CLBC Message to Self Advocates March 5th,2020

• Minimum direct funded respite rate increase
• Home sharing funding increase
• New information being collected as part of employment services
• Inclusive housing plan updates
• Open CLBC Board meeting takes place March 12
• Self advocate and family stories
• Self advocacy leadership opportunities

Minimum direct funded respite rate increase

• Community Living BC is increasing the minimum direct funded respite rates for families from $2,800 to $3,080 per year.
• This will start April 1, 2020.
• If you have a question, please contact CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca.

Home Sharing funding increase

• On April, 1, 2020, all home sharing rates are being increased for a second year.
• You can find the new rates and a Q and A on CLBC’s web site here.
• There is also a Home Sharing Working Group putting together a handbook to help improve the home sharing process for everyone.
• If you have questions about the increases or the Home Sharing Working Group, email CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca.

New information being collected as part of employment services

• There is a new government agreement in place for CLBC to receive funding for employment services.  It is called the Workforce Development Agreement (WDA).
• The WDA requires CLBC employment service providers to collect personal information from people receiving CLBC employment supports. For example: name, address, birth date and social insurance number.
• CLBC has created a way to maintain the privacy and security of people’s information.
• You can read CLBC’s brochure for individuals and families about the information requirements for the WDA here.

The Inclusive Housing Task Force has been working on:

• Collecting information to better understand the number of people who need housing.
• Creating a public awareness campaign, website and video for self advocates, families and service providers to talk to city planners, council members, and property developers.
• Developing a toolbox to help self advocates and families plan for inclusive housing.

Next open CLBC Board meeting takes place March 12

• The next CLBC Board meeting is on March 12, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Self Advocates, individuals, family members and members of the public are invited to attend.
• Anyone can ask to present questions to the board at open board meetings.
• You can learn about how to do that here, and you will also find information for people who live outside of the Lower Mainland and are unable to attend in person.
• See the full list of open board meetings for 2020 here.

Self advocate and family stories

• The Winter Edition of Celebrate Diverse ABILITIES magazine is now online here, and printed versions are available in CLBC local offices. The theme for the current edition is “The Future is Accessible.”
• Have a look at the latest edition of our digital newsletter CLBC Connect here.
• A form to sign up and receive future editions is available on the CLBC website here.
• Also, don’t forget to check out latest stories on www.selfadvocatenet.com. You can submit your own story ideas here.

Self advocacy leadership opportunities

• Make sure to visit the CLBC event calendar to learn about Self Advocacy events coming to your community, including:
  • March 25 in Nanaimo: BC People First, Empowering Employment
  • March 30 in Burnaby: Vancouver Coastal Self Advocacy Conference, Wholesome Living
  • April 8 in Abbotsford: Fraser Valley Self Advocacy Conference, Self Advocates in Motion

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Thank you as always for everything you do to build inclusive and welcoming communities. We hope you find this information useful.
Sincerely,
Ross Chilton
CEO, Community Living BC
Jessica Humphrey
Self Advocate Advisor, Community Living BC