Drop-in Floor Hockey for Individuals with Diverse Abilities
2025-10-15 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-22 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver) | SJ Willis High School, 923 Topaz Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2M2, Canada

ADHD & Autism Series - Free webinar
2025-10-15 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
The Adult ADHD Centre & The Adult Autism Centre are launching a free webinar series, “ADHD & Autism,” featuring Dr. Anita Parhar and Dr. Gurdeep Parhar.
The inaugural session, titled “I have been diagnosed with ADHD, could I also be Autistic?” takes place on October 15, 2025, from 4:00–5:00 PM PDT / 6:00–7:00 PM CDT / 7:00–8:00 PM EDT.
This interactive event is open to individuals, families, and professionals seeking expert insight on dual diagnoses, with opportunities for practical guidance and live Q&A.
Registration is free, and all are welcome to attend this informative session on the overlap between ADHD and autism.

RE/MEMBERING: Zine’ing Loss & Grief
2025-10-15 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-10-22 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

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: It’s More Than Overwashing Your Hands
2025-10-15 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Living with OCD can present unique challenges that affect both our kids and us as families. For those living with it, simple tasks become overwhelming and disrupt daily life. Learn from Dr. Katherine McKenney, R. Psychologist and Director, Cornerstone Child & Family Psychology Clinic; and Kelsey, a young adult who lives with OCD. Together they discuss ways to strengthen our understanding and to support our kids living with OCD.
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.

Creative Arts Workshop For Caregivers
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Take a moment to pause this fall to creatively explore and nurture your wellness.
This one hour workshop offers a welcoming and supportive space for you to explore and choose simple materials (which may include : fabric, pastels, paints, natural materials etc. ) through art making processes. With guidance, you will be invited to explore art making processes as an opportunity to pause, rest your nervous system, and explore your own creativity. Participants will explore how your own creativity can be effective strategies for supporting their personal wellness.
Art making is accessible for all abilities, focuses on personal expression, and no previous art experience is needed to participate.
Supplies: Please bring any art supplies that you have : markers, colours, pens, pencils, paper, natural materials, yarn, fibres, fabric etc.
FACILITATOR Asha Rao- M.A (RCC),DVATI- Asha has been working in the disability field for over 20 years and is honoured to work in our community alongside children, youth and their families in supportive, strength-based ways. She is a registered art therapist, registered clinical counsellor and inclusive educator. 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
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

PSS Parenting Workshop Registration
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
This workshop will explore: how parenting has changed, when parenting styles collide, and how to find common ground.

Leaving High School, What's Next?
2025-10-20 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
How do you prepare for this big change in your child’s life? This workshop is designed to help families understand how to prepare for their child’s transition from high school into a full life in the community. Drawing on the experiences of many parents and professionals, we will discuss roles and responsibilities, the planning process, planning tools and available resources and services.
REGISTER HERE

Canada FASD Conference 2025
2025-10-21 - 2025-10-23 | Hilton Toronto, 145 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON, M5H 2L2, Canada
The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary research network, with collaborators, researchers and partners across the nation. It is Canada’s first comprehensive national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network. It started as an alliance of seven jurisdictions and operated for seven years as the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network.
The Canada FASD Conference will return to Toronto, Ontario on October 21-23, 2025. The 2025 theme is Shaping the Future of FASD: From Evidence to Action.

“This conference is going to serve as a seminal moment in the evolution of FASD awareness. Considering the exponential growth in Canadian and global FASD research and programming in the past decade, this conference will enable the sharing of a greatest amount of FASD best practices and strategies ever seen…” says speaker, Robert More.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of the movement toward FASD-informed change.

Register Here
Click here for Program Review

Children in Care - A Group for Parents and Caregivers
2025-10-21 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

ADHD - The Real Deal
2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:30, 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.

Young Sibling Peer Support Network
2025-10-21 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Find support for children and youth aged 8-11 who have a sibling with a disability! The Young Sibling Peer Support Network hosts free, monthly online peer groups for siblings of people with a disability or chronic health condition. For now, online groups are open to siblings living in the Victoria, Vancouver, and Prince George regions.
Siblings anywhere in BC can also check out the following resources:

Sibling Resource List: A collection of supports and information created to help families.
Recommended Books: A curated list of books for siblings and families, available through the BC Children’s Hospital Family Library in person or online.

To learn more about the peer support groups, you can watch this Information Video on YouTube, or contact 604-875-3594 or siblingcentre@cw.bc.ca
Victoria:
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Vancouver:
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Prince George:
Friday, October 24, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm

Mental Health First Aid Course
2025-10-22 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Join us for an engaging and impactful full-day Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification Course, designed to equip you with essential skills to assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or decline in well-being. Taking place in-person, this interactive training is scheduled from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and will provide you with hands-on techniques to recognize, support, and guide individuals toward recovery.
Throughout the course, participants will learn how to:

Recognize early signs of mental health declines or crises
Encourage open discussions about mental health and well-being
Guide individuals to appropriate professional or community supports
Offer support in mental health or substance use crises
Use MHFA actions to maintain your own mental health

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Mental Health First Aid certificate from the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC).
Pre-Course Requirement:
Before attending the in-person training, participants must complete a self-directed online module (Module 1), which introduces key concepts and strategies to be explored in the live training (Modules 2 and 3). The online module takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and proof of completion is required prior to the start of the in-person modules. Completion of Module 1 is mandatory to participate in the in-person course. Failure to complete the online module by the specified deadline will make the participant ineligible for a refund or transfer of registration.
Important Note: A minimum of 8 participants is required for the training to proceed. If fewer than 8 participants are confirmed 48 hours prior to the session, the course will be rescheduled in accordance with MHCC’s group size policy.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be submitted via email (training@csshsa.ca) at least 5 business days before the scheduled course to receive a refund or reschedule.
Late cancellations or no-shows are not eligible for refunds or rescheduling.

Inclusion Art Show & Sale (Lower Mainland)
2025-10-22 10:30 - 2025-10-23 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancover, BC, V6Z 2W3, Canada
Families in the Lower Mainland, you’re invited to the Inclusion Art Show & Sale for a vibrant celebration of social inclusion and diversity! This art show features the creations of around 200 artists with disabilities, showcasing media from paintings and photography to pottery, jewelry, and textiles. This year’s event includes an Indigenous Artist Showcase. This annual community event is organized by posAbilities and admission is free.
Location:
Roundhouse Community Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC

Early Years and School Age Navigation
2025-10-22 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

Free Webinar: Learning with Neurodiversity
2025-10-22 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Experience “Learning with Neurodiversity” on October 22, 2025, hosted by Deanna Fidelak and the Adult ADHD Centre. Unlock strategies for post-secondary neurodivergent students and discover academic support options in this free live webinar.
Join us from your preferred time zone:
4pm – 5:30pm PDT; 6pm – 7:30pm CDT; 7pm – 8:30pm EDT; and 8pm -9:30pm ADT.
The session provides expert advice and practical resources to empower diverse learners. Open to all seeking inclusive learning opportunities and support.
Reserve your spot now!

Aging Caregivers
2025-10-22 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

Community ASIST Workshop individual registration
2025-10-23 09:00 - 2025-10-24 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

Heartspace Gentle Movement
2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Join Tyra Skibington, certified yoga instructor, for a 45-minute gentle movement program, accessible for all abilities. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a comforting beverage, have a clear space on the floor with a chair or couch nearby for support, but otherwise no special equipment required!
Tyra has been a yoga teacher for over 10 years. She is passionate about caring for the caregiver because she is one. She knows the power of pausing through breath work and loves to share restorative movement as part of that practice. Join Tyra by inviting space and more breath into your body. This will help clear the mind, calm the nervous system and bring awareness to the body.
Register Here

FASD - Thinking Outside of the Box
2025-10-23 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

Embracing Success Education Conference
2025-10-24 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC, Canada
This one-day conference is designed especially for educators including classroom teachers, resource teachers, education assistants, and other professionals who work in the school setting with an emphasis on providing knowledge and strategies that can be applied in the classroom and school setting to support students with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
This year’s conference focuses on foundational academic skills, featuring expert-led sessions on literacy and numeracy instruction specifically tailored for students with Down syndrome. Our presenters have developed practical, evidence-based approaches that educators can immediately implement in their classrooms and school settings. Join in person or take part virtually!

Movie Night - Finding Nemo
2025-10-24 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stelly's Cross Rd, Saanichton, BC, Canada
The Saanichton Village and the Brentwood Bay Community Associations present:
Finding Nemo

Food, treats & fun activities before the movie starts at 7pm!
Doors open at 5:00pm

Wear your jammies, bring your chairs & blankets
When: October 24, 2025
Where: Saanich Fairgrounds Cedar R00m – Main Building | 1528 Stelly’s Cross Rd, Saanichton

Find Your Path: Solutions in Action Insights Event
2025-10-25 08:00 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Courtyard Calgary Airport by Marriott, 2500 48 Ave NE, Calgary, AB, T3J 4V8, Canada
October is Learning Disabilities and ADHD Awareness Month! Boost your understanding and personal support toolkit at our one-day Insights Event on October 25, 2025 in Calgary.
Find Your Path: Solutions in Action is all about practical take-aways for those with Learning Disabilities or ADHD on mental health, career coaching, classroom supports, non-ADHD partner strategies, homework help, relationships and more!
If you are a parent, educate children or are an adult looking to strengthen your skill set, this conference is for you. Tickets are only $30 making this an opportunity that’s both affordable and high quality!
Learn more & register here

2025 Au-Some Conference
2025-10-25 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual Event
About the event

Au-Some Conference 2025 – Featuring Inspiring Neurodivergent Voices
On October 25, 2025 from 10 AM – 3 PM EST, during Autism Acceptance Month, Autism Canada will host the 9th annual Au-Some Conference – the only Canadian event where every presentation is created and delivered by neurodivergent individuals. This powerful day of learning and connection will be presented virtually via Zoom and accessible on our YouTube channel, offering lived experience–led conversations that educate, empower, and inspire change.
Featured Presenters

Alex Watts – ADHD Speaker & AdvocateAn internationally recognized ADHD speaker, advocate, and creative entrepreneur, Alex blends lived experience, humour, and insight to break down neurodivergence in a relatable way. His energetic approach inspires acceptance, empowerment, and action. (Topic: Pathological Demand Avoidance)

Dani Bowman – Artist & EntrepreneurAn autistic animator, artist, and founder of DaniMation Studios, Dani has taught animation to over 3,000 students and premiered 14 short films at San Diego Comic-Con. She is also a cast member of Love on the Spectrum and a dedicated mentor for young creators. (Topic: Rethinking Autism and Employment in Creative Fields)

Charlotte Bergslien – Autistic & ADHD Content CreatorKnown as “The Spectrum Girl” to her 1.5M+ followers, Charlotte uses her platform to explore dating, friendships, travel, and self-esteem in the neurodivergent community. Her candid, uplifting content champions authenticity and inclusion. (Topic: Autism, Mental Health & the Power of Online Advocacy)

priyana – Singer & SongwriterA South-Asian, autistic, queer folk-indie artist from Toronto, priyana blends music and crochet to create safe, expressive spaces for her audience. Her latest album, Days I’ve Cried This Year, reflects her creative process and lived experience. (Topic: Music as a Space for Lived Experience, Rest, and Creativity)

Andreas Souvaliotis – Social EntrepreneurFounder of Carrot Rewards and Green Rewards, Andreas is a bestselling author and global leader in harnessing behavioural science for social good. He champions innovative approaches to public health, climate change, diversity, and citizenship. (Topic: Entrepreneurship and the Benefits of Being on the Spectrum)

Join us for a day that celebrates autistic voices, amplifies lived experiences, and brings together a nationwide community committed to inclusion and understanding.

Beer and Burger Silent Auction
2025-10-26 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Four Mile Brew Pub, 199 Island Hwy, Victoria, BC, V9B 1G1, Canada
Join us for our Beer and Burger Silent Auction on October 26th at Four Mile Brew Pub as part of Canadian Down Syndrome Week. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while bidding on exciting items and supporting a great cause. All proceeds will benefit the Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society’s programs and services
More Info

Building Healthy Workplace Cultures
2025-10-27 - 2025-10-28 | The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, 1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver, BC, V6G 2V4, Canada
Join us for two days of in-person inspiration, collaboration and learning!
Bottom Line 2025 is about advancing psychological health and safety in the workplace by building a sense of community. Together we’ll reveal the power of connection and compassion in creating workplaces that protect and support mental health for all.

Prevention Focus: Learn proactive strategies to prevent psychological harm.
Practical Solutions: Discover actionable steps to drive real change in your organization.
Expert Insights: Explore perspectives from workers and leaders across diverse sectors.

Learn from top workplace mental health experts as we take a deep dive into pressing issues, practical approaches, real experiences and lived expertise.

Get practical tools to enhance your workplace
Network with industry leaders and innovators
Join the movement for better mental health

Register Here
About the Conference
Since 2002, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Bottom Line Conference has brought together business leaders, workers, union representatives, policy makers, and researchers to share real experiences, successes, ideas, and expertise on improving mental health in Canadian workplaces. The event attracts over 350 delegates from across BC and beyond.
We respectfully acknowledge xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Lkwungen (Songhees) and Wyomilth (Esquimalt) peoples on whose traditional, unceded lands the conference will be held. ​

Engage at Every Age
2025-10-28 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Virtual Event
Engage at Every Age: When young and old connect, great things happen!
Join us for a free webinar presented by Andrew Fleck Children’s Services. In this session, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services (Ottawa) will be sharing their insights and reflections acquired over the past few years, facilitating intergenerational programming between children ages 0 – 4 and diverse older adult populations in a variety of settings. Participants will have an opportunity to learn from their challenges and successes and ask questions about the early stages of developing an intergenerational program.
Intergenerational programming offers a powerful opportunity to foster meaningful, everyday connections between children and older adults. Both generations benefit from time spent together, enjoying shared interests and forming lasting friendships. Rather than limiting these moments to occasional, planned visits where seniors passively observe, we’re exploring what’s possible when interactions are naturally embedded into daily routines within an early learning and care setting.
Open to anyone developing or considering an intergenerational program with children up to 4 years of age.
Presented By:
Neeka Barnes – Director, Special Projects Andrew Fleck Children’s Services
Neeka Barnes has worked in the early learning and care field for 46 years. She has a diverse background that includes roles as a consultant, life skills coach, and college professor. For the past several years, she has worked as the Director of Special Projects at Andrew Fleck Children’s Services.
José Alejandro Fernandez Cruz – Intergenerational Program Assistant, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services
Jose Alejandro Fernandez Cruz (RECE, Bach. Early Learning and Community Development) is the Intergenerational Program Coordinator with Andrew Fleck Children’s Services. As part of the Engage At Every Age Intergenerational Child Care Project, he conducts research into the best practices of shared-space intergenerational programming and facilitates the involvement of older adults in the program.
Email: jfernandez@afchildrensservices.ca
REGISTER HERE

Advancing Inclusive Education: Global Perspectives
2025-10-28 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Last month, our global inclusion movement came together in person at Inclusion International’s World Congress in Sharjah, UAE — a powerful gathering of advocates and families driving inclusion forward worldwide from over 70 countries.
Join us as we reflect on what we heard in Sharjah and explore the current global landscape of inclusive education — what progress is being made, where challenges remain, and what lessons we can carry forward together.
