Cowichan Independent Living

Cowichan Independent Living Promoting a new perspective on disability! Helping and empowering people throughout the community living with disabilities!

09/08/2026

Today brings the unofficial end of summer with school back in session for most kids across Canada. It is an exceptionally stressful time for parents of children with disabilities due to a widespread lack of resources for inclusive education and proper classroom support.

Inclusion Canada CEO Krista Carr was a guest on CBC The National and shared how many parents worry their child will be segregated, pushed out or denied full access to inclusive learning.

Click here to watch the news item.
https://www.inclusioncanada.ca/page/curated-news-articles

We welcome your support for inclusive education.

Su***de prevention starts with a conversation. 🫶You don’t need to have the perfect words. You don’t need to know exactly...
09/07/2026

Su***de prevention starts with a conversation. 🫶

You don’t need to have the perfect words. You don’t need to know exactly what to do. Sometimes, simply noticing, asking, and listening can be the first step toward helping someone feel less alone.

💬 Ask how they’re really doing.
đź‘‚ Listen without judgement.
🤝 Stay connected.
📲 Help them find support when they need it.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of su***de, call or text 9-8-8 for free, confidential support, 24/7 anywhere in Canada.

If there is immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

Save this post. Share it with someone you care about. You never know who might need it.

You are not a burden. Your life matters. And you don’t have to face it alone.

***deprevention

09/03/2026

In British Columbia, September is Disability Employment Month, celebrating the significant impact that people with disabilities have in the provincial workforce, and highlighting inclusive employers.

Did you know? đź’ˇ Research shows that Special Olympics athletes have a 44 per cent employment rate, compared to only 28 per cent for Canadians with intellectual disabilities who do not participate in Special Olympics.

Special Olympics athletes and programs across Canada contribute more than $100M to local economies in incremental income. Athletes' increased employment and participation create a positive ripple effect, boosting local economies and supporting sustainable growth.

Learn how to get involved and change lives, including yours ➡️ https://www.specialolympics.bc.ca/get-involved/

📷: Special Olympics BC – Campbell River athlete Ashley Adie on the job at Thrifty Foods (and showing her well-earned SOBC Games hardware!)

09/03/2026

Thanks to a generous grant from the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, DSRF is expanding our Forever (3)21 Program!

Adults with Down syndrome can enjoy a good quality of life as they age. Participants will learn about lifestyle factors and behaviours that contribute positively to healthy aging, such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, engaging in a variety of activities and social connection. This program gives adults over the age of 30 the chance to connect regularly with others, focusing on the social connection that can be harder to come by as people age, and yet is highly important to maintaining cognitive and mental health. Sessions will include education about healthy behaviours and home practice assignments about how to age healthfully, with heavy emphasis on encouraging social interactions amongst participants.

From Sept 15 - June 8, DSRF will offer 3 separate Forever (3)21 Programs. Two will take place online, weekly on Tuesdays (10:30-11:30 OR 4:30-5:30); the other will take place in person, bi-weekly on Fridays (10:00-11:00).

The online programs are facilitated by Registered Clinical Counsellor Christine Hoos and/or Aideen Sweeney, RSLP. The in-person program is facilitated by Susan Fawcett, PhD, RSLP.

Both online and in person participants will receive a baseline dementia screener for free, courtesy of CDSS. All programs also include 3 guest speakers and 4 outings/special event meetings.

Details + Registration: https://bit.ly/3Uujdii

09/01/2026

Back-to-school vibes are in the air! đź“š
If you’re getting ready for a new school year, you’re not alone. And if you’re wondering how to make sure your child is included and supported at school, it might be time to dust off your link to Inclusion BC’s Handbook on Inclusive Education.

With 10 chapters filled with ideas, resources and practical tips, the handbook can help you navigate the BC education system and advocate for your child’s right to inclusive education.
🎒 New school year. New questions. We’re here to help you get started.
👉 Check out the Handbook on Inclusive Education: https://ow.ly/38kM50ZF03J

09/01/2026

Parents with disabilities have the right to raise their children in safe, supportive environments. Every family deserves access to accessible, affordable housing and the disability-related supports and services they need to thrive.

Parents with disabilities should be able to access supports and services in their communities.

We’re calling on the provincial government to create legislation and polices that clearly state that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the right to be parents and to get the supports and housing they need.

Read and share our Position Statement on the Right to Parent here: https://ow.ly/f9x850ZGKEf

09/01/2026

September is Pain Awareness Month, a time to recognize the challenges faced by individuals living with chronic pain. At WNY Independent Living, we believe every person deserves access, support, and independence, regardless of the physical or invisible pain they may experience.

Chronic pain can impact daily living, employment, and community participation—but with the right resources, advocacy, and peer support, individuals can continue to live empowered and meaningful lives.

WNYIL provides:
• Peer-led support and community connections
• Independent living skills training and adaptive strategies
• Resources for pain management, accessibility, and advocacy

Together, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create a more inclusive Western New York.

đź’™ Join us in supporting Pain Awareness Month by sharing resources, spreading understanding, and advocating for accessibility for all.

09/01/2026

Come roll some dice and save a fantasy realm !!

Our Dungeons & Dragons group is officially launching at the CMHA Youth Center, and we’re putting together a party. Whether you're a seasoned spellcaster or you just want an excuse to eat the free food (yes, we are providing snacks), there’s a seat for you at the table.

🗡️ The Quest Details:

Campaign Begins: September 15th

When: Every Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Where: 554 Trunk Rd.

Loot: Snacks provided!

⚠️ Warning: Spots are strictly limited. You actually have to speak to our staff to sign up, so drop by during our regular hours (Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 6 PM) before the party leaves you behind in the tavern.

Got questions before you commit to the campaign? Give us a call at 250-732-5360. See you in the dungeon! 🎲✨

09/01/2026

đź“š Author Talk at Camas Books & Infoshop

Join Phil Nealy as he discusses his new autobiography, I Won't Stand for This! Embracing My Disability to Empower Others.

After sustaining a spinal cord injury that resulted in quadriplegia, Phil shares his journey of rehabilitation, self-advocacy, and building a full and independent life. Rather than focusing on disability as tragedy or inspiration, he challenges common assumptions about ability, productivity, and worth while highlighting resilience, dignity, community, and the importance of removing barriers.

Written with Kyle Hawke, this thoughtful memoir offers an honest perspective grounded in lived experience.

đź—“ Saturday, September 26, 2026
🕖 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
đź“Ť Camas Books & Infoshop
2620 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC

Event hosted by Camas Books & Infoshop.

Address

531 Canada Avenue
Duncan, BC
V9L1T8

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 3:30pm
Thursday 10am - 3:30pm
Friday 10am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+1 250-746-3930

Website

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