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.
October 7
In this edition, topics include: COVID-19 Teleconference audio recording and plain language summary; Nearly everyone able to safely receive COVID-19 vaccines; BC Vaccine Card needed to access certain settings; Reminder: Provincial and regional restrictions currently in place; new Family Respite Policy provides flexibility with clarity; Flexibility for Criminal Record Check Requirements until March 31, 2022; BCAAFC recognizes those helping to protect communities; Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) connects people with supports; Friendly Calls program combats loneliness; Calendar for Connection features engaging events; 2021 Virtual Inclusion BC Summit takes place October 14; Resources to support those at risk of overdose; FSI’s Continuing Conversations Facebook group; Self Advocates celebrate being together in person; Self Advocates Leading Connection events; Celebrating Community Inclusion Month 2021; October 10 is World Mental Health Day; and more.
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August 27
In this edition, topics include: B.C. launches proof of vaccination requirement; Many self advocates are getting their vaccinations. You can too!; Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces; Reminder: Interim Guidance for Flexible Respite ends September 30, 2021; Simplified resources support completion of criminal record checks; Submit a WOW Award nomination to recognize an inclusion champion by September 9; Staying prepared during B.C.’s wildfire season; Elections Canada helps make voting accessible; Coping with natural disaster stress; Emergency preparedness for people with disabilities; Free Family Hangouts hosted by the Family Support Institute (FSI); Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) hosts presentations for people with disabilities and caregivers; Upcoming BC People First workshops; Down syndrome BC is forming a Self Advocate Advisory Committee; September 30, 2021 marks National Day of Truth and Reconciliation; H.O.M.E. Society video honours caregivers and staff; Coming soon: Celebrate Diverse ABILITIES magazine; and more.
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June 30
In this edition, topics include: Step 3 of BC restart; Flexible Respite and Payment to Family Members Interim Guidance extended to September 30; COVID-19 Teleconference audio recording and plain language summary; Share your thoughts on CLBC’s next Strategic Plan; Second vaccine dose appointments now available earlier; Provincial accessibility legislation passes; Government of Canada Disability Inclusion Action Plan; First Nations Virtual Doctor of the day is now a permanent service; World Health Organization offers resources on how to talk about vaccines; New video: Getting ready for Summer; A First Nations Doctor talks about vaccine hesitancy; Updated Support and Connection Toolkit; Provincial Accessibility Committee: Openings available for Self Advocates; Let’s Get Real is looking for illustrators and models; Self Advocates Leading Connection updates; A Recipe for Respite; Happy Pride Month; Brianna shares her story on Self Advocate Net; Deadline extended: Submit your story for the next Celebrate Diverse ABILITIES magazine; and more.
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June 3
In this edition, topics include: Province of B.C.’s restart plan; Timeline for receiving second vaccine dose; Get proof of immunization through Health Gateway; Celebrating AccessAbility Week 2021; Mandatory criminal record check process expedited during COVID-19; Message from the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA); New Video: Introducing individuals and families to Support Worker Central; BC farmers’ markets offer Nutrition Coupon Program; Mental Health Literacy Guide for Autism; New Family Support Institute Workshops coming up in June; Learn more about The Sibling Collaborative on new podcast episode; Pathways Serious Mental Illness Society hosts skill building workshops; Updated Support and Connection Toolkit; Video: Krystal gets her COVID Vaccine; Resource helps people get ready for their vaccination; Self Advocates Leading Connection Updates; Submit your story for the next Celebrate Diverse ABILITIES magazine; June is Deafblind Awareness Month in B.C.; Recognizing National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day; Access Awareness Day; and more.
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May 6
In this edition, find information about: Teleconference audio recording now available; COVID-19 vaccines for people eligible for CLBC support; Answers to frequently asked vaccine questions; Travel restrictions between regions help to stop the spread; New accessibility legislation put forward in B.C.; COVID-19 SPEAK Survey open until May 9; Marking Mental Health Week in Canada; Free, live counselling through Wellness Together Canada; Virtual course for family caregivers now available on YouTube; Staying connected with letters and pen pals; WayFinders offers free person-centred planning; Métis Nation BC survey and health and wellness newsletter; Updated Support and Connection Toolkit; Video: Getting Ready for the COVID-19 Vaccine; BC People First hosts “Unlearn Ableism” event; Special Olympics BC Hosts Women in Sport virtual workshop; Self Advocates Leading Connection Updates; Submit a nomination for B.C’s 2021 Good Citizenship Awards; Jake Webster is baking up something new; Sharing Indigenous perspectives on disability and inclusion; and more.
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April 23
In this edition, find information about: Family members, their support workers and friends can register on B.C. Government’s ‘Get Vaccinated’ system; Information on COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals eligible for CLBC; April 29 CLBC COVID 19 teleconference call; Province-wide restrictions extended to keep people safe; New Support Worker Central connects individuals with disabilities with support workers; Hope for Wellness helpline; How COVID-19 variants happen; UBC and Family Support Institute Parent Survey; Olivia Douglas Community Services Society offers virtual peer to peer connection; Updated Support and Connection Toolkit; Kory’s story: Deciding and planning for the COVID-19 vaccine; Toastmasters virtual sessions for people with diverse abilities; Self Advocates leading connection updates; CLBC Community Councils are rising to the challenge; Self Advocate Net wants to hear your story; “Talking it out” during COVID-19; Earth Day; and more.
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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.
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March 12
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.
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February 26
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.
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February 12
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.
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January 29
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.
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January 14
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.
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December 18
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.
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December 4
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.
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November 19
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.
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November 6
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.
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October 21
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.
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October 7
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.
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September 25
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.
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September 2
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!
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August 19
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.
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July 31
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.
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July 17
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.
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July 10
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.
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June 23
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.
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June 12
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.
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June 4
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.
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June 1
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.
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May 25
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.
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May 14
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.
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May 7
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.
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April 30
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.
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April 22
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.
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April 15
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
British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS)
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 
Tips from a dad
Recognizing heroes in our communities
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.
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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.
Busting a move
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
PLAN is extending 
We all know that physical distancing is recommended right now, but that doesn’t have to result in being alone or anxious. Check out 
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.
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.