Osanis Inclusion Services Inc.

Stories in the Park
2025-07-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-31 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-21 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | Saxe Point Park, Victoria, BC, V9A 6G5, Canada
Join Esquimalt’s Recreation staff for story time in the park. We will be reading stories from Canadian authors followed by a themed activity. These stories are intended for children ages 2-5, but all are welcome.

~Meet at the flagpole~

July3rd – A Garden Called Home by Jessica J Lee & Elaine Chen
July 10th – This is a Tiny Fragile Snake by Nicholas Ruddock
July 17th – The only Lonely Fairy by Lana Button
July 24th – Lobster’s Vacation by Michelle Robinson
July 31st – Class Trip by Robert Munsch
Aug 7th – Super Small by Tiffany Stone
Aug 14th – Brave like the Buffalo by Melissa Allen
Aug 21st – A Bumblebee Sweater by Betty Waterton
Aug 28th – Emma at the Fair by Magriet Ruurs

Take part in our summer stories passport. Each week you attend you will receive a sticker!

FASD - Thinking Outside of the Box
2025-07-24 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-31 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.

Dads Matter
2025-07-27 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

Real Talk Pride Season 2SLGBTQIA+ Zoom Hangout
2025-07-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
LGBTQ folks with cognitive disabilities (or folks with cognitive disabilities who are questioning or curious about their gender and / or orientation) meet over Zoom, watch some Real Talk videos, and participate in a conversation facilitated by a certified sexual health educator.
Everybody has questions about dating, love, relationships, and sex. Things like:

How do I meet a boyfriend / girlfriend / partner?
How do I let my family know that I want to date?
How can I make sex safer?
What is consent?

It’s totally normal. But sometimes it can be hard to know where to get good information. At this event, we’ll watch some Real Talk videos, and have a conversation hosted by a Certified Sexual Health Educator. We’ll talk about where to get good information, who can support us with this stuff, and how to figure out confusing situations. People are welcome to talk about things, or to just listen if they don’t want to talk.
If you want a family member, friend, or staff member to come with you to the event, that’s great. They don’t need to register, they can just show up with you.
Register Here

Aging Caregivers
2025-07-30 18:30 - 20:00 | 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!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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.
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.

Access to Justice Position Statement
2025-07-31 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Did you know that people with an intellectual disability face significant barriers when interacting with the justice system?
Inclusion Canada has developed a position statement on access to justice. On Thursday, July 31st from 3-4 PM EST, we’ll be hosting a webinar to review our priorities, our calls to action, and our vision for an inclusive justice system.
Join us, learn from self-advocates, family members, and legal professionals, and prepare to be part of the solution.
Live French interpretation and ASL/LSQ will be available during the webinar.
To view Inclusion Canada’s Access to Justice position statement ahead of the webinar, you can do so here: https://bit.ly/3GBl6TO
Panelists include:

Kory Earle-Morrow: Kory is the Provincial/Territorial Coordinator at People First of Canada. Kory has been a huge advocate for people labelled with an intellectual or developmental disability. He lives with his husband, mother-in-law and 4 cats in Carleton Place. Kory will moderate the webinar.
Bluesette Campbell: Bluesette is the President of Inclusion Saskatchewan and a member of the Inclusion Canada board of directors. Bluesette chaired the Access to Justice Position Statement Committee. She will provide an overview of the position and commentary as a parent.
Elsie Tellier Caballero: Elsie is a Staff Lawyer at ARCH Disability Law Center. Elsie co-coordinated the Canada Civil Society Parallel Report Group. Elsie will comment on the significance of Inclusion Canada’s position, including as it relates to the rights claiming process.

Register for free now!

VDRC - Art Group
2025-08-01 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Victoria Disability Resource Centre, 817A Fort Str., Victoria, BC, V8W 1H8, Canada
Our Art Group for persons with disabilities is going twice monthly this summer! Create a unique masterpiece with paints, markers or whatever helps express yourself!
We will provide supplies, including colouring books, canvases, felts, paint
When: July 18th, August 1st, and August 15th
Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Where: 817A Fort Street

Children In Care
2025-08-05 12:00 - 13:30 | 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 **

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.

Children's Day
2025-08-09 10:00 - 15:30 | Heritage Acres, 7321 Lochside Dr, Saanichton, BC, V8M 1W4, Canada
Admission $8 per person. Children 12 & under FREE
When:
Saturday August 9, 2025
Where:
7321 Lochside Drive (off Island View Road), Saanichton
What:

Balloon Art
Facepainting
Storytime
Photobooth
Creek Tour
Nature Walk
Friendship Bracelets
VIBA Blacksmithing Demonstrations
Sidney Museum, Centre of the Universe, Passport to Science, Hatch Family Movies, & Central Saanich Fire Department

Annual Community BBQ – You're Invited!
2025-08-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC, V8T 1G6, Canada
📅 Saturday, August 9th
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Fernwood Community Centre
Join us for an afternoon of good food, great music, and even better company at our annual Community BBQ!
Come together with friends old and new to celebrate community, connection, and the joy of summer.
🎶 Live Music
🌭 Delicious BBQ & Refreshments
💬 Meet new people & reconnect with friends
This free, all-ages event is open to everyone — whether you’ve been to our gatherings before or you’re brand new, we can’t wait to welcome you.
Come hungry, leave happy!

Play Time!
2025-08-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Memorial Park, 1200 Esquimalt Rd, Esquimalt, BC, V9A 3N8, Canada
When:

August 11, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Join us at the park for some fun outdoor activities. We will have lawn games, light sports equipment, etc. Come spend some time with us in the fresh air and sun!
This is a FREE park activity

Related links

Follow our Facebook Event for updates

Contact phone
250-412-8518

Contact email
events@esquimalt.ca

Contact name
Tara Silva

Kindergarten Transitions
2025-08-12 12:30 - 14:30, 2025-08-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Transitioning from preschool or childcare into school can be particularly challenging for parents and their children when extra supports are required.
Additional care is needed to ensure a smooth process and understand how to navigate the school system This workshop is designed for parents of preschoolers and kindergarteners to learn what to expect during those first months of Kindergarten.

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

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.

You are invited to join FSI EARLY YEARS TRANSITIONS, this online forum was created by The Family Support Institute of BC aimed to support families navigate the journey of transitioning into Kindergarten for their loved ones through peer-to-peer support and shared experiences. https://www.facebook.com/groups/fsitransitiontok

Imprint, In Print
2025-08-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, V8X 3W, Canada
Design your very own nature-themed tote bag during this hands-on, evening workshop!
Participants are invited to learn how to identify the traces different plants and animals leave behind in their natural habitat. You will have the opportunity to decorate your very own tote bag using wax rubbings of natural materials found at the Nature Sanctuary.
Participants will join Nature Educators on a guided walk to learn about animal and human activity around the Nature House. Throughout this workshop, we will reflect on discuss what kinds of impacts humans leave on nature.
All materials, including the tote bags, will be supplied.
Where: Meet at the Teaching Shelter – Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
When: Tuesday, August 12th, 6:00 PM – 7:00PM
Who: All ages welcome; Please have any participants under 14 accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $15

Deaf and Autistic - Affirming Intersections of Experience
2025-08-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Event
This webinar will focus on people who are Deaf and
Autistic. The presenter will be Elle Livengood. Elle is
Deaf and Autistic herself and will share her journey to
understanding autism, being Hard of Hearing and
becoming Deaf, experience through a cochlear implant,
and about other parts of the life lived til now. Elle will
talk about understanding language, understanding
autism, affirming Deaf Autistic children, how to
navigate the systems that don’t always support
marginalized families, and more!

BIOGRAPHY

Elle is a professional educator of many years and many
hats. Elle has taught Deaf and hard of hearing students
across the country, in Deaf schools, mainstream settings
and now runs a DHH middle school center program in
Portland, Oregon. As well, Elle has hosted a variety of
workshops on the Disability experience for adults. They
are Deaf, Autistic and chronically ill and have a
plethora of lived and learned experience in the
Disability Community.
These days you can find Elle loving their little home and
family life filled with love, animals and nature.

Fed Family Chat
2025-08-12 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
Tues, Aug 12, 7-8 PM

Sign Up for Fed Family Chat

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

Summer Discovery with our Explorer Packs
2025-08-13 09:30 - 11:00 | Island View Beach, 3215 Island View Rd, Saanichton, BC, V8M 1W3, Canada
Join us to discover what’s inside our new Explorer Adventure Packs, featuring birds at the beach and seashore, along with all the cool things you can find.
When: July 23rd & August 13, 2025
Time: 9:30 am – 11 am
Where: Island View Beach

Email: ccrr@beacons.ca
Call: 250-216-3053

Gentle Yoga in the Park
2025-08-13 09:45 - 2025-08-27 11:00 | Oaklands Park, 1500 Kings Rd,, Victoria, BC, Canada
Start time:
Wednesday 9:45 AM

End time:
Wednesday 11:00 AM

Where:
Oaklands Park
Learn the basics of yoga, improve your balance, strengthen your core AND increase your overall body strength! Leave class feeling relaxed and focused. No need to be intimidated, yoga is for everyBODY! This is a fun, multilevel yoga class that’s suitable for all ages.
Please bring your own yoga mat.

Walking Wednesdays
2025-08-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Esquimalt Neighbourhood House, 511 Constance Ave, Victoria, BC, V9A 6N5, Canada
Who:
Adults who like to walk, meet new people and chat.
What:
Whether you are new to the area or just looking to meet new people, this is a safe, friendly space to connect & enjoy a relaxing walk to Saxe Point and back, followed by coffee & snacks back at Foster’s Centre.
When:
Wednesdays 11am
Walk 11am-12pm Coffee 12-1pm
Come once or each week.
(Weather Dependent)
Where:
Meet at Esquimalt Neighbourhood House
511 Constance Ave
Drop In for this FREE program:
Questions? Call 250-385-2635 Ext 201

Special Woodstock 26th Year
2025-08-17 10:00 - 18:00 | Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, North Cowichan, BC, V9L 5L6
Welcome to ‘Special Woodstock’
A Music Festival Like No Other!

“Special Woodstock” is a music festival that happens once a year on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada on the beautiful 140-acre property of
Providence Farm in Duncan, BC, Canada.
The date for this year’s event will be held on
Sunday, August 17, 2025
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The price?
Free!
No tickets are required, no entry fee.
How do we do it?
With help from The Lions Clubs of Vancouver Island and the surrounding Islands generous community businesses and YOU!
All donations, big and small add up to an amazing, heartwarming, inspiring Music Festival called
Special Woodstock
Join our Facebook Group to watch us live from all over the world.
Special Woodstock 2025
https://www.facebook.com/groups/238046300752413/
“Special Woodstock” was created to feature the artistic talents of people with disabilities alongside professional musicians on a community/world stage…
Founded in September 1999 by Shelley Vaags, who saw a need for a platform to be created to feature this incredible, courageous, inspiring,
and unique community of individuals.

Watch her documentary here to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc94YY4QyTk

The ADHD Growth Summit
2025-08-18 07:00 - 2025-08-29 17:00 | BC
In celebration of our new ADHD community, we are throwing a party and you are invited. Join us virtually for two weeks of body doubling, interactive workshops, breakthrough moments, and finding your people.
This Summit brings together over 30 extraordinary ADHD voices and experts ranging from coaches, creators, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and educators.
They represent the full richness of ADHD culture. It’s innovation, honesty, adaptability, and depth. They’re here to answer the questions you’ve been wanting to ask and the keys to their success.

Make Pinback Buttons
2025-08-19 09:30 - 11:30 | Victoria Disability Resource Centre, 817A Fort Str., Victoria, BC, V8W 1H8, Canada
Join us on Tuesday August 19th from 9:30-11:30am, for a fun peer activity: making pinback buttons! This will be held at the Victoria Disability Resource Centre, located at 817A Fort Street.
We will have pre-printed designs and the materials to make your own design. If you are bringing your own materials or designs, please make sure the dimensions range between 1-3 inches.
Register for the group at the following link: https://forms.gle/rfaMTSmcMQm44LXK7
If you have any questions or require any accommodation, please email recreation@drcvictoria.com.
Image Description: A poster for the Making Pinback Buttons workshop, with examples of button designs people can make. All relevant info is in the above post.

Personal Planning Stories + Q&A with Nidus and Family Support Institute
2025-08-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Event
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and FSI are hosting a joint webinar on personal planning and Representation Agreements. This webinar will help you understand how to arrange for future support needs or potential incapacity while you’re still living.
The webinar offers a screening of two videos featuring personal, real-life stories from people across BC, highlighting the usefulness of personal planning and Representation Agreements. After the screening, there will be time for a short Q&A period.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Register Here
