Focus Disability Network Society

Mind Your Health online workshop - Session 1
2020-09-25 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
How to your nervous system and brain respond to Trauma?
Find out what our nervous system is doing to keep us alive and how the brain is responding and protecting us.
Learn strategies to work with dissociation and fight/flight response.
For caregivers of youth ages 18-30 who have disabilities, and service providers.
Email info@focusdisability.figure8software.com to register.

Mind Your Health online workshop - Session 2
2020-10-16 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
Scott Williams will present a deep dive into STOPP Therapy, a key skill for people suffering from anxiety, depression, racing thoughts, and impulsivity. You will leave the session with practical tools to gain control of your responses to situations around you and feelings that arise within.
Register here.

Trauma-Informed Practice: Mind Your Health online workshop series
2020-10-30 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
Presenter: Dawn Percher, Registered Clinical Counsellor
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/125581350199
Flyer

STOPP Therapy 30-Day Challenge: Mind Your Health online workshop series
2020-11-13 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
Scott Williams meets with those who attended the October 13th STOPP Therapy 101 session, to talk about the 30-Day Challenge experience and provide more STOPP Therapy tools.

Learning & Networking Meeting (online)
2020-11-17 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver)
Cal Purcell from the Canadian Vocational Training Centre will talk about their training centres and the services they offer people with diverse abilities.
To register, email info@focusdisability.figure8software.com.

Isolation and Loneliness: Mind Your Health online workshop
2020-12-11 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
Dr. Strauss will talk with us about how to cope with feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/128724974865.

Why Do They Do That?
2021-01-15 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
Crystal and Scott will bring their expertise and first-hand experience as they explore the collaboration of Mental Health and Behavioural perspectives for supporting individuals who display more difficult behaviours and complex mental health issues.
Crystal Thompson is a founding director of Pivot Point Family Growth Centre, which has locations throughout British Columbia. Scott Williams is a Mental Health Clinical Supervisor.
Register here.

The Power of Me Too, with Theo Fleury
2021-01-29 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
Theo Fleury will talk about the early years when he first discovered and fell in love with the game of hockey and the sport from the first moment he stepped on the ice. He will talk about the issues he faced as a survivor of abuse and yet succeeding at an elite NHL career and earning an Olympic Gold Medal. And finally, how he overcame his painful past, alcoholism and drug addiction to become an inspirational Victor over life’s obstacles.
After hearing this inspiring message, you will leave the session knowing that change is possible and quitting isn’t an option.
“Me Too” is an uplifting talk about hope. It is a reminder that we are never alone in our struggles because we have all faced adversity in our lives.
Register here.

Learning & Networking Meeting (online)
2021-02-09 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver)
Josh Bohr from the Salvation Army in Chilliwack will talk about their work in the areas of food, housing and mental health support.
Tara Cummings from the YMCA of Greater Vancouver will provide information about Youth BEAT Fraser Valley, a Youth Employment Program.
Tomoko Cerf from Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) will present information on their Job Options program.
Agenda
Register here.

Mental Health: Early Signs of Escalation & Crisis Management (webinar)
2021-02-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
Miwa Yonezawa, a community Occupational Therapist at the Maple Ridge Mental Health and Substance Use Centre, will talk about early signs of escalation, crisis management, and community resources for mental health support.
Register here.
Flyer

Ableism - What is it and how does it impact society? (webinar)
2021-02-26 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
With a focus on youth and mental health, Alyson Seale, Associate Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, will gently take her audience through identifying systemic, interpersonal and internalized ableism using stories, humor and activities. She will provide resources, and strategies that can be implemented today to further dismantle discrimination. Together we can make a difference for everyone.
Register here
Flyer

The Pandemic's Impact on Youth Mental Health (webinar)
2021-03-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
River Chandler and Dr. Naomi Dove from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer will provide a presentation on the impact of COVID-19 and the public health response on the mental health and wellbeing of youth.
Register here.
Flyer

Learning & Networking Meeting (online)
2021-04-13 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver)
9:00 – 9:10 Introductions, update on what’s happening in the community and with partner agencies.
9:10 – 9:30 Vineetha Nakka from The Centre for Epilepsy & Seizure Education will share their knowledge about types of seizures and basic seizure first aid.
9:30 – 10:00 Jillian Bradley from Inclusion BC will talk about Mentorability, a national employment project.
Register here.

Learning & Networking Meeting (online)
2021-06-08 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver)
Time: 9:00-10:00am
Platform: Zoom
Presenters:

Cindy Niezen from MCC’s Rent Bank
Stephanie Betsch, Manager at the Fraser Valley Pacific Autism Family Network
Annette Borrows, on the topic of a new digital literacy certificate program.

Register here.

Learning & Networking Meeting and AGM
2021-09-14 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
9:10 – 9:40 Kate Collins from Embers Staffing Solutions will inform us about this socially responsible staffing agency that connects companies with workers.
9:40 – 10:10 John Gray from Ruth & Naomi’s Mission will present about their services.
10:10 – 10:30 REFRESHMENT BREAK
10:30 – 10:45 Tamara Seebaran from Communitas Supportive Care Society will talk about their Little Sprout Work Experience Program.
10:45 – 11:00 Stephanie Betsch from the Fraser Valley Pacific Autism Family Network will discuss what services they offer and upcoming programs for our community.
11:00 – 11:30 Annual General Meeting
RSVP to info@focusdisability.figure8software.com.

Annual Conference
2021-11-18 08:30 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver)
Don’t miss our virtual conference, “Building a Safe Culture in Employment Services” for people from a variety of backgrounds and lifestyles.
Location: Zoom
Agenda; Presenters’ Bios.

Learning & Networking Meeting
2022-01-11 09:00 - 11:30, 2022-04-12 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver)
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom
Register with Annette at info@focusdisability.figure8software.com
Agenda

Learning & Networking Meeting
2022-06-14 09:00 - 11:30 UTC
Agenda
Presenters:

Bryce Schaufelberger, selfadvocatenet.com
Rocio Zielinski, Sto:lo Community Futures
Genievieve Apolinar, Canadian Mental Health Association
Robert Fraser, Fraser Valley Artisans Food Hub

The link will be sent once you RSVP.

Learning & Networking Meeting and Annual General Meeting
2022-09-13 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
Presenters:
Russell Pinnson, Executive Director at JustWork
Peter Bailey, Co-Owner of Free Rein Associates
Nate Toevs, Marketing Manager for the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program
Lisa Smith, Sr Manager Special Care Services at WorkSafeBC
Agenda

Tech in Jobs and Jobs in Tech - Conference
2022-11-24 08:30 - 15:30 UTC
At this year’s in-person conference you’ll learn about technology and tools to support job seekers with diverse abilities and employment in the tech field.
Date: November 24
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Church in the Valley, 23589 Old Yale Rd, Langley, BC
Register: bit.ly/3qUKU1E
Flyer
Agenda
Presenter Bios
Price to register by Nov. 10:
$125 FDN Members
$150 Future Members
Price to register Nov. 11 – 17:
$150 FDN Members
$175 Future Members

Learning & Networking Meeting
2023-01-17 09:00 - 11:30 UTC
Agenda
Please email info@focusdisability.ca to register and receive the Zoom invitation.

Learning & Networking Meeting
2023-04-18 09:00 - 11:30 UTC | Learning & Networking Session
Agenda here.

Bill Thornton from BC & Alberta Guide Dogs will engage with us about their services with Guide Dogs, Autism Service Dogs, and OSI-PTSD Service Dogs.
Chris Gaudet from Nava Wealth of Raymond James Ltd. will talk with us about Registered Disability Savings Plans.
Brenda Giesbrecht, Service Canada, will provide information about Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits, the CPP Survivor’s Benefit, Drop-Out Provisions for calculations of benefits, the Disability Tax Credit, Childrens’ Benefits, and more.

Please email info@focusdisability.ca to register and receive the Zoom invitation.

Learning & Networking Meeting
2023-06-13 09:00 - 11:30 UTC
Agenda here.
Location: Zoom. Please RSVP to info@focusdisability.ca to receive the link.

Seanna Quressette from Douglas College will present “Cultural Safety and Trauma-Informed Practice”.
Heather Branscombe from Abilities Neurological Rehabilitation will present about their programs, which are in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Surrey, Coquitlam and Langley.
Annette Borrows from Community Living BC will bring us her reflections from the World Supported Employment Conference.
Brandi Butts, Community Futures BC, will talk about the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP).
Alex Hogan, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist at CBC/Radio-Canada will engage in a conversation around equity and inclusion at CBC with a focus on accessibility.

Learning & Network meeting and Annual General Meeting
2023-09-12 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
Learning & Networking Meeting
Date & Time: Tuesday September 12, 2023
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom
RSVP – link will be provided

9:00 – 9:20 Introductions, update on what’s happening in the community and with partnering agencies.
9:20 – 9:35 Jeanne Morton and Elizabeth Specht from the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC will inform us about their programs.
9:35 – 10:00 Ness Gale from the Low Entropy Foundation will bring information about Low Entropy and the Tri-Cities Employment Roundtable.
10:00 – 10:15 BREAK
10:15 – 11:00 Christine Buchanan from Open Door Group will talk about the Employment Accessibility Standards Technical Committee, the Disability Inclusive Employer Self- Assessment tool, and UnTapped Accessibility.
11:00 – 11:30 CNIB – will talk about their services, expansion to Vancouver Island and Come to Work program.

AGM to follow the meeting 11:30-12:00

Annual Conference - Maximize Your Marketing Message
2023-11-09 | Church in the Valley, 23589 Old Yale Rd, Langley, BC, V2Z 2K4
This year’s in-person conference we’ll focus on the job developer’s toolkit.

Date: November 9th, 2023
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Church in the Valley, 23589 Old Yale Rd, Langley, BC

Register here.
Price to register by October 19:
$130 FDN Members
$155 Future Members
Price to register October 19-November 2:
$155 FDN Members
$180 Future Members
See the agenda and presenters’ bios

Learning & Networking Session
2024-03-12 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver) | Learning & Networking Session
Tom Conway from Small Business BC
Lisa Persaud from March of Dimes
Sarah Potts from Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

Learning & Networking Session
2024-05-14 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver)
Dean Askin from Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) about Light It Up! For NDEAM!
Ashley Hammond from Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE) about CASE’s unique approach to learning and development

Learning & Network Meeting and Annual General Meeting
2024-09-24 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Learning & Networking Session
Learning & Networking Meeting
Date & Time: Tuesday September 24, 2024
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom
Paula Schwartz from the Indigenous Community for Leadership & Development (ICLD) about Culturally Safe Employment Services
Ana Maria Panczel from the Langley Community Services Society (LCSS) about Langley Local Immigration Partnership
RSVP – link will be provided
AGM to follow the meeting 11:30-12:00

Light It Up! For NDEAM!
2024-10-17
Experience the power of Light It Up! For NDEAM! Join the movement for the 5th Anniversary Event!
Light It Up! For NDEAM® spotlights the many ways people who have a disability contribute to businesses and their communities, helping companies be successful and competitive.
Get involved in your community in 2024 to Light It Up! For NDEAM purple and blue, for one unique night. The more the participation, the greater the impact! Last year almost 700 locations in almost 150 communities across Canada participated — that’s a lot of conversations about disability inclusion!
