Osanis Inclusion Services Inc.

CSSHSA - Health & Safety Community of Practice
2025-04-22 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Join our Health & Safety Community of Practice Meeting! This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Health & Safety specialists, share challenges, and discuss best practices. Following the first CoP meeting in January, we’ll discuss survey results, meeting logistics, and CoP sub-groups. Together, we can build a strong and engaged community focused on improving health and safety. Register now and be part of the conversation!
This meeting is exclusive to health and safety professionals in the following WorkSafeBC Classification Units:
• 766007 – Counselling or Social Services (not elsewhere specified)
• 766010 – Life and Job Skills Training
• 766017 – Residential Social Service Facility
Register Here

Gender Marvelous
2025-04-22 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-27 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-24 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

Connect and Learn - Parenting When Anxiety Shows Up As Anger
2025-04-22 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
ONLINE EVENT: Parenting When Anxiety Shows Up As Anger
Anxiety in our kids can show up as anger, and that can make parenting extra challenging. Discover some strategies that can help us before, during, and after these hard moments.
Learn from Karen Peters, Registered Clinical Counsellor.
Join us to watch a video presentation together 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

Virtual Service Provider Course on Brain Health
2025-05-02 11:30 - 2025-06-06 13:00 (America/Toronto) | BC
You are invited to take part in a research study titled, Promoting brain health: A national capacity building project for aging adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, family caregivers and service providers.
A group of researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) are studying a virtual education program for aging adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), family caregivers, and service providers from across Canada. This online course is designed and delivered by family caregivers, alongside medical and mental health experts specializing in the care of adults with IDD.
Who Should Attend?
Health and social service providers working with adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities aged 40 years or older
Dates: Every Friday, May 2 to June 6, 2025 | 11:30am-1:00pm Eastern time
Program Highlights:

Attend six weekly 90-minute Project ECHO sessions at the scheduled time above
Participate with other service providers across Canada and receive resources
Complete 3 online questionnaires that take about 20-30 minutes each
Before the course, at the end of the course, and 14 weeks after the end of the course
Receive a gift card at the end of the study for participating

View our Flyer | Register Now: https://redcap.link/9uja13v6
Participation is completely voluntary and will not affect any present or future services provided by CAMH. Any information collected for this study will be confidential.
For more information or support, please contact the CAMH research staff by email at BrainHealthIDD@camh.ca or by phone 437-328-6761.

Community ASIST Workshop individual registration
2025-05-05 09:00 - 2025-05-06 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Need2 Office, 2390 Arbutus Road, Victoria, BC, V8N 1V7, Canada
ASIST is a two-day workshop that provides suicide first aid training to participants. This training provides participants with 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 visit our website here
Questions; email communityeducation@need2.ca

Finding and Creating Connection with Kids
2025-05-06 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
A Conversation With Parents
Jagdeep Hayre, Kim Robinson, and Tammy Music
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
6:30pm – 7:30pm (PST)
FINDING & CREATING CONNECTION WITH KIDS
Connecting with kids can feel challenging, especially when they are struggling with their mental health. Whether we are a parent or a caring adult in a young person’s life, what we say and do matters. Simple, caring conversations and shared moments—no matter how small—can have a meaningful impact.
Join us online for a candid conversation with parents who have navigated these challenges firsthand. They’ll share their experiences, struggles, and the ways they’ve found to stay connected—even when it feels impossible. These parents are also Family Peer Support workers, offering guidance to other families facing similar journeys.

Register For Free

Supporting Kids with Substance Misuse
2025-05-07 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
A Conversation With
Together We Can

Wednesday, May 7, 2025
6:30pm – 7:30pm (PST)
SUPPORTING KIDS WITH SUBSTANCE MISUSE
As parents and caregivers, how we talk about substance use shapes how young people see it. This session explores insights from those with lived experience, offering ways to support without judgment.
Topics We’ll Cover:

Strength-Based Conversations – Focusing on resilience over challenges
Deficit-Based Thinking – Recognizing and reframing unhelpful narratives
Trauma-Informed Language – How words shape understanding and healing
Boundary Setting – Why it’s so hard and how to navigate it
Taking Care of You! – Prioritizing your well-being while supporting others

Alex Lekei is a Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. They currently serve as a Family Educator with Together We Can, a Peer Leader with Vancouver Coastal Health, and operates his own private practice, Guiding Solutions Counselling. Drawing from his own lived experience with substance use as a youth and young adult, combined with academic training and community involvement, they bring a unique and empathetic perspective.
Steven Hall is the Public Relations Manager at Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society (TWC). A graduate of TWC’s 12-step-based program, Steven draws on his own lived experience with addiction and mental health to support others. Now part of TWC’s Community Relations and Family Support Team, he is passionate about creating safe spaces and believes recovery is possible—and everyone is worthy of it.

Register For Free

Substance Use and the Power of Support
2025-05-08 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
A Conversation With
Guy Felicella

Thursday, May 8, 2025
6:30pm – 7:30pm (PST)
SUBSTANCE USE AND THE POWER OF SUPPORT
Fear is often the loudest emotion when our kids are involved in substance use—but what if we led with care instead? Join us online for an important conversation with Guy Felicella, a renowned advocate and speaker, as he shares how connection and relationship can make a difference in substance use and addiction. Learn how we can show care not just for our kids, but for the broader community impacted by substance use disorder.
Guy Felicella is an international public speaker and advocate for drug policy reform. Overcoming a two-decade substance use disorder, he has turned his life around after years of homelessness, gang involvement, and surviving overdoses in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Now, Guy passionately promotes harm reduction, trauma therapy, and faster access to treatment, using his story of resilience and recovery to inspire others and push for compassionate drug policies and addiction support.

Register For Free

Understanding Autism, PDA & ODD: Strategies to Avoid Power Struggles
2025-05-09 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Struggling with defiance, shutdowns, or resistance to everyday demands? Join us for this practical and compassionate session designed to help caregivers, educators, and professionals understand the overlap between Autism, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder).
Learn how to reduce power struggles and foster collaboration through low-demand, relationship-based strategies rooted in emotional safety and respect.
Walk away with:

Tools to identify and respond to avoidance behaviours
Proactive techniques to de-escalate and connect
Communication strategies that build trust

Perfect for anyone supporting neurodivergent children and youth who experience demand avoidance or strong opposition.
Register now and rethink “challenging behaviour” through a neurodiversity-affirming lens!
Streaming live.

Neurodivergent Early Years
2025-05-09 12:30 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
With Dr. Michelle Schmidt & Allison Balfour
What does neurodivergence look like in the early years—and how can we respond with curiosity, care, and confidence? In this empowering session, discover how to support Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent children in preschool and early primary settings with strategies that celebrate difference and build connection.
You’ll explore:

Early signs and communication styles of neurodivergent kids
Tools to support regulation, play, and safety
Inclusive practices that help children thrive in home, school, and community environments

Designed for early childhood educators, family support professionals, and caregivers, this session is your invitation to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity—right from the start.
Join us to support neurodivergent kids in becoming their best selves—on their terms.
$5 parking and cafeteria on-site

SEA: For Adults online workshop
2025-05-14 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
A 90-minute online 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.
May 14, 2025 6:30 – 8pm
Once you’ve registered, you will receive the Zoom link the morning of the workshop.
Register Here.

Breaking Free: History of Deinstitutionalization for People with Disabilities in British Columbia
2025-05-29 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Esquimalt Gorge Park & Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Rd, Esquimalt, BC, V9A 2A1, Canada
Supports for people with intellectual disabilities have emerged from a long and complicated history of fear and oppression, charitable beliefs, pseudo-science, human rights, and economic priorities. Join us in a conversation about the history, values, and beliefs that guide our movement and are vital to sustaining ourselves – and the vision of community living for all citizens.
Location: Esquimalt Gorge Park & Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Rd, Esquimalt, BC V9A 2A1
Date and time: Thu, May 29, 2025 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
Organizer: South Island Education Committee, cmyra@beconnectedsupport.ca

Beyond Behaviours: When Is It More? What It Looks Like at Ages 9 – 12
2025-06-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-06-12 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-06-18 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Why can it feel so tricky to tell if our kids are on track, going through a phase, as opposed to struggling with something more, or beyond behaviours? Learn about the developmental stages of 9 to 12 year old children and what might be some signs of mental health challenges at this age.
Learn from Karen Peters, Registered Clinical Counsellor.
Join us to watch a video presentation together 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.
Register Here

Early Years and School Age Navigation
2025-06-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Caring for little ones with extra support needs is marked by joy, fear, and overwhelm, usually all in the same day! Navigating the toddler and preschool years, or anticipating school years on the horizon, can be a uniquely challenging time. Join this Family Hangout for supportive sessions on navigating the early years. We are here to listen, provide resources, and create a safe place to discuss the parenting experience of young children with diverse abilities.
Register Here

FASD - Thinking Outside Of The Box
2025-06-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-06-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Empowering conversations for individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and those who support them. A Family Hangout that provides a safe place to share and connect.
Register Here

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) by MHRP
2025-06-10 13:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-17 13:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-24 13:30 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | MHRPI SI Boardroom, 941 Kings Rd, Victoria, BC, V8T1W7, Canada
Mental Health Recovery Partners South Island will be facilitating another Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). There is no fee to participate.
WRAP is an evidence-based personal relapse prevention plan that supports participants with developing their own personal wellness plan. In this workshop participants will learn about wellness tools and create action plans to put them into practice in their everyday life. Participants learn how to maintain their wellness by recognizing stressors and early warning signs and by developing coping strategies including having a crisis plan. This workshop is offered several times a year and is co-facilitated by two trained WRAP facilitators.
The next WRAP will be held in-person for six Tuesdays from 1:30pm-4pm at MHRP SI Boardroom on the following dates:
June 10th
June 17th
June 24th
July 8th
July 15th
July 22nd
Please share this with anyone who might be interested. To register, please visit: https://mhrp.ca/programs-and-services/program-request-form

Decolonizing Neurodivergence and Autism
2025-06-11 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Presented by Len Pierre and Allison Balfour
This full-day, strengths-based training offers a practical and culturally grounded introduction to Autism and Neurodivergence (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder, learning differences) for those working in or alongside Indigenous communities.
Grounded in the belief that all minds are sacred, this course emphasizes respectful, relationship-based ways of supporting Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent children, youth, and adults.
Read more about it here

Diverse Destinations
2025-06-13 14:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Royal Canadian Legion, 761 Station Avenue, Victoria, BC, V9B 4V2, Canada
Diverse Destinations is a free summer presentation series for people with physical disabilities, families, and friends. Hosted by Technology For Living and supported by the Victoria Foundation, it features accessible travel tips, real-life stories from disabled adventurers, and highlights like the new Hullo ferry service.

Colour Your Summer with GVPL's 2025 BC Summer Reading Club!
2025-06-20 - 2025-09-06 | Greater Victoria Library
Join us for a summer of reading, creativity, and connection. The 2025 Summer Reading Club (SRC) runs from Friday, June 20 to Saturday, September 6, and is open to children aged 14 and under.

Pick up your SRC reading record starting Friday, June 20 at any GVPL branch.

How It Works

• Visit any GVPL branch to pick up your free SRC package, which includes your reading record and everything you need to get started.
• Read—or be read to—for 20 minutes or more each day. You can read in any format, in any language, and in any location.

• Track your progress on your reading record. One number equals one day of reading.

• Return to the library each week to collect your sticker and prize.

• Complete seven weeks of reading to earn a medal and celebrate your achievement.

Programs and Activities

Our goal this summer is to encourage kids and families to connect with their local branch and enjoy all the BC Summer Reading Club has to offer. Program highlights include:

Virtual Programs
Creative Colouring Workshop with Lauren Achtem
Tuesday, June 24 | 3:30–4:30 pm | Online via Microsoft Teams | Ages 8–13
Join this year’s BC SRC artist Lauren Achtem to design and draw a habitat for the SRC critters.

To register, email programs@gvpl.ca with “Lauren Achtem” in the subject line. Include your child’s name and library card number. Registration closes June 23.

In-Person Programs
Magic Mango Monsters with Meneka Repka
Friday, July 25 | 11:00 am–12:00 pm | Juan de Fuca Branch | Ages 8–12
Create your own monster bookmark and learn about book illustration. Includes a reading of The Mango Monster by Derek Mascarenhas.
To register, email programs@gvpl.ca with “Meneka Repka” in the subject line. Include your child’s name and library card number. Limited drop-in space may be available.

Comic Camp with Seraji
August 11–15 | Esquimalt Branch
• Kids’ Camp (Ages 8–12): 10:30–11:30 am
• Tween/Teen Camp (Ages 13–18): 1:00–3:00 pm
Join comic artist Seraji for a week-long workshop and create your own mini-comic.
To register, email programs@gvpl.ca with “Comic Camp” in the subject line. Include your child’s name and library card number.

Round Table: Last Day of School 2025 - Inclusive Education Update
2025-06-26 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
The end of the 2024/25 school year is approaching. Join us for an engaging Round Table as advocates from the inclusion movement share their insights and reflections on the state of inclusive education in Canada. This session will provide an in-depth look at the progress, challenges, and future directions of inclusive education in four Canadian provinces, highlighting key developments and advocacy efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from leaders driving change in inclusive education.
Register Here
