We want you to know that we are here for you during this challenging and unpredictable time. Our staff are working remotely making sure we are available for any concerns or questions you have. There is a lot of information circulating that is relevant to the disability community, but tends to be overwhelming, so we want to focus on the information specific to Microboards and Individualized Funding and share it with you. We will also be addressing additional concerns that we think will be helpful. Keep checking back as we will update this page regularly.
Emergency Funding
The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction announced provincial emergency funding that will be distributed through Community Living BC (CLBC) to ensure people with developmental disabilities stay supported and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be up to $35.6 million available over three months from CLBC to support residential services, including group homes, home sharing and supported independent living.
Vela Canada is pleased to be partnering with CLBC to support applications for this temporary emergency funding.
For more information, please visit the Emergency Funding page on our website.
Staffing Concerns
We have put together a list of common FAQs. Please visit our Staffing Concerns Q&A page.
We have created an emergency COVID-19 pandemic policy for families and individuals to use with their staff. This policy can be put in place so staff understand your expectations, and their responsibility during COVID-19. Feel free to edit as necessary.
document
Click here to download the policy.
(17 KB)
Here are additional resources to help with staffing concerns:
- (what BC employers need to know about temporary layoffs).
- (offers useful webinars)
Contract Renewals
1. Will COVID-19 interrupt CLBC funding and contract renewals?
No. We have spoken with CLBC and they have confirmed that there will no be interruptions in funding and contract renewals. You can check with your analyst to confirm initial and renewal documents are on schedule and when to expect your payments. Any contracts requiring signatures will be mailed to you for signing, and you can either mail them back or drop them off without needing to meet any CLBC staff in person.
2. Will CLBC continue at-home visits?
No. At-home visits are postponed until further notice.
Contingency Planning
We have put together some ideas to help you set up a contingency plan for your Microboard or other self-directed supports. Please visit our Contingency Planning Q&A page for more information.
Ideas to Stay Socially Connected & Entertained
It’s very important to stay connected right now. We are social beings and understand that being isolated can be very challenging. We also recognize that our daily routines have changed and we are unable to enjoy our favourite activities outside the home. We've put together a list of ideas to help people with disabilities stay connected and entertained. It's time to get creative!
Click here to view our list of ideas on how to stay socially connected and entertained.
Sanitation & Health Issues
The best advice is on the BC Centre for Disease Control website. .
The BC Centre for Disease Control released the following documents with helpful information for people working in a supportive care position:
Community Living BC (CLBC) has spoken with the Ministry of Health and this is the advice they have received:
pdf
Click to view CLBC letter from Ministry of Health.
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We understand that it can be quite challenging to acquire the appropriate sanitization supplies required to keep homes clean and people protected from the virus. Here are a few options:
- We suggest reaching out to your community and seeing if anyone has supply’s they can spare.
- Make your own hand-sanitizer, or disinfectant. We suggest searching online for “natural disinfectants”, or “natural hand-sanitizer” to find recipes.
- Look into local distilleries who are making hand-sanitizers.
Support In Hospitals
Families are concerned on whether their loved one with a disability can have a support staff or family member with them if they are admitted to the hospital. BC Minister Adrian Dix has announced the change in
pdf
COVID-19 Essential Visitors Policy
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that will allow family members, or essential support person(s) to accompany people with disabilities in hospitals and health care settings.
Even though the policy has changed, we understand if you still want to equip yourself with supportive resources if you, or your loved one with a disability is admitted to the hospital. You can find these resources on our website here.
Resources Specific to People with Disabilities
For a list of additional resources for families and people with disabilities, please click here.
Stay Informed
1. Vela Hosts: Conversations Supporting Microboards and IF During COVID-19
We are hosting online conversations for families and individuals who have Microboards or receive Individualized Funding to help answer questions and provide relevant information. Click here to see discussion topics and details.
2. Social Media
We will be posting information related to COVID-19 that relates directly to people with Microboards and Individualized Funding through these channels:
- Vela Canada's
- Vela Canada's
3. Email
We will be sending notifications via email, if you don’t currently receive our email notifications/ online newsletter and would like to, then we encourage to .
Contact Vela
For general inquiries please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 604-539-2488 ext. 3.
All our staff our working remotely and available via email or phone. If you have a facilitator with Vela Canada, please contact them directly. If you’re unsure who your facilitator is, then please contact the general email above.