Resources & Information

Inclusive Education Week is February 13-20
Every year in February, communities and associations across Canada celebrate Inclusive Education Week. For the last two years B.C. has celebrated inclusive education week by honouring inclusive educators with a national award. Our inclusive education committee (made up of students, educators, parents and BCACL staff) works hard to choose who among the many outstanding educators in B.C. will win a national inclusive education award. This year are excited to have received some excellent nominations and will announce and profile the winner on Monday February 14th. Throughout the week we'll be posting resources, articles, blogs and tips on inclusive education via Facebook, Twitter and our website: www.bcacl.org. Stay tuned!
Letter from Mary Polak, Minister of Children and Family Development
Hon. Mary Polak has responded to BCACL's letter dated January 13, 2011 regarding delays in payments from the Autism Funding Unit. Minister Polak acknowledged the Ministry's need to "address certain aspects of the Invoice Payment Process" and wrote that the backlog of payments had been addressed and has returned to the 30 day maximum waiting period. She also showed an interest in working with us to "improve the payment process and come up with workable solutions with all parties." Read the letter here.

The Road to Inclusion: One Conversation at a Time
In an effort to have the voices of family members and persons with developmental disabilities inform our advocacy work, BCACL is embarking on a provincial "conversation tour" with a first stop in Victoria. All families and self advocates are invited to attend. The meeting will be co-hosted by BCACL, Community Living Victoria and Lifetime Networks Victoria. Read the "Save the Date" flyer here.

Fact Sheet on B.C.'s New Employment Program
BCACL has created a fact sheet to clarify details around B.C.'s new Employment Program. Download the Fact Sheet here. If you have any questions about the fact sheet, please contact Laurelee Olszowiec, BCACL's Employment Initiative Coordinator at lolszowiec@bcacl.org or 604-777-9100 ext 506.

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B.C. Budget Announcement Next Week
The Province of B.C. will be tabling its budget next week on Tuesday the 15th. Knowing that both provincial parties are in the middle of leadership races, there is a good chance that another budget "update" will be announced in the fall of 2011. BCACL will be attending budget lock-up in Victoria and will report out on how the budget does or does not live up to the recommendations made in our Pre-Budget Consultation Report. Read BCACL's Pre-Budget Consultation report here.
 

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Monica and David: a love story, to air on CBC February 14
The highly-anticipated, critically acclaimed documentary "Monica and David" is making its Canadian debut this Monday, February 14 on CBC's the Passionate Eye. The documentary film tells the story of Monica and David, two young adults with down syndrome, as they plan their wedding and life together. The film has won numerous awards and has been called "the greatest love story of our time" (Miami Herald). It was shot and produced by Monica's cousin. Visit the Monica and David website here.

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