Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI)

06/16/2026

REMINDER: FREE Film Screening - A Place Where I Belong - June 18

Want to see a great film (that BACI helped produce, about an initiative we're a part of), have some fun, and connect with friends and others?

Join us at a special FREE relaxed screening of the award-winning film A Place Where I Belong, at the Anvil Theatre in New Westminster on June 18, 2026.

Reception: 6pm — Screening: 7pm — Panel Discussion: 8pm

Enjoy some special treats while meeting friends and others at the Reception before the screening. After the film, participate in a Q&A Session with the Director and some of the people in the film. Accessible seating will be available for people with mobility issues and in wheelchairs.

Register for FREE tickets here: https://bit.ly/3RZmBjM

What's the film about?
The documentary follows six LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in the Connecting Q***r Communities (CQC) initiative as they fight for love, freedom and visibility. Check out the trailer for the film here: https://bit.ly/47BvCWg

The evening is hosted by BACI, Kinsight, posAbilities and Cloudstreet Media. We hope to see you there!

What is BACI's connection to this film?
Since 2012, BACI, Kinsight and posAbilities have been working together toward a single purpose -- producing better outcomes for persons with intellectual disabilities and their families. Despite offering innovative services and enjoying good relationships and reputations with the people and families we serve, the reality remained that many people were living less than full lives, not truly a part of our community. Together with InWithForward, our three organizations continue to seek out opportunities to increase social awareness and effect change in the way people of all ages, genders, orientations and abilities are included in our society. We are proud to be a part of the Connecting Q***r Communities (CQC) initiative and Executive Producers of this film.

A Place Where I Belong is a feature length documentary. Facing a sy...

06/11/2026

Celebrating A Successful CARF Survey!

We did it! After months of preparation, BACI’s CARF Accreditation survey is now complete. Thank you to everyone who set the bar well above the 2,500 CARF Standards and contributed to an outstanding Accreditation process.

Of the many CARF surveys we’ve experienced over the past 20 years, this was one of the most meaningful and successful — thanks to the dedication and efforts of our entire BACI community.

Over the past three days, a team of skilled and thoughtful Surveyors visited our program areas and connected with staff, the people and families/networks we serve, our Board, and community partners. They explored our policies, procedures, and the many ways we demonstrate quality in our work every day.

The Surveyors highlighted the commitment and compassion of our “inspiring” staff, noting their “passion for the highest standards of service delivery” and the creative, innovative ways they make a difference. They also recognized the strength of our shared leadership with the people and families/networks we serve, and our openness to reflection, learning and continuous improvement.

While the survey affirmed many strengths, it also included some thoughtful recommendations and helpful suggestions related to quality improvement. We are taking these seriously and will continue to strengthen the quality of our supports in the months and years ahead.

We expect to receive the formal CARF report in the next 6-8 weeks and will share further details at that time.

Thank you again to all who participated in our CARF Accreditation process. Your efforts truly made a difference!

06/07/2026

June is Pride Month!

June is Pride Month and the beginning of Pride Season -- a time to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, advocate for equal rights, and work towards creating a world where everyone can be their true selves without discrimination, fear or violence.

Join us on June 18th for a special FREE relaxed screening of the award-winning film A Place Where I Belong, at the Anvil Theatre in New Westminster.

The documentary follows six LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in the Connecting Q***r Communities (CQC) initiative as they fight for love, freedom and visibility. Check out the trailer for the film here: https://bit.ly/47BvCWg

Register for FREE tickets here: https://bit.ly/3RZmBjM

Reception: 6pm — Screening: 7pm — Panel Discussion: 8pm

Enjoy special treats while meeting friends and others at the Reception before the screening. After the film, participate in a Q&A Session with the Director and some of the people in the film. Accessible seating will be available for people with mobility issues and in wheelchairs.

Check out other Pride events that CQC will participate in from June to August here: https://hellocqc.org

For more information on Pride events in Metro Vancouver and around the province, check out: https://bit.ly/49JpETx

A social group for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks with cognitive disabilities to connect with each other, and with the broader q***r community of the Lower Mainland.

06/05/2026

June is National Indigenous History Month!

Warning -- the content of this post may be distressing. Information regarding mental and emotional support services are provided below:

Where can I go for immediate support?
Your well-being is important to us. If you require immediate mental and emotional support, the following are resources that you can access:
- BACI's employee and family services provider, Telus Health, offers counselling and wellness resources at www.baci.lifeworks.com. Telus Health can also be reached at 1-844-671-3327.
- For Indigenous mental health and wellness, the BC crisis line run by the KUU-US Crisis Line Society can be reached at 1-800-588-8717.
- BC Mental Health Support Line: For immediate mental health support or referral, call 310-6789 (no area code) 24 hours a day.

June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. As we celebrate Indigenous peoples, we are reminded of the listening, learning, work and commitment needed to move toward Truth and Reconciliation.

We invite you to join us in learning more about and honouring the history, strengths and contributions of Indigenous peoples in Canada. For more information on Indigenous History Month, check out this video at https://youtu.be/2tfpswUBezM — or this website at https://bit.ly/43hkJWc

Some things people can do during this month of celebration, remembrance and reflection:

- Celebrate Indigenous excellence. For inspiration, check out the:
Honouring Nations Canada National Good Governance Awards celebrating Indigenous achievement at https://bit.ly/3x0z5h4
Indspire Foundation Awards at https://bit.ly/4dSdFW5
Influential Indigenous Women Timeline at the Canada School of Public Service at https://bit.ly/3BYd94P
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Awards at https://bit.ly/4uf0Zxl
- Learn more about Truth and Reconciliation. Take time to read and reflect upon the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and commit to taking action on at least one of the Calls: https://bit.ly/4vzM81N
- Learn more about the National Enquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and the calls for justice.
- Share what you have learned with family and friends. Encourage others to learn more too.
- Support Indigenous businesses.
- Make a new or renewed pledge to do your part towards reconciliation. More than ever, we are reminded of the listening, learning, work and commitment needed to move toward Truth and Reconciliation.

BACI agrees with the words of Murray Sinclair, the former Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, who said that “reconciliation is not an Aboriginal problem, it is a Canadian problem. It involves all of us.” He also stated: “reconciliation is yours to achieve. We owe it to each other to build a Canada based on our shared future, a future of healing and trust.”

In June, we commemorate National Indigenous History Month. During this month, take time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada.

06/03/2026

FREE Film Screening - A Place Where I Belong - June 18

Want to see a great film (that BACI helped produce, about an initiative we're a part of), have some fun, and connect with friends and others?

Join us at a special FREE relaxed screening of the award-winning film A Place Where I Belong, at the Anvil Theatre in New Westminster on June 18, 2026.

Reception: 6pm — Screening: 7pm — Panel Discussion: 8pm

Enjoy some special treats while meeting friends and others at the Reception before the screening. After the film, participate in a Q&A Session with the Director and some of the people in the film. Accessible seating will be available for people with mobility issues and in wheelchairs.

Register for FREE tickets here: https://bit.ly/3RZmBjM

What's the film about?
The documentary follows six LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in the Connecting Q***r Communities (CQC) initiative as they fight for love, freedom and visibility. Check out the trailer for the film here: https://bit.ly/47BvCWg

The evening is hosted by BACI, Kinsight, posAbilities and Cloudstreet Media. We hope to see you there!

What is BACI's connection to this film?
Since 2012, BACI, Kinsight and posAbilities have been working together toward a single purpose -- producing better outcomes for persons with intellectual disabilities and their families. Despite offering innovative services and enjoying good relationships and reputations with the people and families we serve, the reality remained that many people were living less than full lives, not truly a part of our community. Together with InWithForward, our three organizations continue to seek out opportunities to increase social awareness and effect change in the way people of all ages, genders, orientations and abilities are included in our society. We are proud to be a part of the Connecting Q***r Communities (CQC) initiative and Executive Producers of this film.

A Place Where I Belong is a feature length documentary. Facing a sy...

05/05/2026

Warning -- the content of this message may be triggering. Information regarding support services are provided below:

Where can I go for immediate support?
Your well-being is important to us. If you require immediate mental and emotional support, the following are resources that you can access:

The BC crisis line run by the KUU-US Crisis Line Society can be reached at 1-800-588-8717.

BACI's employee and family services provider, Telus Health, offers counselling and wellness resources at www.baci.lifeworks.com. Telus Health can also be reached at 1-844-671-3327.

As well, a Crisis Support Line open for anyone in the community (who is not eligible for EFAP) can be reached 24/7 at 1-844-751-2133.

May 5th is Red Dress Day — the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples. It is a day to recognize, honour and raise awareness about this ongoing national crisis.

For more information, you can find a summary of the Final Report of the National Enquiry here: https://bit.ly/4ez9uzn

Learn how this day is being marked in BC: https://bit.ly/42fwWu0

The national day of awareness and remembrance comes more than 15 years after a Métis artist created an art installation of red dresses hanging in public spaces, to serve as a reminder of Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered.

05/04/2026

CARF IS COMING TO BACI - JUNE 8 - 10

We are excited to announce that the dates for BACI's 9th CARF Accreditation Survey have been set for June 8 - 10, 2026.

As you may know, CARF (The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission) has developed "best practice" standards by gathering feedback and expertise from families, people with disabilities, and the employees throughout North America who are connected with the Community Social Services sector.

During their 3 days at BACI, a team of Surveyors will meet with many people to evaluate how well we meet international standards of good quality of service. They will talk with our employees, people and families served, their networks, our Board of Directors, and our partners in the broader community. (They will also review our policies, procedures and other key documents.)

People served may be asked questions like:
- Are you getting the support and services you need and want?
- Do you feel respected and listened to?
- Are you involved in personal planning and decision-making?
- Do you get clear, helpful information about your services?
- Are your questions answered in a way that makes sense to you?
- Do you know who to contact if you have questions or concerns?
- Do you feel safe and secure in your home?
- Do you feel your rights and choices are honoured?
- Does BACI provide meaningful and quality services?
- Do you feel safe and well supported?

If people would like to talk with one of the survey team members, or want to learn more about CARF International, please contact the Manager of your program area. You may also contact CARF International directly:
- Internet: www.carf.org/contact-us
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: CARF International, 6951 East Southpoint Road, Tucson, AZ 85756
- Toll-free telephone: (866) 510-2273
- Fax: (520) 318-1129

Find a more plain language version of this message here: https://bit.ly/4w6q9jW

05/04/2026

It's Child Care Month!

We recognize the importance of inclusive, accessible child care to families and the community. We honour all that our child care professionals do to provide a caring and safe environment for children to play, learn and grow.

We especially want to celebrate the vital work and dedication of the Early Childhood Educators and School Age Educators working in BACI's $10aday and Out of School Care Centres.

An Early Childhood Educator takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart.

04/28/2026

Today (April 28) is the National Day of Mourning, dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy.

We ask you to join us today as we honour those impacted and renew our commitment to health and safety in the workplace.

Check out a video on this day: https://bit.ly/4sXEIn5
Find more information here: https://bit.ly/3QC1V0P

8 likes. "Day of Mourning - April 28"