Cowichan Independent Living

10/06/2026

09/25/2026

🧡 We’re Closed September 30 for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Our office will be closed on Wednesday, September 30th in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

We will be taking the day to reflect, learn, and honour the Survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities.

If you need to reach us while we are closed, please leave us a message at 250-746-3930 or email us at [email protected], and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Our hours will otherwise remain the same as usual.

🧡 We encourage everyone to take time to listen, learn, reflect, and honour the importance of truth and reconciliation.

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.

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.
👂 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? 💡 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! 📚
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