Osanis Inclusion Services Inc.

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 | 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, 2025-07-02 13:00 - 14:00 | 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, 2025-06-26 19:00 - 20:00 | 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

Gender Marvelous
2025-06-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-24 12:00 - 13:00 | 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

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, 2025-07-08 13:30 - 16:00 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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

Complex Health
2025-07-07 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Those who care for someone with intense care needs would be perfect to attend this family hangout.
Complex care requires highly trained caregivers and extra supports like the At Home Program or added care funding from the Ministry of Health. Our Complex Health Family Hangout group is a safe place to share your challenges and connect with other caregivers.
** PLEASE NOTE: This meeting is reserved for families with a member with a disability and self advocates only **
CLICK TO REGISTER
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 grass roots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base.
FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

You are invited to join FSI CONTINUING CONVERSATIONS, a private Facebook Group intended to continue conversations of support or provide an alternative platform for support. www.facebook.com/groups/fsicontinuingconversations/

All FSI Zoom sessions can be accessed by telephone only if access to computers and/or internet is a barrier. If you need assistance registering for any session, please call our office at 1-800-441-5403.

ODEN Business Lunch & Learn: Information Session (Virtual)
2025-07-08 12:00 - 13:00
ODEN Business Lunch & Learn Series:
Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) Information Session
Did you know disability-inclusive companies significantly outperform other businesses in innovation, customer service, employee retention, productivity, revenue and profit margins?
There are lots of reasons to make your workplace disability inclusive.
So join us, the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN), at this information session to learn how you can build disability inclusion in your company!
Key Points for this session:

Discuss the importance and benefits of disability inclusive hiring.

Promising practices and case study examples of businesses who have built inclusive recruitment strategies with ODEN’s help, and

Learn how to connect with ODEN’s network of employment service providers to support your hiring needs.

How you can increase your knowledge and build your confidence when discussing disability.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your business performance through inclusion and diversity. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register Now to Start your Disability-Inclusive Journey!
ASL interpretation will be provided for this event.

Register Here

Fed Family Chat
2025-07-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
This virtual event is an opportunity to hang out with other youth in and from care and have fun. Together we can shape how we want to spend our time together.
This Fed Family Chat will be taking place on
July 8, 7-8 PM

Sign Up for Fed Family Chat Here

We are so excited to share space and connect with you!

Increasing Emotional Intelligence at Work
2025-07-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, while also being attuned to the emotions of others. In high-stress environments, developing this skill can improve communication, strengthen relationships, and foster healthier workplaces. This interactive webinar offers practical tools and insights to help participants explore their emotional triggers, better understand the role of emotions in behaviour, and respond thoughtfully to emotional cues in others. By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Identify own emotional triggers and understand how this influence behaviour. 2. Describe the key functions of emotions and their role in decision-making and communication. 3. Reflect on how behaviours may signal underlying emotional experiences. 4. Apply strategies to respond more effectively to the emotions of others in the workplace.
Register Here

Reactive Behaviours
2025-07-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Sometimes our loved ones communicate their needs in ways that are hard to understand — through what we often call “reactive behaviors” or behaviors that challenge us. These might stem from things like sensory overload, limited language, anxiety, or other unmet needs.
As caregivers, it can feel overwhelming — but you’re not alone. Join our bi-weekly Family Hangout where caregivers come together to share experiences, support one another, and explore tools and strategies that others have found helpful. These conversations are rooted in the belief that all behaviour has meaning and that, as trusted adults, we can model self-regulation, adapt our environments, and work toward meeting the needs behind the behaviour.
This call now brings together families from two former groups — Complex Behaviours and Non-Speaking Autism. We welcome all who are navigating this journey and want to learn and connect in a supportive, non-judgmental space. Let’s come together, listen, share, and build a more inclusive and compassionate path forward — one where everyone’s needs are understood and valued.
CLICK TO REGISTER
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 grass roots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base.
FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

You are invited to join FSI CONTINUING CONVERSATIONS, a private Facebook Group intended to continue conversations of support or provide an alternative platform for support. www.facebook.com/groups/fsicontinuingconversations/
After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/52ef23e13270439d9d97d32a0b229bbc
All FSI Zoom sessions can be accessed by telephone only if access to computers and/or internet is a barrier. If you need assistance registering for any session, please call our office at 1-800-441-5403.

FASD - Thinking Outside of the Box
2025-07-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
This family hangout is all about empowering conversations for individuals affected by FASD and those that support them. Join us for a family hangout that provides a safe place to share and connect.
CLICK TO REGISTER
WE ASK ALL REGISTRANTS TO PLEASE REVIEW FSI’S ZOOM MEETING GUIDELINES BEFORE ATTENDING
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 grass roots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base.
FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY
You are invited to join FSI CONTINUING CONVERSATIONS, a private Facebook Group intended to continue conversations of support or provide an alternative platform for support. www.facebook.com/groups/fsicontinuingconversations/

After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/52ef23e13270439d9d97d32a0b229bbc

All FSI Zoom sessions can be accessed by telephone only if access to computers and/or internet is a barrier. If you need assistance registering for any session, please call our office at 1-800-441-5403.

Welcome to Autism: First Steps with Nancy
2025-07-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual Event
Join the ASN’s Executive Director, Nancy Walton, to talk about the first steps in your child’s Autism journey. Quick start and tips for your newly diagnosed preschooler or grade school-age child.
Where do you start?
How can the Autism Support Network help you?
The weeks and months after receiving a diagnosis for your child can be overwhelming. It is hard to know what to do first and conflicting information can make it difficult and confusing to get started with effective intervention you feel good about.
Nancy will share resources with you that have been vetted by the Autism Support Network that will help you make a meaningful action plan. Learn why we follow the research and work with certified service providers who are licensed and bound by a solid code of ethics.
Please note that this presentation is geared towards younger children with new diagnoses. If you have an older child or are facing challenges with school, transition planning or ongoing behavioural supports, please contact us directly for 1:1 assistance. info@autismsupportbc.ca.
CLICK TO REGISTER

Dads Matter
2025-07-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
What is it? Dads supporting dads ! A place where dads can share their own experiences and get guidance and support from other dads. Dads with kids with disabilities.
When: Every Sunday. Attend one, three or as many as you want.
Where it Happens: Zoom online, Register Here
Ages: Dads of Children – All Ages
Cost: Free

Get in Touch: For more information, please call Ben Postmus at 250-231-7712
Website: https://diversefamilyroots.ca

Newly Diagnosed Autism
2025-07-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
Are you a parent of a child with a recent autism diagnosis? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the information sent your way or have a hard time dealing with your emotions? Do you have questions for parents who have walked the path ahead of you or would like to meet with some who are new on this journey like yourself? At FSI we would like to bring parents in this unique situation together for support, empathy, understanding, and some workable strategies. This will be a safe and a confidential space for the families on a similar journey. Join us on this family hangout where we can meet every third Monday of the month.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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 grass roots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base.
FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY
You are invited to join FSI CONTINUING CONVERSATIONS, a private Facebook Group intended to continue conversations of support or provide an alternative platform for support. www.facebook.com/groups/fsicontinuingconversations/
All FSI Zoom sessions can be accessed by telephone only if access to computers and/or internet is a barrier. If you need assistance registering for any session, please call our office at 1-800-441-5403.

Community of Practice: Safety in Social Housing
2025-07-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Event
Join us for a dynamic and engaging Community of Practice session focused on Safety in Social Housing. This meeting is an opportunity for health and safety professionals in the social services sector to come together, share experiences, and explore practical strategies for addressing the unique health and safety challenges in social housing environments.
During this one-hour session, we’ll discuss the key safety concerns that impact both residents and staff in social housing, and highlight effective approaches to creating safer, more supportive spaces. Through small breakout discussions, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with peers, guided by OHS and PHS Advisors, as you explore real-world issues and share solutions. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of emergency shelters or supportive housing, your insights and experiences are valuable.
At the end of the session, we’ll reconvene to share key themes and takeaways, and discuss next steps for continued collaboration and improvement in the sector.
If you’re responsible for health and safety in a social service organization, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and contribute to advancing safety practices in your community.
Please note that 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
