Holiday Closures at The Spectrum Society Office

• Thursday December 24th  – Closed
• Friday December 25th – Closed
• Monday December 28^th – regular hours
• December 31st – close at 3pm 
• Friday January 1^st 2021 – Closed 
• Monday January 4th – regular hours

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You’re Invited: Sun Life’s 2020 Holiday Event – Action Required by December 14th

Season’s greetings and wishing you all the very best of the Holiday Season!

We would like to thank you for your continued business and partnership.
Wishing you health and happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity
in the New Year.

Given the unique circumstances of this year, we will be hosting a virtual
charity event for all of our key partners; and you are invited!

Details of the event and RSVP details are provided on the following page.

Link to Invitation:  You’re Invited – Sun Life 2020 Holiday Event

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COVID-19 Updates – December 10, 2020 – Vaccines – Recovery Benefit

Provincial Updates

This week, the provincial government made two important announcements:

1. Vaccines – British Columbia will be receiving a small number of doses of the Pfizer vaccine this week.  Dr. Ross Brown, Vice President for Pandemic Response with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, will head up the province’s Covid-19 vaccine program over the coming months.  The initial supply of approximately 4,000 doses will be administered to Lower Mainland health care workers who work in long term care from two distribution sites, one in the Vancouver Coastal region and one in the Fraser Health region.  More doses of the Pfizer vaccine and a supply of the Moderna vaccine will be coming in the new year.  By March, the Province aims to have 400,000 people vaccinated, with priority given to staff and residents in long term care.  By April, the plan is to roll out the vaccines more broadly to seniors, front line essential workers, people with underlying health conditions, people who are underhoused, and those living in remote indigenous communities.

This is good news for those who are most at risk of serious illness from Covid-19.  However, it will still be several months before the vaccines are widely available.  Dr. Brown and Dr. Henry stressed the importance of keeping up our layers of protection and continuing to follow the public health guidelines while the vaccine program gets underway.

Plan underway to distribute COVID-19 vaccines in B.C.

The first vaccines to arrive in B.C. will be from Pfizer, then Moderna, and will be delivered initially in two Lower Mainland sites next week before expanding to nine sites by January 2021.

The first limited round of approximately 4,000 vaccines will be administered to Lower Mainland health-care workers who work in long-term care homes and front-line health-care workers essential to the COVID-19 response. Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health are reaching out to those staff to schedule opportunities for vaccine appointments.

Vaccines will continue arriving each week in B.C. in increasing quantities, with targeted deployment for people in priority groups. Expected timelines will depend on vaccine approval and availability.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0065-002035

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1. Recovery Benefit – The Province announced a new benefit that will be available to BC residents.  The BC Recovery Benefit is a one-time, tax-free payment of up to $1,000 for families and single parents and up to $500 for eligible individuals.  Eligibility is based on net income from your 2019 tax return.  Online applications open on December 18^th and phone support will be available starting December 21^st.  The news release is here:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/recovery-benefit

For people with disabilities who are receiving the Covid-19 supplement, the $300 supplement will be reduced to $150 per month from January-March 2020.  They will need to apply for the new Recovery Benefit, which will make up for the amount that the supplement is being reduced.  Inclusion BC has posted more information here: https://inclusionbc.org/new-bc-covid-recovery-benefit-and-changes-to-pwd-supplement/

New BC COVID Recovery Benefit and Changes to PWD Benefits

The Province of BC has announced a new BC Recovery Benefit. Amounts are determined on a sliding scale, based on income. More information here.

• People receiving PWD benefits are eligible to apply and the amount will not be clawed back based on your existing benefits.
• Single people earning less than $62,500 qualify for a $500 payment and individuals earning up to $87,500 will qualify for a reduced amount.
• Families with incomes under $125,000 will be eligible to receive $1,000 and families earning up to $175,000 will qualify for a reduced amount.
• For people currently receiving the $300 PWD Covid-19 supplement,this amount will be reduced to $150/month from January – March. The reduced $150 amount will be added to your PWD cheque automatically. You do not have to apply for this.
• With these changes, people on PWD who apply for the BC Recovery Benefit will get about the same amount in total for the next 3 months as if the $300 PWD supplement was continued:
  • * So instead of: $300 + $300 + $300 = $900
    * …you will get: $500 + $150 + $150 + $150 = $950
• The new recovery benefit is not automatic, you will need to apply.

Inclusion BC is glad to see an extension of benefits for people with disabilities but we are disappointed that the disability top-up amount was reduced and the remaining amount (recovery benefit) is subject to an application process. The application process will reduce access for those who require additional support to apply or get caught up on their taxes.

There is no guarantee of an extension past March. The federal government recently announced plans for a Federal Disability Benefit, which we hope will address the grossly inadequate assistance rates for people with disabilities.

The BC Government website with more information on the Recovery Benefit is here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/recovery-benefit

To apply and be eligible for the one-time, tax-free benefit, people must:

• be a resident of B.C. on Dec. 18, 2020;
• be at least 19 years old on Dec. 18, 2020;
• have filed a 2019 income tax return;
• have their 2019 income tax notice of assessment, and if applicable, their spouse’s 2019 income tax notice of assessment;
• have their social insurance number;
• have their direct deposit information; and
• have their B.C. driver’s licence.

Applying online is the fastest way to receive the benefit.

Temporary Pandemic Pay Update

Here’s a tweet from the new Minister of Finance, Selina Robinson, where she acknowledges people’s concern about receiving the Pandemic Pay before Christmas:

We will continue to watch our bank account and let you know when we receive the funding and can schedule payment to employees.

Holiday Pictures

Gary was out for some fresh air and found these Candy Canes!

Michelle and Jacki out shopping for stocking stuffers and singing and dancing to the Xmas carols. 

Ernie Baatz

Executive Director

Spectrum Society for Community Living

COVID-19 Updates – December 8, 2020

Joint Statement on BC’s COVID-19 Response, Recent Updates

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia:

“Today, we are reporting on three 24-hour periods. From Dec. 4 to 5, we had 647 new cases. From Dec. 5 to 6, we had 726 new cases and in the last 24 hours, we have had a further 647 new cases.

“As we all do our part now with COVID-19, we can be encouraged to know that the start of vaccine availability is days away. This is a welcome milestone that we can all celebrate.

“The orders that we have had in place have started to have an impact on the transmission of the virus in British Columbia. However, transmission remains high and we need to continue our efforts to reduce social interactions and stop the spread. The provincial health officer’s orders restricting all gatherings and events have today been extended through to Jan. 8, 2021, at midnight. This includes gatherings in people’s homes and in public venues.

“The order extension and travel requirement are necessary steps to help us get through the remainder of the year and protect those who are most vulnerable.

“We understand that, for many of us, this will mean celebrating the important December holidays in a different, smaller way than what we are used to. We can still be festive, but let’s ensure it is only with our immediate household.

“As hard as this may be, let’s remember that the sacrifices we make now will protect our loved ones and countless others throughout our province. Your efforts and sacrifices are making a difference.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0064-002017

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CLBC Conference Call for Service Providers and Home Share Providers

CLBC’s regular monthly call for service providers with Dr. Daniele Behn Smith, Office of the Provincial Health Officer) is today at 1pm.

Here are the details for you to use to join the call:

Date:  Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Time: 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.

Call in details: 1-877-353-9184 and enter the access code 37568# when prompted

If you can’t join the call today, there is a recording of each call posted on the CLBC website at:

https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/for-service-providers/information-about-the-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-for-clbc-funded-service-providers/teleconference-calls-service-providers/

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Welcome to the December 4 edition of CLBC’s Update for Individuals and Families. As a reminder, you can find all Updates (including past editions) posted on our website here. If you know of anyone who would like to receive future Updates, please share the link to our sign up page with them. If you have a specific question, or feedback about this update, you can send an email to CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca.

CLBC and Government News
New Key to Home website opens the door to inclusive housing

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of home for all of us.

A new web site called Key to Home has been launched by Community Living BC and Inclusion BC to help individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and service providers build awareness in their local communities for more inclusive housing. The web site can be found at: KeytoHomeBC.ca.

The web site provides planning sheets for individuals and families and research information on the need for inclusive housing in B.C., as well as videos and support materials to make presentations to local city councils, planners, developers, and non-profit housing providers. The goal is to ensure local community housing plans and projects include spaces for people with disabilities.

Recognizing International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3 marked United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD). This annual celebration is a time for all of us across British Columbia to recognize the important contributions people with developmental disabilities make to their communities.

The U.N. declared the theme for this year: “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World.” You can read more about IDPWD 2020 on the United Nations website here.

Here is a message from CLBC’s CEO Ross Chilton.

Teleconference plain language summary now available

On November 17, a teleconference for individuals and families took place with Dr. Daniele Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Michael Prince, CLBC Board Chair and John Stinson, CLBC Vice President of Regional Operations. The call shared the latest health information and guidance on COVID-19.

You can read a plain language summary of the teleconference call here. This summary, as well as the audio recording of the call, are also posted to the CLBC website here.

Provincial Health Officer orders on social gatherings

The Provincial Health Officer (PHO) has ordered all events, social gatherings and all adult team sports to be suspended to significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission related to social interactions and travel.

To stay updated, the best place to get the most recent information about COVID restrictions and orders is on the BC Government website here.

BC Centre for Disease Control explains safe social interaction

At this time, British Columbians must limit in-person social gatherings to the people they live with. This is not the time to invite friends or family over to your home or to go to someone else’s home for a social visit. If you live alone, you can continue to spend time with one or two people from a different household. Essential visits from support staff can continue.

Many of us have questions about what all this means for our personal and individual situations. For helpful information and answers to questions about safe social interactions during COVID-19, visit the BCCDC website here.

COVID-19 mouth rinse / gargle test available to adults

If you are instructed by a health care provider to get tested for COVID-19 and live on Vancouver Island or in the Lower Mainland, you might now be able to get a gargle test instead of a nasal swab. You can read more about this test here.

If you can choose a gargle test, you should know you can’t eat, drink, vape, smoke, brush your teeth or chew gum for one hour before the test.

Click here for instructions of how to take the gargle test.

Are you worried about doing the gargle test correctly? You can practice at home before you go for your test. Click here to learn how you can practice at home.

You can also click here to find a COVID-19 testing site near you.

Health Canada and BC CDC information on masks 

Health Canada has helpful information about non-medical face masks, including what they should be made of and how to put on/remove/clean them, and sewing instructions, which you can read here.

You can also find information from the BC Centre for Disease Control here.

What if I, or my loved one, can’t wear a mask?

When it comes to mask-wearing policies, we need to ensure there is balance between protecting the public, especially people who are at risk of more severe illnesses, and the rights of people who cannot wear a mask on the basis of protected grounds in B.C.’s Human Rights Code (such as disability).

The policy guidance that you can read here from BC’s Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender details how mask-wearing requirements must accommodate people with disabilities or medical conditions that prevent them from using non-medical masks.

Staying connected and supported

New Calendar for Connection!

Community Living BC is working with BC CEO Network the Family Support Institute, Vela Canada, Inclusion BC, BCANDS and BC Self Advocacy groups to find ways to support people to stay safe and connected through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new Calendar for Connection is hosted on the Family Support Institute website and focuses on highlighting safe, accessible and inclusive opportunities for social connection happening provincially and locally for those CLBC serves. In these present times, most of the events and activities featured on the calendar are accessed online. Service providers, self advocacy groups and other community partners are encouraged to create and share their own accessible and inclusive events on this calendar for connection. Thank you to those who have already shared your events with us!

You can check out what’s on the calendar by clicking here.

Telephone and online counselling supports for Indigenous people

A number of treatment facilities across B.C. are currently offering emotional and cultural supports online and over the phone. The following services are free and are available to all Indigenous people in B.C.:

• Carrier Sekani Family Services. Call: 250-567-2900 and ask for an ARP Team
• Kackaamin Family Development Centre. Call: 250-723-7789 or Toll-free: 1-833-205-6946
• Namgis Treatment Centre. Call: 250-974-8015
• Nenqayni Wellness Centre. Call: 250-989-0301
• North Wind Wellness Centre. Call: 250-843-6977 or Toll-free: 1-888-698-4333
• Telmexw Awtexw (Sts’ailes First Nations). Call: 604-796-9829
• Tsow Tun Le Lum. Call: 250-268-2463 or Toll-free: 1-888-590-3123
• Wilp Si’Satxw Healing Centre. Call: 778-202-0162 or 778-202-1349

Many addictions treatment centres are closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Find a list of Centres across B.C. that are supporting people in various ways by clicking here.

Plan Institute advisors offer assistance

The COVID-19 pandemic has created financial hardship for many individuals and families. Some people are asking questions about how to withdraw money from their Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). To help with these questions, a Plan Institute Advisor wrote this article about withdrawing from an RDSP.

Did you know that Plan Institute has a Disability Planning Helpline that you can call toll-free from anywhere in Canada? Their team of seven advisors specialize in providing advice to families and individuals on disability topics including the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the RDSP, trusts and estate planning, advocacy approaches, government benefit programs, social network building and more. Each of the advisors has a personal connection to the disability community and is very experienced in the topic they advise on. Read more about the team of advisors here.

Visit planinstitute.ca or email info@planinstitute.ca to learn more about the helpline and other services that Plan Institute offers. You can call their Disability Planning helpline at 1-844-311-7526. Leave a message and someone will get back to you within one to two business days. You can also send an email any time at info@rdsp.com.

Check out the upcoming Plan Institute RDSP workshops on December 15 and 19.

Find a food bank

Food banks provide an important and essential service, particularly during these very challenging times. Many food banks are offering other supports to help people in need during COVID-19. You can use the food bank finder here to locate your local food bank to contact them and see what their capabilities and needs are at present.

Metis Nation BC provides COVID support

Metis Nation BC has a COVID support program that includes emergency shelter funding, reusable face masks, funding for elders, education and technology support. Applications are now open at www.MNBC.CA/COVID. For more information, you can call 604-557-5851.

Updated Support and Connection Toolkit highlights resources and activities

In each edition of this Update, we share an updated version of the Support and Connection Toolkit which gathers links to resources and activities into one document for easy access. See the most updated toolkit here

Self Advocate Corner

CLBC Expression of Interest: Self Advocates Leading Connection during COVID-19

Community Living BC is working with partners to find ways to support people to stay safe and connected through the COVID-19 pandemic. The B.C. Self Advocacy community has an important role to play to help lead this effort.

Are you a group of leaders doing important work to support people to stay safe, strong and connected during COVID-19?

CLBC wants to pay an independent self advocacy group or groups to organize and offer safe ways for people with diverse abilities to connect with other people during COVID.

CLBC will be accepting applications for the Expression of Interest: Self Advocates Leading Connection During COVID-19 until December 11, 2020.

We will be awarding grants for the period of January 2021 – August 2021.

This is an opportunity for self advocates to:

• Take on a leadership role and get paid for it (great if you have experience, but not required).
• Create a plan and choose who you want to hire to make your ideas happen.
• Become an independent self advocacy group/organization led by and for people who live with the label of a developmental or intellectual disability (if you aren’t one already).

Find out more and how to apply on the CLBC website here.

Share your story for the next CLBC magazine: How are you staying strong during COVID-19?

The CLBC Editorial Board made up of self advocate leaders from around B.C. is collecting stories and quotes for the next edition of the Celebrate Diverse Abilities magazine. Tell us how you are staying safe and strong during COVID-19 by emailing Jessica.Humphrey@gov.bc.ca by Wednesday, December 9.

New BC Disability website profiles self advocates

BCDisability.com is a new website that aims to be a useful resource to persons in B.C. who have a disability or are an ally of someone with a disability.

BCDisability includes:​

• A directory of disability resources across BC
• Guides on accessibility, advocacy, community inclusion, and more
• A spot to showcase the work of artists and entrepreneurs
• Fun, games, contests, and an interactive quiz on disability with new questions each time​

BCDisability wants to showcase the awesome things that B.C. self advocates are doing in their communities, whether it’s through advocacy, employment, a hobby, school, or something else.

Do you have something awesome you want to share? Email spencer@bcdisability.com

Stories of hope and encouragement

Vancouver Easter Seals House opens doors for respite stays during the COVID pandemic

Easter Seals understands the enormous challenges the COVID pandemic has put on families that have someone with diverse abilities in their household. So, during this time, they are opening up their suites in Easter Seals House in Vancouver to families who are looking for a night of respite. “You may choose it as a get-away for yourself and spouse or partner, or choose to bring your family member,” says Lisa Beck, Easter Seals BC/Yukon CEO and President.

For $68 per night, you’ll have your own private studio apartment that includes a kitchenette, two twin beds (or combine to a king bed), full bathroom and wireless internet access. You will also have access to laundry facilities, and the option of underground, secured parking for $10 per night.

All COVID health and safety protocols are in place at Easter Seals House, so you can feel safe and welcome during your stay.

Easter Seals House is a charity-run lodge that provides a home-away-from-home for families and adults who travel from out of town to Vancouver for medical treatment. Located minutes from hospitals, it is a lifeline for thousands of families throughout BC and Yukon to help relieve them of the stress and financial burden of finding somewhere to stay in an expensive and unfamiliar city.

To book your stay, call 1-800-818-3666 or visit eastersealsbcy.ca for more information. Easter Seals House is located at 3981 Oak Street, Vancouver.

Spirit Orcas raise money for COVID and Santas Anonymous 

The amazing Spirit Orcas from Victoria, led by CLBC WOW award winner Susan Simmons, have raised over $6,000 for COVID-19 relief by swimming the shoreline of Greater Victoria (10 km at a time) for a total of 80 km! On December 12, they will be raising money for Santas Anonymous. Learn about the Spirit Orca journey by watching this short video by Spirit Orca youth mentor Jasmine Kremer.

You can also see a video capturing the story of their Great Big Swim fundraiser here.

Fwd: COVID-19 Updates – December 4, 2020

Staying Safe and Staying Healthy

The basics of keeping the people we support, our teams and your families Healthy and Safe are important to practice every day:

• Stay home if you sick – Call 811 for further directions.
• Wash your hands regularly
• Keep your distance – at least two metres or six feet from people outside your bubble
• Wear a mask on transit, in stores, in all indoor public spaces.
• Keep your social bubble small – But stay connected with friends and family. Phone, video chat, go for a walk outside – it is so important to keep in touch.

Thank you to everyone for the amazing job everyone has done over the past eight months!

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Expanded Health Orders – Reminder:

The past few weeks have seen a surge of new Covid-19 cases and deaths in BC.  As a result, Dr. Henry has issued a number of new and expanded public health orders:

• The regional orders that have been in place for the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions are extended to the whole province.  These orders are extended to December 7^th.
• Social visits are limited to the immediate household.  No socializing with people outside your immediate household.
• For those who live alone, social visits with one or two close contacts are allowed.
• Meeting a friend for a walk outside is allowed.  
• Masks now required in all indoor public and retail spaces, except when eating or drinking.
• Masks now required in common areas of office space.  Masks not required when sitting at your desk if safe distancing is maintained.
• Masks not required if the person is unable to wear one due to their disability, or for children under the age of two.
• Employers to support and encourage working from home as much as possible.
• Essential workers and those who must go into the office should limit social interactions with co-workers before, during and after work.
• Active daily screening of all workers to ensure people are not coming to work with symptoms of Covid-19.
• No in-person services at places of worship for the next two weeks.  Funerals and weddings may proceed with maximum 10 people including the officiant, following safety guidelines.
• Indoor high intensity group fitness activities like hot yoga and spin classes are suspended.
• No spectators at indoor or outdoor sporting activities, and no group travel for these activities.
• Limit travel as much as possible unless it is essential.  Stay within your local community as much as possible.

Joint Statement on BC’s COVID-19 Response – Dr. Bonnie Henry and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health

The focus of these new orders is on reducing social activities.  Dr. Henry emphasized that the goal is to keep workplaces, schools and essential services open safely, and to protect the health care system.  By reducing our social interactions, we reduce the risk of further community spread that spills over to these essential services.

We are at a critical juncture where our collective efforts can make a big difference.  The next few weeks are going to be challenging, but if we all work together, we will get through it.  We successfully flattened the curve in the spring.  We can do it again.

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Good Tidings Classic! A Good Noise Christmas Video Performance

One way to enjoy the sounds of the season while staying home and staying safe is to buy tickets to this video performance of the Good Noise Gospel Choir.  They have created a Christmas video performance with classic gospel Christmas songs, a guest artist, Good Noise soloists (maybe you’ll recognize one 😉) and our incredible gospel band.

Tickets are on sale now, and are available for purchase until December 12th – at which time the concert will be available for viewing, and you will have access to watch it as often as you like from December 12th until January 1st. If you decide to buy a ticket, I hope you enjoy the show!

Here’s the link to tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/good-tidings-classic-a-good-noise-christmas-video-performance-tickets-126867565303

Getting a Flu Shot 

Now more than ever, getting a flu shot is an important step to protect yourself and those around you. A flu shot can reduce your chance of developing symptoms that resemble COVID-19 which would require you to get tested and self-isolate. This can increase wait times at testing centres as well as test results and can delay the identification of COVID-19 cases.

Ge<ng a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others against influenza, especially when used with other infection prevention practices such as proper hand hygiene and staying home from work or school when sick, even with mild symptoms.

Where you can get a flu shot:

• VCH Public Health clinics
• Your family doctor
• Walk-in clinics
• Your pharmacist
• Urgent & primary care centres

Find a location

Appointments are strongly recommended this year to help us maintain physical distancing and to reduce wait times.

More information on flu shots at Vancouver Coastal Health (Vancouver, Richmond, North Shore, Sunshine Coast)
More information on flu shots at Fraser Health (Burnaby, New West, Delta, Surrey, Coquitlam, Fraser Valley)

Temporary Pandemic Pay

The Provincial Government announced that temporary pandemic pay of $4/hour for all regular hours worked for specific government funded services worked between March 15 and July 4^th, 2020.  More info

here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/temporary-pandemic-pa

As soon as Spectrum receives our funding from the government, we will pay the pandemic pay out to all eligible employees.  Sorry for the delay in receiving this benefit.  We need to receive the funding before we can pay it out.

Send us pictures of your holiday decorations!

Here is Kathy’s Christmas Tree:

Ernie Baatz

Executive Director

Spectrum Society for Community Living

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Staying Connected with Virtual Bingo

Ruth, Chantel and their teams have been planning a virtual Bingo event to help all the individuals we support stay connected and have some fun during this time!

If anyone you support would like to participate please let Ruth and me know and we will make sure you get the playing cards and stampers that are needed to participate. We will be sending out a Zoom invitation with the dates and details shortly. We are trying to collect information to see how many people are interested to make sure we have enough supplies! We are hoping with enough interest this can be an ongoing event!

Contact us: ruth.villarma@spectrumsociety.org or chantel.foden@spectrumsociety.org

Thank you Chantel and Ruth for helping people stay connected!

Link to Bingo Cards:  Bingo Cards

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It is a great time to review the contents of emergency medical and earthquake kits in your home. 

Are your water and food rations currently dated? Other items like glow sticks and batteries have expiry dates. It’s a good time to make sure everything is up to date.

Did you use some of the medical supplies during the year?  Now is a great time to order replacement items.  Please note that WCB Level 1 First Aid Kits are required in all of the homes that are staffed.

Have there been changes in the number of people residing in your home?  Do you need more or less supplies?

Have any of the people you live with changed their diets over the past year? Do you need to change the dietary foods in their earthquake kits?

If you need help with restocking your emergency medical and earthquake supplies please feel free to contact Judy Smith at judy@spectrumsociety.org for assistance.

It is a good time to review all safety procedures in the home; making sure that exit routes are clear of debris, including accessing risk factors (for example, moving items on shelves that could fall and moving heavy items to bottom shelves instead of top shelves). Are all staff are familiar with where emergency care items are stored?  Please review the following information from our policy manual with the staff and individuals you support. Include staff to join on skype or zoom if you cannot meet in person so everyone is familiar with this process.

(https://sscl.sharevision.ca/public/PolicyDirectory/General%20Policies/34.0.EmergencyPreparedness.pdf)

When you have completed your Earthquake Drill please record this information on Sharevision.

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How to Register for Emergency First Aid Community Care:

Call St. John Ambulance: (604) 321-7242

• They above number is their main line, but they have a number of locations across the lower mainland if you would like to call a location directly: http://www.sja.ca/English/About-Us/Pages/Locations.aspx
• Register yourself for Emergency First Aid Community Care.

If you did not have your first aid certificate upon hire, you are responsible for the initial cost, which is currently $102.00, and Spectrum covers renewal fees.

• If you are renewing your first aid, ask St. John Ambulance to invoice Spectrum Society
• Let them know Spectrum Society will be paying for your course fee.

*St. John Ambulance may request authorization from Spectrum. Email hr@spectrumsociety.org with the date/location you want to complete the course and we will call them to confirm your registration.

First Aid is a requirement for employment as indicated in ‘Policy 4: Requirements for Employment.’

If requirements for employment are not met within a timely manner, shifts will be suspended without pay until this requirement is met. Below is a link to Spectrum’s First Aid policy:

https://sscl.sharevision.ca/public/PolicyDirectory/Personnel%20Policies/P04.0.Requirements.for.Employment.pdf

Please respond back with your course date.  Prior to attending the class please arrange a time to come to the office to receive your free face mask. 

For employees renewing their first aid, please ensure St. John’s Ambulance (SJA) includes the CPR pocket mask with your first aid registration. If the CPR pocket mask is not included with your registration fee, SJA requires attendees pay for this on the day of course completion; you can save your receipt and submit it to Human Resources for reimbursement.  

Please send your certificate of course completion to the Spectrum Society office to have your file updated.

Please let Judy know if you have any questions or issues registering, by emailing her at judy@spectrumsociety.org