ADHD - The Real Deal
2025-10-28 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
ADHD doesn’t just affect the person living with ADHD. It also affects those around them. As parents of kids living with ADHD, we can benefit from learning what ADHD is and how to support our kids. Learn from Dr. Duncan,Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as he dispels some myths and explains how and why the ADHD brain works the way it does.
Join us and other families for this video presentation and discussion that’s facilitated by a FamilySmart Family Peer Support Worker.
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.

Drop-in Floor Hockey for Individuals with Diverse Abilities
2025-10-29 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver) | SJ Willis High School, 923 Topaz Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2M2, Canada

RE/MEMBERING: Zine’ing Loss & Grief
2025-10-29 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-05 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-12 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Vancouver Hospice Society, 4615 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, Canada
The Vancouver Hospice Society is hosting a 6-week in-person support group for young adults aged 18-29 who are grieving the death of a person. The support group will explore zine-making as a creative outlet for processing grief and loss, based on guided reflection prompts within a space of shared connection. A zine (from “magazine”) is a mini self-created booklet made for a small circle of distribution.
Open to Vancouver residents Virtual Orientation: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5:30–7:00 PM In-person Sessions: Wednesdays, 5:30–8:30 PMOct. 15, 22, 29 & Nov. 5, 12, 19
Registration is required. To register, please send an email to counselling@vancouverhospice.org

Esquimalt Halloween Skate
2025-10-30 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Rd., Victoria, BC, V9A 3N6, Canada
Event location: Archie Browning Sports Centre
Event address: 1151 Esquimalt Road
Join us for a spooky Everyone Welcome Skate.
Kids in FULL costume get in FREE!
More Info

FASD - Thinking Outside of the Box
2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
September is FASD Awareness Month, and International FASD Day is on September 9!
When we talk about FASD, the conversation often focuses on the challenges—but there’s so much more to the story. There are incredible strengths, talents, and successes worth celebrating.
Join us for an uplifting event where we shine a light on the achievements and unique abilities of individuals living with FASD. This is a chance to hear powerful stories from those with lived experience, as well as the people who support and love them.
Come be part of a joyful conversation—one that honours the gifts that come with FASD and invites you to share your own moments of pride and hope.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 7:00 pm
This Family Hangout takes place weekly.
Register Now

CADDAC's 17th Annual ADHD Conference (Vancouver, BC)
2025-11-01 08:00 - 2025-11-02 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nest Conference Centre (University of BC campus), 6133 University Blvd., Vancouver, BC, Canada
CADDAC’s ADHD Conference provides information for adults with ADHD, parents and/or caregivers of children with ADHD and their families, as well as educators and allied health professionals.

Keynote Speaker – Thomas E. Brown
Clinical Psychologist, Author

Thomas E. Brown earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Yale University and then served on the clinical faculty of the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine for 20 years while operating a clinic in Connecticut for children and adults with ADHD and related problems. In May 2017, he relocated to California where he opened the Brown Clinic for Attention and Related Disorders in Manhattan Beach. He has taught continuing medical education courses on ADHD for the American Psychiatric Association for 18 years and has given lectures and workshops in hospitals, medical schools, universities and for professional and advocacy groups throughout the United States and in more than 40 other countries.

Dr. Brown is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the University of California Riverside School of Medicine and is an elected Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the APA Division of Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse, and the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. He has published 30 articles in professional journals and 7 books on ADHD with translations into 12 foreign languages. His most recent books are Smart, but Stuck: Emotions in Teens and Adults with ADHD; Outside the Box: Rethinking ADD/ADHD in Children and Adults-A Practical Guide, ADHD and Asperger Syndrome in Smart Kids and Adults: Twelve Stories of Struggle, Support and Treatment; and Social Anxiety: Hidden Fears and Shame in Teens and Adults. He has also published the Brown Executive Function/Attention Rating Scales for early childhood, childhood, adolescents and adults. His 28-minute video on YouTube “What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?” has received more than 10 million views. In November 2024 he received a lifetime achievement award from CHADD. For more information, please visit his website at www.BrownADHDclinic.com

Conference Topics

Thomas E. Brown – Keynote presentation on Day 1
Thomas E. Brown – Keynote presentation on Day 2
ADHD Medications -The Great, The All Right, and The Ones to Avoid
ADHD and Addiction: Two Sides of the Same Coin?
Parenting a child with ADHD… when you have ADHD
Kindness to Yourself: Self-Care That Doesn’t Feel Like a Another Chore

…and much more!

Conference Details

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION (June 25 to August 31, 2025)

1-day Registration – Saturday Only – STUDENT (Proof required) – $100.00
1-day Registration – Saturday Only – $155.00
1-day Registration – Sunday Only – STUDENT (Proof required) – $100.00
1-day Registration – Sunday Only – $140.00
2-day Registration – STUDENT (Proof required) – $200.00
2-day Registration (Sat & Sun) – $255.00

Conference tickets are fully refundable until September 30, 2025. Refunds processed after that date will be subject to an administration fee of $25 + the cost of food.

Venue: University of British Columbia, Nest Conference Centre. 6133 University Blvd. Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1

November 1st | DAY 1: Registration opens at 8:15am, Conference Day 1 ends at 4:00pm
November 2nd | DAY 2: Registration opens at 8:15am, Conference Day 2 ends at 3:00pm

**A valid student ID is required at check-in if you purchase a student ticket. Failure to provide one will result in a $50 charge to upgrade to a non-discounted, regular price ticket.**

**Please note that this conference WILL NOT be livestreamed or recorded.**

Registration fees include electronic handouts, lunch, and two coffee breaks. Tax is based on tax rates in British Columbia. All fees are in Canadian dollars.

Subsidy pricing available. Contact our Programs Manager at annie.desrochers@caddac.ca

Co-Op Celebration (CanAssist)
2025-11-01 14:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | CARSA (UVic), 3800 Finnerty Rd., Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
You’re invited to CanAssist’s Co-op Celebration on November 1st, 2025!
Join us in honouring the past, present, and future of CanAssist’s Co-op Program — an initiative that has empowered students, fostered innovation, and advanced inclusive communities.
Come connect with CanAssist team members, present and past co-ops, students, and community partners as we celebrate this legacy, share stories, and look ahead.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Date/Time
Saturday, November 1, 2025
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (PT) Drop in whenever you can!
Location
CanAssist in the CARSA Building at the University of Victoria
3800 Finnerty Road
Victoria, BC V8P 5C2
Schedule
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Meet-and-greet
Co-op Endowment Fund Appreciation

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tour of current workshops and projects
Friendly engineering competition

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Launch of the Co-op Initiative

If you have any challenges with this registration form or change of plans, please email canassist@uvic.ca.
RSVP HERE

All Abilities Open Mic Coffee House
2025-11-01 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | All Abilities Coffee House, 923 Topaz Ave, Victoria, BC, Canada
All abilities open mic coffee house
– Including Open Mic, guest performers, karaoke and singalong. Music, spoken word, comedy…all welcome!

Our featured guest performer on Oct. 18th is SEAN McCOOL from the band “Soul Shakers”.

Rare But Not Alone
2025-11-03 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Join us in this welcoming space for families who care for someone with a rare disorder (diagnosed or not). Rare disorders and conditions affect a small number of people in the country or even the world. Living with a rare disorder or condition can feel invisible and isolating, and sometimes there are seemingly no answers. But it doesn’t have to be scary all of the time—especially if you have others beside you! Join our supportive group and find strength in numbers as we share stories, connect with others who understand, and build upon our supportive networks.
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 FSI is committed to making our events as accessible as possible to everyone who wants to attend. If you have accessibility needs, please let us know when you register, or send us an email to discuss your specific needs. Sign language (ASL) interpretation can be available with 3 weeks notice. Please identify that you require ASL when you register.

SEA: For Adults online workshop
2025-11-03 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.
November 3, 2025 6:30-8pm
Once you’ve registered you will receive the zoom link the day before the workshop.
Register Here.

Supporting The Transition To CLBC
2025-11-03 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Are you a family member supporting an adult with developmental disabilities? This Family Hangout is designed to help you navigate Community Living BC (CLBC) services and supports for adults ages 19+ (or transition-aged youth) with clarity and confidence. Whether your loved one is newly eligible or already receiving support, this group offers practical guidance and emotional reassurance for families walking this path.
This is a welcoming space for families to ask questions, share concerns, and gain the knowledge needed to support your adult family member with dignity and purpose.
The first session begins Monday, November 3, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
This Family Hangout will take place every other week, on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

REGISTER HERE

Mindful Parenting
2025-11-04 09:30 - 2025-12-16 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | Men’s Therapy Center, 301-3491 Saanich Rd., Victoria, BC, V8X 1W8, Canada
Learn to embrace the beautiful chaos of single parenthood with presence and self-compassion, nurturing both your child’s well-being and your own.

Children in Care - A Group for Parents and Caregivers
2025-11-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
A support group for those with kids in care, considering care, or feeling pressured to place their kids in care.
Only families who have experienced this unique journey truly understand the challenges it brings. Whether due to removal, a special needs agreement, or a voluntary care agreement, placing a child with extra support needs into the Ministry’s care is an incredibly difficult and emotional decision. Families often face feelings of guilt, judgment, and isolation during this process. You’re not alone. Join us for an open and heartfelt conversation with other families who share your experience. This is a space for parents and caregivers to connect, share, and support one another without fear of judgment.
Let’s come together to find hope, resilience, and connection.
** PLEASE NOTE: This meeting is reserved for families with a member with a disability and self advocates only ** 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

Early Years and School Age Navigation
2025-11-05 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 if the school years are on the horizon, can be a uniquely challenging time. Join Cari Rawling, (ECE/parent), and Heather Beach (parent), 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.
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
REGISTER HERE

What's holding us back? The future of inclusive education in Canada
2025-11-05 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
16th Annual National Policy Forum on Inclusion
This year’s policy forum will be a 3-part virtual series exploring the realities of inclusive education in Canada. The series will bring together self-advocates, family members, educators, and policy experts. Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities says that people with disabilities have a right to an inclusive education at all levels. We will explore what gets in the way of these rights in Canada and highlight examples of how we can overcome these barriers together.
Format: 3-part virtual event via Zoom webinar. 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 community organizations and educators.
Your ticket gives you access to all 3 sessions

Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern

A recording of the event will be provided to everyone who registers.
The forum will be held in English. Simultaneous French interpretation and English and French CART will be provided.
Important: ASL and LSQ will be available upon request. Please identify that you require ASL or LSQ when you register, and no later than October 28, 2025. ASL and LSQ interpreters are in high demand. It’s important to us that community members have access to interpreters in their daily lives for things like medical appointments, education, and legal processes. Understanding that access to interpretation is a valuable and limited resource, we will book interpretation only when a need for them is identified.
To help us provide an accessible event, please indicate your accommodation needs when you register.
For questions about this event, please contact: forum@inclusioncanada.ca

Aging Caregivers
2025-11-05 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
We cannot slow the aging process in ourselves or in the people we care for! As we get older, our ability to care for our family member becomes more and more difficult. Planning our own future, and the future of our loved ones can be a terrifying process. Will we be able to provide the necessary care? Will they be well cared for in the future, after we are gone? What can we do to make the future easier? Connecting with other families in similar situations is the best way to problem solve and figure out what will work best for our specific situations. Join our call with other “mature” parents and caregivers and we can problem solve 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

16th Annual National Policy Forum on Inclusion
2025-11-05 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Virtual Event
What’s holding us back? The future of inclusive education in Canada
3-part virtual event via Zoom webinar
Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 7pm-8:30pm Eastern
This year’s policy forum will be a 3-part virtual series exploring the realities of inclusive education in Canada. The series will bring together self-advocates, family members, educators, and policy experts. Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities says that people with disabilities have a right to an inclusive education at all levels. We will explore what gets in the way of these rights in Canada and highlight examples of how we can overcome these barriers together.
Format: 3-part virtual event via Zoom webinar. 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.
Register now!

Learn about the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
2025-11-05 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a savings plan that can help someone with disabilities to save for their long-term financial security. Individuals must have the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to be eligible. Want to learn more about opening an RDSP account? Check out our RDSP Toolkit, or attend an info webinar by Plan Institute!

Substance Use and the Power of Support
2025-11-06 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Connection and relationship can make a difference in substance use and addiction. Guy Felicella, a renowned advocate and international speaker who has overcome a two-decade substance use disorder, passionately promotes harm reduction, trauma therapy, and faster access to treatment using his story of resilience and recovery. Learn how we can show care not just for our kids, but for the broader community impacted by substance use disorder.
Join us and other families for this video presentation and discussion that’s facilitated by a FamilySmart Family Peer Support Worker.
12:00pm-1:30 pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
1:00pm-2:30 pm 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

Empowering Families through Knowledge and Connection
2025-11-07 - 2025-11-08 | Sportsplex, 1800 S Alder St., Campbell River, BC, V9W 7J1, Canada
Families from the Campbell River area will gather for two days of learning and connecting. You will learn ways to strengthen your advocacy and access resources to help build a good life for your loved one with a disability. You will join other families in sharing knowledge and developing community support. Sessions will cover topics such as self-determination, advocacy, and future planning – session details will be released in the summer

Cost: FREE – Financial support is available for travel, child care or other expenses (see details and application after the program description)
When: November 7 & 8, 2025
Where: Sportsplex – 1800 S Alder St, Campbell River, BC V9W 7J1
Who: Families and caregivers living in and near Campbell River who support loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Register Here

Armstrong/Online: Attend this professional opportunity on grief and loss
2025-11-10 09:30 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Sage Cottage, Armstrong BC, 9931 Cathedral Drive, Vernon, BC, V1B 3Y9, Canada
This is a one-day workshop for professionals who work with children, youth and families. The workshop offers practical tools, insights, and approaches on supporting young clients navigating experiences of grief and loss. Attend in-person in Armstrong, BC in November, or virtually in December.
Location:
Sage Cottage | Armstrong, BC
Monday, November 10, 2025, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Virtual workshop:
Monday, December 8, 2025, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Mother's Mental Health Toolkit
2025-11-12 10:00 - 2025-12-17 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Quadra Village Community Centre, 901 Kings Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada
Mother’s Mental Health Toolkit group will begin on Wednesday Nov.12th and run until Dec 17th from 10am-12pm. Lunch will be served 12-1pm. If you would like to attend this group, contact Sue at families@quadravillagecc.com ASAP as there is great interest in this group and only 12 spaces. Please note that you must be available to attend ALL 6 sessions.
MORE INFO HERE

Joy of Music - by West Coast Reach Association
2025-11-13 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver) | McTavish Academy of Art (Gymnasium), 1720 McTavish Rd, North Saanich, BC, V8L 5T9, Canada
A lively, monthly music program for those with diverse-abilities (and their caregivers). – On the second Thursday morning each month at McTavish Academy of Art in North Saanich. For more detailed information see below. Questions? – Call 250-882-4339 or send us a an email message addressed to: westcoastreach@gmail.com (or click on the following button.

Download Flyer Here

Understanding ADHD for Adults
2025-11-13 17:30 - 2025-11-27 18:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
ADHD impacts all areas of life, and understanding is a pivotal starting point for moving forward.
This program is designed for those who are newly diagnosed and are embarking on a personal journey of self-discovery.
PLEASE NOTE: This program is not a webinar and requires your active participation to fully benefit from it. Sessions will not be recorded to protect your privacy.
Join us to unravel the complexities of Adult ADHD in an interactive, supportive, and collaborative environment.
After this program you should be able to:

Understand the wide range of Adult ADHD symptoms.
Become aware of how ADHD can impact various aspects of life.
Take proactive steps to explore non-medication approaches to managing ADHD.
Identify how ADHD medications work and how they can improve daily functioning.
Access resources that can bring positive changes to lives of people with ADHD

Facilitated by Dr. Gurdeep Parhar (MD) and Dr. Anita Parhar (PhD), this program draws from their extensive knowledge gained through years of dedicated work at the Adult ADHD Centre. Dr. Gurdeep Parhar and Dr. Anita Parhar bring a wealth of clinical and practical insights through the cumulative experience of over 15,000 patient experiences, which is the foundation of this program.
Begins Thursday, November 13, 2025 – 3 weeks
Dates: November 13, 20 & 27, 2025
Time: 5:30pm PST/ 6:30pm MST/ 8:30pm – 10pm EST/ 9:30pm AST
Where: Virtual on Zoom
Please note that this program is refundable up to 48hrs before the program starts. As of November 11th, the registration fee is non-refundable. Thank you for your understanding.
Facilitators: Dr. Gurdeep Parhar & Dr. Anita Parhar
Fee: $30 + HST

Please note that this program will be offered in January, March, September and November every year. This program is a good intro to ADHD prior to taking our Adult ADHD Group Coaching programs.
Please note that this program is refundable up to 48hrs before the program starts. Once the program begins, registration fee is non-refundable. Thank you for your understanding.

Now What? A beginning conversation to support families when our kids begin experimenting with substances
2025-11-13 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Learning that our kids are using substances can be scary. Our fears about substance use can affect how we react. Learn with us while Victoria Keddis hosts a conversation with Douglas Hardie, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Program Coordinator of Island Health’s Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and Substance Use Programs. This is a beginning conversation to help parents self-reflect on how they show up to talk to their kids about their substance use.
Join us and other families for this video presentation and discussion that’s facilitated by a FamilySmart Family Peer Support Worker.
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

Healthy Boundaries
2025-11-13 18:30 - 2025-12-18 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Men’s Therapy Center, 301-3491 Saanich Rd., Victoria, BC, V8X 1W8, Canada
Learn to foster mutual respect and strengthen your family dynamic by setting effective boundaries in a single-parent household.

Welcoming City Community Conversation: Community Leadership & Belonging
2025-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC, V8T 1G6, Canada
Overview

Who leads? Who belongs? How do we open doors for more voices? How can we make civic spaces more accessible?

Who leads? Who belongs? How do we open doors for more voices? How can we make civic spaces more accessible?
Hosted by the City of Victoria’s Welcoming City Advisory Committee in partnership with the Coastal Research, Education, and Advocacy Network (CREAN), this Welcoming City Community Conversation explores what leadership and belonging means in community spaces. This conversation builds upon the Welcoming City Standards and Strategy.
The evening will open with guest speaker Lindsay Katsitsakatste Delaronde, the first Indigenous Artist in Residence for the City of Victoria (2017–2019). Her work centers on Indigenous theatre, collaborative practice, cultural resurgence, and social and political activism through the arts.
A facilitated group discussion will follow, inviting community members to share experiences and ideas for shaping more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible civic spaces.
Light refreshments provided by Stir It Up (Caribbean food).
For accessibility accommodations, please email: zara@creansociety.org
