VDRC - Art Group
2025-08-15 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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

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
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.

Walking Wednesdays
2025-08-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-27 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-03 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

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

Stories in the Park
2025-08-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:00 | 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!

Accessibility Projects Grants Applications Now Open!
2025-08-21 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
As part of the Province’s goal to improve accessibility for people with disabilities in BC, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) was selected by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR) to distribute funding to community based “Accessibility Projects” beginning in 2018. Since then, over 95 projects have been funded.
This year the grants have reopened again with a total of $450,000 available. BC-based not-for-profit organizations may apply for up to $40,000 for year-long community engagement projects that will support lasting change for people in BC living with disability. Projects will focus on one of the following objectives:

Accessible employment;
Accessible emergency planning and response;
Accessible arts, culture and tourism;
Accessible sports and recreation;
Accessible education and learning;
Accessible community participation.

The deadline to submit applications is September 12th, 2025, at 12pm Pacific Time. Successful applicants will receive funding in December 2025 in order to implement their project in January 2026.
Eligibility criteria includes:

Projects must be focused on community engagement rather than large capital costs such as accessibility improvements to buildings and outdoor spaces.
Eligible organizations must be not-for-profit organizations with a volunteer Board chosen by its membership, based in BC or with a base of operations in and sufficient capacity to deliver services in BC. They must operate primarily for community benefit and have services open to the public rather than restricted to their membership.
If an organization has received a grant in the past, they can reapply 5 years after their application was submitted (for example, if an organization applied in 2020 for a grant and did their project in 2021, they can reapply in 2025 to do a project in 2026).
Conflicts of interest with DABC must be declared on the application form to be considered on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please see our Conflict of Interest Protocol here.

For more information about eligibility please see the Call for Proposals, which can be found here: Accessibility Projects Grants | DABC (dabc.ca)
Online information sessions will occur on Thursday August 21st at 1:00pm-2:00pm and Wednesday September 3rd at 11:30am-12:30pm. At these sessions, potential applicants will be invited to learn about the application process and ask questions. Live captioning will be available. With two weeks advanced notice, ASL interpretation can be booked on request and other accessibility requests will be accommodated whenever possible.
– To register for the August 21st session, please click here.
-To register for the September 3rd session, please click here.
To learn more and download the Call for Proposals (CFP) and application forms please visit: Accessibility Projects Grants | DABC (dabc.ca). Screen reader friendly versions of the document and ASL interpretations explaining the application process are also available.
If you have any questions, please contact the Accessibility Projects Grants Coordinator at ap@dabc.ca.
Download the press release here.

BC Summer Institute 2025
2025-08-25 - 2025-08-27 | Virtual Event
The BC Summer Institute: Partnerships for Inclusive Learning conference, organized by the Family Support Institute, is happening in August, and the early bird registration deadline is coming up soon!
This virtual conference for educators, paraprofessionals, and members of school-based teams in BC provides a professional learning experience around facilitating inclusive practice in the classroom.
Monday, August 25 to Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Early Bird registration is by Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Early Bird pricing – $395
Regular pricing – $450

Journey Through Grief
2025-08-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
Parents, grandparents, and caregivers of a child or family member with a disability who journey through aspects of grief are invited to come together in a safe space for connection, understanding, inspiration, capacity building, and non-judgemental support. Whether your experience is a new diagnosis, life stage, or loss, we welcome you to join the conversation circle. We are inclusive of diverse perspectives and belief systems.
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 grassroots 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.

YOUth Showcase
2025-08-26 18:30 - 20:00
Help Us Celebrate YOUth!
We are excited to be hosting our sixth annual Fed Family Summer Celebration, featuring our first YOUth Showcase:
Tues Aug 26, 2025, from 6:30 to 8PM.
Join us for an evening that celebrates the Fed’s amazing volunteers, 2-year members, and the accomplishments of our Fed Family.
Share Your Success
Are you a young person (ages 14-28) with care experience? Did you achieve a milestone recently? Send us your achievements to be celebrated during the YOUth Showcase!
We’ll be spotlighting achievements both big and small (e.g. receiving your first paycheck, buying a book you’ve wanted, learning to make a new dish, etc.). Submissions can be in written or visual format and the deadline to submit is August 22 at 9AM.

Children In Care
2025-09-02 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.

Family Day Block Party
2025-09-03 11:00 - 15:00 | Heritage Acres, 7321 Lochside Dr, Saanichton, BC, V8M 1W4, Canada
You’re invited to family day hosted by the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society. A dry (alcohol-free) event filled with laughter, connection, and fun for all ages! Free entry with can food donations!
When:
September 3, 2025
Time:
11 AM to 3 PM
Where:
7321 Lochside Dr. , Saanichton BC

Mental Health First Aid Course
2025-09-04 08:30 - 2025-09-05 12:00 | Virtual Event
Join us for an engaging and impactful virtual 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. This interactive training will take place virtually, from 8:30AM to 12:00PM, on September 4th & 5th, providing 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).
Before attending the virtual 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 virtual modules. Completion of Module 1 is mandatory to participate in the virtual 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 by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) 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.

Art Exploration for Grief and Loss
2025-09-04 18:00 - 2025-09-25 20:00 | 55 Activity Centre, 1201 Village Way, Squamish, BC, V8B 0R7, Canada
The Sea to Sky Hospice Society is running a 4-week Art Exploration group for grief and loss. This free program is a safe and inclusive space to experiment with art while processing a range of emotional responses to grief. There are 8 spots available.
Join volunteer Art Exploration facilitators Grace and Jani for four sessions as they help to “draw out” the expression of grief and loss through the use of mixed art materials. Participants will benefit from facilitated peer support and the opportunity to express grief without words, in this small group.
Registration is required. To register, please email Jody, Client Services Coordinator, at jody.kramer@seatoskyhospicesociety.ca
Location:
55+ Centre Art Room
1201 Village Green Way
Squamish, BC
Thursdays, September 4 to 25, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00pm

Let's Celebrate Grandparents
2025-09-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Slocan Park, 2750 E 29th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bring your blankets, folding chairs, and the whole family for a delightful day filled with fun, laughter, live music, games, delicious food, prizes and so much more!
Enjoy a delicious FREE meal from the Yo-Bones BBQ Food Truck (while supplies last). Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a musical performance from Burnaby’s favourite rock band, Rainshadow!

As well as…
Fun games and Activities
Live Music
Door Prizes
50/50 Prize Draw
Community Services Information Tables

September 7, 2025
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Slocan Park, 2750 E 29th Ave
Vancouver, BC

RSVP TODAY!

Accessible Social Media and Email Marketing for Job Seekers with Disabilities (CCRW)
2025-09-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Event
Interested in Accessible Digital Marketing?
This workshop will help in understanding how to make digital resources inclusive and accessible. Through examples and group discussions, attendees will learn key accessibility principles, practical strategies, and tools for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and email marketing. A takeaway toolkit of resources will be provided for continued learning and implementation.

Learning Outcomes:
Design Accessible Content
Implement Alt Text
Image Descriptions & Captions
Tools for Accessibility

Find more information on the CCRW website. or Register Here

Gender Marvelous
2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Welcome to a space where families come together to share their experiences, ask questions, and support one another as we navigate the journey of raising our queer, gender-diverse and/or Two-Spirit children and youth. Join the conversation, find strength and encouragement, and connect with a network of families who understand. All queer and 2SLGBTQIA+ families are welcome. Let’s support each other and grow together!
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/
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.

Wills & Estate Planning
2025-09-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
Becoming well-informed about wills, trusts and estate planning is necessary to secure the financial future of your loved one with a disability. In this workshop, Geoffrey White will explain how to arrange your estate, prepare a will, and the various ins and outs of setting up a trust specifically for your relative or loved-one with a disability.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm

Fed Family Chat
2025-09-09 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, Sept 9, 7-8 PM
Sign Up for Fed Family Chat

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

SEA: For Adults - Free online workshop for World Suicide Prevention Day
2025-09-10 18:30 - 20:00 | 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.
September 10, 2025 6:30-8pm (via Zoom)
This workshop is being held in recognition of World Suicide Prevention day, and is free of cost.
Once you’ve registered you will receive the zoom link the day before the workshop.
Register Here

Peer Support Group for Adults (19+) Beareaved by Suicide Loss
2025-09-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
Online Peer Support Group for Suicide Loss Survivors
Losing a loved one to suicide is an incredibly difficult and isolating experience. We often feel unable to share our experiences and loss in the same way others who grieve can. NEED2’s Online Peer Support Group provides a safe, and compassionate space where adults who have experienced loss by suicide can connect with others who have shared experiences.
Our groups run online the second Thursday of every month; 6:30-8:30 PST and is facilitated by two trained professionals.
REGISTER HERE

VDRC’s 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM)
2025-09-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Join us and hear from the keynote speakers from the City of Victoria’s Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
We will be holding our 35th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2025 @ 6:00 PM Via Zoom.
Live transcript and ASL will be provided.
Come here from representatives from the City of Victoria’s Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Download the AGM Package here.
To join with your computer, tablet or smart phone, click this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86329699738?pwd=[REDACTED]
To join by telephone, call 1-778-907-2071 (or find your local number here: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbvO7fXoa)
Meeting ID: 863 2969 9738 Passcode: [REDACTED]
For questions or accommodations, please contact Wendy at director@drcvictoria.com or 250-595-0044 ext. 107

Understanding Your Child's ADHD
2025-09-15 19:00 - 2025-09-29 20:30 | Virtual Event
Are you struggling to understand and navigate your child’s new ADHD diagnosis? Do you feel overwhelmed with all the information and unsure what to believe? This three-week introductory program will help you learn what ADHD actually is, and how it can affect your child at home and school. The course aims to teach parents and caregivers the basics of ADHD and strategies to help manage adverse symptoms.
This 3-week program is meant to be a first step for parents with a newly diagnosed child. It will explain the basics of the condition, along with how it may be showing up at home and school. It will provide parents with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of their child, as well as opportunities to share their experiences with other parents.
Topics include: ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, how ADHD affects the family unit, social impairments caused by ADHD, IEPs, strategies to address problematic behaviours

Week 1 – Understand what ADHD is and its impairments
Week 2 – Understand how ADHD impacts your child and family at home
Week 3 – Understanding ADHD at school

Learning Objectives

Gain a better understanding of what ADHD is and is not
Learn how to implement strategies at home and school to improve daily functioning

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.

Understanding Your Child’s ADHD – Fall Session
Begins Monday September 15th, 2025 – 3 weeks
Dates: September 15, 22 & 29th, 2025
Time: 4:00pm PDT/ 5:00pm MDT/ 7:00pm -8:30pm EDT/ 8:00pm ADT
Where: Virtual on Zoom
Facilitator: Layla Teixeira
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 in children prior to taking our REFOCUS program.

Please note that this program is refundable up to 48hrs before the program starts. As of September 13th, the registration fee is non-refundable. Thank you for your understanding.

Parents Together
2025-09-16 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Sometimes parenting challenges can feel overwhelming. This program offers ongoing support for parents of teens. A manual and materials are provided to participants. Parents may stay in the group as long as they feel they need support and help in their daily parenting. Guest speakers may be invited for specific topics.
A supportive online group for parents of pre-teens and teens.
Topics include:

Attachment & relationship-based parenting
Communication and the 6 critical messages
Developmental changes in pre-adolescence
Adolescent brain development
Boundaries and turning over responsibility
Self-care for parents
Teen mental health & substance use

When: Tuesdays, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (ongoing)
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Register Here: https://bgcsvi.org/programs/parenting/

Care Beyond Care
2025-09-16 14:00 - 15:00
Join us us to learn more about the supports available for youth aging out of government care!
Who can attend
Young people in and from government care, caregivers, service providers and allies.
When
Tuesday Sept 16, 2-3PM
Where
Virtual – Teams meeting
Click here to register
