Family Support Institute

Early Years and School Age Navigation
2024-10-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | British Columbia
SESSION INFO: « Back to all events
Caring for little ones with extra support needs is marked by joy, fear, and overwhelm, usually all in the same day! Navigating the toddler and preschool years or if the school years are on the horizon, can be a uniquely challenging time. Join us for supportive sessions on Navigating the Early Years. We are here to listen, provide resources, and create a safe place to discuss the parenting experience of young children with diverse abilities.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families.
Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base.
FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

You are invited to join FSI EARLY YEARS TRANSITIONS, this online forum was created by The Family Support Institute of BC aimed to support families navigate the journey of transitioning into Kindergarten for their loved ones through peer-to-peer support and shared experiences. https://www.facebook.com/groups/fsitransitiontok

FSI is committed to making our events as accessible as possible to everyone who wants to attend. If you have accessibility needs, please let us know when you register, or send us an email to discuss your specific needs.
Sign language (ASL) interpretation can be available with 3 week’s notice. Please identify that you require ASL when you register.
Do you have any accessibility needs for this event? If yes, details of your Requests should be submitted to this form https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/7e965206c9034dbcaa0281d5ed44132a
WE ASK ALL REGISTRANTS TO PLEASE REVIEW FSI’S ZOOM MEETING GUIDELINES BEFORE ATTENDING
All FSI Zoom sessions can be accessed by telephone only if access to computers and/or internet is a barrier. If you need assistance registering for any session, please call our office at 1-800-441-5403.
AI recording or transcription tools (like Fireflies or note-taking bots) are not permitted. These programs can introduce vulnerabilities.

Exploring Friendship
2024-10-23 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-30 16:00 - 17:00 | British Columbia
SESSION INFO: « Back to all events
This experience is to discuss all things friendship. We will talk about making friends and discover some tools that go hand in hand with maintaining happy long friendships.
What Will You Do?
Each week we will go into a different topic of friendship. We might be discussing boundaries, navigating friend groups or when to give out your phone number! Come by and learn a little with us.

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Aging Caregivers
2024-10-23 18:30 - 20:00 | British Columbia
SESSION INFO: « Back to all events
We cannot slow the aging process in ourselves or in the people we care for! As we get older, our ability to care for our family member becomes more and more difficult. Planning our own future, and the future of our loved ones can be a terrifying process. Will we be able to provide the necessary care? Will they be well cared for in the future, after we are gone? What can we do to make the future easier? Connecting with other families in similar situations is the best way to problem solve and figure out what will work best for our specific situations. Join our call with other “mature” parents and caregivers and we can problem solve together!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

You are invited to join FSI CONTINUING CONVERSATIONS, a private Facebook Group intended to continue conversations of support or provide an alternative platform for support. www.facebook.com/groups/fsicontinuingconversations/
After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families.

FSI is committed to making our events as accessible as possible to everyone who wants to attend. If you have accessibility needs, please let us know when you register, or send us an email to discuss your specific needs.
Sign language (ASL) interpretation can be available with 3 week’s notice. Please identify that you require ASL when you register.
Do you have any accessibility needs for this event? If yes, details of your Requests should be submitted to this form https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/7e965206c9034dbcaa0281d5ed44132a

All FSI Zoom sessions can be accessed by telephone only if access to computers and/or internet is a barrier. If you need assistance registering for any session, please call our office at 1-800-441-5403.

AI recording or transcription tools (like Fireflies or note-taking bots) are not permitted. These programs can introduce vulnerabilities.

Connections Hour
2024-10-24 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-31 12:00 - 13:00 | British Columbia
The BC Self Advocacy Leadership Network and Community Living BC are launching a series of Connections Hours on Thursdays at 12:00pm (PDT).
Self-advocacy leaders from across the province will be hosting these virtual connection opportunities and you’re invited to join every Thursday at 12:00pm noon to hear what’s happening around the province and share what’s going on in your own community.
To join the Connection Hour, go to this Zoom link
at the scheduled time. Then enter the passcode: [REDACTED] You can also join over the phone by calling 1-647-374-4685.

Self-Efficacy: Developing the belief that you can do the thing
2024-10-24 12:30 - 14:00, 2024-10-31 12:30 - 14:00 | British Columbia
Join us for this 6-week cohort (online zoom sessions), where we will be exploring Self-Efficacy and building positive neurodivergent identities! At Curiko, a cohort is a group experience that runs consecutively for a certain amount of weeks so we can connect, explore and grow together.
We will be exploring Self-Efficacy and building positive neurodivergent identities!

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Your Host, Alicia

I’m a late-diagnosed neurodivergent spoonie (someone who is chronically ill) who enjoys learning about psychology and personal development. I share executive functioning tips and strategies on Instagram as @theniftyneuron. My posts focus on skills like planning, prioritization, time management, and getting things done with a differently-designed mind. I have an MSc in Audiology & Speech Sciences and experience working with individuals with communication disabilities from when I used to be a speech-language pathologist. I have two cats and like to spend my time reading, writing, and working on my Etsy shop.

Comic Creation Cohort: Exploring Narratives by Making Your Own Comic
2024-10-24 15:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-31 15:00 - 17:00 | British Columbia
6-Week Cohort: Thursdays from Oct.10-Nov.14 with Scarlet Wings Kaili. Explore the process to make & assemble our comic anthology together! Only 10 spots available! First 3 sessions are online & last 3 sessions in-person in Burnaby or Vancouver location. Email littlewoo@curiko.ca for more info! No experience needed, for those new to comic creation!
We’ll explore storytelling, character development, panel layouts, lettering and more to make and assemble our comic anthology together! First 3 sessions are online and last 3 sessions will be held in-person either in a Burnaby or Vancouver location (near transit lines). No experience needed – this is geared towards those who are new to comic creation.

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Your Host, Scarlet Wings Kaili

I’m an autistic comic artist and illustrator living with chronic illness. Since graduating from Emily Carr University of Art and Design, I’ve been working on a mental health and fantasy graphic novel series, Halfsoul. My various other projects have also included working on addiction resources, music videos and contributing to many comic anthologies (as I will probably continue creating comics even after the world ends).

Real Talk Men's Pizza Party
2024-10-24 17:00 - 19:00 | British Columbia
Guys with cognitive disabilities join over a casual meal of pizza & talk with a Certified Sexual Health Educator about dating, love, and sex .
Hang out, eat some pizza, watch some Real Talk videos, and have a conversation about whatever is on your mind when it comes to dating, love, or sexual health.
This experience is in-person in New Westminster. Location to be confirmed at registration.

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Real Talk is a sexual health initiative. We want to make it less awkward for folks to talk to the people who support them about things like dating, love, relationships, and sex. Most of us are Certified Sexual Health Educators. Our events are chill, relaxed, supportive places where people can try out having these kinds of conversations.

FASD - Thinking Outside of the Box
2024-10-24 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-10-31 19:00 - 20:30 | British Columbia
SESSION INFO: « Back to all events
This family hangout is all about empowering conversations for individuals affected by FASD and those that support them. Join us for a family hangout that provides a safe place to share and connect.

CLICK TO REGISTER
WE ASK ALL REGISTRANTS TO PLEASE REVIEW FSI’S ZOOM MEETING GUIDELINES BEFORE ATTENDING

Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grass roots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base.
FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY
You are invited to join FSI CONTINUING CONVERSATIONS, a private Facebook Group intended to continue conversations of support or provide an alternative platform for support. www.facebook.com/groups/fsicontinuingconversations/

After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families. https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/52ef23e13270439d9d97d32a0b229bbc

FSI is committed to making our events as accessible as possible to everyone who wants to attend. If you have accessibility needs, please let us know when you register, or send us an email to discuss your specific needs.”
Sign language (ASL) interpretation can be available with 3 week’s notice. Please identify that you require ASL when you register.
Do you have any accessibility needs for this event? If yes, details of your Requests should be submitted to this form https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/7e965206c9034dbcaa0281d5ed44132a
All FSI Zoom sessions can be accessed by telephone only if access to computers and/or internet is a barrier. If you need assistance registering for any session, please call our office at 1-800-441-5403.

AI recording or transcription tools (like Fireflies or note-taking bots) are not permitted. These programs can introduce vulnerabilities.

MJ's Virtual Karaoke Room
2024-10-25 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-11-01 13:00 - 14:00 | British Columbia
SESSION INFO: « Back to all events
Everyone is welcome for this weekly experience of singing hosted by MJ. Sing your heart out and cheer others on in MJ’s virtual Karaoke room!
Every Friday join MJ for an hour of Virtual Karaoke. You will take turns picking a song and unmuting yourself to sing. At the end, you will choose a song together and sing as a group! This is a fun and supportive environment to sing and socialize.
This experience takes place over zoom. Host MJ will share their screen so everyone will see the song lyrics There will be loud music and you will hear Zoom people singing.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Halloween Festivities: Central Spark
2024-10-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Patterson Street Skytrain, 5932 Patterson St., Burnaby, BC, Canada
Join Hao for a 👻Spooktacular🎃 & fang-tastic evening at Central Park. Get ready for a hauntingly good time!🍬 🍭 And witching you all a safe Halloween. May your Halloween be as sweet as candy and as spooky as a haunted house! There will be food trucks as well as spooktastic entertainment. We’ll meet outside Patterson station at 5932 Patterson St.
Join Hao for a spooky celebration at Central Park! There will be a drone & fireworks display. Fireworks @ 7:30 PM. Bring some money if you’d like to buy anything from the food trucks. We will meet by Patterson Skytrain Station (at 5932 Patterson St.) at the corner of Patterson and Central Boulevard, and walk to the event together.

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The Good Doctor
2024-10-28 11:30 - 12:30 | British Columbia
SESSION INFO: « Back to all events
The Good Doctor is a show about a surgeon living with Autism who moves to California to work at a prestigious hospital. Each week we’ll watch an episode and chat about some of the stuff that may have come up!
Are there some shows that reflect experiences you see, want more of in the world or disagree with? Each week we’ll catch an episode of The Good Doctor and chat about some of the thoughts, questions and feelings that may have come up for folks. Critics and fans alike are welcome! The Good Doctor is a show about a surgeon living with Autism who moves to California to work at a famous hospital.
Join host Brodie on Zoom to watch an episode of The Good Doctor. Brodie says “I want to share this show because I am inspired by someone who has autism because I have autism and it makes me think I can also do great things like Dr. Shaun Murphy”. After the episode, reflect and share your thoughts and feelings.

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Song Sharing Circle
2024-10-28 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-11-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Curiko Studios, 4924 Imperial Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
In this experience, we will be connecting to ourselves and each other through the medium of song. We may be singing, discussing, and listening to songs of all genres. This experience will be hosted by a music therapy intern and song enthusiast who believes in the healing power of music. All levels of musical experience are welcome!
Activities in this group will include singing, playing instruments, drawing, listening to songs, and discussing them. Please note that all genres and varieties of music will be welcome here!
This experience is in-person! You’ll meet your host in Burnaby, British Columbia, near Metrotown! The exact address will be sent to you when the host confirms the experience!

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y(O)ur Care!
2024-10-28 13:00 - 14:00 | British Columbia
A bi-monthly meet up to talk wellness strategies.
This experience happens twice a month (at the start and at the end). We will begin with some gentle movements before having conversations on self care and community care.

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Your Host, Shully
Hi, I’m Shully (she/they) I’m a 28 year old Black queer chronically sick person. I love moving and figuring out different ways to connect my mind & body.

Journey Through Grief
2024-10-28 19:00 - 20:30 | British Columbia
SESSION INFO: « Back to all events
Parents, grandparents, and caregivers of a child or family member with a disability who journey through aspects of grief are invited to come together in a safe space for connection, understanding, inspiration, capacity building, and non-judgemental support. Whether your experience is a new diagnosis, life stage, or loss, we welcome you to join the conversation circle. We are inclusive of diverse perspectives and belief systems.
CLICK TO REGISTER

Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

FSI is committed to making our events as accessible as possible to everyone who wants to attend. If you have accessibility needs, please let us know when you register, or send us an email to discuss your specific needs.
Sign language (ASL) interpretation can be available with 3 week’s notice. Please identify that you require ASL when you register.
Do you have any accessibility needs for this event? If yes, details of your Requests should be submitted to this form https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/7e965206c9034dbcaa0281d5ed44132a
AI recording or transcription tools (like Fireflies or note-taking bots) are not permitted. These programs can introduce vulnerabilities.

You are invited to join FSI CONTINUING CONVERSATIONS, a private Facebook Group intended to continue conversations of support or provide an alternative platform for support. www.facebook.com/groups/fsicontinuingconversations/

After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families. https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/52ef23e13270439d9d97d32a0b229bbc

All FSI Zoom sessions can be accessed by telephone only if access to computers and/or internet is a barrier. If you need assistance registering for any session, please call our office at 1-800-441-5403.

*FGen

Learn about Support Worker Central
2024-10-29 10:00 - 11:00 | British Columbia
Support Worker Central is a province-wide job board where people with disabilities and their families can find support staff, as well, people looking for work can find a job supporting someone with a disability. There are over 1400 job seekers currently utilizing the job board.

CLICK TO REGISTER

Alexi McGreer has been the project manager for Support Worker Central for two years. Alexi is a communications and marketing professional, and actively implements her skills and knowledge to expand awareness of Support Worker Central across the province.

Art Journaling
2024-10-29 11:00 - 12:00 | British Columbia
SESSION INFO: « Back to all events
Let’s create and reflect! Art Journalling is all about being creative while looking inward and engaging in self-reflection.
Together we will learn a new art-making technique and then work on an art journalling prompt that will get us both reflecting and creating.
Remember to bring: Paper – you can use loose paper or a notebook. Pens, pencils, or markers. Any other of your favorite art-making supplies and tools.
Accessibility: All art activities can be adapted to use different materials or materials in different ways. All activities will be demonstrated visually and verbally explained. Please let me know if you have any accessibility needs – including accessibility needs around art creation or making.

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Meditation Explorers: Looking Inward Together
2024-10-29 14:00 - 15:00 | British Columbia
Join us for this 4-week cohort (online zoom sessions), where we will be exploring and practicing meditation in different ways! At Curiko, a cohort is a group experience that runs consecutively for a certain amount of weeks so we can connect, explore and grow together.
During this 4-week cohort, we will explore soft eye meditation, breath meditation and body scanning, plus share about each other’s experiences with meditation.

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Reflection Cafe - Creekside Coffee Factory
2024-10-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Creekside Coffee Factory, 3000 Lougheed Hwy. #103, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 1C5, Canada
SESSION INFO: « Back to all events
Join Curiko coaches Tamsen & Bella at this month’s Reflection Cafe for 2 hours of connection and reflection! We will meet at “Creekside Coffee Factory”, located in Westwood Mall at 3000 Lougheed Hwy. You can enjoy one coffee or tea on us but please bring cash/credit card if you’d like to buy a snack or an extra drink.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Laughter Yoga | In Person
2024-10-29 17:30 - 18:30 | British Columbia
Join Aggie “IN-PERSON” in Vancouver for Laughter Yoga! The art of laughing for no reason & the science of breathing–FUN times with an abundance of health benefits too! Laughter Yoga is NOT traditional yoga & also does not rely on jokes nor comedy. Laughter Yoga is fun & easy laughing & breathing exercises we can all do together!
Aggie will share a brief history of Laughter Yoga & what it is. Aggie will then verbally explain & visually show what the Laughter Exercises & Breathing Exercises look like; please join in everyone!
This experience is in-person! You’ll meet your host in Vancouver, British Columbia. The exact address will be sent to you when the host confirms the experience!

JOIN THE EXPERIENCE

Live Music Group!
2024-10-30 11:00 - 12:00 | https://familysupportbc.com/event/music-group-with-chris-and-zadok/2024-10-30/
SESSION INFO: « Back to all events
Through this one-hour zoom call, join Chris and Zadok’s live guitar playing and singing! Sing or dance along, make requests and enjoy this dynamic duo!
Join hosts Chris and Zadok for a singalong. You can make requests and listen as Chris and Zadok play the guitar. Feel free to singalong or listen and enjoy the tunes. Connect with others.
For this event, you’ll need a phone, tablet or laptop and the zoom app.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Real Talk Classic Pizza Party | In Person
2024-10-30 11:00 - 13:00 | BACI, 336 Columbia St, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
SESSION INFO: « Back to all events
Adults with cognitive disabilities meet over pizza at to chat about dating, love, relationships, sex, and sexuality with sexual health educators.

What Will You Do?
Folks will get together over a casual meal of pizza and chat about dating, love, relationships, sex, and sexuality with sexual health educators.

This experience is in-person!
This experience will take place inside the BACI New Westminster office. Walking distance from a skytrain station.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Your Host, Real Talk
Real Talk is a sexual health initiative. We want to make it less awkward for folks to talk to the people who support them about things like dating, love, relationships, and sex. Most of us are Certified Sexual Health Educators. Our events are chill, relaxed, supportive places where people can try out having these kinds of conversations.

Ask an Expert - RDSP and other Disability Financial Planning Considerations
2024-10-30 13:00 - 14:30 | British Columbia
Join this event for a moderated question and answer period facilitated by three experts from Plan Institute (PI). This webinar will focus on questions related to the registered disability saving plan (RDSP) and other disability related financial planning considerations for individuals and family caregivers.

CLICK TO REGISTER

Challenging Behaviours
2024-10-30 18:30 - 20:00 | British Columbia
SESSION INFO: « Back to all events
Complex behaviours are hard to handle! Whether those behaviours come from poor impulse control, language difficulties or oppositional tendencies, caregivers still struggle to understand and we all want to help.
Join our Family Hangout for Challenging Behaviours and share with other caregivers who experience similar issues. Knowing that we are not alone in our struggles and hearing about options that have worked for other families can make the path just a little easier.
This bi-weekly call is now a combination of two family hangouts; Complex Behaviours and Non-Speaking Autism. Please join us.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY
You are invited to join FSI CONTINUING CONVERSATIONS, a private Facebook Group intended to continue conversations of support or provide an alternative platform for support. www.facebook.com/groups/fsicontinuingconversations/
After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families.
All FSI Zoom sessions can be accessed by telephone only if access to computers and/or internet is a barrier. If you need assistance registering for any session, please call our office at 1-800-441-5403.

*FG
