Technology for Living

08/12/2026

International Youth Day 2026 💙

"Different Contexts, Common Aspirations"

Today, we acknowledge the voices, experiences, and contributions of youth around the world.

While every young person’s circumstances and experiences are different, many share common hopes: to learn, participate, have opportunities, and build a future where they can thrive.

At TFL, our work reminds us of the importance of creating inclusive and accessible opportunities for young people of all abilities. Through our work with youth, including our Youth Assistive Technology program, we see the difference that access, inclusion, and the right support can make.

This International Youth Day, we recognize young people not only for the future they represent, but for the perspectives, ideas, and contributions they bring to our communities today.

https://social.desa.un.org/issues/youth/events/international-youth-day-2026

https://www.technologyforliving.org/application-for-yat-services/

About International Youth DayObserved annually on 12 August, International Youth Day raises awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing young people around the world and celebrates their role as essential partners in achieving sustainable development.The observance provides a platform for g...

08/06/2026

BiPAP Therapy & Mental Health 💙

Explore the connection between BiPAP therapy and mental health for people living with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS) and neuromuscular disorders.

While BiPAP therapy plays an important role in supporting breathing and improving oxygenation, it can also contribute to better sleep, mood, concentration, and daytime energy. The article also highlights some of the challenges that can come with adapting to long-term device use, including discomfort, claustrophobia, and emotional resistance.

In this Balance article, Alex Yu, our PROP RRT, shares supportive strategies that can help make BiPAP therapy more comfortable and manageable, while highlighting the importance of addressing both physical and emotional wellbeing.

📖 Read the full article to learn more!

https://issuu.com/technologyforliving/docs/balance_26_june_2026

08/05/2026

What Members Told Us 💬

This year, we took the opportunity to listen directly to our members and learn more about their experiences with TFL's services. Through four 90-minute focus groups, members shared what TFL does well, what our services mean to them personally, and where there may be opportunities to improve. Their feedback provides valuable insight into the impact of our programs and helps guide how we continue to support the people we serve.

One powerful reflection from a member was: "PROP and TIL have given me my independence." 💙

Read the full story, What Members Told Us, in the latest issue of Balance to hear directly from our members and learn more about their experiences and perspectives!

07/29/2026

TFL Peer Updates: August & Upcoming Events 🌟

Build community, share your story, and connect with peers in supportive virtual spaces designed for creativity, conversation, and connection.

🔹 OHS Peer Meetings (Saturday, August 1st @11 AM PST)

A supportive peer space for individuals living with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another in a safe and understanding environment. 🤝

👉 https://www.technologyforliving.org/ohs

🔹 Peers on Pages (Thursday, August 6th @ 4PM PST)

A welcoming creative writing workshop where stories, poetry, reflections, and lived experiences come together. Your voice matters and your creativity is welcome. 📝

👉 https://tinyurl.com/TFLPeersOnPages

🔹 AGM 2026 (Tuesday, Sept 22nd @6 PM PST) ✨

You're invited to our Annual General Meeting! Join us to celebrate the past year's accomplishments, hear important organizational updates, and connect with TFL staff, Board members, and fellow community members. No registration is required, simply click the Zoom link below to join the meeting.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/TFL-AGM-2026

We look forward to seeing you at these events!

NOTE:

🔹 Peer Hub Update: There is no Peer Hub meeting in August. Thank you for being such an important part of our peer community, we look forward to reconnecting with everyone at our next session in September!

07/17/2026

Nothing brings a team together quite like good food, great conversations, and time spent together. 🌭☀️

This week, the Technology for Living team gathered for our annual Staff BBQ to connect, celebrate, and recognize the incredible people behind our mission. It was a wonderful afternoon to enjoy great company, strengthen relationships, and recharge outside of our day-to-day work.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped organize the event and to all our members and staff for making it such an enjoyable afternoon. Here's to another year of collaboration, innovation, and making a difference! 🎉

07/03/2026

🌞 You're Invited to our annual TFL Staff BBQ! 🍔🔥

Summer is here, and it's time to celebrate together! Join us for an afternoon of great food, connection, and community at our annual Staff BBQ.

📅 Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

🕚 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM

📍 #103 – 366 East Kent Ave. South, Vancouver, BC

🍔 Burgers (including vegetarian options) will be provided.

🥗 Potluck dishes are welcome (optional).

Please RSVP to [email protected] and let us know about any dietary requirements or if you'll be bringing a guest.

We can't wait to spend the afternoon with our amazing TFL community. See you there! ☀️💙

07/02/2026

Join us for a lineup of engaging and inclusive events this month!

Build community, share your story, and connect with peers in supportive virtual spaces designed for creativity, conversation, and connection.

🔹 BALANCE – June 2026 Issue: “What Members Told Us”

Our latest BALANCE publication highlights member voices and lived experiences gathered through focus groups and community engagement. 📰

👉 https://issuu.com/technologyforliving/docs/balance_26_june_2026

🔹 OHS Peer Meetings (Saturday, July 4th @ 11 AM PST)

A supportive peer space for individuals living with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another in a safe and understanding environment. 🤝

👉 https://www.technologyforliving.org/ohs

🔹 Peer Hub (Tuesday, July 7th @ 2 PM PST)

A casual monthly social gathering where peers come together to connect, chat, and build community. This month’s session is open conversation—no guest speaker, just connection and support. 💬

👉 https://tinyurl.com/TFLPeerHub

🔹 Peers on Pages (Thursday, July 9th @ 4 PM PST)

A welcoming creative writing workshop where stories, poetry, reflections, and lived experiences come together. Your voice matters and your creativity is welcome. 📝

👉 https://tinyurl.com/TFLPeersOnPages

We look forward to seeing you at these events!

07/02/2026

🍲 Community Kitchen at Oak Care Centre!

Residents from Oak Care Centre and Cambie Gardens joined CARMA peers and community members for a meaningful Community Kitchen gathering, coming together to share a meal and meaningful conversation in a welcoming space.

These monthly gatherings foster connection and shared experiences over a warm meal. This month’s menu featured homemade bannock tacos, bringing everyone together through food and community.

Thank you to all who helped create these moments of belonging, inclusion, and connection. 💙

07/01/2026

Happy Canada Day from Technology for Living!



Today we celebrate the diverse communities, cultures, and landscapes that make Canada home.



At TFL, we support people with disabilities across British Columbia and to continue working toward a more inclusive province for everyone. Accessibility is at the heart of building a stronger Canada, one where all individuals can participate fully in their communities, live independently, and thrive.



As we reflect on this day, we acknowledge with gratitude that we live and work across the many traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of First Nations throughout British Columbia. We recognize the ongoing stewardship of Indigenous peoples and are committed to supporting meaningful reconciliation and accessibility in all communities we serve.



Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Canada Day! ❤️🤍

07/01/2026

📍 Access Awareness Day – Shoal Centre, Sidney, BC

TFL was pleased to participate in the Access Awareness Day Documentary and Information Fair held earlier this month in Sidney.

The event brought community members together to celebrate inclusion, share lived experiences of navigating accessibility and explore resources that support a more barrier-free Canada.

Our Vancouver Island Community Advisor, Robin Whyte hosted a booth on behalf of TFL and connected with attendees throughout the day. Robin is pictured with Lee York, documentary filmmaker, local Sidney resident, and member of the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee. Lee’s film Survival to Safari was also featured, sharing his powerful journey of resilience following a life-changing event.

Thank you to the organizers for creating space for meaningful conversations around accessibility and community connection!