Osanis Inclusion Services Inc.

Introduction to Individualized Funding for Families
2025-10-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Victoria Association for Community Living, 3861 Cedar Hills Cross Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 2M7, Canada
Join us for an informative session designed to help families learn about Individualized Funding.
Registration will allow you to join the in-person session virtually.

Join Vela Canada, CLBC, The Family Support Institute and The Victoria Association for Community Living for an informative session designed to help families learn about Individualized funding: what it is and how it works, the different ways families can use it to support the unique needs of their family member and the resources and supports available.

If you live in Victoria and would like to attend the session in person, please register here.

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

Learn to Cope with Stress
2025-10-07 18:00 - 2025-11-25 19:00 | YMCA, 202-1314 Lakepoint Way, Victoria, BC, V9B 0S2, Canada
Mental health challenges shouldn’t get in the way of doing what you love. Our programs help overcome barriers and get you on the right track to where you’d like to be.
Our free mental wellness programs, Y Mind and Mind Medicine, help participants learn how to manage stress and mild-to-moderate anxiety (individuals experiencing severe anxiety and stress that significantly impacts their ability to perform daily activities likely require more support than what Y Mind is intended to provide). Our programs are evidence-based and teach Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness.
To participate, you may self-refer, you do not need a diagnosis of anxiety, and you do not need to be a Y member
MORE INFO HERE

Mental Wellness - Y Mind Teen (13-18) & Youth (18-30)
2025-10-07 18:00 - 2025-11-25 19:30 | BC
Mental health challenges shouldn’t get in the way of doing what you love. Our programs help overcome barriers and get you on the right track to where you’d like to be.
Our free mental wellness programs, Y Mind and Mind Medicine, help participants learn how to manage stress and mild-to-moderate anxiety (individuals experiencing severe anxiety and stress that significantly impacts their ability to perform daily activities likely require more support than what Y Mind is intended to provide). Our programs are evidence-based and teach Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness.
To participate, you may self-refer, you do not need a diagnosis of anxiety, and you do not need to be a Y member.
Y MIND TEEN – AGES 13-18
Y Mind Teen is a free seven-week program delivered across BC. This program supports teens ages 13 to 18 who are experiencing symptoms of stress and worry to learn and practice evidence-based strategies to cope with stress. Y Mind Teen is led by trained mental health professionals and educators and gives teens the chance to connect with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings.
Registration Information:
The Y Mind Groups are being offered in person at the Westhills Y (Langford) and Downtown locations. If you are not able to attend these for any reason, both virtual and in person groups are available to those in other parts of BC and Vancouver Island. Please contact us at mindfulness@vancouverislandy.ca so we can support you in accessing a group (either in person or virtual) in your area.
The dates and times for our next information sessions and a registration link are below:
Westhills Y In Person Information Session:
Tuesday September 16th at 5:45 pm @ Westhills YMCA-YWCA
or
Tuesday September 23rd at 5:45 pm @ Westhills YMCA-YWCA

Westhills Y In Person Program Sessions:
Tuesdays October 7th – November 18th, 2025 at 6 pm -7:30 pm @ Westhills YMCA-YWCA
OR
Downtown In Person Information Session:
Wednesday September 24th at 5:45 pm @ Location TBD
or
Wednesday October 1st at 5:45 pm @ Location TBD

Downtown In Person Program Sessions:
Wednesdays October 15th – November 26th, 2025 at 6 pm -7:30 pm @ Location TBD
The registration process for Y Mind Teen includes attendance at an Information Session (either online or in person, depending on the site) and a brief intake meeting with one of our facilitators to determine if the group is a best fit for the teen.
REGISTER ONLINE
*Expecting an email from the Y team… please ensure you check your junk email folders occasionally emails may be flagged as spam.

Y MIND YOUTH – AGES 18 – 30
The Y Mind Groups are being offered in person in Winter 2026 Location TBD. Please contact us at mindfulness@vancouverislandy.ca so we can support you in accessing a group (either in person or virtual) in your area.
*Note: With enough interest we can offer a Youth group this Fall 2025. Please register for an information session through the link below if you are interested and we will contact you.
All participants must register and attend one of our information sessions and a one-on-one intake to register for the program. The dates and times for our next Victoria information sessions and a registration link are below:
Downtown Y In Person Information Session:
Tuesday February 3rd 2026 at 5:45pm @ Location TBD
or
Tuesday February 10th 2026 at 5:45pm @ Location TBD
Downtown Y In Person Program Sessions:
Tuesdays Feb 17th – March 31st, 2026 6pm – 8:30pm @ Location TBD
Y Mind Youth is being offered in the Westshore by Pacific Centre Family Services at 324 Goldstream Ave. If you are interested in that group, please contact Julia at jleggett@pcfsa.org
REGISTER ONLINE

ADHD - The Real Deal
2025-10-07 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:30 | 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.

Seated Dance (Fall 2025)
2025-10-08 10:15 - 2025-11-26 11:00 | Garry Oaks Room, 1335 Thurlow Rd., Victoria, BC, V8S 5K2, Canada
This high energy program is designed to get your body moving. We’ll be dancing together to a soundtrack spanning different musical genres including pop, latin, jazz, and more. Taught from a seated position, this class is designed in a way to be suitable for adults of all abilities and fitness levels.

Program Details
– Wednesdays from 10:15 – 11:00am
– October 8th – November 26th
– Garry Oaks Room (1335 Thurlow Rd) in partnership with the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association
– For adults (ages 18+)
– $60.00 for 8 weeks
​
Registration opens on August 1st on the Fairfield Gonzales Association Website.

Drop-in Floor Hockey for Individuals with Diverse Abilities
2025-10-08 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-15 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-22 13:00 - 14:30 | SJ Willis High School, 923 Topaz Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2M2, Canada

RE/MEMBERING: Zine’ing Loss & Grief
2025-10-08 17:30 - 19:00 | Virtual Event
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

Open the Door - A three part series designed to transform the mental health system
2025-10-10 15:30 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Parents are fighting for their children’s lives within a mental health system steeped in stigma. They are scared, isolated, and exhausted, caught in a cycle of navigating a fragmented system that fails to meet their needs. Their plea is clear: accessible, comprehensive care with long-term support. Community leaders and policymakers are invited to join this virtual guided conversation grounded in real stories and honest dialogue. Families and self-advocates are welcome to attend. Together, let’s explore how we can open the door to help families, inform policy, and build a future where every person has the chance to thrive. When we listen—really listen—we can create lasting change.
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

REGISTER HERE

MOVE for Mental Health: Live Music Celebration for World Mental Health Day
2025-10-10 19:00 - 22:00 | Sizzling Tandoor, 637 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1M7, Canada
Did you know that DANCE is the most effective way to combat anxiety/depression?
Join us Friday Oct 10th, at the Sizzling Tandoor to move & groove!
——————————–

Agenda

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Doors Open & Mingle

7:30 PM – 7:35 PM
Welcome

Care-2-Share

7:35 PM – 8:05 PM
Alle Bernardi – Live Music (Folk Pop)

Alle Bernardi

Moved by the rhythm of the ocean, Alle portrays the colours, sights, and sounds of her coastal utopia through expressive and insightful original works, painting an infectiously sunshine filled dream …
View More

8:20 PM – 9:00 PM
TBD – DJ Set

TBD

Upbeat DJ set to get you on your feet!

9:20 PM – 10:20 PM
Katie Hall – DJ Set (Dubstep)

Katie Hall

Katie brings her experience with mixing UKG, Dubstep, Riddim and Deep Wubs to create a unique and upbeat sound while engaging her audience – you will certainly feel this set in your sneakers!

Belonging
2025-10-14 09:00 - 17:00 | Little Fernwood Gallery, 1923 Fernwood Rd., Victoria, BC, V8T 2Y6, Canada
Led by people with disabilities featuring art by people with disabilities from across BC.
Little Fernwood Gallery
1923 Fernwood Rd.
Every Tuesday in October
9am – 5pm

When Sensitivity Hurts: RSD and the Neurodivergent Mind
2025-10-14 16:30 - 17:30 | Virtual Event
The Montreal Center for Learning Disabilities presents “When Sensitivity Hurts: Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria.
Do you or someone you care about struggle with overwhelming emotional responses to perceived criticism or rejection?
Join ADHD coach and researcher Dr. Janina Maschke for a free webinar exploring Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). A powerful and often misunderstood experience common in neurodivergent individuals.
You’ll learn:

What RSD is and why it happens
How it impacts daily life, relationships, and mental health
Tools to manage emotional intensity with compassion
Practical strategies for building resilience and self-understanding

Led by a global expert with a Ph.D. in Psychology and extensive experience supporting neurodivergent minds.

Fed Family Chat
2025-10-14 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
Tuesday, Oct 14, 7-8 PM
Sign Up for Fed Family Chat

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

ADHD & Autism Series - Free webinar
2025-10-15 16:00 - 17:00 | 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 | Vancouver Hospice Society, 4615 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, Canada

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: It’s More Than Overwashing Your Hands
2025-10-15 18:30 - 20:00 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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

Young Sibling Peer Support Network
2025-10-21 16:30 - 18:00 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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
