WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
REMINDER:
Spectrum’s office will be closed on Wednesday, July 1st!
Please join us for Spectrum’s Annual Summer Picnic!
WHEN: Wednesday, July 15th, 2026
TIME: 2:00PM – 5:00PM
WHERE: JOHN HENDRY PARK – TROUT LAKE – PICNIC GAZEBO
Closest parking and gazebo entry:
2105 E 19th Ave, Vancouver
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in the summer for another fun day of socializing, good food, and sunshine!
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
SCI BC | Disability Travel Talks
SCI BC: Travel doesn’t end with a disability. It simply evolves. Join host Mary-Jo and featured guests as they explore local, regional, national and international travel with a disability.
Each week, we unpack the logistics, the challenges and the charm of getting out of your routine. Travel can help you look at the world and yourself in a new and exciting way!
Whether you want to discover something new in your own area or plan a big trip across the country or the ocean, the world remains open and full of possibilities.
How to Connect to Zoom:
- From your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88067112958
- From your mobile phone or tablet: download the Zoom app from your app store, then use the meeting ID to get in to the meeting. Meeting ID: 880 6711 2958
- Dial-in on a landline (telephone): call +1 778 907 2071 Canada (the local number for BC), and enter the Meeting ID when prompted: 880 6711 2958
- If not in BC, find your local number here: zoom.us/u/acMz0fXoVA
If you have any questions please contact their InfoLine at 1-800-689-2477 or info@sci-bc.ca.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 1st | 5:30PM – 6:15PM
WHERE: Online! Use the Zoom links above.
CNH | Make your mark: Open Art Studio
CNH: Join us at the CNH Annex to work on old and new art projects!
Every Thursday, we offer space for sketching, watercolour painting, acrylic painting, origami, embroidery, knitting, crocheting and more. Each participant brings their own ideas to create their own art works. This is also a great opportunity to drop by our art studio to learn and share skills.
Please bring your own art materials. Basic art materials are provided by donation.
Drop-ins are welcome, no registration is required. However, online registration is now available through our web portal. Follow the link below or call 604-435-0323 to register on the phone.
WHEN: Thursday, July 2nd | 3:30PM – 5:30PM
WHERE: CNH Annex – 3690 Vanness Ave, Vancouver, BC V5R 5B6
COST: Free | Click here for more information and to register!
For questions, please contact Yoko at 604-428-9142 or at ytomita@cnh.bc.ca
Still Moon Arts Society | Brambles and Bumblebees – Invasive Removal & Bee Observation
Still Moon Arts: Help us remove blackberries that are encroaching on native plantings and learn about local pollinators!
Join us at this hands-on stewardship session at Renfrew Community Park. We’ll be removing invasive species like blackberry, buttercup, and bindweed to prepare the site for future native plantings. This work helps create space for a more diverse and resilient ecosystem to flourish. No experience is needed!
As we work, we’ll also take time to learn about one of the park’s important residents: bumblebees. You’ll get an introduction to local species, how to identify them, and insights into their nesting habits, life cycles, and the key role they play in pollination. This is a fun opportunity to connect with nature, support biodiversity, and leave with new knowledge about our buzzing friends.
Still Moon will provide all tools, gloves, and nets needed for the day!
WHEN: Saturday, July 4th | 9:30AM – 12:30PM
WHERE: Renfrew Community Park | Parking Lot by Dog Off-Leash Enclosure | 2929 E 22nd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5M 2Y3 (Map)
COST: Free | Click here for more information and to register!
Canada celebrates FIFA World Cup 2026
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Canada is excited to be hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026™ alongside Mexico and the United States.
From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the biggest tournament in FIFA history will take place, bringing together 48 countries for 104 games across 16 cities.
Canada will host 13 matches, in Toronto and Vancouver.
The Government of Canada | A key player
Funding from the Government of Canada supports the Canadian host cities of Toronto and Vancouver in their delivery of the tournament. The federal government also provides essential services within its jurisdiction to support the successful, safe and secure delivery of the event in Canada.
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver
The renewed PNE Amphitheatre will host the official FIFA Fan Festival™. Designed to be accessible and family‑friendly, the festival will welcome thousands of fans each day. Experience FIFA World Cup™ matches live on screens across the site, then keep the celebration going with live music and entertainment from Canadian and global artists throughout the grounds. Set within the historic PNE Grounds at Hastings Park, the FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver immerses you in football activations, elevated food and beverage offerings, and interactive experiences from commercial partners.
Join the City of Vancouver Accessibility Committee
City of Vancouver: We’re seeking members with a wide range of lived experiences and disabilities!
You can apply if:
- You identify as having a disability
- You live in Vancouver
What the Committee does:
- Provide guidance and advice on the City of Vancouver’s Accessibility Strategy and its renewal
- Review and provide feedback on the Accessibility Strategy departmental action plans with the Multi-Year Action Plan
- Help with the review of public feedback to identify barriers and solutions
To learn more: https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/accessibility-committee.aspx
Call 604-675-5926 to ask for support with the application if needed.
Questions? Call 604-675-5926 or accessibility@vancouver.ca
What is happening in Vancouver in July?
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!
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”
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
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!
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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:
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)
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.
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
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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: Thursday, August 6th | 10:00AM – 11:30AM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Tuesday, July 7th | 7:00PM – 8:45PM
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, July 23rd | 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!