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DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20220218T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20220218T173000
DTSTAMP:20260429T214523
CREATED:20220122T210830Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220310T043156Z
UID:2386-1645200000-1645205400@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Representation of Autism in Film\, Television & Social Media
DESCRIPTION:Fiona McIntyre\, Casting Associate in NYC\, will lead a discussion about current practices in the casting & portrayal of autism & autistic people in film & media. \nMovies/TV shows you might want to check out in advance of the meeting: \n\nLittle Voice\nEverything’s Gonna Be OK\nAtypical\n\nWe will look at how autistic people are portrayed currently\, but we also want to hear your views about the impact of existing stereotypes\, if they can be changed\, and how you would like to be depicted\, to better represent who you are. \nFiona McIntyre (she/her) is an NYC-based casting associate\, podcast host\, and educator\, who has worked regionally\, on tour\, and on television in the US and Canada. She has taught dance\, musical theatre\, acting\, and audition preparation\, is a guest instructor at NYU Tisch’s Stonestreet Studios\, and casts for film\, television\, and commercials. Check out on Broadway Podcast Network – What’s Your Backup Plan? which Fiona co-produced & hosts. \n37 Movies Featuring Autism: \nhttps://www.autism.org/autism-movies/ \nIf you are interested in the recording of this video\, contact us at admin@squarepegsociety.ca
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/representation-of-autism-in-film-television-social-media
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Employment
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://squarepegsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/MovieFilmAutism.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20211022T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20211022T123000
DTSTAMP:20260429T214523
CREATED:20210913T010348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211103T181521Z
UID:1455-1634898600-1634905800@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Adult Diagnosis
DESCRIPTION:Growing adult populations in BC are being excluded from accessing supports and the understanding and acceptance that a formal autism diagnosis provides. \nOver the last two years\, AutismBC has seen a 70% increase in the inquires about adult assessment and a 190% increase in inquires on the provision of other adult services. \nCurrently\, in BC\, There is no publicly funded system for adult autism assessments. To see a psychiatrist a referral from a family doctor is required. However\, waitlists to see a psychiatrist are extremely long\, and many are not knowledgeable about autism\, and therefore few psychiatrists are comfortable to take on adult autism assessments or autistic clients. \nAt this meeting\, you will hear from two experienced and dedicated professionals who are making a difference for the autistic community. \nJoin us for Dr. Grace Iarocci and Dr. David Worling presentation on Adult Diagnosis: \n\nWhy is adult diagnosis important?\nWhat are the barriers to Assessment and Diagnosis in BC?\nIdeas for solutions or Best Practices\n\nWe will also hear from two Autistic Self Advocates\, Alexandria B\, and Shayna K as to why they choose to\, or not to\, pursue a formal autism assessment. \nSpace is limited and priority will be given to adults contemplating an assessment. Registration is required ahead of time. \nTo Register\, Please click here \nAbout the Speakers \nDr. Grace Iarocci \nA winner of BC Autism Awards in 2018\, Dr. Grace Iarocci has worked in autism research since 1992\, and in 2000 joined Simon Fraser University where she founded the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Lab. Dr. Iarocci has a passion for cutting-edge\, innovative research\, but her dedication to the community extends way beyond this. For six years\, she has run a free Summer camp for autistic AND neurotypical children\, providing an opportunity for them to learn how to understand emotions to initiate friendships. Dr. Iarocci is also a co-founder of the Autism Mentoring Initiative (AMI)\, a peer mentorship program at SFU\, to assist students with ASD with the transition from high school-to-university. Launched in 2014\, peer mentors receive formal training and on-going supervision. Dr. Iarocci is also deeply committed to and involved in\, influencing policy on ASD and worked closely with Ministry of Children and Family Development and Ministry of Health and several community agencies in BC to improve the state of services for individuals on the autism spectrum. \nFind out more about Dr. Iarocci and her incredible work in this blog. \nDr. David Worling \nDr. David Worling cofounded Westcoast Child Development Group in 2003 and is the clinical director. Dr. Worling worked at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver for 7 years in the Adolescent Inpatient and Mood and Anxiety Outpatient Psychiatric Clinics. Over the past several years he has grown the practice to include psychological assessment and therapeutic work with adults. Dr. Worling created Spectrum Works Consulting Group in 2015 to help support adolescents and adults on the Autism Spectrum with co-occurring mental health conditions in work and post-secondary settings. (http://spectrumworks.consulting/). Dr. Worling holds an academic affiliation with the department of Psychology at Simon Fraser University and is a Sessional Instructor with the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. He has over 25 years’ experience as a clinician and has specialized training in the areas of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy\, Autism Diagnostics\, Group Therapy\, and Learning Disabilities. \n\n 
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/adult-diagnosis
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Mental Health
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://squarepegsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/AutismBCTalks.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180621
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180622
DTSTAMP:20260429T214523
CREATED:20180718T070000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211025T000742Z
UID:1165-1529539200-1529625599@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Bias in Disability- “How Others See You”
DESCRIPTION:  \n  \nMeeting Thursday\, June 21\, 2018 \nBias in Disability- “How Others See You” \nSpeakers: Dr. Grace Iarocci & Nicki Scheerer  \n  \n  \n  \nDr. Grace Iarocci and Dr. Nikki Scheerer  presented to us their recent research on bias in disability. They are looking at how unconscious and first impressions fairly or unfairly\, contribute to one’s assessment\, and consequently\, treatment of an individual. While this research is in very early stages\, the intention is to direct their findings to improving autism awareness and understanding in the general population\, and particularly in high schools. The hope is that this will decrease the difficulties that individuals with disabilities have with functioning and interacting with others\, and enable us all to move toward a fully inclusive society.  We really appreciate their willingness to share their studies\, even though findings are not yet conclusive. \nThe Structure of the Research Project \nSeventy-seven high school students\, aged 16-19\, 50 female & 27 male\, were asked to view 40 – 10 second video clips of various adolescents\, with and without autism\, being interviewed\, ostensibly\, as applicants to a reality TV show. The 77 participants also were of mixed ethnicities\, and were screened for previous exposure to ASD individuals. These participants were divided into two groups; one group was given an approximately one hour educational presentation prior to seeing the 40 video clips\, the other group was not. After seeing the videos\, the participants were asked to rate the individuals in the videos in terms of various characteristics – attractiveness\, intelligence\, likability\, trustworthiness\, dominance/submissiveness. They also indicated their willingness to live near the individual\, likelihood of hanging out with the individual in their free time\, their level of comfort sitting next to the individual\, and their likelihood of starting a conversation with the individual. \nThe Findings \nOverall\, ASD individuals in the video clips were perceived more negatively than Typically Developing individuals. Furthermore\, the ratings of the group that had received the pre-video educational presentation did not statistically differ from the ratings of the group who did not receive the educational presentation. \nThe Qualifiers \nThis research is in its early stages\, and the findings need to be replicated\, but seem to support the results of the research of Noah Sasson et al (2017). These\, and other studies indicate that negative bias occurs even in very young individuals – it would be interesting to include in future studies\, participants younger and older –a broader range than the high school students in this study. Perhaps high school students are extremely conscious about “fitting in”\, and are therefore are hyper-sensitive to “differentness”\, and are not receptive to friendships with people whom they perceive as being “different”. One of our parents present suggested that future studies include participants in the Faculty of Education at SFU\, in order to test for bias in our future classroom teachers – a suggestion that Grace acknowledged could be possible.  Further consideration also needs to be given to the educational presentation and why it made so little difference in the ratings of the participants. Was it too dry and factual? Too long\, too short? Not visually interesting? We were not shown this educational presentation at our meeting. Understanding if & how education can influence perceptional bias will be key to creating greater general acceptance of individuals with disabilities. Dr. Iarocci plans to work with Autistics United to develop a more sensitive educational presentation for future studies. \nWhat We Learned \n\n“Thin Slicing” – humans make judgments\, after very short exposure to a person or a situation -“first impressions” that are often (but not always) quite accurate. This is almost a survival instinct – a response to a potential or perceived threat. However\, many of us have also experienced situations where our first impressions are incorrect – where we have been impressed by someone who later lets us down\, or where we have failed initially to see qualities in someone we later come to admire.\n\n(Thin-slicing is a term used in psychology to refer to the human ability to find patterns in events based on very quick inferences about characteristics of an individual). \n\nWomen are better than men at making accurate\, quick judgements than men. Very young people\, as well as older individuals\, also make very quick judgements about others.\nMore socially competent individuals are more able to pick out people who are “different”\, but are also less likely to be empathetic towards those who are different.\nFinally\, one of the most significant findings – the social difficulties that an individual experiences\, occur within an interpersonal and social context. This means that approaches to overcoming these difficulties must be not only be directed at the individuals with the disabilities. This turns conventional treatment on its head\, as traditionally\, treatment has been focused on “fixing” the individual. \n\nWhere We Go From Here \n\nBias exists and “Differentness” is interpreted negatively\, in most instances. But can the behaviours that are the response to bias be modified through education? By removing the fear that often accompanies the perception of differentness? How can we achieve this?\nThe finding that bias exists is evidence that when social difficulties occur they are due both to the behaviour of the individual with the disability\, and the behavior of others in their social sphere. Therefore\, solutions should not be imposed upon the individual with the disability\, to make them fit (Square Pegs in Round Holes!). People with disabilities do not want to be pitied\, or made over – ask them what they need to improve their interface with their world. “Nothing about us without us”.\nPeople with disabilities are affected by the negative biases that others hold of them\, and many perceive\, and are hurt by these biases\, which negatively impact their mental health and their ability to function.\nParents also hold biases – and should be given support and training\, as an integral part of the social support circles around individuals with disabilities.\nThe Role of Education. Maybe education for social acceptance and social change is much more complex that we have previously assumed – that it requires many steps and much time\, and is built on much more than information sharing – perhaps a focus empathy building through art\, film\, theatre\, ie\, Theatre of the Oppressed?\n\nWe can help by helping to model and speak out that people with disabilities want a full and meaningful life\, and to continually create opportunities for them to do so. \nDr. Iarocci is a psychology professor at Simon Fraser University (SFU)\, and the Director of the Autism & Developmental Disorders Lab at SFU. Work in the Lab focuses mainly on two streams of basic research: 1) understanding the development of selective attention in humans and the implications for object and social perception\, and 2) understanding atypical development (e.g. autism spectrum disorder-ASD) where there are documented attentional/perceptual processing atypicalities that interfere with some aspects of perception yet facilitate others. Grace is also interested in social competence and the link to mental health and family well-being. \nAppendix \nTips to help you connect with individuals who have ASD. \n\nTry to connect. Social isolation is a big risk for people with ASD. Avoidance makes that worse.\nKeep an open mind. Just because a person struggles to connect does not mean they do not want to. Some people with autism are very social and desire friendships just like everyone else.\nSet aside fears. Remember that ASD does not automatically make a person aggressive. Meltdowns can happen\, but they’re often about being overwhelmed. If your ASD acquaintance is visibly agitated\, merely give them space and time to calm themselves.\nForget social norms and conventions. Repetitive behaviours\, such as hand flapping or noises\, are coping mechanisms — nothing to be concerned about. Remember that eye contact may be difficult for an ASD person. Many ASD people use their body — not words — to communicate. Try not to stare when they do unusual things.\nLook for creative ways to connect. Ask a caregiver for best practice advice for individuals. Speak at a reasonable pace and volume\, and use short sentences. Some children connect with touch\, music or animals. Think non-verbal\, perhaps pictures or flash-cards. Don’t expect an immediate response; it may take time.\nBe aware of sensitivities. Some people with autism are hypersensitive to sounds\, smells or certain physical sensations. Some are exactly the opposite. Ask a caregiver for advice about making the environment comfortable for the person with ASD.\nLet people practice. Reach out and help ASD people practice social interaction. Every child and young adult needs to practice social interaction.\nFoster awareness. Remember your reaction to a person with ASD becomes part of how they see themselves and how others see them.\nAdvocate for more respect and behavioural training supports. Sound the alarm about the lack of services for people\, especially once they hit age 18. Take an active stand against bullying and abuse.\nBe inclusive. Keep in mind that ASD is complex. Focus on more than just a “cure.” Think acceptance and inclusion. Says Iarocci: “It’s not the kind of thing you can fix. You need to be understanding. People with ASD just do things differently.”\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/bias-in-disability-how-others-see-you
CATEGORIES:Advocacy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20160915T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20160915T210000
DTSTAMP:20260429T214523
CREATED:20211009T005035Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T044228Z
UID:1637-1473966000-1473973200@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:On Asperger's & Gender
DESCRIPTION:Regular Square Peg Society Meeting : Nicole Jinn to present on Asperger’s & Gender \nLocation : VanCity South Burnaby Branch\,  5064 Kingsway\, Burnaby
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/on-aspergers-gender
CATEGORIES:Advocacy
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20160915T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20160915T000000
DTSTAMP:20260429T214523
CREATED:20161020T070000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211018T235305Z
UID:1153-1473897600-1473897600@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Meeting:  September 15\, 2016   Nicole Jinn\, Victor Toh\, Talie
DESCRIPTION: This meeting was an opportunity for SPS members to speak about their interests and experiences. We had three speakers – Nicole Jinn\, who spoke from her experience\, about advocacy and gender imbalance\, and employment issues; Victor Toh\, who spoke about his business\, “Capability Club”\, providing life skills training for ASD children;  and Talie\, who spoke about her Autism 30 podcasts project. \nNicole Jinn\,  Advocacy for Adults with ASD and Gender Imbalance \nDuring her research\, Nicole approached both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Development. As well\, she has viewed a number of service and employment agencies operating in the Lower Mainland. \nThese are her findings: \n* Access to funding after the age of 19 for those with HFA (High Functioning Autism) is very difficult. \n Those with an IQ over 70 and an adaptive functioning level greater than 55 (3 standard deviations below the mean) are excluded from Community Living BC (CLBC) funding. \nThis criteria excludes HFA and Asperger’s individuals\, and the assessment tools used do not adequately identify the deficits that those individuals struggle with\, for example\, difficulties with executive functioning. \n* There is an absence of services for spectrum adults generally\, but particularly those with HFA. \nThese organizations were canvassed: \nACT (Autism Community Training) has a mandate to work only with children. \nAutism Society of BC has an adult program in Prince George\, but none in the Lower \nMainland. This could change soon. \nCanucks Autism Network has programs for teens and adults with more serious \nconditions and has a waiting list. \nPALS Autism School offers adult programs for the severely affected. There is a long waiting list. \n* There is an absence of Employment related services for those with HFA   \nOrganizations currently addressing employment for those with ASD include: \n\nPacific Autism Family Centre (PAFC) Employment Works\nInclusion BC: Ready Willing and Able (through PAFC\, has expertise on Autism\n\n\nCoast Clubhouse – mainly for labourers.\n\n\nGastown Vocational Services\n\n\nYMCA Youth Beat Program\n\n\nEmployment Works Canada\n\n\nFocus Professional Services Trains adults with HFA to deliver software and data quality services to their various clients.\n\n\nCBI Consultants offers a fee-for-service program for those without CLBC funding.\n\n\nPosAbilities offers a fee-for-service program for those without CLBC funding.\n\n\nWork BC\n\n\nJobs West\n\nMost of these programs are not specific to individuals with autism. \n* There are service barriers for those with HFA \n For those without a qualifying diagnosis or CLBC many programs are often inaccessible or unaffordable. Often the programs that do exist do not provide the supports necessary to finding and keeping employment. These may include: \n–  Emotion and anxiety management\, \n–  Communication and interpersonal skills \n–  An established support network with follow up coaching. \n* Gender imbalance? \nAnecdotally\, differences between males and females have been noted\, in terms of frequency of diagnosis and in the impact on the individual’s lives.  However\, there have not been a sufficient number of research studies published to date. While most case studies related to Asperger’s have male subjects\, the following differences between males & females have been observed. Females tend to be stronger than males in language and social interaction skills\, and in the ability to mirror socially acceptable behaviours. They tend to suffer more fromsensory or emotional overload than do males. Females are also more likely to be diagnosed with anorexia or A.D.D. Consequentially\, females without significant intellectual impairment are diagnosed later and less often; this is a population that struggles on without supports. \nConclusion \nMost services and employment agencies were neither accessible nor suitable for high functioning individuals who need help to function in the community after age 19. \nWays Forward \n\nParticipate in the Autism Society of BC (ASBC) through the establishment of a group for adults.\nJoin Autism Canada\, in their efforts to achieve Federal Accessibility Legislation leading to a Canadian Disability Act\, and to improve representation of ASD adults on this initiative.\nEncourage additional research which will help us to better understand the differences between males and females on the Spectrum.\n\n  \nVictor Toh\,  Capability Club   “All Kids are Special” \nVictor’s mission is to prepare kids for adulthood and employment\, through the development of life and social skills that lead to independence\, and to satisfying and meaningful interdependence. \nThe turning point in Victor’s life\, and the impetus for this business idea\, occurred while at University in Kingston\, where he helped his friend John\, who was paralyzed\, negotiate his way around the campus. John returned the favour by coaching Victor in social skills\, such as subtle cues from language and body language\, which enabled Victor to begin to develop his social network. \nVictor has a background in tutoring\, a degree in psychology\, and has previously owned his own business. At Capability Club\, Victor offers a specialised tutoring service based on his own and his son’s experience on the Spectrum. His service runs after school and on weekends. Pick up and drop off is offered. Family members are welcome to volunteer. Currently\, he is based in the Collingwood area but will be expanding to Chinatown. \nThe Program   \nSchool age children in groups of two to five (including neuro-typicals) participate in various activities in the community with the purpose of interacting with each other while forming broad social networks. Peer and adult support are key factors that are often not covered in schools. Each child is assigned an individualized development program. This file is used to record measureable progress in areas such as motivation\, creativity\, critical thinking\, language\, ability to collaborate. In part\, this is achieved through journals in which the children are encouraged to record their activities and observations. \nThe curriculum includes: \n\nOral communication\nSelf awareness and self respect\nMobile technology\nPsychology and philosophy\nReading\, Writing & Listening\nMoney awareness\n\nActivities\, such as gardening or music\, are typical activities which are used as a focus for social development\, with the goal of finding talents\, overcoming fears\, and acting on solutions to difficulties. \nFuture Steps \nVictor’s goal is to complete training in psycho-social rehabilitation\, and to become a non profit Society. \nContact Victor Toh at: 778 302 1319 \n  \nTalie\, Autism 30 \nTalie began her project to share information about autism via podcast in 2015. She is energised by her own autistic son and an international background as a teacher with a strong desire to help others. \nTalie’s collection of podcasts can be accessed from 98 countries. Her goal is to make more people aware of issues and solutions relevant to ASD\, especially in the Lower Mainland\, and to share knowledge and experience. \nContact Talie at: autism30.com or talie@autism30.com
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/meeting-september-15-2016-nicole-jinn-victor-toh-talie
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,SPS Business
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160416
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160417
DTSTAMP:20260429T214523
CREATED:20160506T070000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211018T233659Z
UID:1147-1460764800-1460851199@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:Meeting: April 21\, 2016 Community Living BC Funding Eligibility Criteria
DESCRIPTION:Our speaker was Douglas Lee\, a clinical behavioral psychologist\, the Clinical Director at Behavioural Solutions Inc.\, who as part of his practice\, also conducts eligibility assessments for Community Living BC (CLBC). \nDr. Lee played a crucial role in developing the eligibility criteria for Community Living BC (CLBC) programs; he was on committees which established the current eligibility requirements that now apply to Developmental Disability\, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD)\, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)\, which includes Asperger’s.  Since the inception of the current PSI criteria by CLBC in 2010\, Dr. Lee has been assessing applicants for eligibility for Community Living BC (CLBC) funding and services. He has performed more than 300 of these eligibility assessments. \nSquare Peg Society requested the following: \n\nA clear definition of the eligibility criteria for CLBC funding and the documentation required to receive that funding.\n\n\nHow “level of Adaptive Functioning”\, is defined\, as PSI funding hinges on this term\, and who in our community of high functioning adults is likely to be included or excluded by this definition.\n\n\nIs there any intent to review and/or revise the current CLBC eligibility criteria? If so\, what changes are most likely to be considered?\n\n\nThe number of adults diagnosed with Aspergers\, particularly females\, is increasing. These individuals struggle to find and keep jobs\, and social relationships. Without these key aspects of life in place\, individuals cannot function as typical adults\, yet CLBC funding criteria does not recognize this gap\, or consequently\, the impact of the lack of funds and services for this group. How is CLBC and our provincial government proposing to assist these high functioning individuals in achieving their full potential?\n\nTo receive CLBC funding an individual must meet the criteria for a Developmental Disability\, which includes a variety of conditions\, and an IQ of less than 70. The other route to CLBC funding is through the Personal Supports Initiative (PSI) program.  For this funding\, a diagnosis of either Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and “significant limitations in adaptive functioning are required. These conditions must have occurred prior to birth\, during birth\, or in early childhood. For PSI\, in addition to a diagnosis of PDD or FASD\, the individual must have an IQ of greater than 70\, but a Level of Adaptive Functioning of 55 or less. Individuals with an IQ of greater than 70 will frequently have a level of Adaptive Functioning that is greater than 55 (more than 3 standard deviations below the mean of “normally functioning “ individuals)\, and this criteria will almost always eliminate individuals with Asperger’s. Dr. Lee told us that\, when the current PSI criteria was developed\, it was intended to include individuals with an IQ of greater than 70\, and a Level of Adaptive Functioning less than 70. However\, in the midst of the economic climate of 2008\, the Level of Adaptive Functioning was required to be lower than 55 to reduce the numbers of individuals who would be eligible for funding. This was entirely an economic decision\, not a decision having anything to do with need for services. This criteria disproportionately discriminates against high functioning ASD individuals\, who are experiencing difficulty in performing effectively in life and work due a lack of natural ability in interpersonal social skills and communication. Douglas Lee does not believe that the exclusion of ASD or FASD individuals is inherent in PSI structure\, but rather that the bar has been set too low to ensure services for those in need. He does not believe that there is any appetite to change these terms; that change can only come through advocacy from the community. \nTo become advocates for change to this criteria and subsequently\, CLBC funding\, we would need to form a committee and assign tasks: \n\nTo gather the facts\nTo form alliances with other groups\, particularly Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD)\, and service agencies whose clients are also affected by these\nTo gain the ear of media\, CBC’s “Go Public”\, for example.\nTo find a few key supporters in the Provincial Government. (Anyone know of a MLA who has a family who is affected by this issue?) Also\, to determine how to frame our “ask”\, in order to get a positive response.\n\nThe Facts: \nWe need to uncover the original PSI criteria.  Next we would attempt to determine the number of individuals in BC who received Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) funding prior to PSI funding\, and who continued to do so after the institution of PSI\, until they aged out at 19\, say\,  between 2008-2013. We would then compare that number with the number of individuals receiving PSI funding between 2010 -2015. These figures would represent those individuals who were receiving funding until the age of 19\, but who were deemed ineligible for PSI funding as adults. The difference between these two numbers would reveal the number of people dropped from funding after the adoption of PSI funding. These people were not suddenly “cured” – simply\, the criteria was too restrictive to ensure their continued coverage. \nAlliances: \nAs FASD individuals are also “left out in the cold”\, an alliance with this group might increase our visibility. Some of the service agencies are frustrated with the limited provincial funding\, and with repeatedly being contacted by people who they are unable to help; they might be willing to partner with us in this advocacy campaign. However\, Douglas Lee told us that CLBC employees are expressly told that they are not allowed to lobby government. \nThe Ask: \nThe obvious demand would be to raise the Level of Adaptive Functioning bar – to the original less than 70\, rather than less than 55\, in order to capture more high functioning ASD individuals. Perhaps also we should be asking for assessments other than “level of adaptive functioning” to be included in the assessments. Including assessments that evaluate executive functioning would better represent ASD individuals with lower social and verbal communication skills\, and the impact that these deficiencies have on their lives. Asking for inclusion in services already in existence through other agencies\, and tailoring some of these to our needs – for example\, mental health services – might be attainable. Regular workshops on strategies for coping with anxiety and depression\, and on life and social skills would go a long way toward helping our members succeed in work and life.
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/meeting-april-21-2016-community-living-bc-funding-eligibility-criteria
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Life & Social Skills
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20151126
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20151127
DTSTAMP:20260429T214523
CREATED:20151126T080000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T044511Z
UID:1141-1448496000-1448582399@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:November 26\, 2015 Meeting: InclusionWorks Family Collectives
DESCRIPTION:InclusionWorks! Family Collectives \nPresented by Catriona Johnson \nCatriona is the lead for the family-governed InclusionWorks! Saanich\, is a resource parent for the Family Support Institute\, and is the co-facilitator of Second Wave\, a group of families & professionals exploring promising practices for supporting young adults.  She also worked with the US Senate Committee on Disability & Health legislation. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University\, and is currently completing a Doctorate in Disability Policy and Practice at the University of Victoria. She also works as a private consultant and as a part-time instructor in the Community Support and Education Assistant program at Camosun College. \nInclusionWorks!Family Collective\, Saanich\,  is a model of collective family governance for families with youth with disabilities  to pool their resources for the 5 year period following high school completion. The goal is to ensure quality individualized programming for their transitioning youth\, as determined by their youth and their families. Inclusion of the young adults in the community is encouraged through the development of mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses\, and educational\, non-profit and government institutions. This model has been undertaken in four other locations in BC. \n  \nValues \nCatriona described their Family Collective as having been defined by the following values: \n\nSelf-advocates and their families are best positioned to make choices regarding their future\, and with the appropriate opportunities\, training and support\, can make a meaningful contribution.\nCanadian society is enriched by inclusion.\nThe presumption of legal capacity should be upheld through supported decision-making.\nEveryone is entitled to have friends.\nWe adhere to the principle of the “dignity of risk.”\n\nProgramming Principles \nThe above values are supported by the following Programming Principles: \n\nActivities should be in community\, challenging and age appropriate.\nActivities should make provision for each participant’s strengths and capabilities.\nEach participant will have an individualized schedule. Some activities may be with other participants (eg\, for experiential learning and peer support).\nEmployment\, independence and life-long learning are key goals.\nActivities should embed learning opportunities for life-skills and employment.\nParticipants’ physical and mental well-being is essential.\n\nGovernance Model \nTheir Family Collective is maintained by a governance model that assumes that their youth and families: \n\nForm the majority for decision-making on all matters.\nSelect their own workers.\nMake resource allocation decisions.\nPlan for the future.\nVolunteer as able. (This is an important aspect of their model\, providing both actual support and a sense of collective purpose).\n\nConnections & Partnerships \nThe Family Collective felt that their goals would be best served if their youth were participating in activities with in their community\, rather than by having a facility of their own. So\, they sought partnerships with existing programs in their community. Below are some of the activities that their youth are engaged in: \n\nWorking\nSmall Business Development\nVolunteering\nJob training\nBehind-the-Scenes Business Tours\nHealth & nutrition education\nMoney management\nTheir own newsletters\nWeb-site development\nMusic\, Dance & Yoga\nExercising at the gym\nKayaking/canoeing\nSelf-advocacy training\nRelationships workshops\n\nFinancing Their Family Collective \nFamilies pool their individualized funding from Community Living BC and each family also contributes a monthly fee. In addition\, their relationship with South Island Distance Education School during the first two years of their Collective provided significant in-kind programming support. A more recent partnership with WorkBC\, supported by a project grant from the Vancouver Foundation\, provides support for their participants’ employment goals. In addition\, InclusionWorks! groups receive much in-kind and reduced-cost support from their partners. \nWhat Square Peg Society can conclude \nOur transitioning youth have many of the same needs as do the supported members of InclusionWorks! Family Collectives. Our youth want to participate in decisions that affect their lives\, they have the right to learn through doing (through taking measured risks)\, and they are entitled to have friends. For our youth and families\, education\, independence & life-long learning are key goals. Activities for them also\, should be in community\, they should be challenging and age-appropriate\, and should include life-skills and employment training opportunities. However\, we differ in that many of our members do not receive disability funding; funding would have to be provided through our parents’ resources & efforts. But our youth do not require full time support. As with InclusionWorks! Family Collectives\, our resources would go further together\, than separately\, and would also help in building community between members.  What this would look like\, how many supported individuals would be optimum\, and how each individual’ needs can be served within a collective\, would vary according to the individuals the Collective is intended to support and by clear articulation of the goals of the participating families. \n  \nFor more information: www.inclusionworks.ca  Arlene Zuckernick at arlenez@shaw.ca or Catriona Johnson at cationa123@gmail.com
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/november-26-2015-meeting-inclusionworks-family-collectives
CATEGORIES:Advocacy
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20151029
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20151030
DTSTAMP:20260429T214523
CREATED:20151029T070000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211025T002552Z
UID:1137-1446076800-1446163199@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:October 29\, 2015 Meeting:  Social Circles
DESCRIPTION:Building a “Good Life” through Social Relationship Circles \nIn building the notes for this meeting\, I drew heavily on the excellent work done by PLAN: Safe and Secure\, Seven Steps on the Path to a Good Life for People with Disabilities\, Al Etmanski with Jack Collins and Vickie Cammack\, and Friends & Inclusion\, Five Approaches to Building Relationships\, Peggy Hutchison & John Lord with Karen Lord. Many thanks to them for their clear thinking and caring hearts!   -Joette \n(Throughout I will use the letters SP to refer to the Supported Person – the person for whom the circle is being built) \nFundamental Elements of A Good Life  \nApplicable to Everyone \n\nIncludes Health\, Education/work\, Housing\, Financial Well-being\, Leisure & Recreation\, Personal Care. (See Worksheet 2 in the PLAN Safe & Secure book; this can be found online)\n\nThis does not imply that any one of us has something “wrong” in their life\, but rather\, that through intentional planning & action\, we can make choices which will lead to a richer\, more textured life. \n  \nWhat is A Good Life for our particular Supported Person? -Clarifying “A Good Life” \nThis will help in building an effective support circle now\, and will serve as directives to our support network after we are gone.  \n\nList 10 words to describe a typical day/week for SP – best scenario\n10 words to describe a typical day/week for SP – worst scenario\nYour message for your SP\, after you are gone\nWhat you want your survivors to help your SP with after you are gone\nList 3 priorities that you would want helpers of your SP to know.\n\n  \n A Case for Relationships \nFriendship is a necessity for all of us\, as important and essential to life as food and drink. Caring relationships and friends provide texture and vitality and make all living worthwhile. \n\nPeople with supportive social ties are less likely to become ill\nSocial contact helps us to heal more quickly\nSocial supports affect the sense of control we have over our well-being and improve our ability to stick with healthy behaviour patterns.\n\nIf not surrounded by people who have a genuine interest in their well-being\, our SPs may be at risk of abuse\, neglect and exploitation. \nGood friends support us through good times and bad\, when we are on our best behavior\, and when we are not. We don’t change ourselves to be with friends. Our gifts and our frailties are accepted as part of who we are. Our friends are not expected to fix us. They are just there. \n When we are truly loved and valued\, we gain a sense of belonging. When we feel like we belong\, we change for the better. Our confidence improves as does our self-esteem\, our sense of well-being\, and our quality of life. Life takes on new meaning. \n Friends\, by sharing time with us\, are saying that we are worth the gift of time. \n  \nRelationship Circles Diagram\n \nCircles of Intimacy are one’s closest relationships – the anchors of one’s life. \nCircles of Friendship are the people you draw strength from\, and who you share your dreams with. \nCircles of Participation are the people with whom your share an interest or activity – the people at work\, or in a club\, etc. \nCircles of Exchange are your paid relationships – dentist\, hair stylist\, server in a restaurant\, etc. \nTypically\, our SPs have the same number of relationships in Circle 1 as any other citizen\, have more people in Circle 4\, and have a lot fewer relationships in Circles 2 & 3. \n  \nReciprocity \nThere is no idea more ancient than a circle of friends. And there is nothing more predictable than the discovery by such a circle that the one in need is somehow helping the others.  \nJohn Ralston Saul  \nFriendships\, ranging from acquaintances to intimate relationships\, are formed by choice. They are freely given\, based on mutual interests. Friendships are not one-sided. They are reciprocal\, a two-way exchange. They are not paid visitors. They are not volunteers. They are not one-to-one workers. \nA PLAN study of a few years ago found that SPs make a real difference in the lives of their friends & supporters\, and that the relationships between SPs and supporters were mutually beneficial. In the context of relationships\, our family members are contributors. \n  \nSuccess in Friendship Building \nParticular learned skills are required in initiating and developing our acquaintances and friendships\, and these skills improve with practice. For most people\, these skills develop through trial and error\, throughout childhood. They learn how to initiate contact with peers\, how to keep the relationship going\, and how to resolve conflict through negotiation\, sharing\, and compromise. \n Fifty percent of the friendship building attempts of preschoolers end in rejection. Apparently\, practice makes perfect.  \nSome people\, especially people on the autism spectrum\, do not experience or do not have success with this trial & error process. Others\, through relocation\, accident or injury\, may need to relearn how to make friends. To make matters even more difficult\, they may have tried to make friends\, were rebuffed\, and then became discouraged from trying again. They may lack or have lost confidence. They may believe that no one would want to be their friend. \n  \nIntentional Support Circles \nFriendships only rarely develop by chance. A friend of mine says that you never know how life is going to unfold\, but\, by your actions\, you can manipulate the odds to be in your favour\, to line up with your goals. \nA Circle of Belonging or an Intentional Personal Support Network is a team that comes together by choice\, for the safety\, health\, and well-being of the SP. All members are in touch with each other\, and their involvement is coordinated. \nBeyond services\, the best guarantee of a safe & secure future for a person is the number of caring and committed friends\, family members\, acquaintances\, and supporters actively involved in their life. \nLike a spider’s web\, the strength of these caring relationships is not only in their connection to the SP\, but in their inter-connectedness\, in their connection to each other.  \nA Support Circle should deal with all of the ‘functional’ aspects of an individual’s life\, already mentioned – health\, housing\, financial well-being\, and personal care. \nA Support Circle will: \n\nMonitor programs & services\nAdvocate agencies on behalf of our SP\nServe as executors\, trustees\, or advisors\nRespond to a crisis\nSolve unexpected problems\nCarry out the wishes of parents.\n\nFor us\, in this discussion\, I will focus on the social\, intellectual/creative\, and spiritual aspects of life that a support circle can facilitate. \n  \nThe Process of Building a Support Circle \nExploration \nTake lots of time to focus on the interests\, passions\, and possibilities for connections for the SP. Make a long list of possible Circle members. \nDevelopment \nFollow up on all ideas and leads. Extend invitations to prospective members\, and introduce members to each other\, usually over sharing a meal. Develop practical implementation strategies. \nMaintenance \nMeet regularly – at least 3 times per year for the first few years. Introduce new activities to respond to new interests\, and replace circle members as required. It is important that all members feel supported\, and that the support of the SP is a shared privilege and responsibility. \nContributions of Members \nCircle members contribute by: \n\nCreating opportunities for our SPs to express their gifts\nAssisting our SPs in developing their talents\nBy their presence\, letting our SPs know that they are valued.\n\nSupported Persons contribute by: \n\nDoing – Working\, teaching\, volunteering.\nBeing – as with all of us\, by offering their time\, attentiveness\, caring\, inspiration\, pleasure\, loyalty & friendship.\n\nWorksheet 5 – Contribution worksheet.  \n  \nBuilding a Good Life now through Intentional Circles \nSocial Networks Diagram \nLook at Education/Work: \n\nCurrent education and/or work. What did/do they like about it? What don’t/didn’t they like about it?\nDreams about education/work that they would like to explore…\n\nLook at People: \n\n Friends or family from the past that the SP liked connecting with. Significant people in life of SP.\nWhose company do they enjoy the most\, who is most supportive of them?\nFriends\, family or neighbours where relationships could be enhanced.\n\nLook at Activities: \n\nList past social\, recreational\, cultural\, artistic\, and athletic activities. List current…\nIdentify preferred interests & activities from this list. F\nIdentify future possibilities\, perhaps not tried before.\nHow does your SP spend his/her free time? What gives your SP peace\, joy\, Comfort? Favorite possessions?\n\nLook at Inner Life: \n\n What are the SP beliefs & values? Valued customs & traditions? Spirituality? Religion? Links to churches?\n\n  \nCautionary notes \n  Be patient!  \n\nIt usually takes about two years to become a smoothly functioning team.\nFocus on what the SP can do\, their gifts and talents\, rather than what they can’t do\, or what is hard for them to do.\nConnections between members are as important as the relationship of individual members to the SP.\nLook for members who are creative\, pragmatic\, and who pay attention to detail.\nLook for members who are good event planners\, and who have good connections in the community.\n\nBe open! \n\nDare to invite people to be part of our support circle. We worry that others may feel obliged or that they will say yes because they feel sorry for us or for our supported individual. This worry speaks to past hurts and makes us forget the gifts our SP has to offer. Often our SPs have brought richness and meaning to others in ways we are unaware of. Often people have wanted to offer help but did not know how.\nMake space or change schedules to permit others to engage with our SP.\nLet go. Allow our patterns & routines to be changed by making room for others to take over some tasks & activities that we\, as parents\, have been doing.\n\nBelieve! – we may have been hurt by the absence of invitations to birthday parties and sleepovers\, and ache for our SP who wants to be included. Our fears block our ability to be open to others\, and to trust in their integrity.
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/october-29-meeting-social-circles
CATEGORIES:Advocacy
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20150528
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20150529
DTSTAMP:20260429T214523
CREATED:20150528T070000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T044619Z
UID:1139-1432771200-1432857599@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:May 28\, 2015 Meeting:  PLAN
DESCRIPTION:PLAN (Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network) \nTim Ames\, Executive Director of PLAN & PLAN Institute \nTed Kuntz\, Chairman of PLAN \nFinancial and physical security\, employment\, social inclusion\, housing\, and mental and physical health are of concern to all of us. For some of us\, especially those with a disability\, these goals are difficult to achieve without support networks. PLAN provides information\, consultation\, and professional facilitation in building networks to support these individuals and their families. \nPLAN was created twenty years ago by parents who wished to develop a formal agreement which would define the roles and responsibilities of family and friends supporting an individual with a disability. The intention was that the “plan” would remain in place for the individual’s lifetime. Together\, the facilitator\, the supported individual\, and his or her family\, friends\, and support workers work to answer such questions as\, “Who will take an interest in our family member\, particularly after we are gone? Who will love them? Whom will they love? Who will protect and keep them safe? Who will appreciate and nurture their gifts?” \nThe team strives to construct “a good life” for the person\, which includes having a home\, financial security\, and relationships\, especially friends. They believe that it takes as few as 6-8 people in one’s life to be “in relationship”\, and that safety follows from relationships. As well\, PLAN’s criteria includes choice for the supported individual\, in decisions that affect their life; for example in how or who is to care for them. This may involve implementing a Representation Agreement. Finally\, a “good life” would include opportunities for the individual to contribute to their own care\, to their families\, and to the world at large\, in ways that they are able. \nPLAN proposes that implementing the above be done in three phases – Exploration\, Growth\, and Maintenance. \nThe Exploration phase is for the individual\, family and facilitator to explore the person’s interests\, passions\, and possibilities for meeting others. Through the use of relationship circles and social mapping\, a set of objectives is developed\, a time line of activities established\, and a list of potential network members compiled. \nThe Growth phase is for all leads and possibilities to be followed up\, contracts made\, and invitations extended to potential network members. The objectives from the Exploration phase are developed into practical strategies to be implemented. \nThe Maintenance phase is the “fine tuning” that occurs after relationships have been formed and networks have been established\, and settle in for the long term. It is important that this system be dynamic and flexible to respond to change – changes in the interests or abilities of the supported individual and changes in the support network. \nWhat is the relevance of PLAN to Square Peg Society? \nWho does not want a “good life” for their supported individual? And our young adults are very able to participate in the building of their personal networks. It was important to the founders of PLAN that their model be customized to each support network – so that each PLAN would be independent of other agencies and unique to the supported individual and his team. This takes time and resources. Consequently\, for each support network with PLAN\, there is an initial cost\, and monthly fees. \nAny of our member families could certainly elect to employ PLAN. Perhaps there are also issues where we could collaborate with PLAN – to advocate for government policy changes\, for example\, – in eligibility for the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)\, and use of the funding\, in eligibility for other funding\, and in an expanded definition of disability. PLAN was instrumental in the development\, by government and financial institutions\, of the RDSP. PLAN also indicated to us that they would be willing to consult with us on establishing support networks. \nFor more information about PLAN\, contact: http://institute.plan.ca \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/may-28-2015-meeting-plan
CATEGORIES:Advocacy
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20150326
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20150327
DTSTAMP:20260429T214523
CREATED:20150326T070000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211018T232716Z
UID:1136-1427328000-1427414399@squarepegsociety.ca
SUMMARY:March 26\, 2015 Meeting:  Pacific Autism Family Centre
DESCRIPTION:Sergio Cocchia\, President & Board Chair of the Pacific Autism Family Centre \nMr. Cocchia is an unstoppable force on behalf of his own Autistic son and other families affected by Autism. He is one of the visionaries behind The Pacific Autism Family Centre\, scheduled to open in September 2016\, and a fundraiser on its behalf. Twenty million dollars has been contributed by the Government of British Columbia\, in recognition that this neurobiological disorder occurs at rates that exceed juvenile diabetes\, pediatric aids\, schizophrenia\, cancer and cystic fibrosis combined. \nFamilies want and need a comprehensive approach. The Pacific Autism Family Centre will be a Centre of Excellence based in Richmond\, with 8 regional centres throughout B.C.\, and will be viewed as a global hub.   The Centre is intended to provide a welcoming and well-equipped facility from which service providers and community groups will run programs to serve individuals with autism. It is to include the following: \n\nTreatment Centre – best practice pre-school and after school programs\,\n\nassessment\, intervention\, support. \n\nKnowledge Centre – library\, videoconferencing\, networking\, counselling\,\n\ncurrent\, accurate\, evidenced based information \n\nLeadership space   – collaborative office space for specialists\n\nencouragement of dialogue between experts and innovation \n\nLifespan Centre   – Youth and adults\, vocational\, social and educational.\n\n  \nObjectives include sharing information\, influencing policy makers\, and ensuring accountability. Advisory committees will provide oversight. \n  \nRelevance to Square Peg Society \nA centralized\, customized\, and comprehensive approach which incorporates cutting age research and technology is long overdue. Hopefully\, it will eliminate or dissipate some of the problems now facing our young adults and improve outcomes for younger people. \nThe Centre is open to suggestions for programs to include. Square Peg Society has proposed a monthly cooking club\, to offer life skills/employment training and social exchange. It would run Monday evenings in the commissary kitchen at the Centre. SPS would provide the chefs and food\, and the Centre would provide the kitchen and dining space. \nIt appears that most of the activities will take place in the physical location of Richmond. It is not clear how services will be duplicated in the regional branches. \nFor more information: http://pacificautismfamily.com/
URL:https://squarepegsociety.ca/event/march-26-2015-meeting-pacific-autism-family-centre
CATEGORIES:Advocacy
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