Pacific Training Centre for the Blind (PTCB) Train the Trainer Workshop

Date: Tuesday, September 5 – Friday, September 8, 2017
Time: Tuesday and Wednesday – 10:00 – 4:00, Thursday and Friday – 3:00 – 7:00
Location: Victoria Disability Resource Centre (817a Fort St.)

This four-day free workshop is for individuals interested in becoming an instructor for the PTCB.  We are looking for blind or partially sighted adults who have independent blindness skills in at least two of the following areas: Braille, travelling with a white cane, accessing technology through a screen reader and independent life skills.

The workshop will include:

1. The Foundation: including founding principles of the PTCB, its philosophy and code of ethics
2. Training Basics: including the structured discovery model, use of sleep shades, peer trainers, the long white cane and problem solving
3. Assessment and Goal Setting
4. Lesson Planning
5. Specific Training Techniques and Tools
6. PTCB Policy and Best Practices

The workshop will include discussions, demonstrations, hands-on exercises and assignments.  Participants will be expected to attend all Train the Trainer sessions and will be evaluated throughout the week.

For more information, and to download the application form, please click here.  You can also call: 250-580-4910 or email: lbartram@telus.net  or info@pacifictrainingcentre.ca

Disabled Community Connection Network (DCCN) is a monthly connection and information sharing group for people of all ages (16+) with any disability.

Next Meeting:
Thursday, August 17th, 4-6 PM
Speaker: Karen Lai (Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant)
Topic: Overcoming Barriers to Employment and Education as a Disabled Person

PeerNet BC
#408-602 West Hastings (an accessible space)
Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2W3

ASL Interpretation and food is provided! The space is also wheelchair accessible. Please let them know of any accommodations and dietary needs you require.

Please email s.klassen@nsdrc.org or call 604-904-4088 to register.

July 2017

Community Update
Provincial Disability and Income Assistance Rates to Increase September 20^th 2017

Premier John Horgan has announced a monthly increase of $100 to BC disability and income assistance rates. This change begins September 20^th 2017 (October benefits). The maximum rate for support and shelter for a single person will be:

–           $710 (Income Assistance)
–           $757 (Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers to Employment – PPMB)
–           $1081 (Persons with Disabilities with a bus pass – PWD)
–           $1133 (Persons with Disabilities without a bus pass – PWD)

Families with two adults who both have the PWD designation will receive a $200 monthly increase. This is the first increase to income assistance rates in a decade despite the rapidly rising cost of living across the province.

Disability Alliance BC applauds the new government’s fast implementation of these much needed increases.

Additional Information

The new Minister responsible for disability benefits and income assistance (Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction) is the Honourable Shane Simpson.

While there has been no formal announcement, Minister Simpson’s mandate letter from the Premier directs him to implement a $200 monthly increase to the earnings exemption for assistance recipients and restore the BC Bus Pass program.

There has also been no announcement about an increase for people receiving Room and Board benefits, or the Comforts Allowance.

We have no further information about these changes at this time.

If you have any questions about this announcement please feel free to contact Sam Turcott, Advocacy Access Program Director at 604-872-1278 or 1-800-663-127