The recording is from an ACT Chats event on May 30, 2023.

This presentation is a comprehensive guide to accessing services for adults with developmental disabilities. It provides information and resources on assessments, eligibility, and how they relate to accessing Services to Adults with Developmental Disabilities (STADD) Navigators. The presentation also covers adult services, including Community Living BC (CLBC) and Adult Day Services. Additionally, it provides information on eligibility and access in relation to Persons with Disabilities benefits, including working while collecting disability benefits.

About the Presenter

Michelle Schmidt, PhD

Michelle Schmidt, PhD is the Executive Director of ACT – Autism Community Training. Prior to joining ACT in 2022, Michelle Schmidt was involved in public education in British Columbia, as an educator, school psychologist, and administrator. Most recently, Michelle served as Director of Instruction in the Surrey School District, where she was responsible for inclusive education and supports for students with diverse abilities.

With over 30 years of experience in the education system, Michelle provides insight into the relationship between BC Schools and the human rights legislation, as well as Ministry of Education and Childcare policies and practices, including inclusive education designations and ministry compliance.

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The recording is from an ACT Chats event on July 5, 2023.

“ACT Chats” is a free new series of informational events, content and resources presented by ACT.

In this video, Jessica and Taylor from Kids Physio Group discuss how some autistic kids can benefit from physiotherapy. They describe how physiotherapy can treat physical challenges that are common among kids with autism, such as hypertonia, motor planning, toe walking, and proprioception. Learn what caregivers can watch for as autistic kids develop, what to expect when starting physio, and how they make physio fun for kids of all ages and abilities.

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About the Presenters

Jessica Harris, DPT, BA

Jessica is a dedicated and experienced Doctor of Physical Therapy, having completed her degree in Spokane, Washington in 2011. Throughout her career, she has worked in various settings, including acute care and a pediatric outpatient neurodevelopmental clinic. Her passion for working with children led her to focus on Early Intervention and School Aged Physio when she returned to B.C. in 2014. With a particular interest in complex disorders in babies and young children, Jessica’s expertise covers a broad spectrum of conditions and age groups, ranging from infants to teenagers. Her skillset encompasses treating neurological conditions, developmental disorders, gross motor delays, toe walking, coordination concerns, torticollis, plagiocephaly, and more. As a RASP-certified (Registry of Autism Service Providers) Physiotherapist, Jessica’s approach revolves around placing the child and family at the center of care, and she is thrilled to help children achieve their goals.

Taylor McElwain, MPT, BKin

Taylor is a dedicated and compassionate physiotherapist whose work centers around his core value of family and his passion for helping children thrive. He firmly believes that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and is committed to breaking down barriers that hinder their participation in life. Growing up locally, Taylor’s love for sports, especially hockey, shaped much of his identity, providing him with invaluable experiences in relationships, challenges, and leadership. These formative moments played a significant role in his decision to become a physiotherapist. Prior to pursuing his career in physiotherapy, Taylor garnered diverse experiences working with kids and adults in sport camps, adapted programs, coaching hockey, behavior intervention, and assisted living facilities.

As a physiotherapist, Taylor has successfully worked with children and families of all ages, addressing a wide range of presentations. He approaches each individual with genuine interest, taking the time to understand their unique stories, and collaborates with them to develop personalized treatment plans. Taylor’s impressive educational background includes a Master of Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Kinesiology from UBC. Moreover, his dedication to furthering his expertise is evident in his numerous certifications which include being a Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP), and having completed training in fields such as Anxiety, Self-Regulation and Postural Control, Sensory Integration and Autism Spectrum Disorders, among others. Through his extensive knowledge and experience, Taylor strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families, helping them achieve their goals, whether that means returning to sports safely or gaining independent mobility.

The recording is from an ACT Chats event on April 4, 2023.

Download the presentation handout (51 pages)

“ACT Chats” is a free new series of informational events, content and resources presented by ACT.

This presentation looks at what parents and community partners need to know about their role in schools, including participation in school-based team meetings, and referrals for support services. It also covers the process for IEPs (Individual Education Plans), including meaningful consultation, the role of the case manager, and integrated case management meetings. Michelle also reviews rights to full-time attendance, transportation considerations, participation on field trips, and equity and inclusion during the time of Covid-19.

About the Presenter

Michelle Schmidt, PhD

Michelle Schmidt, PhD is the Executive Director of ACT – Autism Community Training. Prior to joining ACT in 2022, Michelle Schmidt was involved in public education in British Columbia, as an educator, school psychologist, and administrator. Most recently, Michelle served as Director of Instruction in the Surrey School District, where she was responsible for inclusive education and supports for students with diverse abilities.

With over 30 years of experience in the education system, Michelle provides insight into the relationship between BC Schools and the human rights legislation, as well as Ministry of Education and Childcare policies and practices, including inclusive education designations and ministry compliance.

Navigate videos with chapters

Chapters help you navigate through a video to find the information you’re looking for. Click the blue dots on the timeline to navigate chapters, or see all chapters through the chapters icon on the bottom right of each video.