Let Abilities Work Partnership Society

Let Abilities Work Partnership Society is a local non-profit charitable society managed under the direction of a community board of directors. Our mission is to increase the participation of people with disabilities in the life of Pictou County. We present our first newsletter, with the hopes of many more to follow four times a year: March, June, September and December. We would welcome contributions from our readers to be submitted at least a month prior to publication. Send your contributions to Let Abilities Work, Aberdeen Professional Center, 825 East River Road, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia B2H 3S6 or email to j.nicol@live.ca . We hope to keep you informed about events and current issues of interest to people with disabilities in Pictou County. Keep this copy on hand for future reference about community organizations.


April 30, 2008 7 – 9 pm at the New Glasgow Library Program Room (upstairs)

Be sure to mark this date on your calendar so you will be able to attend a very important, very informative meeting highlighting plans for the future which could include ideas you have to share with us.

Message from our Chairperson

I’d like to welcome all of the readers to the first of our newsletters. I hope you find it interesting and informative. If you have any questions please feel free to contact any of the members.

Gerald Lees


Message from our Executive Director

We celebrate this publication of our first Let Abilities Work Newsletter. As everyone reading it will see, we have had a great year. Now for some more good news: Next year promises to be just as good or better. We have received some funding to cover upcoming events along with what we were able to raise at our recent successful fundraising Kitchen Party/Dance.

Soooooooo.. we are in the process of planning inclusive social and recreational events for the summer and fall seasons. To help us plan this, we are asking people with disabilities, their friends, relatives and interested others to join us from 7-9 in the program room at the New Glasgow Library. Among the activities we will be discussing are archery, sail able, stick curling, bowling, floor hockey and your suggestions from the floor. So come along, bring your ideas. We'll bring tea, coffee and donuts and make it a fun evening for all.

Sincerely,
Ralph Ferguson
Executive Director


Board of Directors 2007-08

Gerald Lees, Chairperson
Ian Smith, Vice-Chairperson
Ron Levy, Treasurer
Jean Nicol, Secretary
Darrell Feit
John Kyle
Jason MacDonald
Fred Popowich
Kathy Rose

The board of directors meets on the third Thursday of the month (September – June) in the Let Abilities Work/S.M.A.C Office in the Aberdeen Professional Center. The office is located on the basement level, on the left just inside the first door nearest the back parking lot. Please contact us if you would ever like to attend a meeting to present a concern/issue or to lend your support!

Our Annual General Meeting will be held in June (date to be announced). We look forward to having as many attend as possible – please plan to join us!

A message from our newest Board Member

The 'Let Abilities Work Partnership Society', in essence, has been in operation for approximately thirteen years, working in partnership with the Central Highlands Association for the Disabled (CHAD), and the Career Connections Resource Committee; Sub-Committees are The Pictou County Barrier Free Committee, and The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Society. At present, the organization is spearheaded by Ralph Ferguson, of Pictou, who sits as the Executive Director of the Group.
But surprisingly, there are still many yet who have NOT heard of this wonderful, local volunteer, non-profit, charitable organization. The 'Let Abilities Work Partnership Society', is extremely passionate, AND whole-heartedly dedicated, in promoting participation, and inspiring more interaction, with those many residents, throughout our Pictou County area, who fall under the vast umbrella, of being considered 'disabled' (ALL of which varies, from person to person, of course). Therefore, we are very aware that greater public awareness definitely needs to be addressed, to assist in achieving that particular goal that we seek.
……………….Kathy Rose

The Dance Committee

Monthly Fundraiser Dances will play a big part of upcoming plans... always greatly anticipated events for all. And to 'pump up the volume' (so to speak), even a little bit more, at these dances, will be hourly door-prize give-a-ways, raffles, 50 / 50 draws, and more of the same, while promising to put the F-U-N back into. . . fundraising, too. The evenings are guaranteed, to be most enjoyable, fulfilling, and rewarding ones for all in attendance, to be sure.

On Friday, March 28, from 8:00 p.m. - 12, we held our dance (Kitchen Party Dance), at Summer Street Industries, with 3 bands to liven the evening: Rusty Nails, Dave and the Drifters, and Wendy and the Boys. Our thanks to these bands and their sponsors for making this evening such a success. We hope to have more dances in the future – watch and listen for announcements to come!

All funds raised, of course, are donated to 'The Let Abilities Work Partnership Society', to assist in providing even more future opportunities and pleasurable active-ties for ALL of those involved!
……………………Kathy Rose


Society for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Hello Everyone & Happy Spring, On behalf of the Deaf and HH committee, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the United Way of Pictou County for providing funding for the much needed strobe fire alarms for individuals that couldn't afford them. Unfortunately we lost a member, Donald Marshall, who perished in a fire at his residence. The Deaf Community has also lost another member Margaret [Peggy] Fraser who passed away Feb.8. There was a great show of support at her memorial service, deaf people from Halifax, NB and Pictou County. She will be greatly missed.

We are anticipating that a video relay service will be available in the near future. This will open the doors for communication for the Deaf community who have video phones. A video phone works much like a web cam in that we can sign and see each other on a TV. Technology has come a long way.

As spring is fast approaching, we like when the leaves and the flowers come - a new hope to come together and look forward to planning what is next.
…………..Darrell Feit


LORDA

The Leese family of Westville have created a haven for the disabled and seniors. A special place for a special segment of society to enjoy, nestled in over 300 acres of lush forest. Upon entering the expansive park grounds one immediately experiences a sense of serenity and calm. This recreational/wilderness park has much to offer besides nature at it's best, fishing, tenting, Bocce Courts and plenty of picnic tables, gazebos and seating to enjoy a barbeque or a picnic for any size group. Everyone is welcome to use the park; however fishing is only reserved as a specialty for Seniors & Disabled.

Contact Us
Park: (902) 396-4470
Office: (902) 396-3344
Website: http://www.lorda.org/

E-Mail: dave@lorda.org

Mailing Address:
L.O.R.D.A.
P.O. BOX 591
Westville, Nova Scotia
B0K 2A0


S.M.A.C.

Focus on Abilities! The S.M.A.C. Experience is an innovate workshop designed to transform attitudes. Participants will be inspired to take new approaches to daily interactions. You've heard of thinking outside the box. We will teach you to move beyond the labels and live in (pos)abilities. This thought provoking and inspiring workshop was developed by Co-founders Ian Smith and Lea Nicholas. Ian and Lea share life experiences that both shock and inspire you. After years of analyzing these situations they decided to make a difference. Lea has often been heard saying "If they could only hear your voice, Ian". With this very thought S.M.A.C. was born. Ian and Lea together teach the art of understanding. You begin to see that challenges do not lie with persons with (dis)abilities but with people in general. Whether or not (dis)abilities affect you personally you will gain a greater understanding of how to eliminate person-to-person barriers. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will transform your personal interactions.

Objectives: Change the way (dis)ability is seen; Inspire attitudinal shifts toward (dis)abilities

Our experience is hands-on and real-life. It is this simplicity that people relate to as they are speaking directly to the individuals who experience this discrimination first hand. We are not going to talk theory with you; we will be talking from the heart and from life. Participants have an opportunity to learn from and interact with a person with a (dis)ability. Ian Smith has Cerebral Palsy and he grabs the participants’ attention by sharing his unique experiences. Lea Nicholas, along with Ian, facilitates the S.M.A.C. Experience. Lea is able to use humor and personal insight to draw out learning. The result of this exceptional partnership is that attitudinal shifts occur effortlessly in the audience. Participants naturally begin to see people with abilities.

Telephone 902-754-5321 Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm

Postal address
Start Making Abilities Count
2020 River Road,
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, B2H 5C5

Drop by our office!
Aberdeen Professional Centre
Suite 101
835 East River Road, New Glasgow

CHAD

CHAD is a non-profit organization that assists disabled people get to places they want to go. You will need to fill out an application to become a client. They consider people with Mental Health issues as disabled, so you will need to self-identify.
Who is it for? How do I get referred? Disabled people who require transportation - Self-referral
What does it cost? There will be a charge, but it depends on where you are and where you want to go.
Is there a wait list and how long? There is a wait list for the busy time slots which are 7am-9am and 2pm-3:30pm. Otherwise there is no wait list.
Ph. (902) 928-1234 or (902) 755-1944


Riverview Home Corporation

Riverview Home Corporation provides care and support to individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, long term mental illness, as well as acquired brain injuries through a continuum of services that are facility and community based. Riverview is owned by the Municipality of Pictou County, funded through the Department of Community Services and governed by a Board of Directors with membership from the Municipality and five towns in Pictou County.

The adult residential center on 6105 Trafalgar Road was built in 1920 and plans for extensive renovations were announced by the Department of Community Services in 2007. A twenty-four bed addition and renovations will take place over the next two years, in addition approximately twenty-four individuals will be moving from the adult residential center to the community into three new eight bedroom Group Homes in 2008. Currently Riverview has three homes in the community based in Trenton, Westville and in Three Brooks. Our philosophy is to support clients with personalizing their home environment by decorating as they chose and supporting them in caring for the pets that reside with the clients.

Individuals receiving care and support from Riverview range in age from 18 years to individuals in their 70s and 80s. Riverview operates on a psycho-social model that supports individuals to maximize their optimal functioning level. We adhere to an age appropriate environment where everyone is treated as an adult. Clients attend day programs within Riverview and in the community. We strive to integrate clients into the community and support opportunities to participate in recreation, entertainment and community events on a regular basis. In addition, we encourage clients and staff to actively participate and support community fund raising events. Dignity and quality of life are critical components of our philosophy.

Riverview encourages student placements and is currently working on enhancing the communities’ understanding of “Who We Are” and “What We Do”. In addition, Riverview has a Volunteer Program and welcomes inquires to explore a variety of ways that community members may make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and long term illness. Anyone interested in volunteering should call Meggan Fields, Recreation Coordinator at 755-4884.
………………….Nancy Clarke


PAST EVENTS

Last summer had included a wonderful trip to LORDA Park, culminating with most unexpected (but also, most enjoyable) motorcycle rides for many, given safely as backseat passengers, and not the drivers. And, this was done, by none other than, the totally trustworthy, Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, who are kind to attend LORDA's day of fundraising every summer, along with attending many other deserving charitable events, as well!

Also, a wonderfully fun 'games night', was to be had by all, when some of the members from The Pictou County M.S. Support Association, and also others from The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Society, joined together, and shared in a most enjoyable and memorable evening together. As well, most Monday evenings were spent toe-tapping, and / or hand-clapping by participants of 'Let Abilities Work', meeting up at the Pictou Waterfront, while enjoying a wide array of awesome musical talents. CHAD Bus Services was kindly available, for those who were in need of transportation.
……………………………..Kathy Rose

August 11, 2007 – We had planned a fishing & picnic bus trip to the wilderness park operated by LORDA, the Lansdowne Outdoor Recreational Development Association so on this date we hired a CHAD bus, loaded it with wheelchair users, their helpers, spouses and significant others and headed on out to the park. Others with their own transportation came along as well. The date proved to be a good one as the park had planned fundraising activities on that day so there was entertainment on stage and a lot going on.

The highlight of the day for our crowd was the chance meeting with the Blue Knights, a police motorcycle club who were at the LORDA Park that day in numbers. They were able to get our people out of their chairs and walkers, into helmets, sitting on the back seats of the bikes, and on rides up and down the highway “holding on for dear life”.




They haven’t had so much fun in years and I know everyone is looking forward to doing this again next summer.



August 22, 2007 –A games night was a great success, which brought together members of the local multiple sclerosis groups, of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing group and others in the community room at Superstore.


A highlight of this fun evening was playing a new game DINGO, which the Deaf and Hard of Hearing players taught to us. It certainly is a lot of fun as the good crowd who attended our games night can attest.


August 20, 2007 – We again hired a CHAD bus and enjoyed a second evening of entertainment on the wharf in Pictou, this time with local entertainer Jakki Rogue who had just released another CD and are one of our best from Pictou County.
The weather was a bit on the cool side but still favorable for an outdoor concert and we all enjoyed it.

On September 8, 2007 we assisted the Canadian Paraplegic Association, NS division to bring its Freedom to be… event to the Community College Pictou County campus in Stellarton. This event was developed in response to a need for physical, social and educational opportunities for persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia, and their friends and families.

The focus of this particular event was to create an environment in which individuals could experience new recreational activities appropriate for all ranges of ability.
The activities showcased were bocce, bowling, wheelchair rugby, skiing, basketball, floor hockey, sledge hockey and all-terrain wheelchair hiking.



On November 24, 2007 – Identity Theft Workshop, a crime prevention workshop to which everyone was invited put on by the police and arranged by our Deaf & Hard of Hearing sub-committee. The workshop was held in the community room at Superstore. We paid for the lunch.

This session was very informative and Darrell is considering arranging more such sessions in the New Year as persons with disabilities and seniors are a prime target for this sort of crime.



On December 8, 2007 – we finally got to hold our dance at the Air Cadet Hall, Westville from 8 pm – 12 am. We deemed this a success with a crowd that was a bit small but full of fun. The music was fantastic and everyone there had a great time.

UPCOMING EVENTS and FUTURE PLANS

Future plans hold more of the same, as well as a variety of other pleasurable, upcoming activities and events, too. A few of those being tossed around are sailing, sledge hockey, archery (and many other sports), bowling, day trips to Halifax, Moncton, P.E.I. , MORE game nights (cards, Bingo, etc.) and who knows what else! The list goes on, the opportun-ities... endless!

And for us, the members of 'The Let Abilities Work Partnership Society'... these experiences, the sharing, the caring, the ' togetherness' , the... ' all of the above', have proven to be most rewarding, and that journey is an on-going wonderful one, which will only continue to get better. How could it not... with this admirable, commendable cause, of which we bear such pride !