want to give a big shout out and a deep thank you to all the support staff, group home workers, home support staff, personal care home workers and all the people that are supporting people with intellectual disabilities and helping keep them safe – THANK YOU!”
Many people are posting videos of themselves “kitchen dancing” as a fun way to connect at a distance through song and dance, and also stay active. Here’s an awesome example that we came across. Enjoy!
Video message to loved ones
Residents and staff of Bonnechere Manor in Renfrew, Ontario recently created a video montage to send messages of love and encouragement to their family and friends who can’t come visit at the moment. It put a smile on our face, and we’re sharing it to help brighten your day. Click here to watch the video.
Signing off
For our friends over in Scotland, please be careful next time you’re out for a (physically distanced) stroll near the water. Until next edition.
April 3
In this edition, find information about:The latest teleconference for individuals and families; provincial government emergency supports; information about COVID-19 in multiple languages; Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN); Anxiety Canada; sharing experiences from home with CoMakeDo.ca; laughter yoga; and more.
Click here to read the Update
CLBC and Government Updates
Second teleconference shares information and addresses questions
Following strong interest and participation in the March 26 teleconference for individuals and families, another teleconference took place yesterday, April 2. Minister Shane Simpson and Deputy Minister David Galbraith of the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Daniele Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer, and CLBC CEO Ross Chilton provided the latest updates and answered questions that had been submitted about services and supports.
We are working to have a plain language summary with questions and answers, as well as the audio recording, available in the next edition of this Update.
As a reminder, CLBC is sending out information for individuals and families, including teleconference details, through our newsletter and magazine subscriber list. If you are not already subscribed to this list, you can click here to sign up.
Government announces new emergency supports for vulnerable people
To ensure people on income or disability assistance in B.C. are supported during the COVID-19 crisis, the Province is implementing a series of temporary supports and supplements, including:
For people in B.C. currently receiving income assistance or disability assistance, the Province will temporarily exempt federal employment insurance benefits, including the new $2,000 Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) for the next three months.
Those receiving income assistance or disability assistance who are not eligible for the emergency federal support programs, will receive an automatic $300-monthly COVID-19 crisis supplement for the next three months.
With the current suspension of BC Transit and Translink bus fares, all BC Bus Pass Program users receiving income assistance and disability assistance will be provided with the $52 Transportation Supplement for the duration of the fare suspension.
We are working to provide a plain language summary of this announcement in the upcoming edition of this Update.
Information about COVID-19 available in multiple languages
Healthlink BC has created a webpage with information and resources about how to protect yourself and your family during the COVID-19 pandemic. This information has also been translated into: Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese. Visit the webpage here, and you can find links to the translated information near the top of the page.
Staying connected and supported
Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN)
PLAN works together with families to help them define what a good life looks like, think beyond reliance on professional services, and get the support that they need to achieve their goals and priorities at every step of the way.
PLAN is extending their Disability Planning Helpline to provide support to those who have questions or concerns on how to stay connected during these challenging times.
Here’s a one-page document with five helpful ideas from PLAN on how to stay socially connected while practicing physical distancing. You can also visit their website at plan.ca to find this information along with interactive feature. You can also join their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JoinPLAN for the latest updates and stories from PLAN.
Anxiety Canada
Anxiety Canada is a leader in developing free online, self-help, and evidence-based resources on anxiety. Visit their website at www.anxietycanada.com/ to find many expert tools for managing anxiety, from free downloadable self-help documents to step-by-step guides.
VIDEO: How to Respond Effectively to the Corona Crisis
Dr. Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap, has created a short animation showing how to use ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to deal with the Corona crisis and the fear, anxiety and worry that goes with it. Click here to watch the video.
Stories of hope and encouragement
Sharing positive feedback
The message below was shared on the Family Support Institute’s Facebook page following the March 26 teleconference for individuals and families. As CLBC works to address the many questions we are receiving, it’s great to hear that people have found the information shared through this call helpful.
“A big THANK YOU to CLBC, Dr. Behn Smith, Minister Simpson, Michael Prince, and all for this morning’s “Caring for People during COVID-19” conference call – and to FSI, other organizations and most importantly family and individuals working hard behind the scenes. Many unanswered questions, but also many answered. Great to learn of the difficult work going on to address the many varied and diverse issues and scenarios facing us. I, for one, always want answers NOW if possible, but understand the complexities that systems face. Stay safe everyone!”
Champ’s message: We can get through this together
Best Buddies Canada has shared a great message of encouragement on their Twitter account from one of their participants Champ Pederson: “We are strong. We’re fighters.” Check out the message here.
Getting together while staying apart
We all know that physical distancing is recommended right now, but that doesn’t have to result in being alone or anxious. Check out www.comakedo.ca for all sorts of hosted experiences and activities that you can take part in online, from sing-alongs to cooking lessons to fashion shows.
It looks like no matter when your birthday falls, the outlook for the coming week is very much the same. Until next edition.
March 31
In our first edition, find information about:The recent teleconference for individuals and families; government’s COVID-19 self assessment app; the Family Support Institute; Self Advocate Net; managing anxiety; cheering on health workers; and more.
Click here to read the Update
CLBC and Government Updates
Teleconference shares information with individuals and families
On Thursday, March 26, CLBC CEO Ross Chilton joined Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, David Galbraith, Deputy Minister, and Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer, on a public teleconference call to provide an update for individuals and families on services and supports during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 600 individuals and families from across B.C. called in to listen, and many submitted questions via email before the call.
You can listen to the audio recording of the call by hitting the play button below. (Click anywhere in the timeline to move forward or back in the call).
Click here to find a plain language summary of the call, with questions and answers that were discussed. CLBC is working to provide answers to some of the questions that weren’t addressed due to time and will share information as soon as it is available.
Another teleconference is planned for this week, and we will share information about the date, time and how to as soon as possible.
App helps people self assess and stay updated
The B.C. Government has created a self assessment tool that lets people check if they may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.
You can use the tool on your phone or tablet by downloading the Support App & Self Assessment tool. The mobile app also provides updates, links to trusted resources and alerts. There is also a website to let you use the self assessment tool on your laptop or desktop computer.
The Family Support Institute of BC strengthens, connects and builds communities and resources with families of people with disabilities in B.C.
If you are feeling isolated and would like to connect with others during this uncertain time, please join the online video chat room with others in your community or across the province, or read helpful COVID 19 resources by visiting: familysupportbc.com/covid
Families can also call FSI directly at 604-540-8374 or toll free at 1-800-441-5403 for support.
Self Advocate Net
The Self Advocate Net website is managed by self advocates with diverse abilities to share important information and resources with other self advocates. Bryce Schaufelberger, the website manager, is busy keeping their COVID-19 information page updated with the latest news, helpful resources and ways to stay safe and health.
People in a number of B.C. communities, and around the world, are going out on their balconies each evening to cheer for the health care workers who are working hard to support patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nightly ritual includes rounds of applause, banging pots and pan, and cheering.
If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you are not alone.
If you need to speak with someone, support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year by calling the Provincial Crisis line at 1-800-784-2433 or the Mental Health Support line 310-6789 (no need to dial an area code).
Youtube can be a great source of unique moments, important messages and uplifting stories.
Here’s a video message from Alexander Magnussen, an individual with lived experience, who is also a CLBC Strategic Initiatives Advisor, reminding us that “we’re all in this together.”
You can find more video messages, created in collaboration with Self Advocates of Semiahmoo, on Uniti’s YouTube page here.
Stay active with Fit Fridays
Want to stay in shape while staying at home? Join a weekly online “Fit Fridays” session that includes stretch breaks and a short workout. These sessions are presented by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopment Centre, the first research and education centre in Canada dedicated to improving care for adults with neurodevelopment disabilities.
Who can resist singing off with a funny sign? Here’s one that we saw on Facebook and we hope gives you a laugh. We look forward to sharing more information in the next edition of the Bulletin.