The WestShore Rebels football team has a new mascot……introducing WIGGY! 

Iggy P. is an avid football fan and cheers them on every chance he gets.  Stay tuned for more photos of WIGGY in action (he’d like to assure his fans that his mascot outfit is fully breathable!)

Today Wiggy was spotted at Gorge Park with Futures Club participating in a water balloon toss!!

Disability Travel Card

This Disability Travel Card is intended for people with disabilities who require the assistance of a support person when travelling. The Card offers its holder discounts to the support person in attendance with them when traveling with participating partners Via Rail, Greyhound bus lines and Coach Canada.

To apply for a Disability Travel Card through Easter Seals Canada download the PDF application and submit by fax, scanned email or mail to the following:

Attn: Disability Travel Card
40 Holly Street, Suite 401
Toronto, ON M4S 3C3
Fax:  (416) 932-9844

For all Travel Card inquiries please contact us at 416-932-8382 x 241, or toll free at 1-877-376-6362 x 241. You may also email [email protected]

Survey for BC Families Supporting a Son or Daughter with a Developmental Disability

Inclusion BC wants to hear from families about your experiences accessing funding or services for your youth or adult sons and daughters with developmental disabilities after transitioning from high school. Your experiences are critical in providing us with the stories and evidence to inform our government decision makers and make them accountable for how people with developmental disabilities and their families access the funding and supports they need and deserve.

Inclusion BC regularly hears from families who struggle with accessing funding and services from Community Living BC (CLBC) for their members with developmental disabilities. Issues and problems that are most often brought forward include:

1. An eligibility process that is difficult.
2. Unclear assessment tools and practices.
3. Uncertain or long wait times to access funding or services, creating serious problems and even crisis
4. Funding levels that are frequently inadequate
5. Funding that is subject to change with little notice or clear explanation
6. Appeal processes are unclear or ineffective
7. Lack of awareness about funding and services
8. Lack of information about the role and function of CLBC staff.

Families report that challenges regarding funding and services most frequently occur when their family member:

1. Turns 19 years of age.
2. Requests funding or services after 19 years of age.
3. Requires a change to or needs additional supports or funding.

Please take a few moments and complete this questionnaire. If you wish you are welcome to leave your contact information. We will not share it with anyone else but may contact you in the future.

Gabe worked with CanAssist to refit his camera to make it more user friendly.  I think Gabe is very pleased with the results!

Have you thought about supporting an adult with a developmental disability?

Would you consider being a paid Home Share Provider?

In 2014 Kardel expanded its Home Share Program to include the Nanaimo to Campbell River regions.  If you would like more information, please contact:

Nanaimo – 250-729-7401

Parksville – 250-248-8336

Courtenay/Comox – 250-338-6557

Campbell River – 250-287-8937

South of the Malahat  you can contact the Victoria office at 250-382-5959.

Ken from Patterson House worked with CanAssist to customize a Sensory Entertainment Centre.  He enjoys pressing the buttons to switch between photos  and sounds that are meaningful to him.

On May 8, 2015 five Kardel staff participated in the Leadercast webinar at the UVIC Turpin building.  The Leadercast Live Speakers included Ed Catmull, President of Pixar & Disney Animation Studios; Rudy Giuliana, 107th Mayor of New York City (1993-2001); CMDR Rorke Denver, Navy Seal Commander & Author; Malala Yousafzai,”Bravest Girl in the World” -CNN; and many others. 

The staff reported that they thoroughly enjoyed the day and would definitely recommend it to others who are considering attending the next event.