Saturday, September 23rd is International Day of Sign Languages!
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Celebrate Disability Employment Month in BC
This initiative from the BC government is meant to highlight the significant position that people with disabilities hold in the workforce, while promoting resources and tools for employers to improve accessibility in the workplace and reduce barriers to inclusion.
Inclusion BC’s webpage for employers and businesses
Inclusion BC’s video on the importance of inclusive employment for people with disabilities
Don’t forget Spectrum’s Supported Employment Information Evening is happening Thursday September 28th from 4:30 – 6pm!
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Join CLBC’s Open Board Meeting on September 20th
You will hear project updates from CEO Ross Chilton on recruitment for the Board, a grant to an innovative new family group, a recent Board visit to the Gitxsan First Nation, CLBC’s emergency housing supports trial, and CLBC’s partnership with Foundry. The meeting also includes a presentation from John Stinson, VP of Service Delivery and Innovation, on the Re-imagining Community Inclusion commitment to improve collaboration with the Ministry of Health on topics like access to health systems and aging. The meeting includes reports from the Chairs of our Indigenous Advisory Committee and Provincial Advisory Committee.
To receive a link to join the meeting, send an email to padminee.chundunsing@gov.bc.ca along with your name and agency name (if applicable).
WHEN: Wednesday September 20th, 9am – 12pm
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“Understanding Your Home Sharing Contract” Webinar
Home Sharing Support Society is hosting a free webinar meant for anyone in the home-sharing community, to provide an overview on home-sharing contracts. This event will feature a panel of experts discussing key topics and there will be time for questions.
WHEN: Wednesday September 20th, 10 – 11:30am
Click here to register and for more information
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All Bodies Dance Project Adults & Seniors Workshop
As part of BC Culture Days, “Our Voices, Ourselves” Community Hub with be holding a FREE kickoff event of arts, culture and community in the Strathcona neighbourhood on Saturday September 23rd. This includes the All Bodies Dance Project Adults and Seniors Workshop!
“All Bodies Dance brings together adults, seniors of all abilities, genders, sizes, and backgrounds to explore movement as a means of expression. Participants experience the joy of dancing in a diverse community of movers where all our differences and disabilities are celebrated. This workshop will explore improvisation, drawing from contemporary dance in an open, safe and creative environment. Absolutely no skill or experience required!“
They ask that you please wear appropriate, loose fitting, comfortable clothes for moving, and runners (non-rubber marking).
WHEN: Saturday September 23rd, 1 – 2pm
WHERE: RayCam Co-operative Centre, 920 E Hastings St
Click Here for More Information on Our voices, Ourselves
Click Here to Register for the Workshop
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“Labels, Language and Ableism” Presentation
BC People First (BCPF) is holding a FREE virtual presentation on the experiences of language and ableism, from how language can harm to how it can help. Self-Advocacy experts from BCPF will be sharing lessons from their advocacy journeys and leadership experiences. This presentation is intended for:
- BCPF members and other self-advocacy group members
- Self-advocates
- People with disabilities
- Allies and supporters of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- People who want to learn more about ableism
- People who want to learn more about the self-advocacy movement in BC from self-advocates
*Please register by September 23rd to get Zoom and login information*
WHEN: Tuesday September 26th, 3 – 4pm (PT)
Click here to register and for more information
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Sexuality & Access Project 2023
Do you use or provide attendant care services? Are you comfortable talking about sexual support within the attendant care dynamic?
In 2011, the Sexuality and Access Project was published by Cory Silverberg and Fran Odette. This was a survey of 400 people, of both attendant service users and attendant service providers, on the attendant service relationship, sexuality, and access. Their project survey summary can be accessed here. In 2021, T6talk decided to conduct another survey to understand what, and if, anything has changed in the realm of sexuality and access for those using and working in attendant care services.
T6talk are looking for input from individuals who live in Canada and USE or PROVIDE attendant care services. Participation should take from 40 to 80 minutes and will enter you in a chance to win 1 of 40 $25 prepaid gift cards!
*Please Note: Although the surveys are offered online, they can also accommodate hard copy submissions (with larger font if needed) and telephone surveys. The surveys are available in English & French.
Click here for the surveys and more information
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Reuse and Recycling Drop-Off Event at Killarney
Bring your unwanted electronics, small appliances, clothing and more to the FREE Reuse and Recycling Drop-off event at the Killarney Community Centre. Click Here to see what items are accepted.
WHEN: Saturday September 23rd, 10am – 1pm
WHERE: Killarney Community Centre, 6260
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Spectrum Supported Employment Information Evening
We will be sharing our knowledge and resources on all things supported employment. Find out how the right supports and approach can be far more successful in obtaining employment versus doing it alone.
We encourage individuals who are interested in employment, their support staff and/ or family to attend.
WHEN: Thursday September 28th, 4:30 – 6pm
WHERE: The Barb Goode Training Room, 3223 Kingsway
To help us to prepare the space and the structure for the day, please reserve a spot on the Eventbrite link here or email Paul at paul.okeeffe@spectrumsociety.org.
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Vicki’s Barkery is Now in Business!
Promotion price– $2.00 /goody bag. They can be picked up at the Spectrum office. Vicki accepts cash at the office & E-transfer as payments. Etransfer details are at the office.
Menu– *NEW* Carrot cake cookies (natural peanut butter, natural coconut, applesauce, oat flour, egg, carrots)
Peanut butter cookies (natural peanut butter, oat flour, egg, water.)
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Renfrew Park’s Frauds and Scams Workshop for Seniors
Offered by Seniors First BC, this FREE workshop introduces what frauds and scams are, common methods and schemes targeting Canadian seniors, safety strategies, and resources to consult if you or someone you know has been affected by frauds/scams.
WHEN: Friday September 22nd, 10am – 12pm
WHERE: Renfrew Park Community Centre, Room 112
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All Nations Community Gathering at Killarney
Join in on an extraordinary event, the All Nations Community Gathering! Under the theme of “One Nation, One Heartbeat, One Drum,” the Urban First Nations of South Vancouver unite, sharing their profound knowledge, teachings, and wisdom. Experience the power of their drums as they harmonize as one, welcoming everyone to partake in this FREE momentous celebration.
WHEN: Saturday September 23rd, 11am – 3pm
WHERE: Killarney Community Centre, Seniors Grand Hall
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Spectrum Office Closures for 2023
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Office closed on Monday, October 2, 2023
Thanksgiving
Office closed on Monday, October 9, 2023
Remembrance Day
Office closed on Monday, November 13, 2023
Christmas and Boxing Day
Office closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 25, 26, 2023
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Still Moon Arts Society’s Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival
Click Here for More Information
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CNH’s Community Lunch Menu for September
Tuesday, September 19: Cream of mushroom soup, turkey or veggie enchiladas, salad, honey lemon cake
Thursday, September 21: Meat or veggie pie, salad, blueberry tart
Tuesday, September 26: Borscht soup, egg sandwich, salad, maple syrup tart
Thursday, September 28:Veggie or meat lasagna, salad, semolina and coconut cookies
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EcoWisdom Nature Wellbeing Program
EcoWisdom Forest Preserve is hosting a FREE Accessible Nature Wellbeing Program (ANWP) through Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing), meant to enhance relaxation and social connection.
They work to accommodate differences in ability, and resources are provided to support people not well enough to attend the entire session. EcoWisdom’s programs are most suitable for people living with physical limitations associated with disability or chronic illnesses, as well as those experiencing social isolation, pain, and fatigue for any reason. Hosted by EcoWisdom Forest Preserve and Technology for Living in collaboration with the Individualized Funding Resource Centre.
WHEN: September 23rd, 12 – 4pm
Contact anwp@ecowisdom.ca for registration and more information.
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Become A Youth Accessibility Leader with EAF
Employment and Social Development Canada is calling for young Canadians to help make Canada more accessible. The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is looking for dynamic youth who want to demonstrate leadership and a commitment to their communities by applying to become a Youth Accessibility Leader (YAL). The unique role of a YAL is to help identify accessibility barriers within their communities, and then partner with local organizations to help secure up to $10,000 in accessibility project funding to address the barriers in community spaces and workplaces.
To be considered eligible you must be:
- between 15 and 30 years of age at the time of the application
- legally authorized to work in Canada
- either a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or individual who has been granted refugee status in Canada.
Youth are invited to submit their expressions of interest in being named a YAL by October 10, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. EDT online. Eligible organizations are invited to submit their funding application(s) in collaboration with the YAL by October 31, 2023 at 5:00p.m. EDT online.
Click Here for More Information
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For those receiving benefits with Spectrum, we offer our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) to provide 24/7 confidential support to our employees. If you are not currently receiving group benefits but are in need of support, please reach out to your supervisor or Human Resources at hr@spectrumsociety.org so we can provide you with accessible options of support. For immediate access to set up assistance, you can click here: Lumino VC (dialogue.co) OR download the app directly onto your smart device by going to the App Store and searching Lumino Health Virtual Care. The graphic is as follows and you will need your benefit group number and Access ID to set it up:
Improving the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) experience
Sunlife has added two new service enhancements to the Lumino Health Virtual Care EAP:
- a new phone number for immediate support,
- 24/7 service support by Dialogue across all Lumino Health Virtual Care products.*
- When accessing EAP via the app is not possible:
- Plan members can get access to immediate help through their EAP by calling 1-844-342-3327. A Member Service Specialist will assess your needs and coordinate care with the appropriate resources.
Plan members are also able to access the EAP through the app or online.
New 24/7 Dialogue support*
If you or your dependents are having trouble using the app or website and need help accessing your account, they can:
- contact Dialogue by emailing sunlife-support@dialogue.co Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
- visit help.dialogue.co and use the chat feature for assistance, for after hours and weekend support.
For questions regarding benefits plan information, you can
- contact hr@spectrumsociety.org
*Applies to all Lumino Health Virtual Care products – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Primary Care, Stress Management & Well-Being
Spectrum recognizes that our teams do an incredible job of supporting people in our services. The work that each of you do is valuable and at times, difficult. Please do honor what your body/mind may be communicating. If you feel increased stress or grief, please pay attention to those signals and reach out to the EAP or us for resources of support.
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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-in-september/
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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!
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ACADEMIE DUELLO
www.academieduello.com
The art of the sword at Academie Duello is a group activity for 4-8 people; social + exercise!
They are looking for fellow introverts to find a group of people to organize smaller private classes with instead of going to the much larger drop-in classes and for a reasonable price. See for yourself what wielding a sword like in RPGs is like!
The length of each class depends on # of participants
$170 for 10 credits in one month, ~2 classes a week
1 credit = 10 minutes private lesson duration
Examples of the possible split of credits/class frequency/length depending on the number of people
2 people = 20 credits
3 people = 30 credits
4 people = 40 credits
5 people = 50 credits
6 people = 60 credits
7 people = 70 credits
8 people = 80 credits
For anyone interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Sarah Woollacott at sarah.woollacott@spectrumsociety.org
| Home – Academie Duello – Learn Swordplay
International Centre for Swordplay – Learn Longsword, Rapier, Sidesword, Polearms, Mounted Combat, Archery, martial arts, axe throwing. |
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Submitting Coordination of Benefits claims via the my Sun Life mobile app
Managing your benefits is easier than ever. We’re happy to share that you can now submit Coordination of Benefits claims (COB) on the my Sun Life mobile app.
You can now submit medical-related COB claims on the my Sun Life mobile app.* Plan members can continue to make COB claims involving vision, drugs, or dental online at mysunlife.ca.
Changes like this are part of our ongoing mission to continually improve our digital experience.
What is Coordination of Benefits?
Coordination of Benefits is when more than one plan covers a person. COB lets plan members submit their claims and any remaining amounts to another plan. This allows them to get the maximum payment possible. This typically means an employee has coverage through their workplace plan and their spouse or partner’s workplace plan.
Check out our brochure that gives a step-by-step guide on submitting COB claims. This is accessible via the my Sun Life mobile app.
Tip:
Employees can learn more about Coordination of Benefits by signing in to mysunlife.ca > Benefits centre > Coordination of Benefits.
*Claims must be made for the Medical e-claim category only. Submissions for Vision, Drug and Dental categories, or changes to the COB can continue to be made via mysunlife.ca. Availability based on plan design.
Questions?
Please call Group Benefits Client Care Centre at 1-800-361-6212, Monday to Friday,
8 a.m to 8 p.m. EST.
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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.
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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