Dear Families,
Like you, we are quite heartened to see the pandemic curve flattening in BC. We are prepared for an outbreak, and have an ample supply of Personal Protective Equipment, cleaning supplies, non-perishable food and other goods. However, with several weeks of experience now behind us, we know that if we can continue to hold the line, we can also continue to prevent the transmission of Covid-19.
Practicing physical distance, good hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning protocols and staying home whenever possible, has kept every person we serve, free of COVID-19 up to this point.
As our new normal continues to unfold, we recognize that some folks will need more support than others. Some may also be communicating through challenging behaviour. Please contact us if you have additional support needs at this time, so that we can work together to help resolve them.
Last week, we introduced you to the website www.comakedo.ca . The folks behind this initiative are continuing to develop new content that will educate, engage and entertain your family members. Please take a moment to check it out, and let us know if you need help with technology or internet connectivity.
3rd CLBC Teleconference
Community Living BC has announced that they will be holding another teleconference call with Minister Shane Simpson, Dr. Daniele Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer, and CLBC CEO Ross Chilton on Friday, April 17, 2020, from 11:15am–12:15pm. More details can be found by clicking here.
To help keep families informed, CLBC has now launched a COVID-19 weekly update. You can look here to see their editions.
Family Caregivers of BC’s Resources Page
The Family Caregivers of British Columbia’s COVID-19 Resources page contains a list of excellent caregiver tips and supports. As we know, a caregiver’s role may increase or intensify through this time and we encourage you to visit their page by clicking here. Their Caregiver Support Line is also available Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 4pm, call: 1-877-520-3267.
COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group
Al Etmanski, writer, community activist and long-time disability advocate, and Carla Qualtrough, Minister responsible for Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, are co-chairing the new COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group (CDAG) for the Government of Canada. The group will advise the Minister on the real-time lived experiences of persons with disabilities during this crisis on disability-specific issues, challenges and systemic gaps and on strategies, measures and steps to be taken.
To learn more, click here.
Official Websites
Please refer weekly to updates published on these official government and advocacy websites, as programs and services are still evolving and in some cases, expanding:
Government of Canada
Province of BC
BC Centre for Disease Control
Community Living BC
Inclusion BC
Additional Resources
Lastly, don’t forget to check out our COVID-19 resources page for families and individuals at www.posAbilities.ca/COVID-19. The page includes plain language info about COVID-19, virtual things to do, wellness resources, as well as our COVID Care Kits. Upcoming issues will focus on additional caregiver resources and DIY projects and ideas, including how to make cloth masks.
We have received lots of positive feedback from families over the past few weeks, and we greatly appreciate your continued support. All in all, we are on a very solid footing at this time due to everyone’s efforts! The little things you do for us, like sharing your jokes, yoga videos, and notes of thanks, are appreciated by our team members.
Sincerely,
Fernando Coelho, CEO
posAbilities
