Cowichan Independent Living

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

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.

💙 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

📚 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.

🗓 Saturday, September 26, 2026
🕖 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
📍 Camas Books & Infoshop
2620 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC

Event hosted by Camas Books & Infoshop.

08/31/2026

Due to the Labour Day long weekend, we will be closed on Monday, September 7th. We will be open on Tuesday, the 8th, as normal.
If you need to get in contact, leave us a message at 250-746-3930 or email us at [email protected], and we will get back to you asap.

08/31/2026

Twenty five years ago, communities across the world came together to say one thing clearly: every life lost to overdose is a life that mattered, and every person struggling deserves support, not judgment. On Vancouver Island, we have all felt this loss, in our families, our workplaces, and our neighbourhoods. Today, I am thinking of the people we have lost, the families still grieving, and the people working every day in recovery, treatment, and prevention to help others find their way forward. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone, and help is available. Call 9-1-1 if you are in an emergency. Crisis Line
Call 1-800-784-2433 or dial 9-8-8

08/31/2026

Youth Survey from our previous Youth Director Laura Zeman. Youth with a Voice was a grant we applied for in supporting Youth Engagement in our communities. So I’m excited to share this with all our Youth. Here is the Information and the Survey.

Power of Student Voice - Study Invitation

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

This is an invitation for students to participate in a study examining the implications of student voice and governance on student engagement and well-being. Participation in this study is voluntary, and students who participate can contribute meaningfully to shaping this doctoral-level study about education.

The study includes questions on the following education-related topics: student voice, student governance, well-being, engagement, identity, and relationships. With well-being-related questions optional.

We are seeking participation from hundreds of middle and high school students in an anonymous online survey estimated to take 15 minutes. Following the survey, up to 15 students will have the opportunity to sign up for a 15-minute confidential semi-structured Zoom interview. No personally identifying information will be collected or reported. Participation is first-come, first-served, and students must be between 14 and 19 years old and attend a school in British Columbia.

The timeframe for this study is August 1 to November 1, 2026. Participation is first-come, first-served. The study may close early, depending on participation.

Parents/Guardians: If you are a parent and your student is 17 years of age or less, please read and sign the digital parental consent form via the hyperlink below, indicating your agreement with the terms and conditions of this study. Please note that once your agreement is confirmed, students will also be asked for consent, and upon consent, they can start the survey using the same link. If no consent is provided, you will be brought to the end of the survey to exit.

Students 18+: If you are a student 18 years of age or older, parental consent is not required. Please proceed to read and sign the consent, indicating your agreement with all the terms and conditions of this study.

Link to Consent Forms & Survey (studentvoice.ca)

https://fielding.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Y91UK7rhBU2QpU


If you have any questions, please contact Laura Zeman, the study’s primary researcher in the Ph.D. in Human Development program at Fielding Graduate University: [email protected], 778.903.2033

Thank you for participating in this important Youth Survey.

08/27/2026