Columbia Valley Family Inclusion Network for Diverse Abilities - FIND

02/13/2026

02/13/2026

Our hearts are with the community of Tumbler Ridge as they begin to grieve and process the events that occurred on Feb. 10. This is an unimaginable tragedy. Hug your loved ones harder.

02/13/2026

Join us for “Pink Shirt Day Canada” (NATIONAL BROADCAST) Order your pink shirts today! Order Today Create a Pink Shirt Project Learn How Support Bullying Prevention Donate today Get FREE Pink Shirt Graphics Download graphics! Join us for “Pink Shirt Day Canada Live” (NATIONAL

02/13/2026

I’m so excited to finally share my website with you all!

www.katiebartel.com

After weeks of overthinking, over-planning, and second-guessing every little design choice, I decided it was time to just put it out into the world.

This site is really an extension of the one-on-one work I’ve been doing with parents. I’ve just made it official! I hope it is a landing space where families can find resources, support, and reassurance that they’re not alone.

I’ll be continuing to add tools and guides, including the kinds of things I wish I had when I first started advocating for my own kids.

If you know a parent who could use some support or helpful resources, please share it with them. More to come 💛

02/13/2026

Coffee & Connect meeting is tonight!

7-8:30 @ Tim Hortons Invermere

Do you plan to join us?? Comment below 👇🏻

02/11/2026

BIG NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT from the BC Government today!!

This is amazig news!! We are one step closer to having equitable support for ALL children and youth with disabilities!

🫶❤️

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their dis...

02/10/2026

In the third session of the Navigating Education series, we dive a little deeper into your child's rights as a student with support needs in the BC K-12 school system. We will also talk about how to best advocate for your child when facing challenges. Register now to learn more about Confident Problem-Solving for School-Based Issues in this online presentation!

Wednesday, February 25, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm

Register Now: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4EQycT4gRbKEewOMkLzT5g

Interested in attending other sessions in the Navigating Education series?

The Navigating Education series is happening on Wednesdays in February, 6:30-8:30 pm
Session 1: Building Your Child's Support Team is on Wed, Feb 11
Session 2: Competency-Based IEPs is on Wed, Feb 18
Session 3: Confident Problem-Solving for School-Based Issues is on Wed, Feb 25

See our full Events Listing and register at: https://familysupportbc.com/events/

02/10/2026

This Thursday! 😊

Welcome to 2026! I hope this new year brings everyone the peace and comfort we all deserve.

Here are the dates for the CV Family Inclusion Network for Diverse Abilities events for 2026... mark your calendar:

Feb 12 - Parent Coffee & Connect - see attached flyer
March 7- Family Meet-Up
April 9- Parent Coffee & Connect
May 2- Family Meet-Up
June 11 - Parent Coffee & Connect
July 11 - Family Meet-Up
Aug 22 - Family Meet-Up
Sept 24 - Parent Coffee & Connect
Oct 24 - Family Meet-Up
Nov 19 - Parent Coffee & Connect
Dec - No events planned

*Times & locations for events will be determined closer to the date!

2025 was an amazing year for our little group with an increased awareness in our community and support from local businesses and agencies!! I'm optimistic that 2026 will be even better!

This year we would like to look at formalizing our group; if you are interested in joining a board of directors, please reach out! Self-advocates, parents, or allies - we are stronger together and welcome anyone who has a passion for creating awareness, advocacy, and connection for those living with a disability in the Columbia Valley.

Here is the flyer for our upcoming coffee & connect! Please feel free to share with anyone who may like to join!

Take Care,
Cynthia Hanratty

❤️

01/31/2026

We’re stronger together 🥰

01/31/2026

Hope to see you there! ☕️

Welcome to 2026! I hope this new year brings everyone the peace and comfort we all deserve.

Here are the dates for the CV Family Inclusion Network for Diverse Abilities events for 2026... mark your calendar:

Feb 12 - Parent Coffee & Connect - see attached flyer
March 7- Family Meet-Up
April 9- Parent Coffee & Connect
May 2- Family Meet-Up
June 11 - Parent Coffee & Connect
July 11 - Family Meet-Up
Aug 22 - Family Meet-Up
Sept 24 - Parent Coffee & Connect
Oct 24 - Family Meet-Up
Nov 19 - Parent Coffee & Connect
Dec - No events planned

*Times & locations for events will be determined closer to the date!

2025 was an amazing year for our little group with an increased awareness in our community and support from local businesses and agencies!! I'm optimistic that 2026 will be even better!

This year we would like to look at formalizing our group; if you are interested in joining a board of directors, please reach out! Self-advocates, parents, or allies - we are stronger together and welcome anyone who has a passion for creating awareness, advocacy, and connection for those living with a disability in the Columbia Valley.

Here is the flyer for our upcoming coffee & connect! Please feel free to share with anyone who may like to join!

Take Care,
Cynthia Hanratty

❤️

01/31/2026

Our fourth federal priority is supporting families.

Families face about $10,000 per year in extra costs raising a child with a disability. Parents (most often mothers) leave work when childcare excludes their child. The Child Disability Benefit needs to be increased and our early learning and childcare system does not yet ensure inclusion.

Read more about what we're asking regarding this priority: https://www.inclusioncanada.ca/resource?view=41aa4588-66c8-4bc5-9c9c-0147e5817350

01/31/2026

Everyone has a voice!