Osanis Inclusion Services Inc.

Embracing Success: Educating Students with Down Syndrome (Conference)
2024-10-25 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Cedar Hill Golf Course, 1400 Derby Rd, Victoria, BC, V8P 1T1, Canada
Join us for a one-day conference designed to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to empower students with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. This event is specifically tailored for classroom teachers, resource teachers, education assistants and other school professionals.
Register here: https://fundraise.dsrf.org/event/embracing-success-2024/e614498
Lunch and snacks included!
Topics and Sessions

Learner Profile of a Student with Down Syndrome
Proactive Positive Behavior Support Strategies
Teaching and Consequence PBS Strategies
Mental Wellness for Educators and more!

DBT Skills Groups for Adolescents & Caregivers
2024-11-01 - 2024-11-15 | TBD
DBT for Adolescents & Caregivers
We will be offering a Multi-Family DBT Skills Training Group starting in January 2025 located in Victoria, BC. Intakes open on November 1, 2024, and the screening form will be available on that day below.
What: 26-week Multi-Family DBT Skills Training Group
When: January -July 2025
Where: In-person in Victoria, BC (location TBD)
Who: Adolescents aged 13-17 who are residents of the CRD and struggle with BPD symptoms or emotion dysregulation, with the strongly recommended option for two caregivers to attend.
Cost: Free
Intake Date: November 1, 2024. The screening form for clients is now open until November 15, 2024, or until full.
Screening is now open: https://bit.ly/DBTforYouth
Intake Process: Please read carefully.

Complete Screening Form

The screening form will be available on our website when intakes open on November 1, 2024, and will close two weeks later.

The form will assess eligibility based on the following criteria:
a) The adolescent and caregiver must be residents of the CRD for the entire duration of the program.
b) The adolescent is experiencing clinically significant symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or severe emotion dysregulation, although no formal diagnosis is required.
c) The adolescent must be under the care of a registered therapist for the entire duration of the program.
One-Hour Zoom or Phone Assessment

If eligible, you will receive an informed consent form via email for completion.

You will then be scheduled for a one-hour Zoom or phone appointment to review the consent form and an assessment to ensure the program aligns with your goals.

Due to limited space, not all applicants will be accepted into the group. You will be notified of your status within one month of completing the screening form.

Please note: We do not maintain a waitlist for the DBT Skills Training Groups.

Parents Together Program
2024-11-12 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Vancouver) | Boys & Girls Club (bgc), 4-961 Dunford Ave, Victoria, BC, V9B 2S4, Canada
Parents Together Program (13-19yrs) Sometimes parenting challenges can feel overwhelming. This program for parents of teens provides ongoing support. A manual and materials are provided to participants. Parents may stay in the group as long as they feel they need support and help in their daily parenting. Guest speakers may be invited for specific topics.
Topics include:

Attachment and relationship-based practices
Communication and 6 critical messages
Developmental changes in pre-adolescence
Adolescent brain development
Boundaries, and turning over responsibility as appropriate
Self-care – taking back your life
Adolescent mental health
Substance use and teens

Date: Tuesdays, Ongoing & Online – Daytime 12-1:30PM or *** In Person- Evening 6:30-8PM
Cost: Free
Register: https://bgcsvi.org/programs/parenting/

Creative Options For Home
2024-11-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto)
Creating and exploring options for home is perhaps one of the more difficult aspects of future planning for people with a disability. Many families have found creative and innovative ways to support their loved one in having a home of their own and one of their own choosing. Learn how families have implemented creative housing solutions.

This webcast will include:

An overview of the steps needed to develop a creative, individualized housing plan.
Personal stories from families who have implemented creative housing solutions.
An overview of the Developmental Services Ontario’s housing toolkits and housing navigators.

This webcast includes a Q&A with our panelists. The webcast will be recorded and remain available to watch for one month after the air date.

Register Here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/5rwyk3e
About the Speaker:

Kelly Casey, Facilitator, KC Professional Solutions

With over 30 years of experience in the area of Developmental Services, Kelly is looking to continue supporting agencies and families through the Transformation of services in their communities. The combination of her experience in community development and her formal education in business and social services have provided her with the skills to assist agencies in revising their service delivery models to support the changing needs of their consumers.
In addition, Kelly’s extensive clinical knowledge in developmental services, dual diagnosis and autism have provided her with the skills to support individuals and families in the development and implementation of their person directed plans and individualized residential models.

15th Annual Federal Policy Forum on Inclusion
2024-11-13 09:00 - 2024-11-14 13:00 (America/Vancouver)
Hosted by Inclusion Canada & People First of Canada in collaboration with the Office for Disability Issues.
Virtual Event via Zoom Webinar
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 12pm-3:30pm EasternThursday, November 14, 2024, 12pm-3:45pm Eastern
This year’s policy forum will focus on accessible and affordable housing. On Day 1, we will look at the current state of housing in Canada for people with an intellectual disability. We’ll discuss the barriers that prevent the creation of true inclusive housing. On Day 2, we’ll look at innovative housing solutions that promote real inclusion and talk about the steps we need to take individually and collectively to make this a reality.
Format: The forum will include a series of panels and interactive Question & Answer periods. Panels include perspectives of lived experience from people with an intellectual disability and families, as well as research and policy expertise from both government and community. A recording of the event will be provided to everyone who registers.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/15th-annual-federal-policy-forum-on-inclusion-registration-876828847687?aff=oddtdtcreator

Behaviour Interventionist Basic Training Workshop
2024-11-16 09:30 - 2024-11-17 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
This interactive, online foundational workshop will teach you the basics of ABA and behaviour intervention. You will leave the course with practical tools you can use in the classroom or home environment. Past attendees have included parents, community group leaders, students, educators, classroom assistants, and other individuals who work with or support children on the spectrum.
Topics include:
Day 1

Introduction to ABA
Core elements of Discrete Trial Training
Functions of behaviour
Reinforcement techniques
Prompting and prompt-fading strategies
Challenging behaviour
Ethics
Data collection

Day 2

Motivating operations
Preference assessments
Token economies
Language Strategies
Maintenance and generalization of learned skills

November 16th, 9:30 – 4:30 Saturday AND Sunday
Upon completion of this two-day course, you will be sent a certificate to confirm your attendance.
Cost: $125 (plus fees) per attendee.

Examining BC's Response to Sexual Assault
2024-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | theDock: Centre for Social Impact, 100-722 Cormorant Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1P8, Canada
Trigger Warning: This workshop will discuss sexual assault, systemic racism, systemic failures in the area of sexual assault response and gender-based violence.
Join us for an engaging workshop that explores the current landscape of sexual assault response in British Columbia. This session will provide an overview of the existing support systems, challenges, and opportunities within the province. Attendees will have the chance to share their perspectives, discuss desired changes, and collaboratively brainstorm ideas to enhance sexual assault response over the next five years. Together, let’s envision a more supportive and effective approach for survivors and communities across BC.
Please note that participants will not be asked to share their individual experiences with gender-based violence.
Chloe Hunt
Chloe Hunt is a social impact entrepreneur and former tech product manager with a deep commitment to advancing gender-based violence initiatives. Drawing from years of experience in the sector, Chloe is actively involved in government-funded research focused on overcoming barriers to accessing care in northern Canada. Her passion for social change drives her ongoing efforts to improve access to care across the country.

Accessible Workplaces: Supporting People with Disabilities: In-Person & Online
2024-11-21 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver)
This key note will provide everyone with a better understanding of how to communicate, support and work with people with various types of disabilities.
Marco will share some of his personal lived experiences as a person with a disability in the workforce and include specific tips on how to navigate some of the barriers that have been experienced by staff and the community both in-person and online.
Topics Covered:

Understanding Disability – General language, definitions and the use of Person First Language

Breaking Down Attitudinal Barriers – My first job and the importance of innovation

Overcoming Physical and Virtual Barriers – How simple changes can make all the difference

Communicating with Confidence – Tips on language and interacting with people with disabilities

Creating Authentic Connections – Getting to know your team and community members in a meaningful and authentic way

What you can do to support inclusion – As managers and team members

Q & A Period – Time Answer Your Questions

Date: November 21st, 2024
Time: 10:00AM – 11:30 AM (PST)
Location: Virtual session via Zoom
*Once registered the link to the session will be sent out the day prior to the event.
Registration closes two days before the event at 4:00 PM. To ensure your participation, please register before this deadline.
To Register:
Visit our website at www.homesharingbc.ca, under the “Events” tab from the main menu, and click on the session link to sign up.
WHO IS MARCO?
Marco Pasqua is an award-winning Entrepreneur, Accessibility Consultant and Inspirational Speaker. After graduating from the Art Institute of Vancouver, he spent 5 years in the video game industry. During the recession of 2010, he lost his job, which turned out to be the biggest blessing in disguise. Marco decided it was time to use his voice to make a positive impact on the world, so he built his own brand as a professional speaker and entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, he has remained focused on social impact, keeping a philanthropic approach to the work that he does. Some of his most memorable talks include TEDxStanleyPark, The United Way as an impact speaker and The Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Throughout his life, Marco has also been involved with a number of organizations as a spokesperson, helping to spread advocacy for persons with disabilities across Canada.
As an Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant, he has worked with some of BC’s biggest change-driven business leaders who are champions for more accessible, inclusive workplaces. It’s through these experiences that he is helping to pave the way for all Canadians to have universal access to the programs, services and places that they live, work and play.

Teens In Control
2024-11-21 16:00 - 17:30, 2024-11-28 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society, 511 Constance Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada
This workshop is for youth ages 13 – 18 years old who have a family member or friend with a mental illness or substance use disorder. Each session gives youth the opportunity to connect with peers who share similar experiences while learning about mental illness, self-care techniques, and skills for communicating with a loved one with mental illness.

Dates: Thursday, November 21 & 2024
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society

RVSP: Mary Beth Hall: manager@bcssyouth.org | 236-335-0917

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
2024-12-03 - 2024-12-04 | Need2 Office, 2390 Arbutus Road, Victoria, BC, V8N 1V7, Canada
We are now registering for our upcoming ASIST workshop taking place on December 3/4, 2024.

ASIST is a two day workshop that provides suicide first aid training to participants. This training provides participants the competencies needed to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive.
You do not need to work in the health or mental health field to take ASIST. We need people in all roles in the community to be ASIST trained to create a suicide-safer community!

The cost of the workshop is $325. Student rate is available upon request.

The workshop will take place at the NEED2 office.
Lunch, coffee/tea and snacks will be provided
To register or for more information email communityeducation@need2.c

Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances
2024-12-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-12-10 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-12-11 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
ONLINE EVENT: Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances.
Learning that our kids are trying substances can be scary. As families, we are a valuable resource to help them navigate the choices they are making, but it can be hard to know how to respond. This video introduces parents and caregivers to some ways that can help us move from reacting to our fears about substance use and towards a more thoughtful response that supports connection with our kids.
Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience hosts a conversation with Douglas Hardie a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Program Coordinator with Island Health supporting Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and Substance Use Programs.
Come together and watch a video presentation and stay for a facilitated conversation by our Family Peer Support Workers.
6:30pm-8:00pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
7:30pm-9:00pm Mountain Time (Alberta)
These events are funded for parents and caregivers living in the Province of British Columbia and for CASA families in Alberta. If you are from another province or territory, or live outside of Canada, we welcome you to visit our video library at www.familysmart.ca/videos and use our resources. Thank you.

Register Here
Watch video now: https://youtu.be/Qhqrbrw62Tg?si=Hpl_QjjBu2ph6-1D

Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances
2024-12-04 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
ONLINE EVENT: Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances.
Learning that our kids are trying substances can be scary. As families, we are a valuable resource to help them navigate the choices they are making, but it can be hard to know how to respond. This video introduces parents and caregivers to some ways that can help us move from reacting to our fears about substance use and towards a more thoughtful response that supports connection with our kids.
Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience hosts a conversation with Douglas Hardie a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Program Coordinator with Island Health supporting Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and Substance Use Programs.
Come together and watch a video presentation and stay for a facilitated conversation by our Family Peer Support Workers.
12:00pm-1:30pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
1:00pm-2:30pm Mountain Time (Alberta)
These events are funded for parents and caregivers living in the Province of British Columbia and for CASA families in Alberta. If you are from another province or territory, or live outside of Canada, we welcome you to visit our video library at www.familysmart.ca/videos and use our resources. Thank you.

Register Here
Watch video now: https://youtu.be/Qhqrbrw62Tg?si=Hpl_QjjBu2ph6-1D

Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances
2024-12-05 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
ONLINE EVENT: Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances.
Learning that our kids are trying substances can be scary. As families, we are a valuable resource to help them navigate the choices they are making, but it can be hard to know how to respond. This video introduces parents and caregivers to some ways that can help us move from reacting to our fears about substance use and towards a more thoughtful response that supports connection with our kids.
Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience hosts a conversation with Douglas Hardie a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Program Coordinator with Island Health supporting Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and Substance Use Programs.
Come together and watch a video presentation and stay for a facilitated conversation by our Family Peer Support Workers.
6:30pm-8:00pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
7:30pm-9:00pm Mountain Time (Alberta)
These events are funded for parents and caregivers living in the Province of British Columbia and for CASA families in Alberta. If you are from another province or territory, or live outside of Canada, we welcome you to visit our video library at www.familysmart.ca/videos and use our resources. Thank you.

Register Here

Webinar: Strategies for Coping with the Winter Blues
2024-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Join us for an engaging one-hour webinar designed to help you navigate the challenges of the winter months. We’ll work on individualized activity plans that align with your core values and support overall well-being. You’ll leave with actionable strategies help increase enjoyment and resilience during the shorter colder days.

Distinguish between the Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), identifying the key differences and symptoms of each.
Examine how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence our mood and well-being during the winter months.
Gain practical knowledge of behavior activation and activity monitoring as tools for managing mood and enhancing mental health.

Our Presenter

Suncha Satney is a Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Consultant at CSSHSA. She is passionate about guiding organizations in creating environments where people feel their best and do their best work. With many years of experience in Community Social Services as a frontline worker and Clinical Counselor, she brings awareness, education, and strategies to support workplace mental health within the sector. She is a CMHA Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor.

Suicide Education & Awareness (SEA) - For Adults
2024-12-10 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
SEA: For Adults is a 90 minute suicide prevention workshop developed by NEED2 to provide foundational information about suicide that is accessible and relevant to adults; no matter their role in the community.

In this workshop we will discuss the stigma that surrounds suicide, the importance of normalizing conversations around the topic and how we can support those around us that may be struggling.

December 10th, 6:30-8pm
Delivered over zoom
$25/person

Please email communityeducation@need2.ca to register.

Y Mind Teen (13-18)
2025-01-04 17:45 - 18:30 (America/Vancouver)
Mental health challenges shouldn’t get in the way of doing what you love. Our programs help overcome barriers and get you on the right track to where you’d like to be.
For participants Ages 13 – 18 and Ages 18 – 30
Our free mental wellness programs, Y Mind and Mind Medicine, help participants learn how to manage stress and mild-to-moderate anxiety (individuals experiencing severe anxiety and stress that significantly impacts their ability to perform daily activities likely require more support than what Y Mind is intended to provide). Our programs are evidence-based and teach Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness.
To participate, you may self-refer, you do not need a diagnosis of anxiety, and you do not need to be a Y member.
The Y Mind Youth programs are delivered in person, in Victoria, at the Downtown Y on Broughton St. Online groups are available with enough interest or through our partner sites on Vancouver Island as well as other Y’s across BC.
For more information and registration, go here: https://vancouverislandy.com/program-services/community-health/mental-wellness/
We invite you to attend information sessions for Winter Teen (ages 13-18) on Tuesday evenings at the Downtown Y and Wednesday evenings at Westhills. The information sessions and groups will be held in person at both locations.
Y Mind Teen (13-18) | Upcoming program times and dates:

In person – Downtown Victoria YMCA-YWCA
851 Broughton St.

Information & Intake Sessions:
Tuesday January 14 and January 21st, 2025
5:45-6:30pm
Individual intake sessions after the info session

Group Program Dates:
Weekly on Tuesdays, February 4- March 18th, 2025
6:00-7:30pm (In person)
Virtual sessions:

Online via Zoom (offered through partner and other Y sites across BC)
Program Dates:
Dates TBA
Information & Intake Sessions:
Email Lana at mindfulness@vancouverislandy.ca
* note your interest in an online group.

In person – Westhills Association Services office
202-1314 Lakepoint Way
Information & Intake Sessions:
Wednesday Jan 15th and Jan 22nd, 2025
5:45-6:30 pm
Individual intake sessions after the info session

Group Program Dates:
Weekly on Wednesdays, January 29th– March 12th, 2025
6:00-7:30pm (In person)
Youth groups will be offered in the Spring at the Downtown Y.

If you are interested in a Westshore Youth group, please contact Pacific Centre Family Services.

Community Days
2025-01-06 10:00 - 2025-01-12 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Str, Victoria, B.C., V8W 9W2
Community Days are back at the Royal BC Museum!
From January 6–12, enjoy admission-by-donation and explore the galleries.

Ignite conversation about the everyday products you grew up with Canadian Modern – a stunning exhibition of Canadian mid-century design 🖼️
Check out Forgotten Landscapes – a new exhibit featuring beautiful recently rediscovered paintings from the early 1900s
Rediscover old favorites like Old Town, New Approach and HMS Discovery
Immerse yourself in the coastal rainforest, visit the tide pools and see who’s living in the Ocean Station

Plus, join us for Letter Writing Week (Jan 9–13) and relax at various wellness stations in collaboration with Destination Greater Victoria for ‘A Wellness Getaway in Victoria”
Don’t miss this chance to rediscover your provincial museum and support the important work that we do.

Connect Parenting Program
2025-01-07 12:00 - 2025-03-11 13:30 (America/Vancouver)
Connect Parenting Program: is an evidence-based 10-week attachment-based program that helps parents support youth. This program is for families and caregivers of children ages 8-15 with depression, anxiety, and/or intense emotional difficulties. Or children who are getting into trouble and having severe behavioral difficulties.

Dates & Times: Tuesdays Jan 7 through to and including March 11 from 12-130pm in person
Information:https://www.connectattachmentprograms.org/
To Register: Sylvia Mason: smason@thrivevictoria.org or Haley Kimmel: hkimmel@thrivevictoria.org
Cost: Free

Parents Together Program
2025-01-07 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver)
Boys & Girls Club – (BGC) Parents Together Program (13-19yrs) Sometimes parenting challenges can feel overwhelming. This program is for parents of teens and provides ongoing support. A manual and materials are provided to participants. Parents may stay in the group as long as they feel they need support and help in their daily parenting.

Topics include:

Attachment and relationship-based practices
Communication and 6 critical messages
Developmental changes in pre-adolescence
Adolescent brain development
Boundaries, and turning over responsibility as appropriate
Self-care – taking back your life
Adolescent mental health
Substance use and teens

Date: Tuesdays, Ongoing – Daytime 12-1:30PM (Online) or Evening 6:30-8PM (In-Person)
Cost: Free
Register: https://bgcsvi.org/programs/parenting/

Circle of Security - Free Workshop for Parents
2025-01-09 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver)
This workshop will help parents and caregivers to:

– Understand a child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional needs
– Supporting the child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
– Enhance the development of a child’s self esteem

Next 8 Week Session Starts: Tuesday January 21st
Time: 1O-113Oam
Location: 345 Wale Rd Boardroom
For Registration Contact: Reachelle Wolfe – rwuolle@thrivevictoria.org

Brave In Your Body
2025-01-13 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-01-20 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-01-27 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
A safe and inclusive virtual space to explore your relationship with body image.

Gender Marvelous
2025-01-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Welcome to a space where families come together to share their experiences, ask questions, and support one another as we navigate the journey of raising our queer, gender-diverse and/or Two-Spirit children and youth. Join the conversation, find strength and encouragement, and connect with a network of families who understand. All queer and 2SLGBTQIA+ families are welcome. Let’s support each other and grow together!
Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

Webinar: Strategies for Coping with Anxiety
2025-01-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
This webinar is tailored for professionals in the Community Social Services (CSS) sector looking to deepen their understanding of anxiety and gain practical strategies for coping. Whether you’re a frontline worker or a manager, this session will provide valuable insights into the nature and function of anxiety, as well as evidence-based, easy-to-apply techniques for managing it. Join us to explore ways to support yourself and others in navigating anxiety, both within the workplace and beyond.

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Understand what anxiety is and how it impacts us mentally and physically.
Recognize the distinction between normal anxiety and anxiety disorders.
Apply the Cognitive Model to understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Implement practical, easy-to-use strategies for managing anxiety, including mindfulness and grounding techniques.
Identify common challenges in managing anxiety in both personal and professional contexts.

Our Presenter

Suncha Satney is a Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Consultant at CSSHSA. She is passionate about guiding organizations in creating environments where people feel their best and do their best work. With many years of experience in Community Social Services as a frontline worker and Clinical Counselor, she brings awareness, education, and strategies to support workplace mental health within the sector. She is a CMHA Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor.

Y Mind Downtown - Information Session
2025-01-24 15:00 - 2025-02-07 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
The Y Mind Groups offer a free 7-week in-person psychoeducational and support group for youth ages 13-30 who experience stress, worry or anxiety. Participants learn healthy coping skills, connect with other young people in the community, and get support all in a safe and friendly environment. Programming is supervised by trained mental health professionals. Free gym membership while in the program.
Registration in the program is separate. Please note that attendance in all program sessions is required.
