August 26, 2011
BACI Parent Information and Support Newsletter
August 26th, 2011
Dear parents and family members,
The summer has been a busy one for the groups and people who are advocating both for more funding for Community Living BC (CLBC) from the Provincial Government and for a change in the way CLBC is finding the money they need to provide services.
Visit the websites of Moms on the Move, BCACL or the Community Living Action Group to find out more. Families who have had long-term stable homes for their sons and daughters with development disabilities as well as families whose young adult children need services are feeling the effects of the funding shortfall at CLBC.
BACI EVENTS:
ONGOING:
BACI Chinese Parent Support Group: Next meeting is Saturday, September 10th, 6:30 PM, 7716 Royal Oak. Please see THE FLYER for more information.
BACI Music Appreciation: Next Music on Mondays is Monday, September 12th, 6 PM, 7724 Royal Oak. Please see THE FLYER for more information.
Building Connections BACI’s Family Resource Drop-In: A drop-in program for families with children up to 6 years old. Next drop-in is September 17th, 10 AM – Noon. Please see THE FLYER for more information.
BACI BLAST includes new stories about summer fun and activities. Visit THE BLAST for these and more articles about the good things happening around BACI.
UNTAPE: New posts include some free Burnaby summer activity ideas and how to keep your kids safe on the internet – because you just know they will spend many hours on-line gaming and visiting social media sites over the weeks of summer holiday.
NEW:
Tentative Labour Agreement Reached: After 22 months of collective bargaining, the bargaining teams for both community living and general services have reached a tentative agreement with the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA). We will keep you updated with any further information as we receive it - on the BACI website www.gobaci.com or at the special information phone line at 604.292.1275. You can find more links Family Support Blog.
BACI Tutoring Program is taking applications for the fall session: This program is for children in elementary school who might require an education aide to help complete work; who have an IEP; and are able to work for a short period independently as there 2 or 3 children for each tutor. Please see THE FLYER for more information.
Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion Annual General Meeting: Be the change you want to see. Participate in BACI’s AGM and help shape the future direction of this innovative organization. All BACI members are invited! A light dinner will be served. For more information, call 604. 299. 7851.
WHEN: Thursday, September 22, 1011, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
WHERE: Large Education Room at BACI’s Still Creek Centre, 2702 Norland Avenue, Burnaby
CHILD CARE: Child care will be provided. Please call 604.299.7851 or e-mail reception@gobaci.com if you require child care.
BACI Inclusion Through Innovation Award Nominations Open: The Inclusion Through Innovation Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have used social innovation strategies to advance the inclusion of people of all abilities in Burnaby. The Awards are presented by the Sharing Our Future Foundation (SOFF). The deadline for nominations is October 14, 2011. The Awards will be presented at the BACI Ball Fundraiser on November 3, 2010, at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver. Please see THE FLYER for more information.
Events and items of interest for Burnaby/New West:
Bridges to the Future WEBINAR “Beyond the Chair”: for youth with a physical disability aged 15-24.
WHEN: Monday, September 19th, 5 PM – 6:30 PM
WHERE: presentation will be via the internet
REGISTRATION: Please see THE FLYER for more information.
ANCA Autistic People Awards & Convention: ANCA is unique in that it understands the autistic mind from the “inside out”. All support staff are autistic and understand autism through both self-examination and extensive work with clients.
WHEN: Friday September 23rd – Sunday September 25th
WHERE: Kay Meek Centre & North Vancouver Holiday Inn
PROGRAM & REGISTRATION: Please visit the ANCA WEBSITE.
Introduction to Synchronized Swimming: Burnaby Caprice Synchronized Swim Club is offering a class for youth with a developmental disability.
WHEN: Weekly from Sunday Oct 2nd, 7:30 PM – 9 PM
WHERE: CG Brown Pool, 3333 Kensington Avenue, Burnaby
COST: To be determined, approx $65/month. There is a one-time Club Registration fee of $50
WHAT: The class will consist of 30 minutes of “deck time” (i.e. stretching etc.) and 1 hour of pool time. Practices will consist of learning the basics and FUNdamentals of synchronized swimming as well as choreographing a routine to perform.
WHO: This program is intended for youth with a developmental disability, between the ages of 12-18 who love to swim and have some swimming background. A swim test must be passed to be able to participate and each swimmer must have a willingness/ability to listen and take directions.
REGISTRATION: Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about whether this program is appropriate for your child. Please email Rachel r.riding@telus.net or Daryl dpflueger@telus.net for registration information.
Centre for Abilities Sib Group: The CFA social work department is again hosting groups for children aged 7 – 12 years who have a sibling with a disability. The group is open to all current and former families who have received services from the CFA. Please see THE FLYER for more information.
Burnaby Healthy Kids Preschool Fair: Join community health professionals to discover what you can do to have healthier kids.
WHEN: Thursday, October 13th 9:30 – 11:30 AM
WHERE: Edmonds Community School, 7651 18th Avenue, Burnaby
Please see THE FLYER for more information.
Ripple Effect 7: BCACL is hosting The Ripple Effect 7, a retreat for families supporting a child with special needs, coming October 14 – 16 2011. This fall’s retreat will be held at the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort in the West Kootenays. The Ripple Effect is a chance for families to join facilitators from the BC Association for Community Living and other families from across B.C. for a FREE thought-provoking and educational retreat, exploring the power of advocacy and community development. For full details and to register, have a look at THE POSTER, or visit the website at www.bcacl.org/ripple-effect.
ARTSHOW for BC People with Development Disabilities sponsored by posAbilities!:
WHEN: October 27th, 5 PM – 9 PM
WHERE: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street between East 15th and East 16th Ave, Vancouver
For more information please visit the website.
Family Support Institute Annual Trivia Night: Trivia fans raised approximately $4,000 last year with your support. The 4th annual trivia night should be bigger and better with plenty of laughter, singing and fun!! Carol Stinson is organizing a BACI team, so contact Carol if you would like to be on the BACI team (contact information is at end of this newsletter).
WHEN: Friday, November 4th, 7 PM – 10 PM
WHERE: Marlborough Elementary School, 6060 Marlborough Ave Burnaby
REGISTRATION: Please call FSI at 604.508374 ext. 523 to register your own 8 member team or register as an individual.
NEW Children’s Arts Tax Credit (CATC): Are you keeping all of your receipts for your child’s activities? The recent federal budget introduced a new children’s arts tax credit which is available this tax year. Children who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit have some enhanced benefits including being eligible for the CATC up to age 18. Note the programs which are “eligible” are very generous including arts, cultural, environmental and those which help children develop and use intellectual and social skills. Please visit the CRA website to find out more.
PLAN Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) 3 Year Review: Have you taken the RDSP 3 year review survey yet? PLAN wants to share your concerns and solutions on how to improve the RDSP. The survey is available only on-line at: http://rdsp.com/rdsp-3-year-review-survey/ Please see the PLAN RDSP website for many informative articles on opening, maintaining and investing yours or your family member’s RDSP.
City of Burnaby, Parks and Recreation FALL leisure guide is now available: The first day for registration for the fall is August 10th. See in particular the Adapted and Accessible Programs on pages 8 & 9 of the Guide: visit the LEISURE GUIDE.
Down Syndrome Centre for Specialized Learning: The Centre has a full fall schedule of the One-to-One Reading program available at various locations and times. Please visit the website for more information on costs/locations and how to register.
BACI Family Information and Support contacts:
Sarah Baumbush: 778.319.8252
Carol Stinson: 604.763.5667
John Tsang: 604.928.8289
BACI Family Information and Support
Family Gathering Place
7716 Royal Oak Avenue
Burnaby, BC V5J 4K4
fax: 604.439.0363
web: www.gobaci.com
