Tickets available for VIFF Screening of "OKAY!"

Kinsight sponsors October 5 and 8 screenings

Kinsight is pleased to co-sponsor the film “Okay! (The ASD Band Film)" at this year’s Vancouver International Film Festival. 

Along with our partners, posAbilities and BACI, we are sponsoring the film’s screening on October 5 and 8 at the Cineplex Odeon International Village (#9 and 10). The documentary follows a group of musicians who are on the autism spectrum and showcases their song writing and performances and provides insights into their journey. 

If you would like to attend the screening, Kinsight has a limited number of complementary tickets as well as discounted tickets. Please let us know if you – or the people you support – would like to attend. To coordinate tickets, please email Heidi Maddrell at hmaddrell@kinsight.org.  

Screenings are: 

• Wednesday, October 5, at 6 p.m.
• Saturday, October 8, at 1 p.m.

For more information about the VIFF film and to watch the trailer, follow the link below.

Canada Disability Act Receives Second Reading:

Call to the community to help make it a reality

Bill C-22, An Act to reduce poverty and to support the financial security of persons with disabilities by establishing the Canada disability benefit, received second reading in the House of Commons last week. Inclusion Canada is encouraging everyone to help make the Canada Disability Act a reality.

Kinsight is also working with its BC colleagues through Disability Alliance BC and the Disability without Poverty initiative to raise awareness of this important effort.

Check out the CBC Early Edition interview with Inclusion BC linked below or read Inclusion Canada’s press release [here].

Summer's a Wrap: Reflecting on Reconnecting with our Communities

Family Hosts IDP Outdoor Group at Their Farm

The Infant Development Program’s Outdoor group had a special outing last month. The group visited a local Tri-Cities farm – owned by a family involved in the program. Marieke Vandenhende, IDP Consultant, organized the outing that included seeing chickens, geese and even some hawks and falcons! There were lots of blackberries to pick and eat and the horses enjoyed the carrots they fed them. If you want to know more about the group, contact Marieke at mvandenhende@kinsight.org.

Family BBQs Resume with Games, Food and Fun

Kinsight's Family and Children's Services teams were eager to resume their summertime tradition of hosting family BBQs and picnics. In New Westminster families gathered on August 18th for a picnic and some outdoor fun at Queens Park.

On August 25th and 31st, families were invited to the Tri-Cities Children's Centre Open House, where they enjoyed carnival style activities, food, and an opportunity to tour the new space. More than 200 people turned out for the Tri-Cities festivities, which were co-hosted with SHARE. "It was a great opportunity for families to explore the new space and to get comfortable with it," notes Yvonne Kwok. 

In addition to participating in the Tri-Cities Children's Centre event on August 31, the Key Worker and Parent to Parent Support teams also held picnics for families at Blue Mountain Park on July 20 and Queens Park on August 24. It was an excellent opportunity for parents to connect with one another while their children played games and enjoyed crafts. 

Ribfest at Rocky Point Park 

A shout out to the Kinsight teams who staffed our booth at the popular Port Moody Rotary Ribfest in July. The three-day event was a huge hit and a great opportunity to reconnect with our community. Families enjoyed Kinsight's Quiet Zone and Sensory Tent.

2nd Annual National Day For Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 marks the second year of commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We know this is a deeply personal day for many staff members and you may already have plans for how you wish to mark the occasion. We also know that other staff are looking for ways to honour this day and to learn more about the reconciliation process. 

We are sharing some ideas and resources from our CCDI partner. CCDI developed a Commemorative Guide that includes information about the history of colonization in Canada, ways to engage in reconciliation work, and ideas for taking part in September 30 activities and learnings – among other things. A small sampling of ideas for observing the holiday include:

• Connecting with your local Friendship Centre 
• Taking part in a ceremony or event open for the public near you. A couple of events in our community are:
• Be the Change you Want to See at Place des Arts, Coquitlam [learn more]
• Spirit of the Children’s Pipe Ceremony at Westminster Pier Park [learn more]
• Support Indigenous artists
• Wear an orange shirt purchased through the Orange Shirt Society
• Buy from an Indigenous business owner

We would like to hear from you about how you observed National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. If you care to share, please email us at communications@kinsight.org.

Learn more about the meaning behind the 

commemorative image above [here] 

Welcoming our New Kinsight Colleagues!

Photo collage above: top row (L to R) Josephine, Nena, Moges

middle row Junifer, MJ, Simran, 

bottom row Gabriel, Megan, Shazeen

The Adult Services team welcomed six new Residential Care Workers since July: Josephine Sunga, Nenia Pacayra, Moges Hailemariam, Junifer Cacho, MJ Villanueva, and Simran Rattan. Additionally, Gabriel Cotolan, Residential Supervisor, Megan Rempel, Community Support Worker, and Shazeen Hirani, Service Experience Worker, have joined our team. 

In Family and Children’s Services, we celebrate the arrival of two new staff -- Victoria Smith (above right) and Alana Ramsey (right) Supported Child Development Consultants. 

Welcome to the Kinsight team!