CLBC COVID-19 Weekly Update for individuals and families

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.

You can read the announcement here, and find further information and links to virtual mental health supports by clicking here.

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!

Learn more about the #caremongering movement, including how to take part, by visiting the Facebook page here.

Special Olympics BC launches Active April

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!

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).

Click here to find a plain language summary of the call, with questions and answers that were discussed.

We will share information about future teleconference calls as soon as it is available on the information page for individuals and families here.

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.

You can click here to read a plain language summary of the supports that were announced.

You can read the original government announcement here.

You can read an information sheet here with information about provincial and federal financial supports.

Find answers to common health questions about COVID-19

The BC Centre for Disease Control has published answers to many of the commonly asked questions about COVID-19. You can click here to find these questions and answers on their website.

Staying connected and supported

Cerebral Palsy Association

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.

Check out their website here for COVID-19 resources and e-mail programs@bccerebralpalsy.com for information on how to join their free on-line virtual programs: dance without limits and adapted yoga running.

Autism Community Training (ACT)

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!”

You can click here to see the tweet.

Busting a move

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.

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.

Read the full announcement here, including the video announcement from Minister Shane Simpson.

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.

Their MindShift Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) app is a free, scientifically-based tool for helping people relax, be mindful, and control anxiety. Learn more about the app and how to download it here.

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.

Note: CLBC is aware of the need to be careful about sharing personal information when using different video conferencing platforms (like Zoom or Skype). Click here to read some information and guidance around the use of these tools.

Laughing all the way to the mat

Shelley Nessman is hosting virtual laughter yoga sessions every Wednesday at 1pm, and you can join by visiting this link: https://zoom.us/j/5628092855. Never heard of laughter yoga? Here’s some information about it.

Until next time

It looks like no matter when your birthday falls, the outlook for the coming week is very much the same. Until next edition.

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.

Click here to find links for both the app and the website.

Staying connected and supported

Family Support Institute (FSI)

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.

You can visit Self Advocate Net’s COVID-19 information page here.

Stories of hope and encouragement

Cheering on health care workers

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.

Click here for a story with videos from Vancouver, and thanks to our health workers!

Help to cope with anxiety

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).

You can also click here to find a printable poster with some great tips for managing anxiety around COVID-19, kindly shared by B.C. Health Authorities. You can print the poster and put it on your fridge or set it up as your desktop screensaver as a gentle reminder about staying calm in these challenging times.

Valuable video messages

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.

Upcoming sessions take place April 3, 10 and 17 at 12:00 pm PST, and you can click here to register.

Until next time

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.