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REMINDER: Spectrum’s Open House and AGM
Everyone is welcome to drop in and say Hi!
We will have special guests Franke James’ and Teresa Heartchild’s with their new book ~ Freeing Teresa, who will be doing a reading for us, along with a table set up to buy your own copy. There will also be a chance to buy a copy of Rasolofo-Czerwinski’s new book ~ The Life That’s Chosen Me – From Russia with Love.
There will also be tables set up with information on Spectrum’s Inclusion Plus,
Home Share and HR Recruitment.
WHEN: Tuesday, October 24th, 2 – 4pm
WHERE: Hewett Hall – Unitarian Church Vancouver
949 West 49th Ave. Vancouver, BC
Refreshments and light snacks will be served.
We are looking for volunteers to help set up and clean up the event! If you’re interested in helping out, please contact reception@spectrumsociety.org
Spectrum’s Annual General Meeting
6:30pm – 7:30pm Online
Register Here to get the Zoom Link
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Neighbourhood Small Grants Still Accepting Applications
Applications are still being accepted for any member of the South Vancouver community who wants to provide a free community activity or project. These projects or activities could be teaching a new skill, providing care packages or something completely different! These grants are meant to offset possible expenses such as transportation or materials and go up to $500.
They are accepting applications until October 19th.
Click Here for More Information and to Apply
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Repair Café at Kitsilano Community Centre
SPEC (Society Promoting Environmental Conservation) is hosting FREE community repair cafes throughout Vancouver. Their next event will be in Kitsilano and there are still appointment tickets available. There are different categories of items available for repair such as electronics, small appliances, even clothing & textiles!
WHEN: Saturday October 21st, 9:30am – 1:30pm
WHERE: Kitsilano Community Centre, 2690 Larch Street
Click here to see what you can bring and to book appointment tickets
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CNH’s Annual Pumpkin Fest
Collingwood Neighbourhood House is holding their annual Pumpkin Carving Festival outside their Annex Plaza, no matter the weather! Children and adults are invited to come learn to carve different pumpkin designs and enjoy social time. 50 pumpkins will be available on a first come first serve basis. Tools, tea and cookies will be provided!
WHEN: Wednesday, October 25th, 4:30 – 6:30pm
WHERE: CNH Annex, 3690 Vannes Ave
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Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Awareness Month
Since 2014, the month of October has been BC’s official RSDP Awareness Month to raise awareness of this useful savings plan for people with disabilities. Even with little or no personal contributions, there are significant government contributions available to assist people with disabilities who live in Canada in saving for their future.
Access RDSP is a FREE support and resource program to help ensure that anyone eligible can access their RDSP. It is a collaboration of Plan Institute, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) and BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS). BCANDS also offers Indigenous specific assistance through the process!
Click Here for More Information
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CanFASD Art Competition
Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is hosting an art competition open to all Canadian residents with FASD. The art can be in any form you can think of; sculptures, paintings, drawings, photography and beyond! It just has to be able to be submitted digitally.
The deadline for submissions is Friday November 17th 9pm PST.
The chosen winner will receive a $500 prize and have their art featured in the CanFASD holiday cards.
Click Here for More Information
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REMINDER: 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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HSSSBC Self-Advocate Board of Directors Vacancy
Home Sharing Support Society BC is looking for a self-advocate to join their board of directors. If you’re interested in their mission of enhancing the sustainability and quality of home-sharing and other housing options for adults with developmental disabilities in BC, please contact info@homesharingbc.ca
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The Vancouver Disability Solutions Network is hosting a FREE forum! Their goal is to address the possible ways that non-profit organizations and service providers can contribute positively to the mental wellness of the people with disabilities that they serve.
To help in developing relevant content for the forum, they are seeking people with disabilities to provide their personal experiences with accessing mental wellness services in this survey. This input is critical for the planning of the forum’s discussions.
The forum will be held both in person and online.
WHEN: Tuesday November 28th, 12 – 4pm
WHERE: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street
Click Here for More Information
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Housing Innovation Survey
UBC’s Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship is partnering with CLBC to gather data on housing, and are looking for participants for their housing innovation survey. They are looking to hear from adults with developmental disabilities on their experiences with inclusive housing options.
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Empowering Abilities Job Fair
WorkBC Employment Services is hosting this inclusive hiring fair where you can meet employers in person and explore new opportunities. This is a free and open event to all job seekers! People with disabilities are encouraged to attend.
WHEN: Tuesday, October 24th 2 – 4pm
WHERE: Vancouver City Centre – Downtown Campus, 250 West Pender Street
Click Here for More Information
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CNH’s Community Lunch Menu for October
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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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
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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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