Community Events & Team News

REMINDER:
Spectrum’s Office will closed on Tuesday, September 30th

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)

Still Moon Arts | Full Moon Labyrinth Walk

Support the Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival: While all events are free, we request that you make a $10 donation if you can comfortably afford it (or more, if you like!). Arts organizations and festivals across Canada are currently struggling financially. Our funding has decreased by 20% since 2023, while inflation has driven costs much higher.

Check out the full Festival Program and mark your calendar for an unforgettable autumn experience.

Celebrate the Harvest Moon with a mindful walking meditation. Embrace and reflect on the changing seasons.

Don’t miss out on an unforgettable experience at the Renfrew Ravine Labyrinth. Bid farewell to summer with a mindful walking meditation under the Harvest Moon.

Connect with your body, breath, and the nature of the ravine while reflecting on your life’s journey with a supportive community. There will be live music by Gracenote a capella choir.

Walking the Labyrinth

As you approach the labyrinth, take your time and wait until the person in front of you reaches the third turn before starting. People walk at different speeds. If you meet someone on the way, simply step off your path onto another one and step back once they have passed. Once you reach the center, take as much time as you like to reflect.

Everyone is encouraged to take time before and after walking the labyrinth to reflect. Some walk around the outer circle while others sit still.

Details

Date: Monday, September 22nd
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Renfrew Ravine Labyrinth, at the intersection of Renfrew Ravine Park & E 27th Ave

Age: Family friendly. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting There

The Renfrew Ravine Labyrinth is located on the east side of the Renfrew Ravine by 27th Avenue.
The exact location of the labyrinth can be seen on Google Maps.
The closest bus stop is NB Boyd Diversion @ E 22 Ave and there is free parking in the neighbourhood.
We recommend walking, taking the bus, riding your bike, or carpooling when possible.

Accessibility

There is no direct pathway to the Renfrew Ravine Labyrinth and wheelchairs may require assistance. The labyrinth path is narrow and lined with a stone path that may be difficult for those with mobility concerns to traverse – but we invite you to enjoy the birds, trees, and the presence of the flowing water in the ravine below.
Very limited seating is available. Attendees are welcome to bring a camping chair or blanket.
Washrooms are not available on site but can be found at the Renfrew Community Centre located 10 minutes away (~1 kilometre).

Land acknowledgement

The Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival and all of Still Moon Arts’ programming take place on the unceded territories of Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.

Click here for more information!

Every Child Matters | Orange Shirt Day – September 30th

Join us for Honouring Orange Shirt Day on September 26th, 2025. We will be making felt orange shirt pins and there will also be some colouring. You are able to wear your pins for Orange Shirt Day (True and Reconciliation Day) on September 30th or any other day you choose.

Orange Shirt Day was formed in Williams Lake, BC when elders gathered and talked about their experiences at St. Joseph Mission residential school. The elders gathered to tell their stories and try to heal themselves and their families. Phyllis (Jack) Webstad Story of her shiny orange shirt being taken away on the first day of residential school and other people having a similar story as Phyllis, which started a movement of Orange Shirt Day. This day is to bring awareness to what happened in residential schools and to have meaningful conversations.

WHEN: September 26th, 2025 | 11:00AM – 2:00PM

LUNCH: Indigenous beef tacos and Indigenous veggie tacos

WHERE: Barb Goode Training Room (next to Spectrum’s office – 3223 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC)

Please let us know if you require any assistance getting to or from the gatherings and if there is anything else you need. Lindsay is here to help with anything you need to be able to come.

RSVP to Lindsay at lindsay.clifton@spectrumsociety.org or 236-312-1449

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 on Friday, September 26th from 6-8pm for an in-person Real Talk Men’s Pizza Party.

The event is free. It is for men with intellectual disabilities. and anyone who identifies as a man is welcome to attend. If you want to bring a supporter or a friend with you – that’s totally fine! If you register in advance you will get an email reminder the day before the event. It’s also ok to just show up.

Click here to find out more about how to prep for a Real Talk event, and feel free to email john@real-talk.org if you have any questions about the event.

WHEN: Friday, September 26th | 6:00PM – 8:00PM

WHERE: Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI) (336 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC)

COST: Free! | Click here for more info and to register!

Vancouver Etsy Co. | Fall Pop Up

Vancouver Etsy Co – Fall Pop Up is back for a cozy and crafty event at Robson Square Ice Rink! Join us for a day filled with unique handmade goods from local artisans. Browse through a variety of products including jewelry, home decor, and more. Support small businesses and find the perfect gifts for yourself or loved ones. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind treasures while enjoying the fall vibes in Vancouver!

The first 50 people in line will receive a limited edition Pin Collector Tote and market cash to spend at any vendor.

WHEN: Saturday, September 27th | 11:00AM – 5:00PM

WHERE: Robson Square Ice Rink (800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC)

COST: Free admission | If you RSVP through eventbrite, you will be entered to win a draw for market cash to spend at the event. We hold a draw for every 100 RSVPs.

VIFF – Accessibility

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

Click here to review VIFF’s Accessibility Page

Ticketing

For ticketing assistance, you can reach us at on the VIFF Infoline 604-683-3456 or feedback@viff.org

Wheelchair Positions: We encourage patrons requiring wheelchair positions to call ahead to reserve. The adjacent companion seat is also available to reserve.

Support Companions: Support persons who accompany patrons with disabilities are eligible to receive a complimentary ticket. Contact the Infoline to book ahead or book in-person at the Box Office.

Accessible Tickets: We offer a limited number of discounted tickets to each film for folks who face financial barriers and may not be able otherwise to attend a film. Discounted tickets are available on our website or at the Box Office while quantities last.

Accessible Screenings

Captioned Screenings: Our Wednesday matinee Captioned Screenings welcome Deaf and hard of hearing audiences, along with anyone who benefits from captions.

Relaxed Screenings: Our monthly Relaxed Screenings are open to anyone who could benefit from a more casual, supportive and laid-back experience.

What is happening in Vancouver in September?

Click on the link below to see what’s happening:

https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events/

Click here to find your market!

Vancouver Community Fridge Project

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.

Click Here to Find A Fridge!

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.

Learn How to Get Involved!

FINANCIAL UPDATES

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.

Click here to learn more!

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!

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.

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, October 7th | 4:00PM – 5:30PM

Next Level 2 Webinar: Tuesday, October 14th | 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, October 30th | 10:00AM – 11:30AM

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

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!

Staff Links