Patient education video and audio information

The US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) provides a wealth of practical patient information. Especially helpful are video and audio files from AHRQ's Healthology website and Healthcare 411 series.

From Healthology:
Tips for Taking Medicines Safely (video; 5 minutes)

Next Steps After a Diagnosis (video; 8 minutes)

From Healthcare 411:
How to Ask Tough Questions of Your Doctor (audio; nearly 4 minutes)

Family Health Advocacy (audio; 10 minutes)

The Art of Advocacy for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Time sensitive

February 2, 2008 Surrey
Early Bird deadline January 11, 2008

March 1, 2008 Nanaimo
Early Bird deadline January 25, 2008

April 5, 2008 Castlegar
Early Bird deadline February 28, 2008

April 26, 2008 Kitimat
Early Bird deadline March 13, 2008

Clair Schuman, E.D., ACT - Autism Community Training

Many parents are confused and frustrated by the complexities of systems they must navigate to find help for their child with special needs. This workshop offers parents an overview of how to develop skills they need to navigate successfully through the hurdles they may sometimes encounter. Using the school system as an example, parents are guided through the components of empowerment necessary to become an effective advocate for their child. Specific guidelines and tips will be provided in this positive, practical, user-friendly and interactive seminar. This workshop is not disability specific but will be especially helpful for parents of children with "invisible" disabilities.

Bursaries: ACT has bursaries available for low-income registrants. View the bursaries page on our website for more information.

Information and Support: ACT offers extensive support and information on autism related topics through our office both by telephone and email. Contact us at info@actcommunity.net or 604-205-5467 or toll-free at 1-866-939-5188. Web: http://actcommunity.net/.

ACT - Autism Community Training is looking for interested individuals or groups in BC outside Vancouver to help in planning our autism training workshops. Please contact Simon Ladell, ACT's Website/Marketing Officer, at sladell@actcommunity.net or phone us toll-free at 1-866-939-5188.

We're 30 this year!

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The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) turns 30 this year! Help us celebrate 30 years of advocacy by purchasing a T-shirt, mousepad, cap, coaster, button, bag, greeting card or even a T-shirt for your dog--all with our terrific anniversary logo by artist Carol Weaver! Don't miss out on this great look and an opportunity to support the work of BCCPD!

Autism Community Training Workshops

Time sensitive

ACT Autism Community Training Workshop announcements from
Fall - Winter Event Update
Selected workshops below. See website for complete listing of workshops

Bursaries: ACT has bursaries available for low-income registrants and those traveling from outside their home region. For more information contact us at info@actcommunity.net or 604-205-5467 or toll-free at 1-866-939-5188.

Information and Support: ACT offers extensive support and information on autism related topics through our office both by telephone and email. Contact us at 604-205-5467 or toll-free at 1-866-939-5188.

The Art of Advocacy for Parents of Children with Special Needs
October 27, 2007 - Prince George / February 16, 2008 - Surrey /
March 1, 2008 - Nanaimo / April 5, 2008 - Castlegar

Clair Schuman E.D., ACT - Autism Community Training

Many parents are confused and frustrated by the complexities of systems they must navigate to find help for their child with special needs. This workshop offers parents an overview of how to develop skills they need to navigate successfully through the hurdles they may sometimes encounter. Using the school system as an example, parents are guided through the components of empowerment necessary to become an effective advocate for their child. Specific guidelines and tips will be provided in this positive, practical, user-friendly and interactive seminar. This workshop is not disability specific but will be especially helpful for parents of children with
"invisible" disabilities.

Early Bird Deadlines September 28, 2007 - Prince George / January
11, 2008 - Surrey / January 25, 2008 - Nanaimo / February 27, 2008 - Castlegar
Information and registration form: http://www.actcommunity.net/


Transitioning from High School to Work - Preparing Students with Autism for Adulthood
January 12, 2008 - Nanaimo / March 8, 2008 - Surrey

Vicki Lundine, M.Ed., & Catherine Smith, M.Ed.

The emphasis on transition from high school to work is a focus in Grades 10-12 but the process should begin much earlier for students with ASD. Attitudes toward work combined with decisions we make for children with autism can significantly influence the path they may
choose to follow. The workshop will define the roles and responsibilities for individuals supporting students as they mature, including parents, and will provide participants with information and strategies which help promote meaningful participation for
students with ASD in the work world.

Early Bird Deadlines November 30, 2007 - Nanaimo / January 25, 2008 - Surrey
Information and registration form: http://www.actcommunity.net/


An Introduction to Autism Treatment - A Case Management Survival Guide for Parents & Community Professionals
September 29, 2007 - Prince George / October 27, 2007 - Gibsons / January 30, 2008 - Vancouver

Jill Calder, M.D. Clinical Director of Rehabilitation Services, Thompson Cariboo Shuswap Region

Dr. Calder provides important insights on how parents can develop their skills as knowledgeable team leaders for their child's intervention program - a case management approach. With a decade of experience parenting her own son with autism, Dr. Calder builds on her expertise as a respected rehabilitative medicine specialist and combines this with her own practical grasp of autism treatment. Her focus is on how parents can learn to manage their child's treatment.

Early Bird Deadline October 4 - Gibsons / Regular Rate Deadline September 21 - Prince George
Information and registration form: http://www.actcommunity.net/

BC Seniors Advocacy Network (BC SAN)

The BC Seniors Advocacy Network offers volunteer advocates who "support vulnerable seniors dealing with complex situations including: the quality of long-term care, situations of abuse, accessing services and supports to live in the community, etc. If you are a senior dealing with a difficult situation and are not sure what to do next or where to go, [BC SAN] trained advocates are willing to provide free supports to help you."

From: 411 Seniors Centre Society News & Views newsletter August-September 2007

New volunteers are being recruited and trained. Contact Gregg Schiller, BC SAN Project Coordinator (located at the 411 Seniors Centre Society, 411 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver BC). Phone Gregg at 604-684-8171, extension 239 or email gschiller@411seniors.bc.ca.