Reminder:
Spectrum’s Office will be closed Monday, May 18th!
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
Real Talk | Men’s Pizza Party
Men with intellectual disabilities get together with Certified Sexual Health Educators to discuss dating, love, relationships, and sex.
Come join Certified Sexual Health Educator John and Peer Facilitator Dan for an in-person Real Talk Men’s Pizza Party.
WHEN: Tuesday May 19th | 5PM -7PM
WHERE: Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI) New Westminster Office| 336 Columbia Street, New Westminster
COST: Free | Click here for more information and to register!
Still Moon Arts Society | Plant Maintenance & Bioblitz at Renfrew Community Park
Still Moon Arts: Help us tend native plantings along Still Creek at Renfrew Community Park! It’s time for our annual maintenance to remove the bindweed, blackberry, and buttercup regrowth, so our Sitka Spruce and various shrubs can continue to thrive.
At this stewardship session, we will both remove invasive species and do a bioblitz to better understand the species present in the park! We will use iNaturalist to identify and catalogue plant, insect, and bird species in our restoration area.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 20th | 5:30PM – 8:30AM
WHERE: Renfrew Community Park | Parking Lot by Dog Off-Leash Enclosure | 2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5M 2Y3 (map)
COST: Free | Click here for more information and to register!
SCI BC | Get Wild Dance Class
SCI BC: Get Wild is a seated based exercise class run by Utah-based instructor Sutter. We dance for an hour building up intensity and speed of movements for a great cardiovascular workout. We modify all movements for each individual to challenge balance, strength and endurance in a way that protects the shoulder joint. Come join us on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!
How to Connect to Zoom:
From your browser: https://utah-health.zoom.us/j/95432957916?pwd=aGJmSFdSbkJObTdselB3VEtTZlBPQT09
Meeting ID: 954 3295 7916 | Password: 909190
If you have any questions please contact their InfoLine at 1-800-689-2477 or info@sci-bc.ca.
WHEN: Monday, May 18th; Wednesday, May 20th; and Friday, May 22nd | 3:30PM – 4:30PM
WHERE: Online! Use the Zoom link above.
Summer Night Market – hosted by Madeinthe604
Summer night market in Vancouver! ✨🌙
Shop local, discover unique finds, and enjoy an evening stroll with friends.
For the Summer Night Markets this season, we’re bringing together an incredible lineup of local small businesses for a pop-up filled with a variety of products! From discovering your new favourite vendor to having a little evening stroll with friends, this is the perfect way to spend a summer night while supporting the makers, dreamers, and small business owners in our community.
Event Details:
📍 The Pipe Shop – Shipyards District, 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B2
🗓 May 15, 22, and 29 2026
⏰ 5PM – 10PM
🐶 Pet-friendly
🎟 Free admission
Massey Theatre | We All Need a Home
Massey Theatre: We are very excited to be sharing information about an important upcoming production. Please join us for a performance of We All Need a Home at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster, BC. Also, please share this information with others.
We All Need a Home is a play about the rights and needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have a home. Based on research and lived experience it has been co-created with and is acted by the same company of talented self-advocates who brought you Romance, Relationships & Rights (2019) and We Deserve to Work! (2022).
WHEN: Thursday, June 4: 7:00pm
Friday, June 5: 12:30pm
Saturday, June 6: 4:00pm
WHERE: Massey Theatre, 735 8th Ave, New Westminster, BC V3M 3S7
WHY: ~ More than 5,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in British Columbia are looking for homes.
~ Housing is a human right.
~ Housing is not just a basic need but a critical determinant of health.
~ Inclusive housing:
- provides a sense of home and belonging;
- is safe, accessible and affordable;
- provides individuals with choice and control over day to day decisions and with supports that meet their disability specific needs; and
- promotes independence, dignity, quality of life and inclusion for individuals to participate as full citizens in their neighbourhood.
Inclusive Housing Showcase – Thursday June 4, 2025 from 5:15pm – 6:45pm
- More than 5,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in British Columbia are on waitlists for housing. Join us early on opening night to meet organizations and advocates working to change that — and to get connected with inclusive housing supports and services in our community.
Cost (all fees and taxes included)
- Pay It Forward, $51
- General Admission, $35
- Concession, $10
Plus – Make a Donation at Checkout to Support Future Productions – Any Amount Helps
Buy tickets by phone by calling 1-888-656-9090 or scan the code on the poster
All proceeds from ticket sales will be used to sustain this company of self-advocate actors and co-creators
Talk Back
- Audience members are invited to participate in a 20 minute “Talk Back” session with the actors/co-creators at the end of each performance.
Accessibility Features
- All performances will be relaxed with dimmed lighting, soft sounds, and space for audience members to move around. A quiet sensory space will be provided outside of the theatre in a section of the lobby.
- The actors will be using microphones to assist people who are hard of hearing.
- ASL will be provided. Audience members who rely on ASL are encouraged to select tickets close to the front.
- Captions will be projected on the stage.
- The program is in plain language.
- Wheelchair seating is available. We recommend companions reserve seating nearby, if possible, to allow people with mobility needs to reserve accessible seats.
- There are accessible washrooms in the lobby. Theatre staff will provide guidance if asked.
- You will find plenty of free parking at the back of the building. Ramp access is available at both front and back entrances. Unfortunately, the Balcony level is not yet accessible.
- For more information about accessibility please contact admin@ticketsnw.ca
Food and Beverages
- The Massey Theatre Bar and Concession will be open 90 minutes before the show starts on June 4 and 60 minutes before the shows on June 5 and 6.
- Pre-order your refreshments to enjoy before the show when you buy your tickets.
- There will not be an intermission.
Presented By
SAVE THE DATE! Spectrum’s Annual Summer Picnic!
WHEN: Wednesday, July 15th, 2026
TIME: 2:00PM – 5:00PM
WHERE: JOHN HENDRY PARK – TROUT LAKE – PICNIC GAZEBO
Save the date to join us for the Spectrum’s Annual Summer Picnic!
We are also looking for volunteers that would like to assist in the setup, clean up, and take down of the event. If you’re interested in being a part of the Picnic Team, please email Spectrum’s office at reception@spectrumsociety.org
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in the summer for another fun day of socializing, good food, and sunshine!
VIFF Centre | Accessible Movie Experiences
“VIFF is committed to making our events and screenings accessible to as many people as we can, and we strive to remove barriers to access whenever possible. For more information, please email accessibility@viff.org”
What is happening in Vancouver in May?
Click on the link below to see what’s happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events/
![[ID: logo of Vancouver Farmers Markets.]](https://eatlocal.org/assets/themes/VFM-2018/img/header_vfm_logo.png){kind=logo}
Click here to find your market!
Vancouver Community Fridge Project
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The Vancouver Community Fridge Project is a decentralized food distribution network and mutual aid initiative created to provide healthy, free food and essential supplies to our communities across lower mainland.
Our mission is to combat food insecurity by encouraging our communities to take part in laterally-directed mutual aid, starting with providing free, safe, non-policed, accessible and nutritious foods through community fridges and pantries.
All fridges and pantries that are apart of the VCFP network will be operating on a strict no policing, no-shame policy. This means, the VCFP does not condone patrolling how fridge users engage with the fridge, gatekeeping, or any exclusionary or harmful behaviours. The fridges should be accessible, welcoming places based on trust and communication of needs, established by and for the community.
FINANCIAL UPDATES
Telus Exclusive Partner Program – EPP
Here’s a reminder for all Spectrum staff that we have access to the Telus Exclusive Partner Program – EPP. There are good rates on phones and very good rates on plans.
Register here:
https://www.telus.com/en/mobility/epp-corporate-plan/eligibility?campaign_id=EPPDigitalHubFAQ.
You have to use your @spectrumsociety.org email address.
More information and answers to questions here:
Plan Institute – Canada Disability Benefit (CBD)
Applications are now open!
After months and years of advocacy (and a whole lot of waiting), the moment is finally here – applications for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) are now open!
Applications opened on June 20, 2025 and are available on the Government of Canada website. You can submit your application via the online application portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Centre.
You may have already received a letter from the government inviting you to apply for the CDB. The letter includes a unique application code and instructions on how to apply. If you did not receive a letter from the government and think you are eligible for the CDB, you can still apply.
It may be helpful to gather some key information before you complete the application, including:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Mailing address
- Direct deposit information
- Optional: your net income (line 23600) from your 2024 notice of assessment. Providing this information will speed up your application, but it is not required.
If you are a legal guardian or representative for someone with a disability and you are applying for the CDB on their behalf, you will also need to provide proof that you are authorized to act as the beneficiary’s legal representative.
Click here to learn more about the application process
When will I receive my payment?
The first payments of the CDB will begin in July 2025 for applications received and approved by June 30, 2025. If your application is approved in July or later, you will receive your first payment in the month after your application is approved.
How much can I receive?
The maximum benefit amount is $2,400 per year, or $200 per month. The amount you receive will depend on your income (and the income of your spouse or partner, if relevant).
Learn more about how your benefit is calculated
How do I know if I’m eligible for the CDB?
To qualify for the CDB, you must be aged between 18-64 and be currently approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). You must also have filed your taxes for the previous tax year.
Find out more about the eligibility criteria
Where can I get support?
Plan Institute’s Disability Planning Helpline can offer support with the CDB, including understanding the application process and finding out whether you are eligible. Our advisors can also support you to apply for the DTC.
You can contact the Helpline by calling 1-844-311-7526 or emailing helpline@planinstitute.ca.
You can also talk to Service Canada directly about the CDB on their designated CDB call center telephone line: 1-833-486-3007 or by teletypewriter (TTY): 1-833-467-2700.
Disability Without Poverty | CDB Overview
Follow these steps:
1. File your tax return.
Need help? There are free tax clinics available to help you.
2. Apply for the Disability Tax Credit
Fill Form T2201 – Download the form from the Canada Revenue Agency website. Fill in Part A.
Find a Medical Practitioner – Take the form to a qualified medical practitioner to certify the impairment by completing Part B.
Submit Your Application to the CRA – Mail the completed form or submit it online. The CRA will review your application and send a notice of determination.
While you wait for the applications to open, see if you qualify for other federal programs like:
- Registered Disability Savings Plan
- Canada Workers Benefit
- Disability Supplement
- Child Disability Benefit
3. Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit
Applications for the Canada Disability Benefit open in June Payments start in July 2025!
STEP ONE: File your taxes for free
STEP TWO: Get help with your DTC application
STEP THREE: Learn more about the CDB
Disability Alliance BC – MY DTC
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a tax benefit from the Government of Canada. It is meant to help people with disabilities and their families reduce the amount of income tax they have to pay. Benefits like the Registered Disability Saving Plan and the new Canada Disability Benefit coming in July 2025 can be accessed when you have the Disability Tax Credit.
My DTC is a free online guide to the Disability Tax Credit created by Disability Alliance BC. It has information on benefits, eligibility and the overall process, as well as tools to help with applying. Please note, My DTC does not allow people to apply for the DTC directly. This is done through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Visit My DTC here to explore the guide.
Credit Counselling Society
The Credit Counselling Society is an accredited non-profit that helps Canadians solve their money problems. We do this by providing free credit counselling, low-cost debt solutions, and education to help you manage your money better.
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools for building the financial success that everyone deserves. We’re here to help you through your difficult times and towards a better future.
BC Hydro – Customer Crisis Fund
If you’re a residential customer experiencing a temporary financial crisis, such as a loss of employment or benefit income, unanticipated medical expenses, or a death in the family and you’ve fallen behind on your BC Hydro bill, you may be eligible for a grant payment to avoid disconnection of your service.
Eligibility for a grant
To receive a grant from the Customer Crisis Fund, you need to meet a few criteria:
- Be a residential account holder.
- Be applying for a grant for your primary residence account.
- Your account must have payments overdue by at least 21 days or be facing disconnection. You can apply as early as when you have a balance owing on your account, but your application will be on hold until your payment is 21 days overdue or your account is facing disconnection.
- You must have experienced a life event, within the last 12 months, that caused a temporary financial crisis.
- Have an outstanding balance of $1,000 or less, and have demonstrated some attempt to make payments towards your bill.
You may receive one grant per account holder annually (one per year). If a grant application is denied and your circumstances change, you can apply again in the same year.
Click here for more information and how to apply!
![[ID: logo of BC Hydro Power Smart]](https://ecofitt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/bchydro.jpg)
Inclusion BC Provincial Budget Alert 2024-2025
Spectrum is a member of Inclusion BC and supports their provincial advocacy on behalf of individuals and families with developmental disabilities.
Click here for their report on the provincial budget announced for 2024-2025.
![[ID: logo of Inclusion BC]](https://files.constantcontact.com/5484ef30101/c09a3cee-3809-41f2-964f-ab73cfcb439f.png)
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Plan Institute Webinars
The Plan Institute has FREE upcoming regular webinars on the topics of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and Wills, Trusts and Estates Planning.
RDSP
The Registered Disability Savings Plan is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan for those with disabilities to better financially plan for their futures. The Level 1 webinar is meant for those who want to learn about what the RDSP is, who qualifies, and how to apply. The Level 2 webinar is for those who already have a RDSP, or have already taken Level 1.
Next Level 1 Webinar: Tuesday June 2nd | 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Tuesday, May 19th | 4:00PM – 5:45PM
Click here to register and for more information
Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (BC Only)
This webinar is meant for those who want to become better informed on the process of wills, trusts and estate planning to better secure the future of your relative or loved one with a disability. There is a limit of 60 participants so early registration is encouraged!
Next Webinar: Thursday, May 21st | 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Click here to register and for more information
Community Support for Spectrum
Spectrum is a registered charitable organization that fundraises to provide the extra things that aren’t covered by government funding. We appreciate the support our community provides in these ways:
Donations: We receive donations through our monthly giving program from both community members and our employees.
Different ways you can donate to Spectrum Society
- You can make a donation online through CanadaHelps.org on our secure donation page here.
- You can complete this Donation Form and send a cheque to our office.
- You can join our monthly giving club and provide us with permission to make a monthly deduction from your bank account. Complete this Donation Form and email it to donations@spectrumsociety.org or mail it to our office.
- As an employee, you can give us permission to make a deduction from your payroll each pay period. Complete this Donation Form and email it to donations@spectrumsociety.org.
- Remember Spectrum Society for Community Living when you are preparing your Will. We have an Endowment Fund that provides us with regular income to assist in providing supports to people with disabilities in the Community. Please call if you have any questions about this.
Click here for more information!
REFERRAL PROGRAM
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Is there anyone you know that is looking for meaningful work?
If you have a friend, family member or meet someone in the community that is interested in joining the team and you refer them to Spectrum, you could be eligible for a referral bonus!
If the person referred is hired and maintains at least 6 months of consistent employment with Spectrum, we will award a $250 Referral Bonus.
*for more information on the program, please email hr@spectrumsociety.org
We thank you for bringing us quality applicants/employees!