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November 2025 – Newsletter
Let’s Talk About Arts and Culture
Art connects people through stories, movement, and imagination. For people with disabilities, it can also be a path to inclusion, self-expression, and leadership. Across British Columbia, accessible programs in music, theatre, painting, and storytelling are opening doors for creativity and community connection.
Creative spaces give people the chance to share who they are and help shape how disability is understood. From inclusive choirs in Victoria to community art shows in the Interior, the arts remind us that everyone has a story worth sharing.
This month, explore how arts and culture build belonging in home sharing and beyond. Visit our website to find inclusive programs and inspiration across BC.
“Art speaks where words are unable to explain.”
Mathiole
Important Days in the Disability Community
- November: Native American Heritage Month
- November: Indigenous Disability Awareness Month
- November 11: A Day of Remembrance
- November 14: World Diabetes Day
- November 17: World Prematurity Day
- **November 20: **Transgender Day of Remembrance
Creativity Without Barriers: Exploring the Arts Across BC
Art is for everyone. Whether it is painting, singing, dancing, or storytelling, creative expression helps people connect, build confidence, and share who they are. This month’s blog highlights inclusive art spaces across British Columbia that welcome people of all abilities.
Discover community programs, theatres, and galleries where accessibility and creativity go hand in hand. You will also find ideas for trying art at home and stories from artists who prove that imagination has no limits.
Find your inspiration and explore how art can spark connection and joy.
Open Future Learning Transition Update
We are pleased to share that access to the Open Future Learning (OFL) training platform will continue for home sharing providers, respite providers, and agency coordinators across BC.
Effective December 1, 2025, the administration of OFL will move from the BC CEO Network to the Home Sharing Support Society BC (HSSSBC). With continued funding support from Community Living BC (CLBC), the platform will remain free for all users. Course content will stay the same, and training will remain available online at any time.
Key dates to remember:
- November 1: New registrations open through HSSSBC
- November 1 to 30: Transition period for existing users
- December 1: HSSSBC launches open access to OFL
Agencies should submit provider lists using the OFL Registration Template, and providers are encouraged to complete any active training before November 30.
Stay informed: Visit our website for updates or contact executiveassistant@homesharingbc.ca with any questions.
Canada-BC Housing Benefit
This article is to let you know about the very recent launch of the Canada-BC Housing Benefit.
CLBC is now accepting applications for 50 benefits, available for individuals who are eligible for CLBC services and live in private market rentals.
CLBC is administering this program, which is part of the Canada-BC Housing Benefit funded by the federal government’s Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) through BC Housing.
About the rental benefit
- 50 portable benefits are available for individuals who are eligible for CLBC services and live in market rental housing.
- Applicants will receive up to $600 per month, based on their level of need.
- Applicants will be evaluated using a needs-based criteria, that prioritizes Indigenous applicants, applicants who are at risk of losing housing, applicants who are currently unhoused, applicants who are living with children, and/or applicants who are fleeing violence.
- CLBC will select applicants based on their level of need and when their application is submitted.
- There is no deadline to apply. Once 50 applicants have been selected, CLBC will hold additional eligible applications in case a spot opens, or more funding is provided to CLBC.
- Approved applicants (recipients) will receive their first benefit payment in January 2026.
- This benefit will be ongoing, unless a recipient’s living situation changes and they are no longer eligible.
- Starting January 2027, recipients will need to reapply to report their current living situation. CLBC’s Housing team will reach out to recipients in October 2026 to start this process.
Eligibility
Individuals are eligible if they:
- Are eligible for CLBC services.
- Live in market rental housing and pay rent or they are moving into living in a market rental.
- Live independently or with some supports.
- Spend more than 30% of their gross monthly income on their rent.
- Are up to date on filing their tax return (2024 tax return).
- Live in BC and are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
How to apply
Visit the Canada-BC Housing benefit page on the website for key information including the application, steps to apply and frequently asked questions.
Contact information
Questions can be sent to CLBC’s Housing Team: clbc.housingbenefit@gov.bc.ca
Vancouver Eastside Culture Crawl (Nov 20–23, 2025)
Vancouver’s Eastside Culture Crawl is a four-day visual arts, design, and crafts festival featuring more than 500 local artists opening their studios to the public.
The Crawl includes an Accessibility Program and publishes a Program Guide with information about access, event maps, and mobility accommodations.
It’s a great chance for people to see behind the scenes of artists’ studios, engage directly with makers, attend small workshops, and discover visual arts in neighborhood settings.
Date/Time:
- November 20-23, 2025
- Thu/Fri: 5pm-10pm
- Sat/Sun: 11am-6pm
Accessibility Celebration Rally
**Date: **Saturday, November 8
**Time: **12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
**Location: **Vancouver Art Gallery, 800 Georgia Street, Vancouver
BC People First, BC Disability, and Disability Without Poverty BC are inviting organizations to join the presenter schedule. Each group will have 5 to 10 minutes to share why accessibility matters. Presenters with lived disability experience are encouraged, and all are welcome.
More details: LINK
In the news last year: LINK
Want to present or attend? Reply to coordinator@bcpeoplefirst.com or visit the event page: bcpeoplefirst.com/event-details/lets-rally-for-accessibility-celebration-awareness
Weather note: Event proceeds unless the weather is severe. Any cancellation will be posted at the top of the event page and emailed to registered attendees on the morning of the event.
The Disability Serviceland Song × Open Future Learning
The Disability Serviceland Song is a creative and thought-provoking video from Open Future Learning, starring Ellie Goldstein, a British model and performer with Down syndrome.
The song asks an important question: “Does disability serviceland care about me?” It explores themes of control, power, and self-determination in the disability sector through humour, honesty, and music.
Ellie’s performance challenges viewers to think about who holds power in support systems and how real inclusion starts when people are free to make their own choices.
Watch the video and reflect on what true self-determination means for the people you support.
**Length: **4:42 minutes
Link: click here