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.
Vaccine Priority for People with Disabilities
The Government of British Columbia has announced that people who are clinically extremely vulnerable are now prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccine.
This includes individuals with significant developmental disability, such as adults with Down’s Syndrome and other conditions, that is significant enough that you require support for activities of daily living and you use or receive support from:
- Community Supports for Independent Living (CSIL)
- Community Living British Columbia (CLBC)
- Nursing Support Services program for youth aged 16 to 19
To learn more about when people with disabilities can be vaccinated, please .
Community Living BC (CLBC) Flexible Funding Options
Community Living BC (CLBC) knows that many families are experiencing additional challenges with the caretaking of their family member who may no longer be able to access regular respite care, and other support options. Recognizing this, until June 30, 2021, Microboards and Individualized Funding recipients have some flexibility on how their funding can be used. .
Emergency Funding
The deadline to apply for Emergency Funding has passed. At this time we are unaware of any future Emergecy Funding.
Recovery Resources
We've put together some relevant information to support you through BC's phase 2&3 recovery of COVID-19. Please see below a list of helpful tools and information to assist you, your Microboard, and your team while things start to "re-open". View our Reovery Resources page here.
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.
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Here are additional resources to help with staffing concerns:
- (what BC employers need to know about temporary layoffs).
- (offers useful webinars)
Payment for Family Members
Can direct family members (e.g. parent or spouse) be paid during COVID-19? Yes. During COVID-19 – families can directly pay a family member (e.g. parent or spouse) when experiencing challenges with maintaining supports due to staff shortages.
For full details, please see .
Temporary Pandemic Pay
Applications have closed. Temporary pandemic pay supports eligible employees that delivered in-person, front-line care in health, social services and corrections during the 16-week period of March 15 to July 4, 2020. Employees will receive a lump-sum payment equivalent to about $4 per hour for straight-time hours worked anytime during the 16-week period.
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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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available for purchase through the Government of BC. To request supplies, .
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
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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. Chats with Vela
We are hosting bi-weekly video chats for families and individuals who have Microboards or receive Individualized Funding to help answer questions and provide relevant information. Click here for 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.