REMINDER: Spectrum’s Office will be closed Monday October 9th
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BC GOV Update: Invitations for Vaccination Appointments
Respiratory virus infections are on the rise this season, and the Province of BC is encouraging people living in BC who are 6 months and older to get both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines this month. Those in priority populations will be invited to book their appointments first, with the general public being able to book starting October 10th. It will be possible to book both vaccines in the same appointment.
To increase protection for vulnerable populations, medical masks will be required in all provincial health care facilities and long-term care residences beginning October 3rd.
This is a reminder that staying up to date with your vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from illness, along with cleaning your hands often, covering your mouth when you cough, staying away from others if you’re feeling unwell and wearing masks if possible.
Click here for the official news release
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CNH’s RISE Community Health Care (CHC) Pharmacy is Now Open!
This non-profit pharmacy is open to all members of the public, with the goal to provide inclusive, judgement free and trauma informed care. Income from the pharmacy with be reinvested in RISE CHC and CNH, and their community initiatives. Some of their available services include:
- Flu shots by appointment during Flu Season
- Immunizations and medication administration
- Medication dispensing and counselling in multiple languages if needed
- Medication reviews and pharmacist consultations with translation services if needed
- Opioid Agonist Therapy
HOURS: Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm
WHERE: 5198 Joyce Street
Click Here for More Information
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Renfrew Park’s Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon
Please join in for a celebration of togetherness and gratitude! Enjoy a full lunch and entertainment.
Menu: Dijon and herb beef roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans with mushrooms and shallots, Mississippi mud cake.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 4th, 12 – 2 pm
WHERE: Renfrew Park Community Centre, Room 110
Pre-registration is required, but additional lunches can be bought in person with cash/credit card on the day of lunch pending availability.
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New West Cultural Crawl’s Opening Reception
New West’s Cultural Crawl is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! To kick off the event, the “Best of the Crawl” Exhibition will be taking place to provide first access to the diverse collection of artwork from New West’s best local artists. Everyone is welcome and admission is FREE!
WHEN: Thursday October 5th, 5 – 7 pm
WHERE: The Gallery at Queen’s Park, Centennial Lodge, New West
Click Here for More Information
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MOSIAC Multicultural Seniors’ Day
To celebrate National Seniors Day, MOSIAC is holding a Seniors celebration! The intention of the event is to focus on and correct inaccurate narratives about aging while realistically meeting changes with a focus on health and wellness. This event is FREE!
WHEN: Saturday October 7th, 10am – 3pm
WHERE: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
Click Here for More Information
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Trout Lake’s Thanksgiving Holiday Event
A day of fun with the family on a stat holiday! There will be arts and crafts, games, a bouncy castle and more. This event is FREE but please register.
WHEN: Monday October 9th, 10am – 12pm
WHERE: Gymnasium, Trout Lake Community Centre
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posAbilities’ 19th Annual INCLUSION Art Show & Sale
Come celebrate Community Inclusion Month in BC by checking our BC’s largest disability art show! INCLUSION Art Show & Sale is presented this year by posAbilities and Open Door Group, to showcase over 200 artists with diverse abilities. There with be paintings, pottery, glasswork, photography, and even live art demonstrations!
Everyone is welcome and admission is by donation. The venue is fully accessible and ASL interpretation will be provided.
WHEN: Thursday October 12th, 10:30am – 7:30pm
WHERE: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street
Click Here for More Information
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CNH’s Community Lunch Menu for October
Tuesday, October 3: Tomato soup, chicken panini /veggie option, salad, oatmeal cookie
Thursday, October 5: Beef or veggie stew with quinoa, salad, lemon cake
Tuesday, October 10: Cream of broccoli soup, veggie or meat burger, salad, vanilla cheesecake
Thursday, October 12: Roasted chicken with rice /veggie option, salad, black sesame seed cookies
Tuesday, October 17: Split pea and ham soup, spinach pie, salad, blueberry muffin
Thursday, October 19: Cabbage roll/ veggie option, salad, peanut butter cookie
Tuesday, October 24: Roasted pepper soup, chicken macaroni and cheese, salad, chocolate mousse
Thursday, October 26: Meat or veggie loaf with mashed potatoes, salad. pumpkin tart
Tuesday, October 31: Pumpkin soup, tuna melt /grilled cheese, egg tart
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Burnaby Care Network Fall 2023 Virtual DocTalk Series
Anyone in BC is invited to join in the interactive webinars held by the Burnaby Primary Care Networks and hosted by Burnaby doctors. The subject of these webinars is a variety of different health topics, so participants can get their questions answered. All sessions are recorded and available online.
The topics for upcoming sessions:
- Navigating medical and social supports for disabilitiesFriday, October 13 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm (PDT)
Click here to register for upcoming sessions and to access previous sessions
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Plan for a Better Future Presentation
The North Shore Sunshine Coast Community Council and Community Living Society are holding a presentation, Plan for a Better Future – Aging Parents and Caregivers. The purpose of this presentation is to provide help for parents and caregivers in planning for the future of their loved ones with disabilities, and give then better peace of mind. Speakers will be from CLBC, Community Living Society, Family Support Society and PLAN BC. There will be refreshments provided.
Please RSVP by September 30th to Rhea at rhea.Miguel@gov.bc.ca.
WHEN: Wednesday October 11th, 10:30am – 2:30pm
WHERE: Lynn Valley Community Room, Lynn Valley Town Centre, 1277 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver
Click here for the full invitation
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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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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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Spectrum Office Closures for 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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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 October?
Click on the link below to see what’s happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events-in-october/
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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