Hello Friend,
In this issue you'll find important information about COVID-19, Inclusive Education Month, the Say No to Bill C-7 Campaign and other information and resources.
If you have any questions about what's in this newsletter, please reach out: info@inclusionbc.org.
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Vaccine protocols and priority of people with intellectual disabilities
Inclusion BC and the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship have written to the BC Provincial Health Officer, the BC Minister of Health and regional health authorities to request clarification around vaccine protocols and people with intellectual disabilities.
Read the brief here.
While individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in group homes and larger congregate care facilities have been clearly identified as part of the first or second phase of immunizations, the status of those receiving support in smaller community settings is less clear.
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Decision Making and the COVID-19 Vaccine
We want to help make sure that people with intellectual disabilities who choose to are able to receive the vaccine when it becomes available. Below are a few resources to help you understand the different decision making tools that may best fit your situation or that of someone you support.
Inclusion Saskatchewan has created a helpful plain language document on supported decision making and the COVID-19 vaccine. Read the document here. Supported Decision-Making means a person may accept help in making decisions without giving up the right to make decisions. Supported decision-making helps a person to understand information and make decisions based on his or her own preferences.
The Public Guardian and Trustee of BC (PGT) and Nidus have also provided information and resources about the BC Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility (Admission) Act, which sets out how health care providers obtain informed consent prior to administering a health care treatment.
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February is Inclusive Education Month
Every February, people across Canada celebrate Inclusive Education Month by reflecting on the many ways we can do more to support every child's learning in our schools.
Join us on Facebook and Twitter as we share resources and promote inclusion during February: #InclusiveEducationMonth #bced
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Inclusive Education Webinar:
Disrupting Misconceptions and Forging Pathways for Students with Developmental Disabilities
When: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 3:30-4:30PM
Where: VIRTUAL ZOOM SESSION
This year we're excited to celebrate Inclusive Education Month by launching a series of films that we've created with the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship.
Centred on the voices of students, educators and families, the films explore how we can make our schools inclusive and welcoming of all learners.
Panelists in this webinar will discuss the first film, Reframing Challenging Behaviour in our Schools. All films will be released over the next month and available on our website and YouTube.
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KPU announces first students to graduate in ground-breaking fully inclusive program
The first three students of the ground-breaking Including All Citizens program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University will be graduating soon. The program involves the full inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities into Faculty of Arts courses.
Inclusion BC is proud to have supported this program along with the Inclusion Langley Society. Inclusion BC President Fiona Whittington-Walsh spearheaded the the program and was the principal researcher for the project.
Read more.
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PRESS RELEASE: UN experts challenge Canada over human rights violations in Bill C-7
From Inclusion Canada:
February 9, 2021: The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, and the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights have sent a formal letter to the Canadian government identifying the human rights violations likely to occur if Bill C-7 (medical assistance in dying), designed to expand access to people with disabilities who are not dying, is passed into law.
Read the full press release
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Employment and Income Securty
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Youth Employment Summit: 10 days away!
We're ten days away from the Inclusion BC Youth Employment Summit! Register today and choose your sessions. Remember, you need to choose which sessions you want to attend before the event.
https://inclusionbc.org/youth-employment-summit/
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Work Experience Opportunities Grant - Apply Before February 16
The Work Experience Opportunities Grant provides funding for non-profits in B.C. and federally registered charities to deliver work experience placements to British Columbians with disabilities and people facing multiple barriers to employment.
The grant provides up to $25,000 to eligible organizations to deliver 12-week work experience placements that include support for individuals and communities.
Individuals who are looking for work experience through this program can reach out to their Work BC office to find out which non-profit organizations are participating and hiring.
Read more
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Information and Resources
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VIDEO: Addressing the impact of the pandemic on families of children with special needs: Webinar Video
On January 12, 2021, Simon Fraser University hosted a dialogue about the impact of the pandemic on families of children with special needs and to look at how we can best address the needs and gaps for supports and services.
Inclusion BC’s Executive Director Karla Vershoor was one of the panelists.
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REPORT: Reaching out to and supporting children and youth with disabilities and their families
Families are trying their best to manage themselves, but #COVID19 is likely to increase the number of children placed in care because their families are unable to meet their needs.
A new paper form the Child Welfare League of Canada provides tips on how front-liners, foster carers, alternative carers and governments can help create the conditions for hope and love to shine through this difficult time, in order to help. Leaving a better and fairer future for all.
Read more
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EDUCATION: Specialized Sitter Training
The BC Association of Child Development and Intervention (BCACDI) has created the Specialized Sitter training modules. This online learning opportunity is designed to provide additional skills and knowledge for those individuals (e.g. – ‘babysitters’) providing short-term supervision of children.
Individuals completing the training will receive a certificate and be connected to agencies in their community that may know of parents looking for specialized sitters.
For more information regarding training pre-requisites and how to register, please visit: http://ow.ly/oqiq50DqJOW
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#CovidDisability Staying Informed, Staying Connected
Inclusion BC is helping people stay informed and connected during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Advocacy support: Our advocates are here for you. Whether you have an intellectual disability or you're a parent/caregiver of a person with a disability, we can help you access the supports and services you need. Email advocacy@inclusionbc.org.
- Education: We've launched a virtual learning series to keep people informed during Covid.
- News and Updates: Our #CovidDisability blog includes updates and resources on issues relating to Covid-19 and people with disabilities.
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