Rowan’s Law Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read the September 2021 issue of the OBIA Review ONLINE

The magazine in its entirety, electronically. Please click on the cover image below to open and read online. You can also download the file and save to your device. See all  issues of OBIA Review  here.

Please enjoy the magazine, and stay safe and healthy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FREE Online Concussion: prevention, detection and management course is back 13 September 2021

The University of Calgary, in collaboration with Université Laval, are once again offering the 7-week online concussion course. Last Day to Register: Oct. 7, 2021

Duration: 7 weeks (self-paced, but must be complete by Nov. 8) Learn more and register

Approximate Effort: 1.5 to 2 hours / week

See the Training Modules to see what you will learn.  Read a past article here to learn more about the course or see a video below to see what past participants had to say.

The course is to prevent, identify and manage concussion, and is for parents, coaches, teachers, officials, school and sport administrators, health care professionals, policy makers, athletes and anyone else who may have an interest in concussion.\

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Young Caregivers Resources/Jeunes Aidants Naturels Branchés

The Ontario Caregiver Support Organization (OCO) is dedicated to supporting Ontario’s 3.3 million caregivers: ordinary people who provide physical and emotional support to a family member. , a spouse, a friend or a neighbor. The OCO supports caregivers by being their one stop shop for information, so they have what they need to be successful in their role. Resources available in English and in French

Ontario Caregiver Support Organization Ontario Caregiver – Ontario Caregiver Organization

Resources and education for caregivers. Young Caregivers – Young Caregivers Connect

Ressources et éducation pour les aidants naturels.

Site Web pour Jeunes aidants naturels branchés

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Brain Injury Canada Election information page is full of information on how Canada’s voting process works, how to participate in campaign-related events, and more.Federal election happening in Canada on September 20, 2021

If you have questions about voting in the September 20, 2021 federal election, how to register to vote, or how to check their registration status, please see Election.ca or the Brian Injury Canada Website.

Deadline for updates and registrations is September 14 at 6 p.m. (local time at your home address). Or, you can register or update at your polling place, just before you vote. Find your polling place here. If you need assistance, contact Elections Canada Headquarters at 1-800-463-6868. 

Here are some helpful links:

Need to update your address? 

Be sure we have your current address. Update your home address or mailing address here.  

Your electoral district 

Get information about your electoral district, your local Elections Canada office, where to vote during an election, and more, through the Voter Information Service. 

Temporarily away from home during the election? 

Complete the application process for Canadians temporarily away from home and receive your special ballot voting kit. 

 

Comedy Night Fundraiser for BIAQD 07 December 2021

After 2020 and 2021, we all need a laugh. Please support and join Brain Injury Association of Quinte District (BIAQD) on Tuesday December 7th at Sans Souci in Belleville for their 3rd annual Comedy Night Fundraiser.  www.biaqd.ca/upcoming-events

 

Cocktails at 6:30 pm and the show at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are $50 each, and must be purchased in advance at BIAQD contact  [email protected] or  613-967-2756.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GK VON Stroke Services In-Person Support Groups

Emilia, Program Coordinator – Stroke Services is very excited to announce that VON is gradually restarting in-person groups and they will be held once a month. All locations for groups are accessible and have free parking. If transportation support is needed please contact Stroke Services Coordinator. Registration is required.

Stroke Services Coordinator, Emilia Leslie – (613) 634-0130, ext. 3469 or by email: [email protected] for registration and details.

 

Starting in August:

Once a month in Sydenham – 3^rd Monday of the month @1-3pm – Stroke Support (for anyone affected by stroke is welcome).

 

Click on the posters to read more!

 

 

Starting in September:

2)      Once a month in Napanee – 2^nd Monday of the month @1030-1130am – Aphasia Peer Support, and @ 230-330pm – Stroke Support (for anyone affected by Stroke). Click on the posters to read more!

 

Starting in October:

3)      Once a month in Kingston – 4^th Wednesday of the month @10-11am – Aphasia Peer Support, @12-1pm – Caregiver Support, and @ 2-3pm – Stroke Survivor Support. Click on the posters to read more!

 

VON Virtual support groups will still be running with *some changes, please see below:

 

Stroke Survivor (virtual): Weekly – Tuesdays at 2pm

• *Please note the change to a cancellation of the Thursday group, starting October 27^th .

Aphasia Peer Support (virtual): Weekly – Wednesday at 10am

• *Please note the change to the 4^th Wednesday of the month being in- person, starting October 27^th .

Caregiver (virtual): Bi-Weekly – Wednesday at 12pm

• *Please note the change to the 4^th Wednesday of the month being in-person, starting October 27^th .

 

 

 

 

Neurorehabilitation: Assisting Recovery & Function in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury (Level 1)

September 13-14 AND September 23-24, 2021 (4 days total)

Register Today for the NEW FALL SESSION! 

Overview:  This Live Online Certificate Training Course will provide you with the tools and knowledge to assist clients with recovery and function in everyday life following acquired brain injury. NEW for 2021!  This course has been updated, aligning closely with the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of Adults with Moderate to Severe TBI.

This course will Provide you with information, techniques, strategies and interventions that will better equip you when working with people with brain injuries. Click Here For More Details

*NOTE – This program is open to anyone. Past participants include Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Social Workers, Rehab Support Workers, Chiropractors, Nurses, Doctors, Lawyers, Brain Injury Association Support Staff, Personal Support Workers, Family Members and many others!

 

 

 

 

Join the 2021 Awards of Excellence on 23 September 2021

 

The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) in collaboration with the Personal Injury Alliance (PIA Law) are pleased to present the 2021 Awards of Excellence in Brain Injury Rehabilitation to those who consistently provide exceptional service to the brain injury community. The recipients of the Awards of Excellence will be announced September 23, 2021.

CLICK TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL AOE WEBSITE

The five award categories:

1. Hospital Social Worker of the Year
2. Case Manager of the Year
3. Health Care Provider of the Year
4. Community Brain Injury Association of the Year
5. Rehabilitation Company of the Year

NEW in 2021 – In support of the brain injury community, the member firms of PIA Law, (McLeish Orlando, Oatley Vigmond and Thomson Rogers), will be donating $50 for each person who registers and attends the virtual awards being held on September 23, 2021.  All proceeds will be donated to OBIA and the Toronto ABI Network to a collective maximum of $20,000.

REGISTER FOR THE VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June is over, but that doesn’t mean that raising awareness about brain injury also stops.

Brain Injury Canada Shining a Spotlight on Brain Injury: open letter from the Canadian brain injury community.

Brain Injury Canada is circulating an open letter advocating for increased awareness of brain injury in Canada. At the end of August, Brain Injury Canada will send the letter to the Prime Minister; the Minister of Health; the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion; and the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. Brain Injury Canada will also provide copies for brain injury associations to send to their provincial and municipal representatives.

Join the call to action and help the voices of those with brain injury be heard. Link to add your signature: 

 

 

Sharing Experiences with Concussion/TBI Multimedia Podcast Series

OBIA, Headsup Concussion Advocacy Network and the former Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation partnered to develop a multi-media series Sharing Experiences with Concussion/TBI. 

 

Each episode looks at different aspects of the recovery process. As the podcasts are released, they will up uploaded to OBIA’s YouTube page,  available on OBIA’s website, or visit OBIA’s Multi-Media Podcast Page.

 

The seven episodes will be released throughout June as part of Brain Injury Awareness Month.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE PREMIERE EPISODE

 CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OBIA’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

The episodes are led by a leading expert in the field and consist of a group of individuals who have sustained brain injuries discussing their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. OBIA hopes these stories will help others not feel alone in their journey and given them hope for their future.

 

 

 

 

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Shine a Light on Brain Injury 

For decades, OBIA has been devoted to raising awareness about brain injury and making the invisible visible. This year, a partnership was developed among brain injury associations across Canada to develop a national campaign with the theme – Shine a Light on Brain Injury.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unmasking Brain Injury in Brockville at the Salvation Army Thrift Store

Unmasking Brain Injury display at the Salvation Army Thrift Store on King Street in Brockville.  Check out this display in June during Brain Injury Awareness month. See it before and after 15 June, when the masks will be changed! 

 

 

 

 

 

Chantal and Laurie hit the MOVE radio waves, while Emilia and Isabelle rise with the CKWS Morning Show.

Laurie Ogilvie and Chantal Chaput talk with Wendy Wright on Move 104.9 about Brain Injury Awareness Month. Link to on demand listen of interview.

 

 

June is Stroke and Aphasia Awareness Month. See the CKWS Morning Show interview where Emilia Leslie (Program Coordinator – Stroke Department) and Isabelle (Peer Support) spread the word that One in six Canadians will experience a stroke.

 

 

 

 

 

Ontario Making it Affordable and Easier to Visit Ontario Parks.

Free day-use permits Monday to Thursday and new tool to obtain permits in advance.

Ontario Parks are currently open to the public for local day-use activities only, such as walking and hiking.

As part of the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, overnight stays in Ontario Parks including campsites and in cabins, yurts and cottages will be permitted when the province reaches Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen.

Visitors will be able to obtain a daily vehicle permit in advance for select provincial parks up to five days prior to arrival. This will allow people to plan ahead and have guaranteed access, which means more time enjoying the parks, preventing overcrowding and less time in long lines. As of June 7, visitors can check daily vehicle permit availability for specific parks and dates on the reservations website.

See the news release on the Ontario Government website. https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000219/ontario-making-it-affordable-and-easier-to-visit-ontario-parks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you prefer to take in information on-the-go? Kenneth Pope how has a Podcast!

Check out the Podcast Channel where you can find previous webinars, radio shows, and quick overviews of our popular topics of discussion.

 

No smart phone? You can also listen via the web browser here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Guidance for people who live in condominiums and apartment buildings.

Everyone has a role in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19  following the public health measures. See Memo from KFL&A Public Health COVID-19 Guidance for Residential Buildings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation www.caremakers.ca

Website in English and in French.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read article ” Kingston food bank still providing hampers, by appointment” by Julia McKay  in the Kingston Whig Standard.

 

Impact of Covid-19 on City Programs, last updated on BrainInjuryHelp.ca April 03 2020. Please follow link for updates.

• Partners in Mission Food Bank: 140 Hickson Ave. | Open Regular Hours 8:30 a.m. -12 p.m.,   1 – 4 p.m. Please call 613-384-4534 for appointment. No walk-in service.
• Martha’s Table: 629 Princess St. | Providing take-away hot meals 11 a.m. -1 p.m. 7 Days a Week
• Lionhearts
  • Skeleton Park: 30 Alma St. | Providing take-home meals every day 6 – 7 p.m.
  • Kingston Community Health Centre: 263 Weller Ave. | Providing take-home meals every day 6 – 7 p.m.
  • Amherstview Community Hall: 108 Amherst Dr, Amherstview | Providing take-home meals Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 5 – 6 p.m.
  • Morningstar Mission in Napanee  | delivery Lionhearts has partnered with Morningstar Mission in Napanee to deliver meals to-go packages 3 days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Please contact Morningstar Mission for distribution details: www.morningstarmission.ca Phone: 613-354-6355 Email: [email protected]
• Lunch by George: 129 Wellington St. | Providing hot take-out meals or bagged lunches 11 – 11:30 a.m.
• Mutual Aid Katarokwi: Offering check-ins, grocery/pharmacy/foodbank box delivery.
  Leave message at 613-665-2959 or email [email protected]
• North Frontenac Food Bank: 14152 Road 38, Sharbot Lake. Call 613-532-8855 for appointment.
• Salvation Army: 342 Patrick St.| Mon – Fri 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Take-away prepared food baskets provided.
• St. Mary’s Cathedral: 260 Brock St.  Mon -Fri 1 -4 p.m.  Providing take-away light food/snacks
• St Vincent de Paul: 85 Stephen St. | Providing bag lunches 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Mon-Fri | Food Pantry available by appointment
• South Frontenac Community Services/Sydenham Food Bank: Frozen meals available for delivery daily. Hot meals delivered Tuesday and Thursday. Delivery only to South Frontenac/rural Kingston. 613-376-6477

Schedules

• Review schedules for changes:
  • Medical Appointments (ie. cancel or phone consult?)
  • Community Activities (ie. volunteering, church, gym)
  • Transportation (ie. volunteer drivers, Para Transit)

Staying Healthy

• Follow recommended prevention strategies:
  • Wash hands for 20 seconds using good technique. Wash frequently. Sanitize to maintain hand cleanliness.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover cough / sneezes with tissue or into the sleeve.
  • Practice social distancing (min. 6 fts) and avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if sick.
• Practice social distancing. It is recommended that people have reduced face-to-face interaction with others where possible and to maintain a distance of 6 ft. (2 m) apart.
• Follow practices to maintain physical and mental health (ie. walking outdoors, relaxation techniques, maintain regular sleep habits, eat well, avoid alcohol / drugs).

Beware of Covid-19 Scams

• Cyber criminals capitalize on crises like the current COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Fake notices from health organizations (e.g., the Federal or Provincial Government, WHO or local health departments) that contains malicious links or attachments.

  • Fake charities to help victims of the virus.

  • Misleading ads or spam about masks or other protective gear, or other tips to combat the virus.

Do not open any attachments or click on links that you are unsure about even if you know the sender. Look for red flags in emails you receive such as spelling and grammar mistakes, links, irregularities in the senders address, etc.

Mental Health

• Ideas for activities to reduce social isolation and boredom:
  • regular phone calls / text messages with friends / family
  • online social groups
  • play games with family or housemates
  • bake or cook
  • listen to music
  • watch a movie
  • engage in hobbies such as crafts
• Avoid watching too much news as this can contribute to feelings of depression / anxiety.

In case of illness:

• call primary healthcare provider or Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 for further direction. Avoid going to a health care clinic without calling first.
• call 911 if following symptoms:
  • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • new confusion or inability to arouse
  • bluish lips or face

Resources

General information on how to prepare:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html

Tips for managing stress and anxiety related to COVID-19:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.htmlLearn more about topics related to empathic strain, secondary trauma and burnout on our blog featuring articles by Françoise Mathieu and our TEND associates.

Learn more about topics related to empathic strain, secondary trauma and burnout on our blog featuring articles by Françoise Mathieu and our TEND associates.

• www.tendacademy.ca/resources/

For those who are employed but unable to work due to layoff, illness or quarantine from COVID-19:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html

For local public health updates:

• https://healthunit.org/coronavirus/
• https://hpepublichealth.ca/the-novel-coronavirus-2019ncov/
• https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/novel-coronavirus.aspx

How to Self-Monitor:

• https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/factsheet-covid-19-self-monitor.pdf?la=en

How to Self-Isolate:

• https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/factsheet-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate.pdf?la=en

Mental health and addictions supports

If you’re feeling anxious, experiencing other mental health or addiction challenges or you can’t access your regular in-person counselling support, there are services you can access online or by phone:

• ConnexOntario: Adults and frontline workers who are dealing with the realities of COVID-19 can call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 for mental health, addictions and problem gambling support.
• 211 Ontario: For information and referrals for community, government, social and health services, including mental health resources across Ontario, call 211 or 1-877-330-3213. Live web chat is also available.
• BounceBack: A free, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program that offers guided mental health self-help supports for adults and youth 15+ using workbooks, online videos and phone coaching. Call 1-866-345-0224.
• Kids Help Phone: Children and youth 18 and younger who need to talk to someone about their mental health can call 1-800-668-6868, for 24/7 phone and text support.
• Good2Talk: A phone and texting service that offers confidential support to post-secondary students. Call 1-866-925-5454.
• Hope for Wellness Helpline: Indigenous peoples can call 1-855-242-3310 for immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention across Canada (available in some Indigenous languages). Live web chat is also available.
• Talk 4 Healing: Indigenous women can get help, support and resources seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with services in 14 languages by calling or texting 1-855-554-4325. Live web chat is also available.

 

Provincial and Federal Government Assistance. Provincial and Federal governments have made several announcements to help protect the health and safety of all individuals and families.

• The provincial government is suspending time-of-use-electricity rates
• The Ministries of Transportation and Health are extending the validity period for driver licences, licence plate validation, Ontario Photo Cards, and Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration certificates, among others. Expiring and expired health cards will continue to provide access to health services. Visit ServiceOntario.ca for a full list of products and services that are affected by this change.
• The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has deferred the filing due date for the 2019 tax returns for individuals (including certain trusts) until June 1, 2020
• The government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), is allowing homeowners facing financial difficulties to defer mortgage payments on homeowner CMHC-insured mortgage loans

Click here for a printable flyer of Stay Connected with OBIA.

 

 

 

3 new Canada Recovery Benefits to assist people through these trying times.

From Kenneth Pope Law:

• Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit (CRCB).
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
• Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

All benefits received under the three Canada Recovery Benefit programs are considered taxable income. Click here for link to Canada COVID-19 benefits and services

You can apply for the Canada Recover Caregiver Benefit through your MyAccount or over the phone at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041, click here for more details.

We hope this information is helpful, and wish you all continued health and endurance during this difficult time.

Are you eligible for other benefits? Find financial help from the government of Canada

 

 

 

 

 

Anyone can catch the flu.

Protect yourself – and others – by learning about the virus and recognizing the symptoms. ontario.ca/page/flu-fact

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congrats to BIAQD, Recipient of the 2020 COMMUNITY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

Visit aoe.pialaw.ca for more information and photos of the winners.

Watch the online presentation on YouTube:

From Ontario Brain Injury Association and PIA Law:

“Our congratulations to all the winners and nominees; this is a testament to your value and importance within the Brain Injury Community”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Navigator Update Fall 2020:

Providing a Point of Entry for ABI Services Across Southeastern Ontario

Please read about what is going on in Southeastern Ontario regarding Acquired Brain Injury.

Click here to read or print the pdf version of the 2020 Fall Newsletter.

Click here to read or print the pdf version of the 2019 Fall Newsletter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note from KFLA Public Health on exemption from wearing a face covering in Kingston Ontario.

https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/face-covering-frequently-asked-questions-faq.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connecting to one another virtually with March of Dimes Canada

MODC offers online events, activities and resources to connect caregivers with resources, tools, and a community of people who understand. The aim is to assist families and friends caring for a loved one after stroke or a chronic illness. Follow the link to read more on the Stroke-Recovery Website.

After Stroke is a program of March of Dimes Canada and a national service offering support, education and community programs for stroke survivors, their caregivers, and families. The goal is to connect  you with a network of support that can help you reclaim your independence, your sense of community and your ability to thrive after a stroke.

 

 

 

 

 

 

New dates for OBIA Caregiver Group

Online Caregiver Support Group – open to anyone.  Register online here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Positive Approach: A Four Part Life Skills Zoom Series

Brain Injury Association of Durham Region (BIAD) is has four on demand life skills session with Heather Campbell, BHSc, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.) Occupational Therapist from the Positive Approach.

Watch on demand of Session One:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0u3lqxkMcI                                                             Slides available here

Session one covered the following topics:

• Hydration
• Nutrition
• Sleep and Wake Cycles
• Movement
• Social Connection with Others
• Breathing
• The Mind and Emotions

Watch on demand of Session Two: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IELvo1qBDek

Slides available here

Session two covered the following topics:

• How to Successfully Organize your Week
• Routines
• S.M.A.R.T. Goals
• Energy Conservation (Planning, Pacing, Prioritizing, Posture)
• Balance of Activity and Rest

Watch on demand of Session Three: www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-R0yaTWfdY

Slides available here

Session three covered the following topics:

Practical Ways to be Kind to Yourself

• Positive Self-Talk
• Staying connected to the important people in your life (in person, phone, email, video chat)
• Managing Expectations, and breaking goals down into manageable chunks.
• Relaxation and Deep Breathing
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Exercise and Movement
• Brief Review of Pillars of Health and Self-Care, and Energy Conservation, Daily Routines

Did you miss any other session? Subscribe to the BIAD YouTube channel to gain access to all past sessions and other BIAD content.  CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New OBIA Questionnaire about Brain Injury and Concussion

The new questionnaire contains more specific and concrete questions about changes to one’s life following a brain injury.

It also strives to apply to the many individuals in Ontario who have sustained a concussion and includes a separate and more extensive questionnaire for family members and caregivers.

Research Questionnaire Application Form. Look for the updated questionnaire in your mailbox this spring! Information collected from this project will be instrumental in the goal of developing new programs and supports for those caring for loved one’s with a brain injury. 

 

 

 

 

 

LivingWell South East offering FREE new workshops presented via Zoom Meeting.

Keep an eye on the website www.livingwellseontario.ca for further updates as LivingWell SEO adds more workshops over June and July.  information and/or to register. The workshop page has a complete listing and search function for finding out when (and usually where) our workshops are taking place.

LivingWell is hoping to schedule a Living Well with Diabetes and a Powerful Tools for Caregivers next. Inquire about the at-home kits for diabetes, and for chronic pain. Read More

 

 

 

Quick list of benefits and measures that may affect or apply to you or your loved ones.

Please click on the various links provided for further details of funding Assistance During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

The Ontario Brain Injury Association is OPEN – VIRTUALLY and continues to attend to the needs of those living with the effects of acquired brain injuries and their families in this time of uncertainty. OBIA has lists of Provincial and Federal Funding Assistance, see the links below.

 

Click on the image to for link to resources on the OBIA website.

Note: The funding sources here may change as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

Click on the image to for a link to resources on the Kenneth Pope Law Website

For a list of available benefits during COVID-19, see the Community Legal Center’s Benefits tip sheet and click on the infographic.

 

• CERB: Canada Emergency Response Benefit
• CCB: May payment will be automatically increased by up to $300/child
• GST credit: One-time enhancement of $400-$600 on April payment
• Impact on clients with CRA refund setoffs? Speak to CRA collection officer at 1-800-675-6184 (8am-4pm)
• Taxes: Filing due date for 2019 tax returns deferred to 1 June 2020
• Seniors: GAINS payments for low-income seniors doubled to $166/month for singles and $332/month for couples for a period of six months beginning April 2020. 
• Children: One-time payments to families with children affected by school and daycare closures ($200/child up to 12, $250/child with special needs) 
• Students: OSAP loan and interest accrual relief for 6 months
• Energy relief
• Expanded funding for discretionary benefits to both OW and ODSP recipients – request must be made through online application portal or caseworker
• Ontario Works and ODSP recipients can access emergency benefits by contacting their caseworker.
• New applications for pregnancy-breastfeeding nutritional allowance

For more information on Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, visit
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
and
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/

 

​Cleaning your hands is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading infections to others. Do you know there are two different ways to clean your hands?

Visit the World Health Organization’s website to learn:

·    How to handwash

·    How to handrub

Are you cleaning your hands properly? Take the Clean Hands Self-Assessments online.

Event hosted by: Canadian Patient Safety Institute

 

 

 

 

 

Feeling low? Stressed? Anxious? BounceBack® can help!

BounceBack®: Reclaim your health is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. It offers two forms of help.

Click here to see our write up

or

the webpage directly at bouncebackontario.ca for more details

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See in Global News, Laura Hensley’s article “How to politely say ‘back off’ during coronavirus outbreak“.

 

 

 

 

 

Read the article Jane Stevenson wrote in The Toronto Sun; Brain Injury Canada’s list of 30 ways to entertain yourself at home.

Follow the link to read the article in Psychology Today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free On-demand Webinar about Strategies for Achieving Success after Concussion

The presentation and slides are posted on Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA). Share the link with anyone who can benefit from this information.

Follow the link to watch it at OBIA.ca  WEBINAR on Practical Strategies for Achieving Success after mTBI.

 

 

 

Need help for yourself or tools to help someone close to you? Resources are available. Learn more

 

 

 

 

In person Caregiver Connect  on Hold

DATE TBA

To RSVP or if you have questions, contact

Michelle (SEO ABI System Navigator) through this webpage, directly at [email protected]
or by telephone 613-547-6969 ext. 37165

 

 

 

 

Be heard with Brain Injury Speaks!

Join the Brain Injury Speaks, Stakeholder Engagement Network of Ontario

Often, decisions affecting the brain injury community in Ontario are made with little input from persons living with lived experience and their family members and caregivers.

Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

Bereavement Services

Bereavement Services of Kingston is a collaboration between the Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington; Arbor Memorial; Bereaved Families of Ontario; and Hospice Kingston.

Bereavement Services of Kingston’s mission is to create partnerships and a network of services to support people who grieve. There is ‘no wrong’ door in seeking help with grief. The vision is a community where support is available to people experiencing loss and grief.”

The types of services offered to individuals and families across the Kingston community include care co-ordination; psycho-spiritual health by a registered psychotherapist; grief counseling by a registered health professional; anticipatory grief support; one-to-one support; closed support groups; monthly drop-in groups; and educational resources.

Read more on our page.

 

 

 

 

Deepak Chopra’s 21-Day Meditation Experience

Via an online, interactive program

Enjoy easy access to the daily program anytime, anywhere from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Learn more about Deepak’s all-new 21-Day Meditation Experience, The Path to Empowerment here

Visit our page here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you taken advantage of ConnectProtect?

To learn more, follow the link.

If you know someone who lives in a community where MedicAlert Connect Protect service has been established and will benefit from the service, please recommend that they sign up today

 

 

 

 

 

Enhancing Hiring Practices to Maximize Business Performance

Read more here

October 22, 2019, Learn how Belleville businesses have benefited from hiring people who have a disability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HSJCC 2019 Conference

Did you attend the 2019 Provincial HSJCC Conference?

Visit hsjccconference.ca for more details.

How was Session B6: Acquired Brain Injury and Addictions/Mental Health Collaborative for more information click here.

 

 

 

 

Refurbished digital devices for eligible low income Canadians.

Lean more about Computers for Schools. It is not just for schools!

 

Assistance with School Supplies in HPE

Hastings and Prince Edward counties publicly funded schools: The Good Backpack Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connected for Success: high-speed internet for $9.99

Rogers Communications’ Connected for Success provides high-speed internet access to people living in rent-subsidized non-profit housing. Connected for Success is about bringing more Canadians online and giving them access to the digital economy so they can connect with friends, family, school, work and their future. Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Aphasia Conversation Group

For the stoke flyer, click here.

An opportunity for adults living with Aphasia to rejoin life’s conversations in a safe, supported environment lead by a Speech Language Pathologist.

For more information click here.