Party for the Planet
Party for the Planet celebrates Earth Day, and is the City of Surrey’s premier environmental event. Entering its 11th year in 2022, the event will be hosted in-person.
Returns to Surrey Civic Plaza
Saturday, April 30, 2022
11am – 7pm
13450 104 Avenue | Free Admission | RSVP
https://www.surrey.ca/partyfortheplanet/
View our FAQ for more details.
If you would like to participate in the festival, or would like to share your thoughts or suggestions, please email specialevents@surrey.ca.
Science World Free Day
When: Saturday, April 23
Where: Science World, 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7
Admission: Reserve free tickets .
Free Day, presented by BC Hydro, is right around the corner! Yes, that’s right—everyone can enjoy FREE admission to Science World on Saturday, April 23. Come on down to the dome to enjoy our gallery spaces, see our current feature exhibition, and say hi to STAN, our resident T. rex.
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Living with Covid – Safely
We all want Covid to be over, but there are still people getting sick and there will be new variants, so we all need to learn strategies to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy.
Remember the Golden Rules?
All of these are still great rules to follow.
- Getting vaccinated helps your immune system fight Covid if you get it. Unvaccinated people are five times more likely to end up in hospital if they get a covid infection. More information on locations and steps to follow here: https://www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/s/
- Respect personal space. If you are going to be getting close to someone you don’t live with, wear a mask.
- Follow guidelines. At Spectrum’s locations, at the office and inside people’s homes, we are wearing masks. The BC Vaccine Card is still in place until April 8 for non-essential events, services and businesses.
- Consider people’s situations and comfort levels. Some people are comfortable meeting outside. Some people are still wearing masks when they visit other people. In the absence of broader public health mandates, we have to consider our own health and the health of others and recognize that everyone will have different ideas about what is safe for them.
- Stay home if sick. If you have symptoms, you can use the covid app or call 811 to assess the symptoms. Rapid tests are now widely available. At Spectrum we have kits of five tests available for people we support, their families, and for our employees and home-share providers.
Rapid Test Kits Available
We have two brands of rapid test kits available at the Spectrum office and we have over 400 kits, so please put in a request at the office or drop by to pick one up. You can also get one kit every 30 days at your neighbourhood pharmacy. Here is a link to a list of pharmacies with kits available: https://www.bcpharmacy.ca/news/covid-19-rapid-test-kits-pharmacies
Rapid Response (5 tests in one box):
Instructions are in the box and here on the BC CDC website:
http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID-19_Tests/POC_screening/BTNX_test_guidelines.pdf
Artron (5 tests in one box):
Instructions are in the box, and here on the BC CDC website:
As well, from Red Cross and the Government of Canada, we have a supply of KN95 masks. They come in boxes of 20 masks and fit closer to your face with straps that go around your head instead of around your ears. You can get these at the office as well.
You can call the office to put in your order – 604-323-1433.
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Information about getting a non-mRNA vaccine
If you would prefer to get a non-mRNA vaccine, you can request the Novavax vaccine.
Getting Novavax for dose 1
- Register with the Get Vaccinated system
- Call 1-833-838-2323 to be put on the non-mRNA waiting list
Getting Novavax for dose 2 or your booster
- Wait until you receive your dose 2 or booster booking invitation
- Call 1-833-838-2323 to be put on the non-mRNA waiting list
Ernie Baatz
Executive Director
Spectrum Society for Community Living
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Upcoming self advocate led events open to everyone
Join one of the upcoming self advocate led events below or visit the Calendar for Connection to learn about other fun ways connect with others.
Become a Great Self Advocate with Shelley DeCoste, CLBC Strategic Initiatives Advisor
- Hosted by Okanagan Self Advocacy Group
- Date: April 30, 2022
- From: 1:00pm – 2:30pm PDT / 2:00pm – 3:30pm MDT
- To register, contact: Linda Youmans, Okanagan Self-Advocate Group Advisor at okanaganselfadvocategroup15@yahoo.com or 1-778-478-3436
- Check out other Okanagan Self-Advocate Group events here.
Ray’s Retro Friday Night Music
- Hosted by Self Advocates of the Rockies society (SAOR)
- Meets the third Friday of every month from 5:00pm – 6:00pm MDT / 4:00pm – 5:00pm PDT
- Join the group on Google Meets by clicking here or dial: (CA) +1 587-688-3336 PIN: 599 330 504#
Breaking Away from the Covid Blues with Lynnetta
- Hosted by Self Advocates of the Rockies Society (SAOR)
- Meets the third Wednesday of every month from 1:00pm – 2:00pm MDT / 12:00pm – 1:00pm PDT
- Join the group on Google Meets by clicking here or dial: (CA) +1 613-916-1823 PIN: 337 088 313#
Phone Tree
- Hosted by Self Advocates of the Rockies Society (SAOR)
- Every Thursday: 2:00pm – 3:00pm MDT / 1:00pm – 2:00pm PDT
- SAOR will be holding weekly group phone calls to catch up with friends and meet new advocates from around the province.
- To register, email j.moore@realmbc.ca or call 250-426-3393 by 3:00 pm on Wednesdays. Spots are limited to five per call so make sure to sign up to reserve your spot.
Staying Supported and Connected
Special Olympics BC Healthy Athletes Program provides dental screenings
The Special Olympics BC Healthy Athletes program has been providing free, fun screenings in the areas of foot health, physical therapy, health and wellbeing, hearing, vision, dentistry, and mental health since 1997. Through this program, health care professionals receive training about the specific health care concerns of people and how to ask the right questions, helping them draw out issues. Screenings are open to all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Watch this video to see what happens during a Healthy Athletes screening.
Virtual Special Smiles screenings, focused on dental and oral health care, will take place April 21, May 16 and June 14 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. Click here to register for one of these screenings.
Special Olympics BC wants your input
Special Olympics British Columbia is interested in hearing from individuals, service providers, family members and caregivers on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To participate, please click on the link that best describes you below:
- Service providers survey
- Family and caregivers survey
- Individuals with intellectual disabilities survey
Inclusion BC presents 2022 conference Everybody Belongs!
Join Inclusion BC for their upcoming in-person conference, called Everybody Belongs! This is a unique opportunity to connect with the latest information and resources on inclusion and diversity. The three-day, in-person conference takes place from May 26 to 28, 2022, in Surrey.
Find more information and register to attend here.
Inclusion BC has scholarships available for people who can submit a report about their experience and what they learned after attending. Find full details, including how to apply, here.
Theatre Terrific offers free online choral classes
Theatre Terrific pioneers inclusive opportunities for artists of all abilities to develop performance skills and collaborate in the production of theatrical works. They are offering free online choral classes for adults with disabilities in B.C. to sing along, express themselves and enjoy music in a comfortable digital environment. Learn more about these classes here.
The classes, led by Cheryl Olvera and Susanna Uchatius, will take place via Zoom every Tuesday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm PDT starting April 5. Anyone interested in attending can email info@theatreterrific.ca to register.
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HEALTH & SAFETY NEWS
What do you do if you or someone you’ve worked with has been injured?
All Spectrum employees are covered by WorkSafe BC. Employees who sustain an injury while performing their daily work are eligible to receive compensation from WorkSafe BC. For all accidents (whether time loss occurs or not) a Workers’ Report of injury form must be completed and returned to the immediate supervisor who will forward the form to Human Resources for processing, or the employee can return the completed form directly to Human Resources. Claims submitted into WorkSafe BC must be reported within three (3) days.
Policy 9(d): https://sscl.sharevision.ca/public/PolicyDirectory/Personnel%20Policies/P09.0.HealthWelfareBenefits.pdf
Injury/Accident Report forms can be found on our Spectrum website under Human Resources, left hand menu “Forms” or you can email hr@spectrumsociety.org and one will be emailed to you.
Reporting Helps Us To learn, grow and improve together
Accidents happen and one of the main purposes of our accident/injury reporting is to collaborate with WorkSafe BC, our teams and employees to ensure that any employee who is injured receives the proper medical care and support they may need. Our reporting process also provides an opportunity to assess our workplaces for potential hazards so we can continue to improve and determine preventative measures to mitigate future risks. Think of reporting your injury as an opportunity to help yourself and your team.
Why it is important to report an incident, even if you are feeling okay?
Even if you feel ok, there is an obligation to report potential risks or hazards to your supervisor and HR. It’s good news that you’re ok but the next person might not have that same experience. We want to ensure that we are aware of and reviewing any potential risks of injury in your places of work. We have an obligation to ensure the well-being of all employees and review and investigate any potential hazards. Please keep us informed and assist us with keeping you and our teams safe!
Most importantly remember to Take care of yourself.
Employees who take care of themselves and their own needs will be better prepared to care for others on the job.
For example:
- Don’t accept more work than you can handle.
- Recognize signs of stress and take the necessary steps to alleviate stress in your life.
- Let your supervisor know if you need assistance with something.
- Don’t place yourself or others at risk by taking on more than you are prepared for.
Enjoy your work! If you don’t, then be honest with yourself and your supervisor about it. You may need a break.
If you have any Health & Safety related questions, please email safety@spectrumsociety.org
Be Safe. Be Calm. Be Kind 😊
What is happening in Vancouver in April?
Click on the link below to see whats happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events-in-april/?page=7
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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 9 months of consistent employment with Spectrum, we will award a $50 Referral Bonus.
*for more information on the program, please email hr@spectrumsociety.org
We thank you for bringing us quality applicants/employees!
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RISE Community Groups and Workshops
For info or to register:
- Email info@cnh.bc.ca
- Call Collingwood Neighbourhood House at 604-435-0323
- Or ask a RISE Staff member
Spots are limited. Registration required.
Please click these links below for further details:
RISE Spring 2021 Workshops Info
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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 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 First Aid:
We recommend obtaining and/or renewing your First Aid through St. John’s Ambulance with the Emergency First Aid Community Care course. If there is another course offered by a different provider, please contact Human Resources prior to enrolling to determine if it is equivalent and meets the basic requirements.
To obtain/renew through St John’s Ambulance, please call (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 an employee does not have a valid first aid certificate upon hire, the fee to obtain or renew certification is the responsibility of the employee. Future renewal fees for active employees are covered by Spectrum.
- 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. Below is a link to Spectrum’s First Aid policy:
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 email your certificate of course completion to hr@spectrumsociety.org to have your file updated.
Please let Judy know if you have any questions or issues registering, by emailing judy@spectrumsociety.org