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BC Elections – Exercise YOUR Right to Vote
It’s hard to believe that you can make a difference in the way our province is being run, but you can. As you are aware, the next provincial election in BC will be happening on May 14th, 2013. As a BC resident, you are given the opportunity to influence the policies that affect our daily lives. Passionate about your child’s education? funding for individuals with developmental disabilities? This would be a great time to let them know what you think.
Exercise your right to vote on May 14th, 2013. Already have preexisting plans or plan to be out of town during that date? No sweat. You can vote in advance at several locations in your community that are open from 8am to 8pm PST on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday of the week preceding General Voting Day (May 14th). Find these locations here.
For those in town or undecided on who to vote for, find some useful resources and articles archived on the Huffington Post.
There will also be a televised debate between B.C.’s four main party leaders will take place on April 29, 2013 from 6:30 p.m. PT to 8 p.m. It will be broadcasted on all major news networks.
For general information on the election (eligibility, candidates, voting instructions), please visit the BC elections website here.
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2013 Easter Egg Hunts & Festivities in Vancouver
As we approach the Easter long weekend, here are a few suggestions from about.com on how to spend your time off with your loved ones!
Vancouver Easter Egg Hunts & Special Events at Vancouver Attractions
Easter at the Stanley Park Miniature Train
Train ride, Easter egg hunts and visits with the Easter bunny for all ages
Saturday, March 23 – Monday, April 1, 2013
Tickets: $8.75 for kids 2 – 12; $3.50 for adults to ride the trainThe Great A-Mazing Egg Hunt at VanDusen Botanical Garden
Easter egg hunt and visits with the Easter Bunny for kids 2 – 10
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Tickets: $6.50 for kids; $10.75 for adults. Tickets sell out fast and must be purchased in advance. See site for details.Easter at Grouse Mountain
Easter brunch, Easter egg hunts and the Easter bunny for all ages
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Tickets: $15 for kids; $42 for adults; free for kids 4 and under (ticket prices include general admission & buffet lunch)1st Annual Easter Egg-Stravaganza at Maan Farms in Abbotsford
Easter egg hunts, Easter Bunny visits, free rides and free access to Maan Farms petting zoo and play area for all ages
Saturday, March 30 & Sunday, March 31, 2013
Tickets: $5 for kids; free for parentsVancouver Easter Egg Hunts, Easter Carnivals and Easter Events at Vancouver Community Centres
- Champlain Heights – Saturday, March 16, 2013. All ages.
- Coal Harbour – Saturday, March 16, 2013. Ages 2 – 7.
- West Point Grey – Saturday, March 16, 2013. All ages.
- Killarney – Friday, March 22 (55+ years) and Friday, March 29, 2013. Ages 2 – 12.
- Douglas Park – Saturday, March 23, 2013. Ages 3 – 8.
- Hastings – Saturday, March 23, 2013. Ages 5 and under.
- Creekside – Thursday, March 28, 2013. Ages 5 and under.
- Kensington – Saturday, March 30
- Roundhouse – Saturday, March 30, 2013. Ages 1 – 9.
- False Creek – Saturday, March 30, 2013. Ages 2+.
- Hillcrest – Saturday, March 30, 2013. Ages 2 – 11.
- Kitsilano – Saturday, March 30, 2013. Ages 8 and under.
- Renfrew Park – Saturday, March 30, 2013. Ages 10 and under.
- Sunset – Sunday , March 31, 2013. All ages.
- Mount Pleasant – Monday, April 1, 2013. Ages 6 and under.
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Facts & Myths to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day
Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
Just less than two years ago, the United Nations declared March 21st as World Down Syndrome Day which signifies the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, we wanted to share some facts and myths about down syndrome that was recently shared from the National Down Syndrome Society.
MYTH: Down syndrome is a rare disorder.
TRUTH: Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, or approximately 6,000 births per year. Today, there are more than 400,000 people with Down syndrome living in the United States.
MYTH: People with Down syndrome have a short life span.
TRUTH: Life expectancy for individuals with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent years, with the average life expectancy approaching that of peers without Down syndrome.
MYTH: Down syndrome is hereditary and runs in families.
TRUTH: Down syndrome is hereditary in approximately 1% of all instances. In the other 99% of cases Down syndrome is completely random and the only known factor that increases the risk is the age of the mother (over 35). Translocation is the only type of Down syndrome known to have hereditary link. Translocation accounts for 3 to 4% of all cases of Down syndrome. Of those, one third (or 1% of all cases of Down syndrome) are hereditary.
MYTH: Most children with Down syndrome are born to older parents.
TRUTH: Most children with Down syndrome are born to women younger than 35 years old simply because younger women have more children. However, the incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother.
MYTH: People with Down syndrome have severe cognitive delays.
TRUTH: Most people with Down syndrome have cognitive delays that are mild to moderate. Children with Down syndrome fully participate in public and private educational programs. Educators and researchers are still discovering the full educational potential of people with Down syndrome.
MYTH: Most people with Down syndrome are institutionalized.
TRUTH: Today people with Down syndrome live at home with their families and are active participants in the educational, vocational, social, and recreational activities of the community. They are integrated into the regular education system and take part in sports, camping, music, art programs and all the other activities of their communities. People with Down syndrome are valued members of their families and their communities, contributing to society in a variety of ways.
MYTH: Children with Down syndrome must be placed in segregated special education programs.
TRUTH: Children with Down syndrome have been included in regular academic classrooms in schools across the country. In some instances they are integrated into specific courses, while in other situations students are fully included in the regular classroom for all subjects. The current trend in education is for full inclusion in the social and educational life of the community. Increasingly, individuals with Down syndrome graduate from high school with regular diplomas, participate in post-secondary academic and college experiences and, in some cases, receive college degrees.
MYTH: Adults with Down syndrome are unemployable.
TRUTH: Businesses are seeking adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions. They are being employed in small- and medium-sized offices: by banks, corporations, nursing homes, hotels and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry, in clerical positions, childcare, the sports field and in the computer industry to name a few.
MYTH: Adults with Down syndrome are unable to form close interpersonal relationships leading to marriage.
TRUTH: People with Down syndrome have meaningful friendships, date, socialize, form ongoing relationships and marry.
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Individuals with Down syndrome are just like you and I. They want to be loved and to love. They enjoy going to the movies just like you, dread about the thought of going to work on Monday morning just like you, and dream of some day meeting their soul mate and getting married, just like you. Let’s celebrate this year by eschewing these myths and stigmas, and focus the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.
More myths and facts from the original article can be found here: http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Myths-Truths/
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You’re Invited: DDA Art Show & Reception
Please join us at our annual art show and reception on Wednesday, March 20th at the Unitarian Church at 949 West 49th Avenue from 6pm to 8pm.
All proceeds will go to the artists directly. We look forward to seeing you there!
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You’re Invited: Leisure Fair 2013
Join us at our annual Leisure Fair on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 at Trout Lake Community Centre.
Links & Resources
Recent Posts
- BC Elections – Exercise YOUR Right to Vote
- 2013 Easter Egg Hunts & Festivities in Vancouver
- Facts & Myths to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day
- You’re Invited: DDA Art Show & Reception
- You’re Invited: Leisure Fair 2013