Let Abilities Work Partnership Society

Wheelchair Stick Curling clinics held in Pictou

2012-01-22T17:31:00.000-08:00

Click below to read Debbi Harvie's full article in the Pictou Advocate. (...continued.)
Pictou Advocate Article
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NSLEO holds fall board meetings at Futures Inn in Halifax

2011-12-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities NSLEO met November 18-20 at the Futures Inn in Halifax. The full board of directors, executive and staff came together from across Nova Scotia to review progress to date on the many disability related issues and to plan its operational program going forward into 2012.

After 25 years, Janice Hatt is still supporting the Rick Hanson tour.

2011-11-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

As a nine year old child with a disability, in 1986, Janice Hatt was inspired by and got to meet Rick Hanson in his original "Man In Motion Tour". and to present him with funds raised by her home town, Trenton, Nova Scotia. Her disability, paraplegia, was due to childhood spinal nerve damage of unkown cause.

The photo of Janice and Rick, which hung on her bedroom wall as a continuous reminder of motivation since she first shook Rick's hand, went with her in 2005 when Janice's husband's new career sent her family across Canada to Port Alberni, BC (ironically where Rick was born). The same photo hung on her wall on the west coast until the picture was lost during the move back to Nova Scotia in 2006. For Janice, Rick Hansen is her hero and a real difference maker in her life. (...continued)

"Meeting Rick was an amazing experience that changed my life, he is a true inspiration and living proof that nothing should ever get in the way of your dreams and there are no obstacles too big to overcome" Janice said. "I live my life by that same motto every day."

Janice is an advocate for accessibility and equality for those who face challenges such as herself. She gives input on many accessibility issues in her community, including writing letters to newspapers, as well as to local business and employers to address these concerns. Janice has volunteered at the local hospital and used her creative talents at a local school to help students explore creativity through various art projects. As an artist in painting and hand-crafted jewellery, Janice has donated much of her work to raise funds for various causes. Janice has also used her online marketing skills to create awareness of the Rick Hansen Relay for the Town of New Glasgow which neighbours her hometown of Trenton, NS

This September, 25 years later Janice was honoured to take part in the Rick Hansen Relay, only this time her husband and three children were standing with her. The town of Trenton found the archived photo of Janice and Rick, and her inspirational image was returned.
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Strengthening Families Together (SFT) - a 10 week program

2011-11-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

A half-day facilitator training session on Strengthening Families Together (SFT) will be held at the NSCC Pictou Campus in Stellarton.

The facilitator training session is for anyone interested in SFT and will be conducted at the College in room C153 on Saturday, November 12th, 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm, by the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia - Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) Chapter. (...continued)

Strengthening Families Together (SFT) is a ten week family support and education program designed for, and delivered by family members, caregivers, and other supporters of persons living with schizophrenia, psychosis or another mental illness.

The program is based on the belief that families have the right to reliable educational material about their loved one’s illness.

For more information, or to register for this session, please contact Hilary Thorne by phoning toll-free 1-800-465-2601, or emailing hilary.thorne@bellaliant.com
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Theme 2011: Youth with Disabilities in Development

2011-11-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

In partnership with the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), Independent Living Canada is celebrating the contributions of persons with disabilities and in particular youth with disabilities! 2011 will be Independent Living Canada’s 10th Annual United Nation’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities which they will celebrate with the theme: Youth with Disabilities in Development – Supporting Tomorrow’s Leaders Today!

A Kick-off Event and Reception is planed in Ottawa for Thursday, November 24, 2011 at the Albert at Bay Suites Hotel. The initiative will be an occasion to take time to look at the issue, recognize the importance of including youth with disabilities in development, learn about the latest issues concerning youth with disabilities and learn about some Independent Living leadership models that are working!

Youth with disabilities desire a sense of identity and belonging - a desire to be part of a community that respects and appreciates every individual, regardless of their differences. Yet for youth with disabilities, societal prejudice and environmental barriers largely prevent them from being accepted. The greatest impediments continue to be discrimination, prejudice, and social isolation.

Janine Williams Memorial Bursary

2011-08-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

The fourth annual Janine Williams Memorial Bursary will be awarded in November 2011.

In partnership with Cole Harbour / Eastern HRM Community Mental Health, the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia awards the Janine Williams Memorial Bursary, valued at $500.00, to an individual living with a mental illness who is embarking on or pursuing some form of learning through formal education or life skills development.

Eligibility

Applicants for the Janine Williams Memorial Bursary must:

live in the communities of the Capital Health district;
live with a mental illness; and
be embarking on or pursuing some form of learning through formal education or life skills development.

Application Deadline: The deadline for receipt of applications is midnight, October 15th, 2011. (...Continued)

Click on Janine Williams Memorial Bursary to obtain further information.
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David Mooney, a good friend passed away

2011-07-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

“It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that a good friend of mine and ours passed away last night at the Yarmouth hospital. David I loved you like a brother and you blessed me with your will to help others.” - Claredon Robichaud

Claredon's words here speak for the entire disabled community. Our heart felt condolences are extended to his loving wife Kathleen and to other members of the Mooney family.

David was a tireless worker, well known for his courage, persistence, and advocacy and as a voice and force for positive change in our midst. His contributions to the disability community, in areas like community based transportation will survive him and be remembered as will his wonderful sense of humour.

The funeral will take place in Yarmouth on Friday.

David will be greatly missed by us all.(...Continued)

Here is the full obituary as found on the Huskilson funeral home web site:

MOONEY, David Samuel Treen – 51, Deerfield. It is with great sadness that the family of David Samuel Treen Mooney, age 51 announces his passing on July 19th, 2011. David was the son of Aurel Mooney and the late W.F. (Bill) Mooney.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen d’Entremont-Mooney, brother Bill (Theresa), Goose Bay, NL, sisters Lynda Willey (Norman), Crofton, BC, Karen White (Emery), Yarmouth, Patti d’Entremont (Weldon), Canaan, Beth Wood (Laurie), Raynadton, Leslie Dixon (Trevor), Erieau ON, and brother-in-law Michael d’Entremont (Doreen), Raynardton, and several nieces and nephews.

David’s work experience was extensive and ranged from surveying in Alberta, to lobster fishing in Nova Scotia. David later went into business for himself when he and his brother Bill owned and operated several restaurans. He then worked in the retail pharmacy business, managing the family owned “Shoppers Drug Mart” in Yarmouth and he later worked as “process manager” for Acadian Seaplants in Charlesville, an innovative business which specializes in cultivating seaweed for the Japanese market.

David has survived many personal challenges and has remained positive and upbeat despite circumstances that could have been seen by most people as very discouraging. David had to withdraw from university at the age of 22 when he was diagnosed with cancer. He fought and won that battle but in 2001, David’s life changed suddenly when he became critically ill with a severe blood infection.

After spending eight months in the QEII hospital and enduring countless surgeries and months of rehab, he returned home and had to learn how to adapt in a world that was not necessarily “accessible”. David lost his two hands and two feet as a result of this illness but his life was spared. His wife Kathleen, “became” his hands.

He will forever be thankful to the nurses and doctors at the Yarmouth Regional and QEII hospitals who persevered on a motto of blind faith, administering life support when hope was questionable. Fitted with four prostheses David had to learn how to do everything differently. Ever resourceful, David’s motto became “it’s not what you’ve lost, it’s what you have left”. An eternal optimist, David set out into the world looking at life from a new perspective and with a new appreciation for the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

David had been active in fundraising for charitable organizations all his life, and was usually the one leading the parade.

Two things that David had not lost was his humour and voice and he decided to use his “gift to gab” to help the disabled community. Since 2003, David was very active and served on 9 community and provincial boards, representing the interests of the disabled and the disadvantaged. His participation with the NS League for Equal Opportunities gave him the opportunity to meet with the Provincial Caucuses regularly to request changes in policy from government leaders.

In 2004, David was awarded the International Peace Medal from the YMCA. The Peace Medal is awarded to people or groups that have no special resources, wealth, status or position. As per the Yarmouth YMCA CEO, Barrie MacGregor, “David has shown enormous courage, strength of character and a commitment to his community”.

In 2008 David was honored with the Mel Hebb Awards’ “Encore Award” given to a person who has contributed significantly to their community. In response to this award, Sandra Wood, past Executive Director of the Community INClusion Society in Kings and eastern Annapolis counties quoted the following: "He’s so dynamic and embodies everything the disabled community stands for — integrity and determination. He’s amazing, constantly giving of himself. Mooney is a person of great influence. His enthusiasm is contagious. Every person he meets is touched by his optimism and his courage.... as much energy as he has spent in serving his numerous community groups over the past 6 years. He excels at everything he does and he cares deeply about the issues of concern to the people in his community.”

David’s newest battle was fighting cancer for a second time. For the past year, he was receiving treatment for a new cancer, T-cell lymphoma, which ultimately took his life on July 19th, 2011.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 21 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Huskilson’s Funeral Home, 29 Albert Street, Yarmouth.

The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 2011 at Saint Ambrose Cathedral, Albert St., Father Henry Smolenaars officiating. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Yarmouth. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of David may be made to the Gilles Boudreau and Friends Fund or the VON. You may leave messages of condolence or sign the on-line guestbook by visiting www.huskilson.net
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Whispers - A collection of poems by Brian Malay

2011-07-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Published by Gaspereau Press, Whispers is a collection of poems written between 2000 and 2009 by Brian Malay (1983-2010).

Compiled and edited after his death, Whispers provides insight into the joy of what it means to be fully alive and seeking answers to everyday mysteries, as well as the pain and sorrow of Brian’s truly exceptional nature.

From his early years until the last days of his life, Brian expressed himself through his writing. He was an imaginative free thinker whose poetry reflects a keen sense of his own world and the world about him. (...Continued)

Although Brian lived with schizophrenia, his diagnosis did not disable him; conversely, he worked harder at his writing and discovered it to be a wonderful expression of his creativity. Ultimately, poetry simply flowed from him, thus making him a true master of the written word.

Brian’s mother, Cindy Crowell, is kindly donating proceeds from the sales of Whispers to the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia.

To place an order for Whispers, please mail a $20.00 cheque made out to the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, along with the address to which the book should be shipped, to:

Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia
Room B23, E.C. Purdy Building
P.O. Box 1004, Station Main
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 3Z9

Orders with payment by credit card are also accepted. Please call the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia at (902) 465-2601 or 1-800-465-2601 (toll-free in Nova Scotia).

Portrait of Brian Malay by Jared Malay. Please click on the image to magnify it.

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Peer Support Group Focuses on Recovery Phases

2011-06-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

contributed by Stephen Ayer
The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is open to anyone affected by mental illness, either directly or indirectly.

The Group met Thursday, June 16th, 2011 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in Halifax at The Hub on 2nd Floor, 1673 Barrington Street. Those attending focused on the phases of recovery.

It was FREE! There is no admission charged.

Peer support is critical throughout the course of recovery, but ... the amount and type of support changes as one progresses through the phases of recovery. Discussion will focus on the following four questions:

1. What phase are you in?

2. How do you know what phase you are in?

3. Are you considering moving to the next phase?

4. What can help you to move to the next phase? (...Continued)
Phase 1 - Dependent/Unaware (Hope)

Peer support is informal and tends to be centered around treatment agency/hospital programs and activities.
Interaction with peers is often focused on mental illness rather than recovery.
Clinical and family support is typically more important than peer support at this stage.

Phase 2 - Dependent/Aware (Empowerment)

Peer support becomes more formal … likely to involve support from peers working in day/psychosocial programs and peer-run programs. Support at this level may also come via peer-to-peer classes.
Focus begins to shift from mental illness to advocacy and recovery, which starts with a sense of empowerment.
While clinical support is still critical in this stage, especially early on, peer support becomes more important as individuals approach the self-responsibility phase of their recovery.

Phase 3 - Independent/Aware (Self-Responsibility)

Peer support takes on an equal, if not more important, role than clinical and/or family support. At this point in recovery, individuals are no longer dependent upon their treatment providers or peers.
Peer support is far more likely to occur outside the formal treatment environment (e.g., agencies run by people who have experienced mental illness, self-help groups, peer friendships, etc.).
People in recovery begin to give back … they become volunteer or paid staff; rather than being recipients of support, they begin providing the support.
Peer support begins to occur in the community rather than the mental health system.

Phase 4 - Interdependent/Aware (Meaningful Role)

Peer support occurs in the natural environment. Rather than being peers because of shared experiences with mental illness, individuals become peers based on shared interests … they become friends and engage in that friendship outside the mental health system.
It is at this point that some people in recovery seek support though relationships with others in their community, including their place of employment.
Individuals at this stage are the givers of support. Providing support becomes a meaningful role!

Adapted from: Reneé Kopache, Thelma Rist, and Lisa Oswald. Peer Support & Recovery: What Helps, What Hinders – When and How? Alternatives Conference Presentation, October 28, 2005.

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is organized as a partnership between the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia and the Healthy Minds Cooperative. For further information contact Stephen Ayer at ssns@ns.sympatico.ca
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World Disability Report

2011-06-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

contributed by E. Anne MacRae

Here is the first World Disability Report. Before you read the report, click here on video of Stephen Hawkings. It is very good and it is captioned!

Click here on REPORT to read it. It is a lengthy document so it may take a minute or so to load.

Editor’s note: Anne MacRae is Executive Director the Nova Scotia Disabled Persons Commission (...continued) which has its office in Dartmouth and receives mail at P.0. Box 222 CRO, Halifax, N.S. B3J 2M4 Telephone: 902-424-5105, Toll free: 1 (800) 565-8280, Fax: 902-424-0592, TTY: 902-424-2667

Readers of this report will find an enormous amount of relevant both text and data and can locate information that is specific to Canada on pages 33, 44, 108 and with regard to assistance and support 139, 143, 152–153, 154, to education 219, 220, to enabling environments 176, 187, 189–190 and to work and employment 238, 240, 244.Here is the beginning of my post.
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Government Tries to Silence Critic of Student Loan Discrimination

2011-06-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 6, 2011

Jasmin Simpson is a young deaf-blind woman with lupus. While at university, she experienced unbelievable threats to her education due to elements of the Canada Student Loan Program (CSLP) that discriminate against students with disabilities. Through sheer will power and determination she overcame these challenges and completed her post-secondary education with B.S.W. and M.S.W. degrees. However, because she is disabled she graduated with 60% more student debt than would a non disabled student graduating with comparable credentials.

With help from the federally funded Court Challenges Program (CCP) she brought a Charter challenge asserting the Canada Student Loan Program (CSLP) discriminates against students with disabilities by imposing higher CSLP debt on them. All subject to a confidentiality clause, (...Continued)
the federal government quickly agreed to cancel 100% of her personal student debt and indicated that they would introduce positive changes to the student loan program. They wanted the case ended quickly and quietly.

Ms. Simpson was unwilling to accept a “sweetheart deal” or “buy a pig in a poke”. In the “conditional” agreement she reached with the government, she reserved to herself the right to review the changes and determine if they addressed her concerns about discrimination before deciding whether or not to terminate her case.

Some changes were eventually made to CSLP, but, after careful review, Ms. Simpson felt they didn’t address the discriminatory elements in the CSLP. There were actually some changes which actually made things worse for severely disabled students. After reviewing the new regulations in detail she was hesitant to agree to have her personal debt erased when another disabled student, in precisely her circumstances, wouldn’t receive a scrap of relief as a result of the changes. She was particularly concerned since the government had cancelled the CCP, meaning no one else could take up the cause if she were to bow out.

Before making her decision, and without violating the confidentiality agreement, Ms. Simpson consulted with the leadership of national disability groups, who confirmed her view that the changes did not address the discrimination in the CSLP. This confirmed her perception and she exercised her right under the “conditional” agreement to resume her case, even though it was at great cost to her personally.
…/2

The government expressed disappointment, but accepted Ms. Simpson’s decision. The government offered her more money if she would withdraw her objections and hinted that it was prepared to offer her still more. Unwilling to give in, Ms. Simpson remained resolute and turned down the government’s blandishments.

The litigation had recommenced for almost a full year when the government changed lawyers and changed its position. It now claimed that Ms. Simpson could not continue with her case because it had been finally settled by what it acknowledges was a “conditional” agreement. As a result of having brought this motion to have a Court decide that Ms. Simpson had lost her right to continue with her case, the government has put all the confidential documents and communication onto the public record.

A government motion to stop Ms. Simpson’s case will be argued in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, 393 University Avenue, Toronto, 6th floor on June 9th, commencing at 10:00 am. It is possible the case will be moved to a larger courtroom so call in advance or come early. The hearing is expected to end around 2:30 pm.

Representatives of national disability groups are available for comment now and will be at the courthouse [see contact info below]. Ms. Simpson communicates through an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. She will be available to speak to the media, with an interpreter, after the hearing.

Laurie Beachell, National Coordinator of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities states, “Ms. Simpson’s case clearly demonstrates there are built-in headwinds for persons with disabilities in the Canada Student Loan Program. If persons with disabilities are to enjoy equal opportunity in post-secondary education this discrimination needs to end”.

Chris Kenopic is President and CEO of the Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) and is himself Deaf. He states, “Unless you are disabled you can have no idea how challenging it is for us to secure the education necessary to achieve independence and dignity in this country. CHS calls on the federal government to stop litigating against Ms. Simpson and address the discrimination in the CSLP.”
-30-

Contacts:

David Baker, Legal Counsel (416) 533-0040 Ext. 222

Laurie Beachell, Council of Canadians with Disabilities (204) 947-0303

Gary Malkowski, Canadian Hearing Society, gmalkowski@chs.ca
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Masonic Lodges support local disability groups - As reported in New Glasgow paper - The News

2011-06-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

New Athletic Field holds Grand Opening

2011-05-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Pioneer Coal Athletics Field which took about two years to construct, was declared up and running at its Official Grand Opening held on May 26th. It's a state-of-the-art run, jump, and throw track and field facility featuring an official size 400 meter, eight lane rubberized running track. It also contains a field house with washrooms and storage and there is ample parking space.(...Continued)

Let Abilities Work Partnership society has been provided with a key for our members to the fensed in track area and efforts are being made to ramp the field house to make the facilities fully wheelchair accessible.

About 200 locals including dignataries, politicians, athletes, students, Society members and the general public gathered with emcee Susan Peters and Society Chair Pat Carty at the evening ceremony to congratulate and express appreciation to all who were and continue to be involved in the financing, construction and now its operation. The facility is located off Foster avenue in Stellarton on reclaimed land in the Pioneer Coal field.

It was built from the ground up with a great deal of technical and earthmoving equipment help from John Chisholm of Pioneer Coal, 3.5 million dollars raised by Marsha Sobey from federal and provincial government grants plus donations from various private sources, plus several tons of effort and volunteer hours contributed by members of the Pictou County Recreation and Athletics Society.
Here is the beginning of my post.
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Groups intervene in Family Law Appeal - Termination of Spousal Support of Disabled Mother

2011-04-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

April 19, 2011, Toronto - The Women's Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) and the DisAbled Women’s Network Canada (DAWN) are intervening in a family law appeal (L.M.P. v. L.S.) at the Supreme Court of Canada tomorrow, Wednesday, April 20, 2011. (...continued)

“If upheld, the lower court decisions under appeal would signal a backwards shift in family law and a return to the ‘clean break’ model of support of 20 years ago” states LEAF Legal Director, Joanna Birenbaum. The “clean break” model assumes that women are on a level playing field with men when relationships end. It seeks to cut the financial ties between former spouses as soon as possible.

“This assumption of economic equality is not true for most women, particularly those who look after the children and the home, whether full or part-time,” explains Birenbaum. “Family law has evolved to value women’s contributions in the home and to recognize the economic consequences of women’s caregiving roles and labour market inequalities. Yet in this case the lower courts reduced and terminated spousal support payments for the Appellant wife without considering the enormous barriers to remunerative and secure employment for women like the Appellant, who was disabled, had little to no education and work experience, was caring for the couple’s two children, and had been out of the workforce for almost 20 years at the time the order was made.”

The case involves a marriage of 14 years between a Montreal commercial litigator and the Appellant wife who, at the time of marriage, did not have a high school leaving certificate and worked in sales for a cosmetics company. During the marriage, the wife assumed a traditional role in the home. Upon divorce, the couple negotiated a consent judgment pursuant to which the husband undertook to pay spousal support with no date for termination or review, and child support for the two young children. The wife has suffered from multiple sclerosis since the first year of marriage, was diagnosed by her private disability insurer as permanently disabled and unable to work, and has been in receipt of LTD benefits since her diagnosis. The couple’s agreement included no requirement that the wife seek training or employment.

“Four years after divorce, the husband’s income went up and the wife applied to increase child support (not spousal support),” explains Birenbaum. “Instead of simply agreeing to increase child support, the husband argued that the wife’s support should be terminated since she hadn’t made any effort to look for work. This argument was made despite the terms of the contract which did not require the wife to do so and the wife’s diagnosis of permanent disability.”

The husband did not argue that the wife’s medical condition had improved following separation, constituting a “material change” to justify a variation of the couple’s agreement. Instead he argued that the wife had never really been too disabled to work. According to the husband, the passage of time combined with the wife’s failure to find employment relieves him of his contractual undertaking to pay indefinite support. The lower courts accepted the husband’s arguments.

On the basis of contested medical evidence brought by the husband that the wife could work part-time and the trial judge’s assessment of the wife’s appearance on the stand, the lower court reduced and terminated support.

“This case raises important issues for women with disabilities”, states Carmela Hutchison,President of DisAbled Women’s Network Canada. “The wife’s contributions to the home and the husband’s career were discounted due to her disability. Support was terminated on the basis that she ‘may’ be able to work 20-25 hours a week. No consideration was given to the systemic barriers to women with disabilities obtaining employment at all, never mind stable and secure employment that would guarantee the Appellant an adequate standard of living. Finally, the courts failed to appreciate the severe consequences to women like the Appellant of the loss of LTD. Such benefits are often a matter of life or death.”

“Another concern” Hutchison continues, “is that women with invisible disabilities are often disbelieved when they present well.”

LEAF-DAWN are also concerned by the apparent discounting of the couple’s contract in this case. Contracts have been strictly enforced when women waive their rights to support. A more lenient standard shouldn’t apply to permit men to avoid contracts which require them to pay support.

Maitre Anne France Goldwater and Professor Robert Leckey of McGill University are representing LEAF-DAWN in this Supreme Court of Canada appeal.

LEAF-DAWN’s factum and more information can be found at
http://leaf.ca/legal-issues-cases-and-law-reform/active-cases/

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A Voice of Our Own - Winter 2011

2011-03-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

Link this issue below to read these articles and more

CCD argues at Supreme Court for Victims of Discrimination
Federal Plan Must Address Disability Poverty
Community Expectations: Implementation and Monitoring of the CRPD

(...continued)

Click A Voice of Our Own to link to the Winter 2011 issue.End of Article - Return to main page

It's chalk full o' GOODIES!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

"It's chalk full o' GOODIES!!!!!!!!!!", says Kathy Rose as she describes the magnificent Valentine Gift Basket (for 2) her family has put together as part of the community effort to help raise funds for her medical trip to Albany, New York for “Liberation Treatment”.

Tickets are being sold now on the basket and the selling will continue until February 12, the night of the Benefit Fundraiser and Dance at Summer Street Industries when the winning ticket will be drawn.

Anyone interested in buying tickets (they're $1 each, and 5 to a book) can contact Kathy for further details.

*******************************************************************
Contents of Basket...

Two free movie passes
Two $10 gas cards (...continued)
Tim Horton’s $25 gift card
McKean’s flowers $30 gift certificate
Country Inn & Suites (one night accommodations, king size suite)
The Thistle $25 gift card
One bottle of white chardonnay wine with two wine glasses
Russell Stover 14 oz. chocolates
His and her animated Valentine puppies
Two Roots wallets (his and her)
His and her body wash ( Tone $ Irish Spring)
Charm Diamond Centres Stirling silver bracelet for her
Quartz water resistant watch for him
Intimate coupon booklets (contains adult humour, adult eyes only)
Tag heart shaped magnets
Tag heart shaped candles
Bearington collection with heart shaped paper weight
Heart shaped ornament
Environ friendly shopping bag
Key chain
Two picture frames
Burt’s Bees triple pack (lip balm, cuticle cream and hand salve)
Hershey chocolate kiss 181g

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Curling club accessible washroom - United Way givers deserve some mention

2010-12-15T12:51:00.000-08:00

Recently Debbi Harvie wrote a nice piece in the Pictou Advocate about wheelchairs being welcome at the New Caledonia Curling Club. I was pleased like most people who see their name in a good news story but I also felt a very important aspect of this particular story was not covered. I’d like to fill in that gap. (...continued)

This is a story of how communities can come together to do the right thing. Communities actually do that on a regular basis through United Way but only a few of those involved get noticed. Let me explain.

I got the mention but my part was really very small. This was a United Way project. At the Let Abilities Work Partnership Society we saw a need for an accessible curling rink where folks with disabilities and in wheelchairs could stick curl. The New Caledonian Club in Pictou fit the bill except it didn’t have a downstairs washroom. So, with the concurrence of the Pictou Club members, we applied to the United Way for money to buy materials to build an accessible washroom. Those Pictou club members also donated or provided all the labour to build the washroom.

But to my way of thinking, the unsung heroes here in stories like these also deserve mention - all those people (which I’m sure includes many of the Advocate's readers) who love and invest in their own communities each year through the United Way. Without their donations projects like this just couldn’t and wouldn’t happen.

So if you are one of those, next time you drive or walk by the New Caledonian Curling Club, think about its new accessible washroom inside and give yourself a pat on the back. You helped do a good thing.

Or, if you are in a wheelchair or have difficulty climbing stairs but would like to try the curling game – the opportunity is now open for you.
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Board Meeting Summary - November 16, 2010

2010-12-15T08:30:00.000-08:00

The Let Abilities Work Partnership Society (LAWPS) Board of Directors met November 16, 2010 in the basement of the Christian Fellowship Church in Abercrombie. (...continued) Present were Board members Crystal Mann, Gerald Lees, Kevin White, Judy Hughes, Darrell Feit, Jane Burris, Interpreter Angela Anderson, and Ralph Ferguson. Regrets: Philip Fisher, Ron Levy, Fred Popowich Absent: Jason MacDonald

The agenda was accepted with additions from Burris, Lees and Feit.

Minutes of October 19th, 2010 were reviewed and a motion moved and seconded by White and Lees was voted and carried to accept both these minutes as well as the minutes from our September 8th, 2010 meeting.

Business arising from Minutes

Christmas Meeting – The Chicken Chalet has reserved room for us for 4pm on Dec. 14th to seat about 30 with the first hour for a meeting followed by supper. Menu choices are available. Advise Gerald of your chaoice soon or be prepared to order on arrival from the menu.
Lilac bush – It’s too late to plant now and the family may be selling the property. Judy put the issue on hold until spring. Jane advises that $100 will get about 6 lilac bushes – the start of a hedge.
Basketball – Ralph & Jason met with NSCC principal Dave Freckelton. Decision to try to involve NSCC student to work with us in the activity and to perhaps seek a grant to support that initiative. Jason is trying to set up meeting with the Student Association through their President Jillian Greene.
Church Accessibility – Jane & Ralph met with Pastor Morrison who committed to begin ASAP to fix the back door accessibility problem by installing an 8 foot concrete platform outside and a new, more wheelchair friendly back door. We will also seek grant funding to build an accessible washroom near the back door but that grant funding is not likely available again until the spring.
Open house – Following discussion, a committee formed (Jane, Crystal & Kevin) to meet January 18th at 9am before our board meeting to plan the open house meet & greet and membership drive so we do not have it before we are really ready. Ralph to write a draft letter to various organizations to tell them about LAWPS and our membership drive and urge them to inform their members.
Recreation meeting – Judy still has that on her “to do” list.
Accessibility – Deferred to a future meeting.
Emergency measures – Darrell’s presentation deferred to a future meeting

Review of Committee’s Activities

Reports – discussed if we should have written or oral reports. Agreed at present to go with short oral reports and capture them in minutes. If our numbers blossom, we will switch to written reports.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Committee – Darrell has had difficulty getting Frank O’Sullivan to set a date for the roundtable follow-up meeting in January. Following some discussion, we decided it should be held late in January. Monday January 24 or 25th was picked as a date and Crystal will check to see if we can book it at Summer Street Industries from 1-3pm with a lunch as last time. Judy and Crystal will invite all who attended the first time plus DAANS, Clarrie MacKinnon, Charlie Parker, Tammy? (Darrell to provide last name and email) and Dave Freckelton NSCC Principal who was interested but was unable to come to the first meeting. Judy to draft invitation letter including RSVP. Crystal will email these invitations and a follow up letter 3 weeks before event.
Employment Services for PWD – Judy, Gerald, Ron, Ralph & Kevin met with Chris Cook who runs East Novability, the (CPN) Collaborative Partnership Network office in Port Hawkesbury. Theirs may be a more disability specialized service than what is currently offered here locally and indeed, some clients have been travelling to Port Hawkesbury to avail themselves of service in Chris’s office. Judy intends as well to speak about employability with Career Connections and to that end she has set up an appointment for she and Ralph to have general discussion with Amanda White on December 8th with regard to how PWD are receiving employment service.
Gerald advised the CPN is concerned where some offices have not been using their available allotments of the Disability Ops and the DCS funds for disabled clients. This may require a reallocation of these funds early in 2011 to ensure they will not go unused.

Executive Director Report and includes business arising from Executive Director’s Report

Finances – Presented a financial update to end of October 2010. Attached as part of minutes.
Children with Autism – Call from Rudy Knoester of Masonic Lodge. I agreed to receive money from Masonic Lodge to be spent as directed by Heidi Lindblad of Pictou County Children with Autism Association which plans to purchase tracking bracelets for autistic children who wander off.
Curling Rink Washroom – accessible washroom at New Caledonia Curling Rink in Pictou very near complete. Will work with Kevin to get some publicity around this when complete.
Grants – Grants for United Way and Wellness must be submitted by deadline in December. Ralph to chair a committee with Kevin, Judy, Darrell and Jane to decide on and write up grant applications.
UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities – Ralph & Ron attended a roundtable in Halifax last week put on by Human Rights Commission, Disabled Persons Commission and NSLEO as part of NSLEO 30th anniversary celebration. The roundtable examined Section 29 of the Treaty which deals with political rights of PWD and the commitment of signatory governments (including Canada & Nova Scotia) to promote and support political involvement of their people with disabilities.
Wii Stations – In order to receive the further funds from our Wellness grant, we committed to setting up a couple of Wii stations as part of a drop-in centre for local persons with disabilities. Crystal will price up what we need by way of this equipment and check into a possible recreation rebate.

Correspondence
Judy is composing letters to members of the past Deaf & Hard of Hearing roundtable and to East Novability following up our meeting with Chris Cook. At her request, Ralph volunteered to proof her letters when completed

New Business

Storage – The furniture from our office was put into storage. We are paying $40 a month. Jane checked and we can move much of it into the church where it can be used by us and others. Agreed to proceed to find a way to transport it over from storage. Jane & Ralph to arrange to clear out the storage. Major items can be brought to the church for use here.
Coffee – The church has been supplying coffee for our meetings which is very kind. However, Jane suggested that is an imposition and all agreed we should each bring in a cup and we can buy some coffee and filters for the Melitta coffee maker and a Brita water filter for our water drinkers.
Bank Charges and Cell Phone – We are a non-profit and Jane suggested that the Credit Union and Rogers Telephone might be willing to write off our bank fees and cell phone bill. Jane will check.
Books – As an information item, Gerald Lees brought in and we briefly discussed a couple of books (Tools for Life; & A book listing organizations.) he had picked up at the last CPN meeting.
Glasses – Summer Street Industries is putting frosted designs on water and wine glasses which they sell for $7 each. Darrell brought in a couple of samples with our LAWPS logo and that of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Committee on them. He suggested we might want to give these our as gifts to participants at the round-table. That would be very expensive. Darrell was asked to see if a better price could be negotiated for a larger order.
Canadian Centre for Disability Studies in Winnipeg has asked for our help on a national study they are doing. We will be paid $6000 for the work in Nova Scotia which initially means finding suitable participants and setting up two focus groups – one here in New Glasgow and one in Halifax and some follow up work later. Judy and Ralph have reviewed the request and agreed that LAWPS will take it on.

In Camera
There was no in camera business.

Date of next Board Meeting & Motion to Adjourn

Next meeting will be December 14th at 4pm at Chicken Chalet.
Dates and times for meetings in 2011 are:
January 18, 2011 10:00 am
February 15, 2011 10:00 am
March 15, 1211 10:00 am
April 19, 1211 10:00 am
May 17, 1211 10:00 am
June 21, 1211 10:00 am
Mark these dates on your calendars!
A motion to adjourn was moved and seconded by Jane and Crystal - carried.

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Freedom: the most fundamental human right

2010-11-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

EDITOR NOTE: Last week I attended a round-table discussion on the political rights of persons with disabilites hosted by Robert Chisholm at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax. Afterwards, Mr. Chisholm posted his thoughts on the subject in a very interesting letter to the press. In case you missed that letter, I've included its content. Click below. (... continued)

By ROBERT CHISHOLM

Aung San Suu Kyi is free! The Burmese pro-democracy leader has spent 15 of the last 21 years in detention without a trial. As of last Saturday, she is free. Also last week, Canadians took time to remember the sacrifices of women and men who have fought and died, or been permanently disabled, on the fields of battle in the name of peace and freedom.

So it is fitting that I sit on a beautiful Saturday morning in mid-November to reflect on freedom: It is the very essence of our humanity. Freedom to choose, to voice our opinions, freedom to vote for the person or party that best reflects our point of view, freedom to stand for and to hold public office — or as I would prefer to think, freedom to serve.

These freedoms are the things that we Nova Scotians are blessed with. Freedoms that Aung San Suu Kyi insists upon for her people, freedoms for which our own heroes have fought and died all over the world.

But is this true for us all? I’ve spent the last few days thinking deeply about this. On Tuesday of last week, I was asked to stand in for my old friend and colleague Alexa McDonough, who had agreed to host a round-table discussion on the right to participate in the community for Nova Scotians who have disabilities, and who — much to my surprise — constitute 20 per cent of our population.

Alexa has been a longtime supporter of this group, called the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunity, or LEO. Last Tuesday, LEO celebrated its 30th anniversary and began the day by organizing a round-table discussion on participation in public life for people with disabilities. Or as I have been thinking since: freedom to participate and freedom to serve, the essence of our humanity.

We started the discussion by looking at the basics: In elections, many polling stations are not accessible, so many Nova Scotians with disabilities cannot vote. Moreover, they cannot consider being involved in community clubs, service agencies, school boards, town councils, political parties. In effect, very many of the close to 200,000 Nova Scotians who report having a disability are not free to vote because they cannot get into the polling station; nor are they free to engage in the community on an equal basis with others.

In fact, many disabled Nova Scotians live lives that would be familiar to Aung San Suu Kyi — lives where you do not get out of the house, do not participate freely in the community, and do not have an opportunity to freely voice your opinion.

The facts are daunting. So, LEO gathered a group of people with disabilities to talk about the promise of the new UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and especially Article 29 of that treaty which looks at the freedom to participate in public and political life. LEO believes, and I think it is right, that the freedom to participate in political and public life is the first step toward achieving the promise of the convention.

The group was diverse: Disabled people from all across the province came together with former politicians, like myself, and some sitting members of the House. Along with the politicians were representatives from the province’s Human Rights Commission, Disabled Persons Commission, Elections Nova Scotia, and other departments with an interest in the issue.

What followed was a lively and exciting exchange of views. We all agreed that the situation must change. We were happy to learn that steps are being taken to improve access during elections, and agreed that it was essential to find better ways to engage this significant percentage of our population. We noted that the very fact of coming together was an important step; we spoke candidly of shortcomings, but optimistically about the road ahead.

So, as I sit here on this lovely autumn morning reflecting on freedom, on the promise of a world with a newly free Aung San Suu Kyi, on the wonder of the freedom in our lives because of the sacrifice of our soldiers, I am also filled with hope.

Hope that the freedom to participate in political and public life, the basis of our democracy that has for so long eluded many Nova Scotians with disabilities, may be about to emerge on the radar screen of public opinion.
Robert Chisholm is co-principal of Simon Chisholm Consulting Inc. and former leader of the Nova Scotia NDP.End of Article - Return to main page

Board Meeting Summary - October 19, 2010

2010-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

New Glasgow - The Let Abilities Work Board met on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the basement of Christian Fellowship Church, Abercrombie Road, New Glasgow(...continued)

Present: Judy Hughes, Philip Fisher, Kevin White, Ralph Ferguson, Ron Levy, Gerald Lees, Darrell Feit, and Angie Anderson.

Regrets: Crystal Mann, Fred Popowich, Jane Burris and Jason MacDonald with Robert MacIsaac excused.

Minutes: Ralph Ferguson took notes. Minutes of our September 8th meeting were read & corrected.

Accessibility – is "an overarching tenant of our work". We agreed to devote the first hour of next months meeting to accessibility.

Meeting Time – our next meetings date will be November 16th and thereafter on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10 AM at Christian Fellowship Church except in December when a joint Christmas meeting with CHAD will be on December 14th.

Membership builder - a public meet & greet in these church premises with veggie and fruit trays in January as part of a prepared membership drive. For future, Gerald Lees checked church office. We can bring food into the hall for functions or there is someone who caters functions but the church doesn’t.

Lilac bush - Judy Hughes authorized to purchase a lilac bush to honour Cheryl Campbell.

Basketball Wheelchairs at NSCC – Problem from pre-summer. Jason MacDonald is trying to set up a meeting date when Dave Freckelton is available to meet and discuss the issue with him and Ralph Ferguson.

Wheelchairs in community – Owners who no longer need refurbish able chairs and would like to donate them back into this community can contact Faye Joudrey at the Abilities Foundation to arrange for recycling .

Deaf & Hard of Hearing – Darrell Feit gave an update concerning the ASL/English interpreter issue as well as on emergency measures for persons with disabilities. There is an emergency measures book for distribution. Darrell Feit will give a presentation at next meeting. We will look for an electronic version as well. LAWPS can use as part of the membership drive in January and Kevin White to check to see how we can use it with media publicity to build our community image. We will follow up on the local Deaf Roundtable Meeting held in June in the New Year.

Employment - We will meet with Chris Cook to investigate an outreach from Port Hawkesbury based East Novability to give Pictou County people with disabilities who would choose it the option of more specialized disability employment services.

Curling Club Grant – Construction is near complete on an accessible washroom in New Caledonia Curling Rink in Pictou making the facility accessible for stick curling which can be played by persons with disabilities including those in wheelchairs. $1500 of the United Way grant for materials is paid out with $500 held back until completion.

Potential Accessibility Grant – We will investigate the possibility of grant funding to improve exterior door and washroom accessibility serving the space we are using in the basement of the Christian Fellowship Church. A motion passed to hold discussion with Pastor Morrison concerning our desire to begin this action.

Transportation – Ron Levy gave update on CHAD transit. The bus service is struggling but surviving.

Media Chair – Judy Hughes asked Kevin White to take on the task of media chair.

Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) – Philip Fisher reported that the local MS group has been looking into the costs and details around the CCSVI treatment in New York. Will keep us informed on what they find out.

Recreation – Activities briefly discussed. Archery is ongoing now on Tuesday evenings; curling will evolve; sledge hockey proved unsuitable for our people at present so is off our table; we are working to resolve our wheelchair basketball problem and there are other such activities we have done or could do. A meeting will be set to map out what is possible in this regard.

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network (EDN) – Group is going strong. Kevin White is no longer on their board of directors. No one from this area is. The group is seeking to establish a service in each area which failed here before probably because our local group received no support from the central body. Discuss with Chris Cook when we meet to see if self employment activity might fit into that effort.

Media Relations – We do outstanding stuff that no one hears about. We must start naming it and telling the public. Kevin White will be the “guard at the gate” looking for our stories and photo ops and work with Judy Hughes to get media attention to them with press conferences, releases, etc.
Examples: John Lowrey’s retirement and again in January when we hold our meet & greet membership promo.

CNIB – Gerald Lees reported that CNIB has reopened its store in Halifax where its staff numbers in Halifax are back up again. However, Pictou Co. is served from Sydney where there is only one staff person who does mobility training and low vision clinics from Sydney to Yarmouth. So generally in Sydney there in not even someone to answer the phone. Michele Fudge uses our LAWPS office to run low vision clinics in this area. She is a good worker but her territory is too large for a single person to provide an adequate service.

Judy Hughes' goal as Chair – ``I want us to be advancing our communities. Is there something we can do for CNIB, CHAD, Deaf & Hard of Hearing and our various groups by lending our support and resources to our various constituencies?``

Collaborative Partnership Network (CPN) events – Gerald Lees spoke to two upcoming events.

1. An employment symposium will be held in December around the International Day of the Disabled. Everyone agreed we should participate as a CPN member. The cost of about $700 we will have to fund raise to cover. Gerald Lees will attend. Decision by consensus.

2. A larger, more expensive national event will be held in June of the Canadian Association of Supported Employment (CASE). Not discussed. It’s for a later time.

LAWPS Monthly Board Meeting schedule until June 2011 –
(Generally the 3rd Tuesday of month except December.)

November 16, 2010 10:00 am
December 14, 2010 04:00 am
January 18, 2011 10:00 am
February 15, 2011 10:00 am
March 15, 1211 10:00 am
April 19, 1211 10:00 am
May 17, 1211 10:00 am
June 21, 1211 10:00 am

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m..The End - Return to main page

Board Meeting Summary - September 8, 2010

2010-09-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

New Glasgow - The Let Abilities Work Board met on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the upstairs Community Room, New Glasgow Library.(...continued)

Present: Crystal Mann, Fred Popowich, Ralph Ferguson, Ron Levy, Gerald Lees, Jane Burris, Darrell Feit, Susan Fraser, Robert MacIsaac and Angie Anderson.

Regrets: Judy Hughes, Philip Fisher, Kevin White and Jason MacDonald

Remembering Cheryl: We agreed to plant a lilac bush in memory of past chairperson, Cheryl Campbell. Society members can gather as a group to plant it.

Minutes: Meeting minutes from of May 19th meeting were approved.

Financial Report: Society is in good financial shape.

Reunion of School for the Deaf at Amherst: Darrell Feitattended and gave report on this event.

Present Committments discussed including accessibility, wheelchair basketball, Pictou curling club and the wellness grant.

Ongoing discussions with the local Nova Scotia Community College concerning use of student gym for wheelchair basketball and storage space being used for wheelchairs. Gordie Publicover of CPA was involved but is no longer with the Canadian Paraplegic Association because of downsizing. Unfortunately, there is no one to spearhead or coach this wheelchair basketball activity at this time.
Completion on constructio of the accessible washroom at the Pictou New Caledonia Curling Club will be completed this fall in time for the curling season.
We have a Wellness Grant for rental and must locate rental space for our activities including a disability dropin location.

ASL/English Interpreter Issue - A community roundtable on this issue was held in June at Summer Street Industries. Work and discussions are ongoing with provincial Deaf organizations and others. In future some followup on the roundtable will be required.

Subcomittees: - Our need to develop subcommittees to get our work done on issues was discussed. The main areas of activity are accessibility, recreation, employment, education, housing, transportation and community. Then there are other disability related issues like cell phone coverage. Some of these areas can be grouped together. With limited personnel resources, it is not possible to have a large number of subcommittees. There will be a full discussion of subcommittees and priorities at the next regular meeting.

Meeting Date & Time: - Our need to develop a regular meeting date and time was acknowledged. Set next meeting.
Community Stakeholders:

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m..The End - Return to main page

Family and friends remember Cheryl Campbell

2010-08-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

Family and friends of Cheryl Campbell gathered to celebrate her life and mark her passing on Saturday, August 7th at "The Pines", Cheryl's beloved family home on the Pictou Landing Lower Road. (...continued)

At the rear of Cheryl’s property, there is a significant stand of very old and very, very, very tall pine trees which Cheryl loved. As we arrived, Rose Little and Kathy Grant, two Aboriginal ladies from the Pictou Landing First Nations community were busy smudging to purify all the land area and chairs that were set at the base of this pine stand. Rose at the Landing holds the very prestigious title "Keeper of the Drum" and Kathy is employed with New Leaf Enterprises.
At 1:30 PM those attending were called to that purified area by event organizer, Judy Hughes, and all were smudged as we entered via a path leading through a trellised archway. Judy, began speaking and recalling happy memories of events from her long time friendship with Cheryl and her family. Nelson Walker, her husband and partner spoke next followed by one of her sons who was chosen to “speak on behalf of” Cheryl's three children. Others present were then invited to say a few words and a significant number did.

At that point, Nova Annette Poirier, who has studied shamanism as a way of life, took us through a spiritual service which I will paraphrase here.

Nova referred to Cheryl as a spirit who came from somewhere in the cosmos to enter a body that was constructed for her use out of products of the earth according to a genetic pattern received from her parents. For 57 years, Cheryl lived and walked among us fulfilling her mission or earthly purpose. And, when she had completed her mission, Cheryl returned to the cosmos from whence she had come. And, her body will return to the earth from which it came.

Nova spread out a small cloth on the ground and proceeded to light a candle which she placed in the middle of the cloth. Those present were invited to take a walk through the trees and around the grounds and to pick up some piece of the natural surroundings (a pebble, a twig, a leaf, etc.) to hold in their hands. While holding that item, they were asked to think about it and try to relate it in some way to some memory or quality of Cheryl or to some aspect of her life. The items were then to be placed around the candle as a memorial.

One lady quickly handed me a pine cone, perhaps feeling that from a wheelchair, I'd have difficulty picking up an item. I picked up a large stone which I related to Cheryl's great strength of spirit and of purpose. I would have discarded the pine cone but having just listened at the base of those huge pine trees to all the many areas where Cheryl had made a significant contribution, that little pine cone was speaking to me of the great potential that was Cheryl. I placed them both in the memorial.

When everyone had added their pieces and the memorial was complete, Cheryl's ashes were taken by her three children, Jonathan, Terry and Briona who walked together among the trees in the pine stand as they each took turns spreading her ashes while they walked. While the ashes were spread, Nova invited any who so desired to join her in a chant song and accompanying herself with an aboriginal drum she sang the words to The River is Flowing by Diana Hildebrand-Hull.

Click to hear chant

The River is Flowing
by Diana Hildebrand-Hull

The river she is flowing, going and growing
The river is flowing, down to the sea
Mother Earth carry me, your child I will always be
Mother Earth carry me, down to the sea

Following this very moving service, everyone gathered to share together in food and conversation. Several tables were covered with a magnificent spread of sandwiches, sweets and goodies in plenteous supply. Some had said that Cheryl would not have wanted a lot of fuss at her passing but I felt certain that this part of the gathering would have had her 100% approval.
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Personal tracking system will help locate children and seniors who roam

2010-08-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

Jessica is a 5 year old girl and a major flight risk. She was diagnosed with Autism 2 years ago and is starting school in a few weeks.

Her mother, Allison Kearley, is Vice President of the Pictou County Children With Autism Association and she wants to spread the word about and demonstrate a new product, the eye-zon EZ 100 that she and her husband Trevor have found.

It's a personal tracking system which permits families to easily locate those children or seniors who may tend to wonder off and get lost.

"I have tried it out for the last few days and with the help of a great neighbour, Edward LeBlanc, I think I can use it", says Kearley who is planning an information session at 7pm on August 18th at the Stellarton Fire Hall. The Eye-Zon company is going to help to run this presentation via computer. People will be able to see the product there, ask questions, and if interested obtain info on ordering or on making plans to purchase.

Kearsley hopes that anyone interested will attend the session or contact her as she hope to generate sufficient interest to take advantage of a substantial group buying option or a price reduction that is available on large group orders. (...continued)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is the full email I received from Allison
Subject: Personal tracking system

Hello to All,

I am writing to each of you to tell you where we are with the eye-zon EZ 100 personal tracking system. I have tried it out for the last few days and with the help of a great neighbour, Edward LeBlanc, I think I can use it. So here’s the deal as some might not be aware of my situation-I will start at the beginning and try hard to make it brief.

I have a 5 year old daughter who is starting school in a few short weeks. She was diagnosed with Autism 2 years ago. Trevor and I have been researching products to help us to locate Jessica if we happened to lose her. Since she is a major flight risk you would be or maybe not be surprised to learn how quickly it can happen. After much conversation and checking different products I happened to find eye-zon. Please put that in a google search and it will come up. There is a price list included, which I ask you not to get hung up on. If we order in bulk we will get a better price. Also for low income families the company is starting what is called 1000 friends. This will allow everyone to have a chance to use this product. Donations are given from large companies to pay for initial cost and monthly charge for a year.

At this point Halifax is looking at this product and seem to be happy with its ability. They are working on a program for seniors. In Edmonton, the project was launched to help Autistic children. Whatever the situation...we all know a loved one or someone we work with who tends to wander and may not be able to get back to the spot they need to be at. This tracks where the person is and how fast they are travelling. You can watch the person or check to see where they are, using a computer or smartphone/iphone. I don’t have a smart phone, but you can still use it on the computer. I can elaborate on that later.

I am looking at having a gathering at the Stellarton Fire Hall where people can see the product and make plans to purchase it. And of course ask the questions necessary. If you are interested in more info or ordering one please let me know. We will be having an information session at 7pm on August 18th. If you can't make it please let me know if you are interested. Also, forward this to anyone you think that might be interested in getting more info about this product. I unfortunately don't have everyone's e-mail that I think would be interested. I'm also hoping to get some publicity in the paper so watch for it.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO ANYONE YOU THINK WOULD BE INTERESTED. I DON'T MIND TAKING PHONE CALLS IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS. BY THE 20TH I WILL BE PLACING AN ORDER!

Allison Kearley
allison_lynch@hotmail.com
695-2148
Vice President of the Pictou County Children With Autism Association

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Nova Scotia's disabled community mourns loss of leaders

2010-07-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

This month, Nova Scotia's disability community mourns the passing of two of its prominent leaders, Pictou County's Cheryl Susan Campbell and Alan Fisher of Truro in Colchester County.

Cheryl was past Chair of Let Abilities Work Partnership Society having served as Chair until June of this year and Alan was past Chair of Disabled Consumers Society of Colchester. Their positive influence as both community leaders and as friends will be greatly missed.

Click here below where I have reproduced their respective obituaries as published on the funeral home web sites. (...continued)
Cheryl Susan Campbell
(August 10, 1953 - July 17, 2010)

PICTOU LANDING – Cheryl Susan Campbell, 56, Pictou Landing, formerly of New Glasgow, passed away Saturday, July 17, 2010 at home.

Born in Berwick, on August 10, 1953, she was a daughter of Kenneth Hilborn Benson, Ottawa and the late Joyce Pauline (Hepburn) Kelly. Cheryl spent much of her career as a researcher for addiction services, facilitating school outreach and drug awareness programs. Prior to her illness, she was a freelance consultant. Cheryl enjoyed spending time at the “Enchanted Pines”, traveling, laughter and spending time with friends. To those she championed, she will be ever remembered as a compassionate and reliable friend. She was a loving mother, who was very proud of her children’s accomplishments.

Surviving besides her father are children, Jonathan, Halifax; Terry (Janis), St. John’s, Nfld.; Briona (Jonathan Thibodeau), Halifax; companion, Nelson Walker; step-father, John Kelly, Antigonish; sister, Debbie, Bridgewater; brother, Archie, Ottawa; niece, Andrea, Bridgewater; nephews, Nigel and William, Ottawa.

Besides her mother, she was predeceased by her husband, John Kenneth Campbell.

A private celebration of Cheryl’s life will be held August 7th for immediate family and invited guests at the “Enchanted Pines”.

An act of kindness in Cheryl’s memory would be very much appreciated.
Arrangements are entrusted to P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. www.pkmacdonald.ca

“Come to the edge, he said. They said: We are afraid. Come to the edge, he said. They came. He pushed them and they flew.” - Guillaume Apollinaire

Alan Russell Fisher
(August 16th 1952 - July 23rd 2010)

TRURO – Alan Russell Fisher, 57, of Truro, passed away at Colchester Regional Hospital, on Friday, July 23, 2010. Born in New Glasgow, Alan was the youngest son of the late Betty (Mills) Fisher and Harold (Barb) Fisher, Oregon USA.

Alan loved life and people. At a very early age, Alan was diagnosed with polio but that never stopped him from living a full and rewarding life. In his early years he worked at Trenton Works.

He was Past President of Disabled Consumer Society of Colchester and most recently was Bingo Chairperson at DCSC, leading a team of wonderful people. Alan had a passion for photography and old cars, especially his 1966 Red Chevy Impala.

Left to mourn is his only true love in life, Linda Bates, who cared for him unconditionally throughout his very private battle with cancer. He is also survived by brother Ivan (Ann), New Glasgow, sisters Arlene (Brian) McCracken, Bluesky, Alta; Debbie (Stewart) Wilson, Berwyn, Alta; sister-in-law Mary Fisher, Trenton, as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Alan was also predeceased by his brother, and friend David (2007), brother Harold in infancy, and his (admired) nephew Brent Fisher (2007).

Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 27th, with a funeral service to be held @ 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 28th, 2010, all in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St. Truro with Pastor Doug Campbell officiating.

Donations in Alan’s memory may be made to Colchester Regional Hospital Palliative Care. Cremation will take place following the funeral service.

Special thanks to Alan’s great team of Doctors, both locally, and in metro Halifax, especially Dr. Robert Graham and Dr. Dorianne Rheaume.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.colchestercommunity.com
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Council of Canadians with Disabilities - Chairperson's Update: June 2010

2010-07-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

This Update shares information about CCD's Annual General Meeting and some additional activities undertaken by CCD during the month of June.(...continued)

Annual General Meeting 2010

Executive Committee--The Council elected a new Executive Committee. The newly constituted Committee consists of:

Tony Dolan, Chairperson
Roy Muise, Vice Chair
Susan Ralph, Vice Chair
Claredon Robicheau, Secretary
Mary Ennis, Treasurer
Terry Green, Member at Large
Marie White, Past Chairperson

Committee Chairs—The Council re-appointed Committee chairs for a one-year term.

Dean Richert and Anne Levesque, Human Rights Committee Co-chairs
Rhonda Wiebe and Dean Richert, Ending of Life Ethics Committee Co-chairs
Marie White, Social Policy Committee Chair
Steve Estey and Mary Ennis, International Development Committee Co-chairs
Pat Danforth, Transportation Committee Chair
John Rae and Gary Birch, Access to Technology Committee Co-chairs

CCD Award—The following recipients were announced:

BCCPD — Jeanette Andersen
ACCD — Hilda Campbell and Lorrie Goegan
SK Voice — Margie Bort
MLPD — Daniel Halechko
COPHAN — Marc-Andrė Burelle-Favron
NS-LEO — Steven Estey
PEI Council -- Bernie Wilson
COD — John Collins
CAD — Martin Bergevin
DAWN/RAFH Canada — Dr. Michelle Owen
NEADS — Mahadeo Sukhai and Jennifer Dillon
TVAC — Terry Vachon (Mrs.)
CWD–O — Terrance Green
AEBC — Irene Lambert

Tribute to Retiring Chairperson Marie White—On Friday evening, CCD thanked Marie White for her dedication to the organization. Marie served a record four terms as Chairperson. While retiring as Chairperson, Marie will continue her involvement as Past Chairperson and as Chairperson of the Social Policy Committee.

During the celebration for Marie, CCD staged a one-woman play called "One in Five", starring Winnipeg actor Jane Burpee. The play focuses on the issues of women with a mental health disability.

CRPD Workshop—Steve Estey presented a workshop on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) for CCD Council on 11 June 2010. During the morning of 10 June 2010, Steve delivered an information session on the CRPD for Manitoba Government officials and then in the afternoon shared the same information with the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD).

Disabling Poverty/Enabling Citizenship Research Project
Mid-term Evaluation Report Completed—The project team submitted its mid-term evaluation report to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. During the month, the three project themes—Demographics, Legal and Policy—currently undertaking research, have published a number of reports on the Disabling Poverty/Enabling Citizenship web page. For example, the following new reports are available for your summer reading:

Disabling Poverty and Enabling Citizenship: Understanding the Poverty and Exclusion of Canadians with Disabilities

An Overview of the Comparator Group Analysis in Human Rights Jurisprudence

An Overview of the Human Rights Jurisprudence Underpinning the Test for Prima Facie Discrimination

National Action Plan on Disability

Housing Is A Human Right—CCD continues to make Canadians aware of the disability community's National Action Plan, which is built upon a human rights foundation. This month, CCD Executive Member Susan Ralph was a panelist at this year's CASHRA conference. Drawing upon the National Action Plan and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Susan's presentation focused on the disability community's objectives regarding accessible housing and de-institutionalization. An institution is not a home and CCD believes that everyone has a right to live, with disability-related supports, if needed, in a home in the community.

Ending of Life Ethics Committee Members Make Presentation

CCD On Parliament Hill--On 16 June 2010, Rhonda Wiebe and Jim Derksen, appeared before the House of Commons Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care to explain how negative attitudes about disability put people with disabilities in harm's way and to suggest recommendations on how to improve the medical care and public policy environments, as both are affected by negative stereotypes about disability.

On 17 June 2010, Rhonda Wiebe met with Senator Sharon Carstairs to discuss CCD's position on end of life issues. Senator Carstairs has just completed the Senate report "Raising the Bar: A Roadmap for the Future of Palliative Care in Canada" (June 2010).

Announcement: Webinars Coming to A Computer Near You

Over the past year, CWDO has planned and delivered 32 online seminars – webinars – on topics ranging from “Financial Planning” to “Emerging Ideas in Critical Disability Studies.” Most of these webinars are now archived and posted on our website.

This fall, CWDO is planning two more webinars related to website accessibility. The first, Planning and Purchasing an Accessible Web-site, will be held August 10, 2010 from 1-2 pm (EST). It will be of interest to those with novice to intermediate technical skills. It will show participants how to develop their websites, what an accessible website is, the role websites play in business today, why it is beneficial for your company/organization to have one and who benefits from an accessible website. The presenters are Everett Zufelt and Michael Gifford, who are professionals in their field.

Implementing WCAG 2.0 is the second webinar, and it is being offered for intermediate to advanced website designers on September 10, 2010 from 1-4 pm (EST). This in-depth webinar will be led Michael Cooper from the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Accessibility Initiative. Michael will demystify WCAG 2.0 and help participants understand how to implement the standards.

All CWDO webinars are offered free of charge and may be attended by anyone, anywhere, with internet access. Real-time captioning and other accommodation is made available upon request to ensure full participation. Webinars are presented in English.
We sincerely hope you will get acquainted with us through our webinars. Plan to participate, and mark the dates in your calendar now!For more information and to register, click on the webinar links.
· Planning and Purchasing an Accessible Web-site
· Implementing WCAG 2.0

Terrance Green, Chairperson, Citizens With Disabilities – OntarioThe End - Return to main page

Organizations will hold Joint Annual General Meetings on June 23rd

2010-06-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

NSCBTA honours Ron & Della Levy with celebration and by establishing the Ron Levy transportation scholarship at NSCC

2010-06-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Surounded by friends and relatives, Ron Levy was honoured on June 4th by fellow members of the Nova Scotia Community Based Transportation Association (NSCBTA).

Held at the Pictou Campus of NSCC and hosted by well known local celebrity Jack MacIsaac, the event paid tribute to both Ron and Della Levy. The couple were feted for their many years of dedicated service and leadership in the field of community transit service. (...continued)

Ron Levy is a champion of accessibility for individuals and organizations throughout Nova Scotia. As a founder and volunteer manager of CHAD Transit, he has kept Pictou County citizens and their communities connected since 1996.

Getting Nova Scotia Community College students where they want to be is important to the Nova Scotia Community Based Transportation Association.

"As an organization devoted to safe, accessible transportation for all, NSCBTA is honoured to recognize the contributions of one of our founding members with an annual scholarship for an NSCC student with a mobility challenges. This scholarship is a legacy to Ron's dedication and a boost to the next generation of shining stars, made possible by the generous contributions of our members. We invite your support to keep the momentum going."

Donations are income tax-deductible and may be made to NSCC Foundation, Ron Levy Scholarship, 5685 Leeds St., PO Box 1153, Halifax, NS B3J 2X1

Doners are thanked for helping the Association to get all Nova Scotians where they want to be.
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Sail Able 2010

2010-05-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

by Paul Tingley

I hope that you have enjoyed your winter. Now, we begin sailing season!

The Sail Able Association of NS is gearing up for a second summer at the RNSYS (376 Purcell's Cove Road). After a successful 2009 season, we are pleased to announce that our sailing instructor, Emilie Bishop, is back on board with Sail Able this summer. Emilie will begin holding sailing sessions on June 7th, 2010.(...continued)
To make a booking, please call Emilie at (902) 401-3571, or send her an email at em706148@dal.ca. The sailing program will run from Monday to Saturday (with Tues and Sat only morning sessions), with 2 sessions per day. The annual membership fee is $25, and each sail is $7 per member. The program will run until the end of August.

To ensure that all sailors have a chance to get out on the water, each sailor will be allowed to book only one session per week. However, you can book additional sessions each week if an opening remains unfilled 48 hours before a session is due to begin.

This summer, we would like to allow twice as many people to get out on the water by making full-use of both Martin 16 sailboats that belong to Sail Able. We are therefore looking for volunteers to act as sailing companions, and help out with the program.

Emilie is organizing an education session that will provide volunteers with information about the boats, accommodating the needs of each participant, and facilitating a sailing session. The volunteer session will be held in mid June. Please spread the word, and let us know if you would like to take part by contacting Emilie at the contact number above.

Sail Able and the Canadian Paraplegic Association are hosting a BBQ & "Have a Try" day at the RNSYS on Saturday June 19th, 2010 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The rain date is June 20th, 2010.

We are thrilled to be starting a new sailing season at the RNSYS, and with improvements to the grounds and a new building on the foreshore, our program is expected to run more smoothly than ever!

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We hope to see you out on the water!
Paul Tingley, Chair of Sail Able NS, (902) 229-0281, email: nssailable@gmail.com

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Nova Scotia Telehealth Network (NSTHN)

2010-05-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Nova Scotia Telehealth Network is a little known Health initiative - a video conferencing communications network that is intended to improve the medical service to all the rural areas of the province.

Through this system, patients from across Nova Scotia can meet face-to-face with health care professionals located anywhere on the network, without leaving their home communities. This saves patients the time, stress and expense associated with travel. (...continued)

Our Department of Health beginning with a pilot program in 1996, has over the past several years been actively developing this on-line technology and service to create Canada's first province-wide Telehealth network. It is now being offered to medical doctors, health professionals, staff and patients from all hospitals throughout Nova Scotia's nine Community Healt Districts.

What do you need to know about Telehealth? The Department publishes contact information and answers frequently asked questions on its website. I think that information is important enough to reproduce here below for Let Abilities Work readers.

To access the Telehealth Network service here in Pictou County, you need to contact Linda Muir who is the Coordinator for Health Districts 4, 5 & 6 and can be reached at - Phone: 902-752-7571; Fax: 902-752-8407 or Email: Linda.Muir@pcha.nshealth.ca

Q. What are the benefits of Telehealth?
A. Telehealth provides health care professionals and patients in rural communities access to health care services and information through the use of videoconferencing technology.

Q. How do I know if my local hospital is involved with the NSTHN?
A. NSTHN services are avsailable in all hospitals across Nova Scotia .

Q. Does my family doctor have access to this technology?
A. At the present time, individual practitioners have access to this technology through their local hospitals. Ask your doctor about accessing specialist services using the NSTHN.

Q. If I use the services of the NSTHN, does that mean I won't be able to meet face-to-face with my doctor?
A. No. Face-to-face meetings with your health care provider remain an integral part of health care delivery. Video consultations supplement, but do not replace, hands-on care.

Q. What health care programs use the NSTHN?
A. The NSTHN collaborates with a range of clinical programs across the province for the purpose of introducing and developing Telehealth-based applications for health care delivery. Current clinical programs include:

•Dermatology
•Genetics
•Geriatrics
•Lung Transplant
•Mental Health
•Oncology
•Preoperative
•Rehabilitation
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Calander of Events - May & June

2010-05-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

(Updated May 07th) - Call Ralph @ 485-6740 with updates to this schedule: -Click below on Read More! for event listing.

June 23rd at 6:00PM - LAWPS & CHAD will hold a joint AGM in New Glasgow Library. Not sure at this point if it will be on the main floor or upstairs. Both rooms are accessible
June 02nd at 1:00PM in Salon D at Summer Street Industries: This roundtable meeting will consider our lacking in Pictou County of ASL interpreting for Deaf and sponsored jointly by LAWPS and SDHHNS. Tea, coffee And sandwiches will be provided so contact Ralph or Crystal to pass on to SSI contact Diana re food requirements including any special diet accommodation for wheat-free/gluten-free plus and diabetic diets etc.
May 19th: Monthly Meeting LAWPS - The Let Abilities Work Partnership Society will meet Wednesday May 19th at 10:00 a.m. in the Progam Room of the Westville Library.
May 18th: Archery-Northumberland Strait Shooters Archery club will be shooting on Tuesday evening May 18th at the Michelin Social Club. 7 pm. All are invited to attend. For more information phone 396-5937
May 11th: Archery-Northumberland Strait Shooters Archery club will be shooting on Tuesday evening May 11th at the Michelin Social Club. 7 pm. All are invited to attend. For more information phone 396-5937

April 28th: Monthly Meeting LAWPS - The Let Abilities Work Partnership Society will meet Wednesday April 28th at 10:00 a.m. in the Progam Room of the Westville Library.

April 20th: Archery is scheduled at Michelin Social Club from 6:30 to 9:30pm on Tuesday April 20th. This is a combined Archery events for both able bodied and persons with disability. So come for a fun time and enjoy the sport!

April 13th: Archery is scheduled at Michelin Social Club from 6:30 to 9:30pm on Tuesdays as follows: April 13th, and 20th. These will be combined Archery events for both able bodied and persons with disability. So come for a fun time and enjoy the sport!

April 6th: Archery is scheduled at Michelin Social Club from 6:30 to 9:30pm every Tuesday as follows: April 6th, 13th, and 20th. These will be combined Archery events for both able bodied and persons with disability. So come for a fun time and enjoy the sport!

April 3rd: A wheelchair and stick curling demonstration is scheduled at the New Caledonia Club in Pictou from 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday April 3rd cosponsored by the Canadian Paraplegic Association and Let Abilities Work Partnership Society. - Laughlie Rutt – Nova Scotia Provincial Wheelchair Curling Player will instruct. Plan to attend this event to promote active living, meet others in the community with a physical disability, meet your CPA Community Client Service Counsellor and of course to HAVE FUN!

March 30th: Archery is scheduled at Michelin Social Club from 6:30 to 9:30pm every Tuesday as follows: March 30th, April 6th, 13th, and 20th. These will be combined Archery events for both able bodied and persons with disability. So come for a fun time and enjoy the sport!

March 26th: The Let Abilities Work Partnership Society is to receive two grants from United Way One grant is global funding to assist the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to better integrate in the local community. The second grant is project funding for materials to help construct an accessible main floor washroom in the New Caledonia Curling Club making it assessible to persons with disabilities for stick curling. The official signings will take place in the United Way office at 2:30 PM on Friday, March 26th.

March 23rd: Archery is scheduled at Michelin Social Club from 6:30 to 9:30pm every Tuesday as follows: March 23rd, 30th, April 6th, 13th, and 20th.These will be combined Archery events for both able bodied and persons with disability. So come for a fun time and enjoy the sport!

March 17th: Monthly Meeting LAWPS - The Let Abilities Work Partnership Society will meet Wednesday March 17th at 2:00 p.m. in the Progam Room of the Westville Library. Wearing of the green is anticipated !

March 16th: Archery is scheduled at Michelin Social Club from 6:30 to 9:30pm every Tuesday beginning March 16th. [March 16, 23, 30, April 6,13, 20} for the next six (6) weeks These will be combined Archery events for both able bodied and persons with disability. So come for a fun time and enjoy the sport!

February 17th: Monthly Meeting LAWPS - The Let Abilities Work Partnership Society will meet Wednesday February 17th at 2:00 p.m. in the Progam Room of the Westville Library.

January 13th: Monthly Meeting LAWPS - The Let Abilities Work Partnership Society will meet Wednesday January 13th at 2:00 p.m. in the Progam Room of the Westville Library.

December 10th: Meeting & Christmas Social - We will gather for an abreviated meeting and fun time to celebrate the season with each other in the community room of the New Glasgow library. Come and enjoy the fun and goodies.

December 9th: Archery at Michelin Social Club. - Archery is scheduled to take place (Wednesday, Dec. 9), at the Michelin Social Club, beginning at 1:00 p.m., and lasting roughly about, 2 hours.

December 8th: Low Vision Clinic - Michelle Fudge with CNIB will run an all day low vision clinic at the Let Abilities Work office on Tuesday, December 8th from 9am - 2:30pm.

December 7th: Low Vision Clinic - Michelle Fudge with CNIB will run an all day low vision clinic at the Let Abilities Work office on Monday, December 7th from 3-5pm.

November 3rd: Archery at Michelin Social Club. - Archery is scheduled to take place (Tuesday, Nov. 3), at the Michelin Social Club, beginning at 1:00 p.m., and lasting roughly about, 2 hours.

September 17th: Monthly Meeting LAWPS - The Let Abilities Work Partnership Society will meet Thursday September 17th at 1:30 PM in the progam room of the New Glasgow Library.

September 10th: Low Vision Clinic - Michelle Fudge with CNIB will run an all day low vision clinic at the Let Abilities Work office.

August 30th: Afternoon backyard party at Doug & Crystal Mann's - Come along for fun and wish our student Alex well in his studies as he heads back to school for the fall.

August 26th: Concert at Trenton Youth Centre - Alex MacNeil and friends will perform in concert at the Trenton Youth Centre from 7-9 PM. All are welcome. This is the Summer Concert / Dance, that we promised and is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 26, at the Trenton Youth Centre, Main Street, Trenton. Performing will be The Northend Rythym and Blues Band, (which features our Summer Student / Coordinator, Alex), along with the band, Alamo, performing as well. Join us there for a super time!

CANCELLED too few plan to attend - August 26th: Wednesday Bowling - We have bowling going on again, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Cost: $5:00 per person includes CHAD bus transport if required. That is always fun, fun, fun!

August 20th: Archery at Michelin Social Club. - Archery is scheduled to take place the following day (Thursday, August 20), at the Michelin Social Club, beginning at 1:00 p.m., and lasting roughly about, 2 hours.

August 19th: 'Games Night' - This will be taking place this coming Wednesday evening, in the Community Room, at the Atlantic Superstore, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Although at this point, It is 'seeming' like our 'Games Night', might ONLY be consisting one particular game... 'Dingo' (similar to "Bingo', only modified to accommodate the hearing impaired), the same game that we played at our last 'Games Night'... SORRY 'bout the lack of variety in he 'games cat-
egory'! Gotta work on that, BUT... it will STILL be SO-ooo MUCH fun, just like last time... I can assure you that!!!

August 15th: a Fusion Festival at Trenton park - This is a community event to which all are invited. It sounds quite fun, too. It is running from 11:00 a.m., to 3 p.m. At 11 a.m., there is a Welcoming Social, at 12:00 p.m., they'll be featuring culturally diverse music, at 1:00 p.m., games, activities, and wagon rides, and at 2:30 p.m., there'll be treats for the kids, prizes to be won, and door-prize give-aways. Another enjoyable time!

August 12, Wednesday Bowling - We have bowling going on again, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Cost: $5:00 per person includes CHAD bus transport if required. That is always fun, fun, fun!

CANCELLED -Rained out. August 10th: Pictou, Monday evening 6:00 p.m. Enjoy another outdoor concert, taking place at the Hector Quay, Vistor's Marina stage, in Pictou. Performing that evening, will be Jakki Rouge. We always have a very enjoyable time there!

July 29th: Bowling with Let Abilities will be returning for the summer and will be held every second Wednesday at Heather Lanes.

July 22nd: Archery - Come and join us for archery at the Michelin Club at 1:00 pm. You'll have a wonderful time shooting bows and arrows. It's great fun! And don't worry about safety because we pay very careful attention in this event to keep everyone out of harms way.End of Article - Return to main page

Affordable Accessible Housing – A Critical Issue for Canadians with Disabilities

2010-05-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) urges all Parliamentarians to support Bill C-304 – An Act to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians. One of the major issues people with disabilities have is finding affordable and accessible housing. “Too frequently people have no choices and live in housing that is unsafe and marginally accessible,” said Marie White Chairperson of CCD.(...continued)

“All parties should support this legislation. Adequate housing is essential to the well being of persons with disabilities,” said White. “Canadians with disabilities disproportionately live in poverty and finding affordable housing is a huge challenge,” said Laurie Beachell, CCD National Coordinator.

Canadians with disabilities want a federal government that works with provinces to build more accessible and inclusive communities. “Sadly many Canadians with disabilities end up homeless and living on the street,” said White. Bill C-304 is an important initiative in that it will ensure housing strategies include financial assistance for those who are otherwise unable to afford housing and to set targets and timetables to eliminate homelessness.

CCD calls on all parties to support Bill C-304. Affordable accessible housing is an essential need for persons with disabilities.

CCD is a national organization of persons with disabilities that works to build a more inclusive and accessible Canada. Contacts: Marie White, National Chairperson – 709-739-8233 and Laurie Beachell, National Coordinator – 204-947-0303
The End - Return to main page

Scotian Homes and NSHBA unveil Lifestyle Home

2010-05-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association and Scotian Homes have worked together to bring leading-edge building design, state-of-the-art technology and energy efficiency to support an independent lifestyle. This first-time initiative is being called a "Lifestyle Home". It is intended to address Nova Scotia's ever-changing demographic needs in the housing industry.

This project specifically targets the "aging in place" marketplace, incorporating features and technologies which will allow the aging population, or any persons with limited mobilities, to remain in their home as their needs change.(...continued)

The home located in Enfield, is certified R-2000 and comes with all of the benefits associated with R-2000 construction and certification. There are increased insulation levels, EnerGlas plus windows supplied by Kohler Windows and Entrance Systems, and in-floor radiant heat with electric boiler (taking advantage of time-of-day rates through Nova Scotia Power). The home also features a solar domestic hot water system, saving the homeowner up to 65 per cent on the cost of hot water heat, which is the second highest energy cost in an average household.

The Enfield home is open for tours at 25 Bona Crescent in White Estates.

Some of the most exciting features of the Lifestyle Home are the technologies incorporated within it, providing security, comfort and peace of mind. For example, the Powerhouse Energy Management System helps keep track of the home's environmental footprint by showing in real time how much energy every attached appliance in the house is using, how much electricity is being produced by the solar panels on the roof, and more.

The Lifestyle Home is available for viewing Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m., or by appointment by contacting Scotian Homes at 883-2266.
The End - Return to main page

In Case of Emergency - 'ICE' for Your Mobile Phone

2010-04-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

Check this out (...continued)
In April 2005 Bob Brotchie, a British paramedic, conceived the idea called 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) and apparently his idea is now a standard procedure all paramedics follow at the scene of an accident when they come across your cell phone.

When interviewed on July 12, 2005 on the BBC Radio, Brotchie said:

"I was reflecting on some difficult calls I've attended, where people were unable to speak to me through injury or illness and we were unable to find out who they were. I discovered that many people, obviously, carry mobile phones and we were using them to discover who they were. It occurred to me that if we had a uniform approach to searching inside a mobile phone for an emergency contact then that would make it easier for everyone."

Brotchie's idea quickly gained traction after the July 7, 2005 terrorist bombings in London and spread throughout Europe where it was met with some criticism. In continental Europe, the In Case of Emergency concept received some criticisism from those who held that information stored in a phone is useless for medical care prior to hospitalization as medical service personnel on site normally do not have time to contact relatives. Also, contacting relatives to a seriously injured person is a sensitive task, which is not carried out via phone in first place

Nevertheless, there has been a national campaign under way in the United States to educate cell phone users about the program.

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.

Paramedics at the scenes of accidents, were finding that there were almost always cell phones with patients, but no way to tell which number to call in an emergency. Brotchie thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE.'

The concept of 'ICE' caught on quickly throughout Europe and has spread to North America. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell (mobile) phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number(s) of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' (In Case Of Emergency).

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2, and ICE3 etc. This is a great idea that will make a difference so people are encouraged to spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in their mobile phones and pssing the suggestion on to friends and relatives. It won't take too long before everybody will know about 'ICE'.The End - Return to main page

Nova Scotia celebrates Canada’s ratification of the UN CRPD

2010-04-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

Pictured above (l-r): Saint Mary's University President, J Colin Dodds; Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse; Joan Levack, Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities; Steven Estey, Council of Canadians with Disabilities; Minister Peter MacKay and Mount Saint Vincent University Interim President, Alexa McDonough.(...continued)
Politicians, administrators and members of the disability community joined Dr. J. Colin Dodds, President of Saint Mary’s University, and Alexa McDonough, Interim President, Mount Saint Vincent University, to celebrate the recent ratification United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities (CRPD).

Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and a huge supporter of the U.N. effort, said the March 11 ratification signals Canada’s commitment to be governed by the Convention.

"Our government's backing of the Convention demonstrates our strong commitment to removing obstacles and creating opportunities for people with disabilities," said Minister MacKay. "The Convention is important internationally because it is the first international human rights treaty that explicitly reaffirms existing human rights guarantees for people with disabilities and promotes respect for their inherent dignity."

Nova Scotia was one of the first provinces to signal provincial support for ratification, and the Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for the Disabled Persons Commission Act, said she was proud Nova Scotia was one of the first provinces to signal support for ratification of the historic treaty.

"In a province where 20% of its population has a disability, we must do everything we can to ensure that the talents, skills and abilities of Nova Scotians with disabilities are utilized to the fullest," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. "We will continue to support the goals of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities."

Dr. Dodds and Ms. McDonough, co-hosts of the event at Saint Mary’s University, applauded the crucial contribution of disability consumer groups across Canada, citing Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities (NSLEO) for their effective advocacy and achieving a human rights-based treaty, upon which disability policy reform will be built.

“We hope the ratification will now move legislators and policy makers into discussions about respecting the rights of persons with disabilities and out of discussions about policies and services that treat persons with disabilities as objects of charity”, stated Joan Levack, NSLEO Chair. “Throughout this process, we have particularly valued the contribution of the Hon. Peter MacKay and Mr. Steven Estey, two Nova Scotians who have championed the Convention and been instrumental in its recent ratification.”

Other leaders with disability organizations expressed confidence the new human rights framework will result in bold steps to address the exclusion and lack of access the disabled experience in daily life.
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Stick Curling Demonstration planned for April 3rd

2010-04-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

(...continued)

What:      Wheelchair Curling Demonstration
Where:    Pictou Curling Rink – 66 Caladah Avenue, Pictou
When:     Saturday April 3, 2010 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
How:      Laughlie Rutt – Nova Scotia Provincial Wheelchair
              Curling Player will instruct
Why:     To promote active living, meet others in the
              community with a physical disability, meet your
              CPA Community Client Service Counsellor and of
              course to HAVE FUN!

Remember - dress warm…
you will be sitting on ice
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Commissions Congratulate Nova Scotians for Work on International Disabilities Convention

2010-03-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

The Disabled Person's Commission and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission today, March 17, congratulated the Nova Scotians who took a leadership role in the drafting and finalizing of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.(...continued)

Dulcie McCallum and Steven Estey were part of the Canadian delegation at the United Nations that drafted the treaty. Ms. McCallum was invited as an expert in the rights of people with intellectual/mental disabilities and Mr. Estey represented the coalition of non-government disability organizations.

"Nova Scotians can be proud of the role they played for Canada in the development, signing and ratification of the new UN convention. It was an exciting albeit at times a challenging experience," said Ms. McCallum. "Now we can move forward with full implementation and the recognition of the rights embodied in the convention so it can begin to make a tangible difference in the lives of Nova Scotians who have a disability."

Nova Scotia was one of the first to support Canada's ratification of the convention, which took place this month on March 11. Although he doesn't want any credit calling it "the natural, normal, appropriate thing to do", the cabinet minister who got the ball rolling back in 2003 was then-social development minister Ken Dryden. The initiative was championed in the Conservative government by Peter MacKay. He made it a priority as foreign affairs minister and continued to push for it as defence minister. But it was the present Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, along with Human Resources Minister Diane Finley, who finished the job. "The ratification of this agreement is just further acknowledgement that Canada is a world leader in providing persons with disabilities the same opportunities in life as all Canadians," Finley said.

Ya gotta meet Molly…

2010-03-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

(Editor's note: This heart-warming story about Molly was originally posted here March 10th but pulled when I learned it was part of copyrighted book, Molly the Pony, A True
Story by children's author, Pam Kaster. Today I am pleased to republish Molly's story with permission and proper credits to the author.)

Meet Molly. She’s a grey speckled pony who was abandoned by her owners when Hurricane Katrina hit southern Louisiana. She spent weeks on her own before finally being rescued and taken to a farm where abandoned animals were stockpiled. (...continued)

While there, she was attacked by a pit bull terrier and almost died. Her gnawed right front leg became infected, and her vet went to LSU for help, but LSU was overwhelmed, and this pony was a welfare case. You know how that goes. But after surgeon Rustin Moore met Molly, he changed his mind. He saw how the pony was careful to lie down on different sides so she didn’t seem to get sores, and how she allowed people to handle her. She protected her injured leg. She constantly shifted her weight and didn’t overload her good leg. She was a smart pony with a serious survival ethic.

Moore agreed to remove her leg below the knee, and a temporary artificial limb was built. Molly walked out of the clinic and her story really begins there. “This was the right horse and the right owner,” Moore insists. Molly happened to be a one-in-a-million patient. She’s tough as nails, but sweet, and she was willing to cope with pain.

She made it obvious she understood that she was in trouble. The other important factor, according to Moore, is having a truly committed and compliant owner who is dedicated to providing the daily care required over the lifetime of the horse. Molly’s story turns into a parable for life in post-Katrina, Louisiana. The little pony gained weight, and her mane finally felt a comb. A human prosthesis signer built her a leg. “The prosthetic has given Molly a whole new life,” Allison Barca DVM, Molly’s regular vet, reports.

And she asks for it. She will put her little limb out, and come to you and let you know that she wants you to put it on. Sometimes she wants you to take it off too. And sometimes, Molly gets away from Barca. ‘It can be pretty bad when you can’t catch a three-legged horse,’ she laughs.

Most important of all, Molly has a job now. Kay, the rescue farm owner, started taking Molly to shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Anywhere she thought that people needed hope. Wherever Molly went, she showed people her pluck. She inspired people, and she had a good time doing it.

”It’s obvious to me that Molly had a bigger role to play in life,” Moore said. “She survived the hurricane, she survived a horrible injury, and now she is giving hope to others.” Barca concluded, “She’s not back to normal, but she’s going to be better. To me, she could be a symbol for New Orleans itself.”

Pam Kaster's book, is available through Amazon.ca To link click here on Molly the Pony, A True Story or autographed copies are available through the author's web site at http://www.bayouponytales.com/

This is Molly’s most recent prosthesis.

The bottom photo shows the ground surface that she stands on, which has a smiley face embossed in it. Wherever Molly goes, she leaves a smiley hoof print behind!!

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Modest Investments for People with Disabilities and their Families in Federal Budget 2010

2010-03-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) has reviewed the latest Federal Government Budget and has released the following assessment with regard to how the budget supports people with disabilities and their families.

The 2010 Federal Budget released on March 4, 2010 secures existing commitments and makes modest new investments to support people with disabilities and their families. (...continued) The Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) was not expecting significant new investments in the 2010 Federal Budget. CACL appreciates the difficult economic challenges facing Canada at this time and believes the 2010 Federal Budget signals a commitment from the Federal Government to continue to invest in people with disabilities and their families.

CACL is encouraged that the Federal Budget highlights and recommends that provinces consider the development and implementation of supported decision-making arrangements similar to those in British Columbia.

However, CACL had hoped for a clear commitment to the continuance of the 2011 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS). PALS is a critical source of information for the disability community, researchers and policy makers. CACL will continue to advocate for the continuance of PALS data collection.

Additionally, CACL had been hopeful that the Federal Budget would signal support for the recommendations from the Senate Sub-Committee on Cities and the Standing Finance Committee on making the Disability Tax Credit refundable. CACL continues to see this as a priority step in beginning to address the poverty of Canadians with disabilities.

Highlights from the 2010 Federal Budget for people with intellectual disabilities and their families include:

Improvements related to the Registered Disability Savings Plan

Budget 2010 “proposes to allow a deceased individual’s RRSP or RRIF proceeds to be transferred, on a taxfree basis, to the RDSP of a financially dependent infirm child or grandchild.”
Budget 2010 “proposes to allow a 10-year carry forward of Canadian Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) and Canadian Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) entitlements.”

CDSGs and CDSBs are the matching funds the Government of Canada contributes to an RDSP on an annual basis. Currently, up to $3500 is available in grants and $1000 in bonds annually. The proposed carry forward measure will allow for any unused portion of entitled grants and bonds to be carry forward for ten years. This measure will make a difference for families and individuals who may not be able to make an annual contribution each year that maximizes entitlement to grants and bonds.

Federal Government Encourages the Development and Implementation of Supported Decision-Making in Provinces and Territories

Budget 2010 recognizes that the RDSP raises some challenges related to legal capacity for certain people with disabilities. The Federal Government states clearly that these issues are a provincial/territorial responsibility but recognizes that “Some provinces, such as British Columbia, have instituted more streamlined processes to allow for the appointment of a trusted person, such as a parent or friend, to manage resources on behalf of a disabled individual. The Government of Canada encourages other provinces and territories to determine whether such streamlined processes would be appropriate for their jurisdiction.”

Enabling Accessibility Fund Extended and Expanded

Budget 2010 “builds on the success of this program by extending the Fund and providing an additional $45 million over the next three years. The budget expands eligibility for the program to include mid-sized projects, allowing for communities to undertake larger retrofit projects or foster partnerships for new facilities. Details will be announced by the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development over the coming months.”

Investment in Sport for People with Disabilities

Budget 2010 commits “$2 million over two years to Special Olympics Canada to help continue to enrich the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport and competition and prepare them for competition in Special Olympics events.”
Budget 2010 commits “$5 million a year to the Canadian Paralympic Committee to build on the successes of our Paralympians and continue to encourage persons with disabilities to actively participate in sport.”

For more details contact:Anna MacQuarrie, Director, Policy and Programs, Canadian Association for Community Living, Kinsmen Building, York University 4700 Keele StreetToronto, ON M3J 1P3 Tel.: 416-661-9611 ext 204 Fax: 416-661-5701 Website: www.cacl.ca; Email: amacquarrie@cacl.ca
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Canada Ratifies UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

2010-03-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced that, with the support of all provinces and territories, the Government of Canada has ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at United Nations headquarters in New York City.(...continued)

“Canada is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and enabling their full participation in society,” said Minister Cannon. “Ratification of this convention underscores the Government of Canada’s strong commitment to this goal.”

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 13, 2006, after several years of negotiation in which Canada took an active role and Nova Scotians will recall that our own MP, Peter MacKay played an pivotal role to ensure that Canada was among the first countries to sign the Convention when it was opened for signature on March 30, 2007.

“Canada is proud to have been one of the first countries to originally sign the Convention in 2007,” said Minister Finley. “The ratification of this agreement is just further acknowledgement that Canada is a world leader in providing persons with disabilities the same opportunities in life as all Canadians.”

“Today is a momentous day for Canadians with disabilities and their families,” said Bendina Miller, President of the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL). “CACL is thrilled that Canada has ratified the Convention. Canada has been an international leader on disability and human rights, and through ratification can continue to play this important role. CACL looks forward to working with the Government of Canada on implementing and monitoring compliance with the Convention.”

“The Government of Canada’s ratification today of the Convention is a historic event for Canadians with disabilities,” said Marie White, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities. “It signals the end of an era where people with disabilities were seen as objects of charity. Ratification of the Convention makes real our goal of recognition as full and equal citizens of Canada.

“Ratification of the Convention puts an end to the medical model and opens exciting new opportunities for building a more inclusive and accessible Canada. Canadians with disabilities applaud the Government of Canada for this historic action.”

“As the Government of Canada continues to play a leading role with respect to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in sport, we wish our paralympic athletes the best of luck at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Vancouver,” said Minister Cannon.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international human rights instrument of the United Nations intended to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Parties to the Convention are required to promote, protect and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities, and to ensure that they enjoy full equality under the law.

There are approximately 4.4 million persons with disabilities in Canada—about 14.3 percent of the population.

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact: Catherine Loubier, Director of Communications,
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs 613-995-1851 or, Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada 613-995-1874 Michelle Bakos, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development 819-994-2482, Media Relations Office, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, 819-994-5559

Backgrounder - UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on December 13, 2006, after several years of negotiation in which Canada took an active role.

Canada was among the first countries to sign the Convention when it was opened for signature on March 30, 2007.

The purpose of the Convention is “to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.” It reaffirms for persons with disabilities existing civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights set out in international law.

The Convention’s core obligations relate to non-discrimination and reasonable accommodation. These core obligations are then elaborated in specific provisions that address such issues as freedom of expression, political rights, liberty and security of the person, legal capacity, education, health and employment. The Convention also contains provisions on issues unique to people with disabilities, such as accessibility, independent living and inclusion in the community, as well as the processes of rehabilitation and habilitation, through which those with disabilities learn to function fully in society.

The Government of Canada consulted provincial and territorial governments throughout the Convention’s negotiation, signature and ratification processes. The Canadian government also consulted civil society through a national round table with stakeholders, and an online consultation open to the public. It also sought the views of self-governing Aboriginal groups on how ratification of the Convention might affect their communities.
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Family Autism Skate

2010-03-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Jean Hussell for sharing this wonderful Schultz cartoon. -
She is promoting a
FAMILY "Autism" SKATE.
It's a FREE and FUN FILLED AFTERNOON for friends and family.

The event is planned to be held :

Tuesday March 16, 2010.
Time: 2:00 pm –3:30 pm
at the New Bedford Arena (near the Bedford Walmart and CP Allen High School).

WHAT A GREAT IDEA !!!

Deaf seek legal advice about lack of ASL interpretive service

2010-02-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

~~~~~~~~Click here to Turn on YouTube~~~~~~~~~~

Darrell Feit on behalf of himself and other members of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Committee in Pictou County have been in contact with Patrick J. Eagan, a barrister with the Quaker Landing lawfirm Landry McGillivray in Dartmouth. The Pictou County group is seeking clarification of their legal rights to receive American Sign Language interpretive services in Nova Scotia.(...continued)

In 1997, the Supreme Court of Canada overturned a decision of the BC Court of Appeal and made a declaration that the Province of British Columbia, in failing to pay for interpreters in the delivery of medical services, had violated the constitutional right of disabled persons to be free from discrimination in the administration of the provincial medicare legislation.

Deaf residents of Pictou County have been experiencing considerable difficulty in obtaining the services of an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter to accompany them on crucial medical appointments and for attendance at other medical services appointments necessary for proper care and rehabilitation.

The Province of Nova Scotia has entered into a contract with the Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians (SDHHNS) for the provision of interpreters in some instances involving medical appointments. However, the number of fully certified interpreters is extremely small and it is understood that the Province is demanding that any interpreters undertaking such activities on behalf of SDHHNS and the Province, i.e. where funding for the interpreting services is provided by the provincial government, must have completed a community college or other academically accredited program of a similar nature and duration.

It is understood that there may be a limited discretion for the SDHHNS to employ interpreters who meet the provincial standards by virtue of "grandfathered" credentials that existed prior to the existence of the community college program. That being said, the Province is well aware of the shortage of academically trained and certified ASL interpreters in Nova Scotia and across Canada.

Most people with ASL skills and with the ability to translate effectively do not possess college or other academic certification, due to the financial and other costs of undertaking academic training and due to the fact academic certification for ASL interpreters is a relatively new field of study and few institutions even offer such a program. More importantly, people with ASL interpreting skills generally did not set out to be professionals, but learned the language in order to communicate with deaf or hard of hearing friends and family.
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CNIB seeks "Right-to-Read" protection

2010-02-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

by Michelle Fudge

Reading is a right, not a privilege. We read to learn, work and connect to the world. Everyone has the right to read.

If you are blind or partially sighted, that right is in jeopardy.

Please click here on Right-to-Read to learn more about and join our campaign. You can assist CNIB to protect the right to read. (...continued)
Editor's Note: Michelle Fudge, a Low Vision Specialist, works with the Sydney office of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. She advised me that Canadian libraries receive funding from both federal and provincial governments but "Canada is the only first world nation where governmnets provide no funding to assist libraries to fund books in alternate format those who are blind or partially sighted."

CNIB is asking the Nova Scotia government for $165,439 and the federal government for $4 million in 2010.

Michelle Fudge conducts low vision clinics in the Pictou County area from the Let Abilities Work Society office and she may be contacted at CNIB, 8 Hugh St., Sydney, N.S. B1P 1V7 Tel (902) 564-5711; Fax (902) 562-9802End of Article - Return to main page

Mind the Gap

2010-02-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

By: RON WICKMAN
(An Architect Devotes Himself Entirely to the Pursuit of Universal Access Using Some Very Basic Strategies.)

I was only three months old when my father was injured in an industrial accident that rendered him a paraplegic. Growing up after the accident, I experienced the built environment from the unique perspective of travelling around with someone who uses a wheelchair. My father and I rarely entered a building in the same way as the majority of others; the service entrance was the norm for us. We were also less likely to visit friends at their homes. Helping my father up to the front door from a set of exterior stairs was both dangerous and a reminder that he had less independence than others. Even when we did visit someone else's home, our stay was usually short because my father was unable to use the washroom.

It is because of these types of experiences that I chose to work in the field of architecture. And working as an architect, I now realize how easy it is to design a building or space to be more useable by more people, including persons with disabilities. (...continued.)

The concept of "visitability" is one of the simplest and most economical approaches to universal design that can address homeowners' and community needs over time, contributing to a more flexible and sustainable built environment. Visitability ensures that everyone--regardless of mobility--will be able to at least visit someone else's home and use the washroom.

Visitable homes are constructed to be more accessible by having: one entrance into the home with no steps; a 32-inch-wide clear passage through all main floor doors and hallways; and a useable bathroom on the main floor. Visitable homes do not include full accessibility features for people with disabilities. But the three simple requirements of visitability do allow a person with a mobility limitation to at least enter and visit the occupants of the house.

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation has stated: "By 2031, the number of seniors over age 75 will grow by 277 percent to about 4 million, up from 1.5 million in 1995. The number of seniors in the over-85 age group will more than triple to over 1 million from 352,000 in 1995." Many in this growing senior population will have mobility limitations. If we build visitable housing today, the future economic benefits will be vast.

I have completed close to 100 accessible dwelling modifications ranging from $10,000 to over $200,000 in construction costs. I am constantly challenged to design accessible home modifications to be economical, beautiful and sustainable. Given the statistical information that we already know, what an incredible waste of resources if we build homes today, only to tear them apart 10 years from now to make them accessible for persons with disabilities.

The concept of visitability is important for so many reasons. In new construction, total added cost for visitability features is typically less than $1,000, with no extra square footage required to accommodate the universal design needs. This would reduce future renovation costs by thousands of dollars.

Visitable housing responds to the increasing seniors' population and their desire to "age in place." The vast majority of elderly persons prefer to remain in their homes as long as possible. With today's housing stock, this is virtually impossible.

Visitable housing promotes socially sustainable communities and provides residents with choice as housing needs change over a lifetime. The intent here is to simplify life for everyone by creating housing that is more useable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost.

Visitable housing promotes safety by reducing stair-related injuries for residents and visitors. Residents could also live at home if they were ever to suffer a temporary or permanent injury as a result of an accident; this would reduce the length of stay in a hospital environment.

Visitable housing is more adaptable and flexible for persons with disabilities as well as persons carrying groceries into the home, transporting a stroller or moving furniture.

Visitable housing needs to be beautiful and invisible so that everyone uses the home in the same way, and such that the visitable features blend in with the architectural style of the home.

Visitable features can easily be incorporated with other building innovations such as affordable design, green architecture and energy efficiency. Resale value of a home with visitable features should not be negatively affected as the features are invisible in the design.

Why does there seem to be a lack of acceptance of visitable features in housing design by developers, builders, designers, policy makers, jurisdictions, organizations and individuals?

There is a continued dearth of knowledge surrounding the concept of visitability. The building industry most often likes to keep repeating the construction processes it is familiar with, and general contractors do not like to train subtrades on unfamiliar construction methods unless they see immediate, short-term financial benefit. Architects and other designers are often motivated in the same way unless they are paid specifically to research a concept of visitability. Organizations and individual homeowners are also reluctant to pay for such research by architects and other designers.

Most research then is conducted through government-funded grants. Governments at all levels are generally reluctant to enforce too much legislation on the development and building industry. Currently, there is no legislation specifically addressing visitability in Canada. Only government-funded public buildings require universal and adaptable features to benefit persons with disabilities, but the single-family home is not part of this legislation. Sweden first started using the term visitability in 1976. The concept slowly filtered throughout the rest of Europe, the United Kingdom (Lifetime Homes), Japan, Australia (Smart Housing), the United States and finally Canada. Research shows that the majority of visitable housing has been built with financial assistance from one or more levels of government.

Today, there is a rapid increase of visitability legislation in the US which demonstrates a growing awareness of the need for housing with specific features that afford all individuals, especially those with disabilities, independent and safe access.

Disability groups and advocates have been very successful in getting visitable housing legislation passed, and they played a significant role in the promotion and monitoring of this legislation. Such activism and promotion has led to a positive development for visitability in the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. A LEED point is now given in the Neighbourhood Development Section when designers incorporate basic universal access into single-family homes.

My personal quest is to help other architects learn more about universal design more generally and visitability specifically. Frank Lloyd Wright stated that "form and function are one." To me, this means that architecture involves making buildings and spaces as accessible to as many people as possible.

Today, too many architects focus on the business and aesthetic dimensions of design, and little attention is given to the end users of their creations. I know from personal experience the benefits of focusing on the end users of a building or space. I have had the satisfaction of seeing someone independently access his/her home or a public building for which I am responsible.

With my own house renovation, I poured a new sidewalk leading to the front door that provided smooth, on-grade access straight into the front door. Before the renovation, three steps led up to the front door, and my wheelchair-bound father had to park his van in the driveway and phone us to come out and help him inside. After the renovation, my father can now wheel himself straight into our family home. It was a seemingly small design gesture--but one with a huge emotional impact.

Editor's Note: This article, reprinted with the author's permission was first published in the April 2008 issue of Canadian Architect including their editorial comment: For more than 10 years, Ron Wickman has been a leading advocate for barrier-free design in buildings and landscapes. As an architect, his commitment to accessible housing and his award-winning practical and functional designs have earned him national recognition as an expert in accessibility and barrier-free design.

For more information and resources on visitable housing in Canada and to share initiatives that are occurring in your province, please visit www.visitablehousing.com
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Draft Lawyer's Letter

2010-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Darrell Feit has asked Deaf and other friends on Facebook to support his efforts to get more ASL/English interpreters in Nova Scotia because he has found there to be a great shortage. Deaf people are finding it difficult and often impossible to get the assistance of ASL/English interpreters for medical and other essential services.

Darrell has been working with a lawyer who has drawn up a draft letter to be sent to the Province of Nova Scotia and is asking his friends on Facebook to support this effort.

Click on LAWYER'S LETTER for details.

2010 AANS Shoot Schedule

2010-01-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

(...continued)
From the Beginning of 2010

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New Adaptable Housing Standards in the BC Building Code

2009-12-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

New standards for the design and construction of adaptable housing have been added to the BC Building Code. The new standards include wider doorways, accessible entrances, extra reinforcement in bathroom walls to allow grab bars to be installed and easy-to-use light switches and door handles.

View a

summary of the adaptable housing standards

the text of changes to the Building Code

Adaptable housing is designed and built so that accessibility features can be added more easily and inexpensively after construction. It will benefit anyone whose mobility is limited due to age, disability or illness, making it easier for them to function more independently in their own home.

Scope of the Adaptable Housing Standards
The standards will apply to single-storey suites in new residential multi-unit buildings, whenever adaptable housing is either required by local government bylaw or built voluntarily. This approach provides consistency in how adaptable housing is designed and built, while giving local governments the flexibility to decide whether they want to require it

The Building Code already requires residential multi-unit buildings to have a minimum level of accessibility. The new standards include additional accessibility requirements that will apply to the individual units as well as to building entrances, corridors and common areas.

Implementation
The new requirements will apply to building permit applications for developments that include adaptable housing that are submitted on or after December 31, 2009, whether adaptable housing is required by bylaw or built voluntarily.
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FORBES, Charles Lewis

2009-12-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

Truro — FORBES, Charles Lewis — 68. It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Charles Lewis Forbes on December 9, 2009, after 45 years of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Born in Truro on July 7, 1941, he was a son of the late Charles and Kathleen (Lewis) Forbes.

Lewis attended schools in Truro and then went on to study pharmacy at Dalhousie University. He worked as a Certified Drug Clerk at pharmacies in Kentville, Windsor and Hantsport, later retiring from the Zellers Pharmacy in Truro.

He was a member of Windsor United Church where he served as an elder, Sunday school teacher and an active member of the men's club. He was also a member of Pesaquid Lodge (IOOF) in Windsor and a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Windsor - the Jaycees.

In Truro, Lewis was a member of First United Church, and it was in Truro that he worked tirelessly to make Truro the accessible town it is today, along with the late Raleigh Orr. In 1980, Lewis started the Disabled Consumer Society of Colchester (DCSC) and served as the first president. He was instrumental in starting a Bingo to raise funds to own and operate Able Transit. He served as a chair on the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunity and was involved at the National level with Copoh.

He was involved with the MS Chapter in Truro, serving as president for a number of years. He formed Colliston House in 1983 and was the author of "Disabled, a Move in the Right Direction", which was put on a CD Rom in 2001. Lewis was also a member of the Lions Club in Truro. He will always be remembered as a strong advocate for the rights of the disabled.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Nancy Forbes, Falmouth; stepchildren, Shelly King, Truro; Christine (Darrell) Olson, Burlington, Ont.; Arthur King, Truro; grandchildren, Kristen, Dana, Erica, Martina, Mitchell, Adam, Brennen and Hanna; brother, Rollie (Liz) Forbes, Bible Hill; as well as nieces and cousins.

A memorial service, beginning with a Lions Club tribute, will be held on Monday, December 14, at 2 p.m. in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. Reception and visitation will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or Disabled Consumers Society. To make on-line condolences click here on CONDOLENCES.

Motion supporting CRPD ratification passes unanimously

2009-12-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

Claredon Robicheau, Nova Scotia's representative on the Council of Canadians with Disabilities passed along this important piece of breaking news yesterday -

The motion below was passed unanimously in the House this afternoon. The process within the House of Commons regarding ratification is now complete. The Government of Canada can move forward with next steps once all provinces and territories have indicated their formal support of ratification.

Motion: That this House calls upon the government to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which was tabled in the House on Thursday, December 3, 2009, as soon as all provinces and territories have officially given their consent and that this House expresses the hope that ratification is achieved by the time of the paralympic games.

Council of Canadians with Disabilities thanks the leadership of Minister Peter McKay, Judy Wasylycia-Leis MP and NDP disability critic, and Steven Fletcher MP.

CCD also thanks Steve Estey and Anna Macquarrie for their stellar work on this file.
(Editors note: Steve Estey is also from Nova Scotia)

We are now only a few steps away from ratification. We continue to celebrate each of the final steps.

C-304, The Secure, Adequate, Accessible, and Affordable Housing Act

2009-12-10T16:32:00.000-08:00

Will National Housing Strategy really deliver accessible/affordable housing for all Canadians? (... continued) If marked continued click just below on Read more.

The Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities (NSLEO) applauds MPs Libby Davies and Megan Leslie for introducing Bill C-304, The Secure, Adequate, Accessible, and Affordable Housing Act. The purpose of this act is to ensure secure, adequate, accessible, and affordable housing for Canadians by requiring the Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to work collaboratively with provincial Ministers, municipalities, and Aboriginal communities to establish a national housing strategy. NSLEO, a provincial organization which has advocated for almost 30 years for recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities, is pleased to see that accessibility is an integral part of this enactment and this strategy. “Access to housing that will allow people to participate fully in society is a fundamental human right. This right is further supported in Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – a Convention which the Government of Canada has just tabled in the House of Commons” says Cynthia Bruce, NSLEO Provincial Coordinator.

“The enactment of the Bill allows Nova Scotians with disabilities to be hopeful that their right to accessible housing will be respected and protected. We just hope that the definition of accessibility in this act goes far enough to ensure this protection”, said Joan Levack, Chair of NSLEO’s Board. The definition of accessible housing in this act refers to housing that is “physically adapted to the individuals who are intended to occupy it, including those who are disadvantaged by age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, and those who are victims of a natural disaster”. “We would like this act to recognize that persons with disabilities are not inherently disadvantaged by their particular condition or impairment. Generally it is society’s response to that condition or impairment that results in disadvantage”, Cynthia Bruce said. Therefore, integrating principles of barrier free design into the strategy would significantly reduce the need to “physically adapt” when someone with a disability is looking for housing.

NSLEO urges all Members of Parliament to support this important act. Bill C-304 requires collaboration from all levels of government and recognizes the right of the communities affected by this Bill to be involved in the creation of the strategy. “There is significant expertise within the disability community regarding both accessible and visitable housing standards, and we hope governments at all levels will respect this expertise during the development of the strategy”, said Joan Levack.

For more information, please contact: Cynthia Bruce, Provincial Coordinator, Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities, (902) 679-9147 or email leocoordinator@eastlink.ca
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CCD - Chairperson's Update: October 2009

2009-11-26T11:54:00.000-08:00

Pushing and Pulling A Disability Strategy
In this edition of the Update, I will share information with you about how we are pushing an agenda on disability while few people outside the disability community are pulling the same agenda forward along with us. The lack of support outside our own community means progress on disability issues tends to be incremental rather than strategic and comprehensive. However, in instances when some are pulling in our direction, it is clear our messages do have an impact.

End Exclusion

On 1 October 2009, in Ottawa, representatives of the national disability and poverty communities came together to share knowledge and develop strategies for addressing the disproportionate level of poverty facing people with disabilities in Canada. Participants had the opportunity to hear from Marie White (CCD), Michael Bach (Canadian Association for Community Living), Michael Mendelson (Caledon Institute) and Michael Prince (University of Victoria) and Rob Rainer (Canada Without Poverty). All the aforementioned are members of CCD’s research project on Disabling Poverty/Enabling Citizenship, so this End Exclusion event provided an important opportunity for the disability community to share viewpoints on various poverty amelioration strategies with these researchers.

Michael Bach certainly gave the participants something to think about when he suggested that while the disability community has been pushing its National Action Plan for a comprehensive strategy on disability issues, progress has been at best incremental because there are very few in government or the public pulling along with us as we try to push the Plan forward. That is to say we lack advocates inside government who are promoting the same policies/initiatives that we are and the general public is not sufficiently amplifying our message to decision makers. CCD will be producing a special edition of A Voice of Our Own which will present the highlights of the messages delivered at the End Exclusion forum.

Basic Income Earth Network Canada (BIEN Canada) Conference

Following End Exclusion, BIEN Canada held a conference focusing on Guaranteed Annual Income (GAI). On behalf of CCD, Marie White presented the National Action Plan. Senator Hugh Segal was one of the keynote speakers and he shared his views on how Canada could and should adopt a GAI. What was noteworthy about Senator Segal’s presentation was that he said he now believes that Canada’s first move in this regard should be to introduce GAI for people with disabilities.

Senator Segal also noted that he had formulated this viewpoint after listening to Michael Bach’s presentation on the National Action Plan at the Canadian Council on Social Development’s conference on poverty, held in Calgary in May. As a result of the National Action Plan, there is now a high profile Canadian who supports a GAI and he is saying that people with disabilities should be the priority starting place. Our National Action Plan is drawing new allies to the disability community—people who will pull while we push.

Collections, Connections and Communities Conference

On behalf of CCD and AEBC, CCD Vice Chairperson John Rae spoke at the National Art Gallery, where the Collections, Connections and Communities Conference was held. John explained what museum and art gallery access means from a cross disability point of view. As a world traveler, John was able to share with the audience best practices from such varied places as the Larco Museum in Lima, Peru, the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum in Copenhagen.

While he has been pushing the museum access agenda, John has also been convincing others to pull along with the disability community on this issue. For example, as he reported in his talk, John has been working with the Art Gallery of Ontario, which is developing its first Accessibility Plan under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR)

CCD has been working along with the developers of the CMHR to ensure that the Museum’s building and program follow universal design principles and that its programming is inclusive of the human rights struggle of Canadians with disabilities. The Museum is in the process of holding public roundtables across Canada where individuals are being invited to tell their human right stories. CCD National Coordinator Laurie Beachell attended consultations held in Yellowknife and Whitehorse.

CCD is optimistic that the CMHR will provide a transformative experience to the many middle school students who are expected to visit the museum. By encouraging young people to be human rights supporters and advocates, the Museum will be playing an important role in creating future generations of Canadians who will be pulling the human rights message in tandem with us as we are pushing it.

Human Rights Set Backs

Lately, the courts have not really been helping the disability community by pushing our issues forward. In some instances, it may even seem like they are pulling against us.

Brown Case Sent Back to Canadian Human Rights Tribunal

--Bob Brown's case against the National Capital Commission has had another set back. Rather than taking a stand in support of the duty to accommodate people with disabilities, the Federal Court of Appeal has sent the case back to a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. Who says there aren't "do-overs" in real life?

As you may recall, Bob Brown, an Ottawa wheelchair user, went to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, because the National Capital Commission built the York Street Steps (YSS) without appropriate accommodation for persons who do no use stairs. (The YSS link Mackenzie Avenue and Sussex Drive in Ottawa.) Rather than accommodating people who do not use stairs at the YSS, the National Capital Commission built an elevator at the Daly Street building 130 meters from the YSS. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruled in Mr. Brown's favor, stating that the accommodation should be within 50 meters of either side of the steps.

However, rather than following the Tribunal's direction regarding how to ensure that people with disabilities experience full enjoyment of a public service, in this instance a thoroughfare connecting popular facilities in Ottawa, the National Capital Commission sought to avoid its human rights responsibilities by appealing the question to the courts.

For the disability community, the responses of the National Capital Commission and the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal have been disappointing.

None of these bodies seem to have understood what was apparent to the Supreme Court of Canada when it decided the VIA Rail case. Number one: people with disabilities are members of the public and like other members of the public have a right to use services that are publicly available. Number two: when providers are developing new services they have an obligation to develop them in a manner that does not create new barriers for people with disabilities.

CCD intervened in this case when it was at the Federal Court but was refused intervener status by the Federal Court of Appeal. CCD will continue to monitor this case.

Of note: When the Court Challenges Program (CCP) existed, this funding could have been used by the disability community to prepare submissions to the various levels of the courts to make the disability rights arguments. Today, without the CCP, the community is under¬-resourced to make its case against those who would like to reduce their obligations to accommodate persons with disabilities.

Morton Case--Regular CCD Update readers will recall that CCD sought to intervene in the Morton case, which is a transportation case that was ruled upon by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) in favor of a deaf-blind traveler who wanted to travel without an attendant because he deemed himself to be self-reliant. The CHRC’s authority to rule on a transportation case is being challenged.

From CCD’s perspective, there are important access to justice issues at stake here because it is important for people with disabilities to have access to the specialized human rights expertise of the CHRC in this type of case, which is about the dignity of a traveler with a disability who was seeking to travel by airplane. In light of these concerns, CCD sought to intervene in the case but its application to the court to be an intervener was denied.

CCD Human Rights Committee

The Committee is dedicated to continuing the push forward on barrier removal via test case litigation, which can advance a human rights or disability rights principle. Yvonne Peters is monitoring cases that are in process in the courts and Committee has been evaluating options with regard to future interventions. These will be reported upon in future updates.

CCD Web Site

CCD is now using its web site as a way to push on the various issues that it is working on. The CCD Social Policy Committee commissioned some research on immigration and people with disabilities, some of which was recently completed. It is now at translation and will shortly be available via the web site.
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Polio Nova Scotia to meet - Sharing Information and Tips - GROUP DISCUSSION

2009-10-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 24th at 2:00 pm, Polio Nova Scotia will meet to sharing information and tips in a general GROUP DISCUSSION.

This June marks the 20th anniversary of our support group. What are your wishes/needs for group meetings and newsletters now? Come and enjoy an informal social time.

Family and friends are welcome to attend and join in.

Location: 3670 Kempt Road. Halifax (Next to Kempster's Restaurant)
Free Parking located at the front and side of the building.

For further information, contact Faye Joudrey At 902-453-6000, ext.226 OR email her at f.joudrey@easterseals.ns.ca)

"A Voice of Our Own" publication changes format

2009-08-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities is changing the format and distribution method for its publication, A Voice of Our Own

In an effort to reduce the amount of paper consumed, CCD is discontinuing its bulk mailings of the newsletter and encouraging organizations and readers to access the newsletter from the CCD web site.

To link their site, click here on: NEWSLETTER

WELCOMING ALEX (MACNEIL) TO OUR TEAM!

2009-07-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

I just wish to express our belated, but most sincere congrats, our utmost gratitude, and a VERY, VERY warm welcome, to this year's awesome LAWPS Summer Student / Activity Co-ordinator, Alex MacNeil, of New Glasgow. We have been blessed with the temporay addition of Alex to our team! Alex is a wonderful young man with admirable people skills, also a very kind and caring nature, diligent and hard-working ethics, innumerable talents and skills, and much, much more...
Alex is working along with us in hopes of making 2009's summer a brighter one for many in our community. It is our goal to work together over these summer months, doing our very best to offer participation in various enjoyable opportunities (activiies, outings, etc.), for those many deserved residents, who may very well be living right along side any one of us, and are disabled in some form, causing them unnecessary retrictions, at times. Succeeding in fulfilling the goals, as mentioned above, is our ultimate aim, and a most rewarding one at that... for ALL con-
cerned!
Our first planned event thus far, was our day spent at Lorda Park... fishing, barbecuing, and just eating up the beautiful weather. Many thanks to Alex for his work on that day! He is a multi-talented young man, to say the least!
Worth mentioning too, is that Alex is already a remarkably accomplished musician, at his young age, with his own band in tow, The Northend Rhythm and Blues Band. Ya gotta see 'em! And... keep your eyes and ears open, because I think you'll be hearing his name, in regard to his remarkable musical abilities, etc., many times over, in the years to come!
Alex and I, intend on planning many more enjoyable days / events, just as enjoyable as our day spent at Lorda! On with the show!

Kathy Rose
752-0111
Board Member

Date change for Bowling!

2009-07-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

Alex MacNeil here, community worker for Let Abilities Work Partnership Society. Unfortunately, bowling will not be happening this week! As our plans continue for exciting summer events, we are moving our bowling opener to July 29th and will be hosting archery at the Michelin Social Club on July 22nd!

Kathy Rose and I will be rounding up the troops on the phone to make sure both events receive a great turn out. Anyone interested in helping us to develop the membership and help bring in new blood would be welcome to come and help out. Just give me a shout at 754-6740!

We just had our first event on July 8th. Thanks to everyone who attended our trip to LORDA! And what better way to start the summer months than with a trip to LORDA? It was a chance to kick back, relax, eat at the barbecue and do some fishing! (Even if the fish weren't biting!) A special thanks to Kathy and Phillip who helped organize the calling and for manning the BBQ! There are some good photos on this fun event. Check them out by clicking on our photo album here on the left.

Remember, our next event will be archery on July 22nd and then bowling will begin on July 29th. I can't wait to see all of you again!

As our events are being invented and shaped, I will be updating you regularly and would be grateful if I could have both your input and support. Call me at 755-0333.

If these events listed interest you, please let me know as soon as possible (Call 755-0333) so that I may organize myself with the C.H.A.D service to ensure that you and all of our supporters can make it to our events.End of Article - Return to main page

Lorda

2009-07-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Our trip to LORDA is approaching at rapid speeds, I hope to see everyone there. We will be leaving at around 9:30 in the morning and returning in mid afternoon.

If you have any questions, or are in need of transportation (i.e C.H.A.D services) please contact me by Monday at noon.

Thank you very much,

Alex MacNeil

2009-06-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

What is PaddleALL?
PaddleAll is an initiative started by Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) which gives persons with mental or physical disabilities the ability to experience the sport with local Canoe/Kayak Clubs.

Who/Where/When?
The Sack-a-wa Canoe Club is located at 159 First Lake Drive, Lower Sackville.
The sessions will be:
Sunday ......... 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (4 hr)
Tuesday ........ 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (3 hr)
Thursday ....... 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (3 hr)

Start date is June 28th, 2009.
Cost: $125.00 per person.
Duration: 10 wks … with at least two competitions during the program.

All persons are required to wear an approved life preserver and it is suggested that they bring their own. Parents/caregivers/attendants will be required to stay on site with the athlete until it is determined by the PaddleALL staff that it is no longer necessary.

On June 28th and July 5th there will be an “Open House” where persons who are interested can come and try it out or just see what it’s all about.

For more information contact:

Nicole Feriancek - Email: nicoleferiancek@hotmail.com; Cell: 488-2594; Home: 865-6131
Kim Seto - Email: kimseto@eastlink.ca; Cell: 456-0352; Home 864-2718
Patti Snow - Email: pattisnow@accesswave.ca; Cell: 448-0732; Home: 860-0732

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Canadian Council on Disabilities issues update...

2009-06-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

Click here on Marie White to read full update.

Also -

Press Release - It's a Life & Death Issue - on Thursday June 18th the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) issued a release (reproduced below) which Opposes Bill C-384

If passed, Bill C-384 will represent a real threat to the lives of Canadians with disabiities ...

“Living without dignity and suffering are common misperceptions that able-bodied Canadians have about the lives of their fellow citizens with disabilities. Bill C-384 does nothing to protect those who find themselves socially devalued in these ways,” states Dean Richert, Co-Chair of CCD’s Ending of Life Ethics Committee.

Winnipeg—The COUNCIL OF CANADIANS WITH DISABILITIES (CCD) believes that everyone who supports disability rights should oppose Bill C-384 which would legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide and put Canadians with disabilities at risk! CCD is a national human rights organization of persons with disabilities working for an accessible and inclusive Canada.

C-384, the private member’s bill to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada received its first reading last month. Bill C-384 was introduced by the Bloc Québécois Member of Parliament - Francine Lalonde. This is Lalonde’s third attempt to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada.

Bill C-384 legalizes euthanasia by amending section 222 of the Criminal Code and it legalizes assisted suicide by amending section 241 of the Criminal Code.

“Called the “Right to Die with Dignity” Act, this bill threatens the lives of Canadians with disabilities. Its selling points are the notions of “dignity,” and “suffering.” However, the bill never explains what these terms mean. How do we measure dignity? What is suffering?” states Rhonda Wiebe, Co-Chair of CCD’s Ending of Life Ethics Committee. These terms are based more on social values than scientific ones, but this bill proposes that a “medical” and “legal” solution be the remedy for people whose lives are not “dignified” and who “suffer.”

“Living without dignity and suffering are common misperceptions that able-bodied Canadians have about the lives of their fellow citizens with disabilities. Bill C-384 does nothing to protect those who find themselves socially devalued in these ways,” states Dean Richert, Co-Chair of CCD’s Ending of Life Ethics Committee.

Social support and meaningful involvement in the community are more important for the well-being of people with disabilities than the severity of their disabilities. Assisted suicide is not a free choice as long as they are denied adequate healthcare, affordable personal assistance in their communities, and equal access to social structures and systems.

-30-

For More Information Contact:

Rhonda Wiebe—204-779-4493
Dean Richert—204-951-6273
Laurie Beachell—204-947-0303

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Annual General Meetings - June 18th

2009-06-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

Let Abilities Work Partnership Society (LAWPS) and the
Central Highlands Association of the Disabled (CHAD)

will hold their Annual General Meetings in the program room of the New Glasgow Library on Thursday evening - June 18, 2009 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

All interested members of the public are invited!

Special invitations are extended to all who have a disability including their friends and families and all those who provide goods or services to members of the disabled community.

Coffee, donuts and vegies will be provided after the meetings.

Extraordinary Meeting of the Let Abilities Work Partnership Society

2009-04-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

Public notice is hereby given of a special, extraordinary meeting of the Let Abilities Work Partnership Society which is be held at 2 pm, April 16, 2009 in the community room of the Westville Library.

This meeting has been called and is being held to to deal with a problem on our executive committee by replacing a postion on the board executive.

2009-01-08T07:11:00.000-08:00

CNIB Low Vision Clinic

2009-01-08T07:02:00.001-08:00

There will be a Clinic on Monday, July 20 at the Let Abilities Work Office on the basement level at The Aberdeen Professional Center (across the hall from Dr Kaiprath's office)

To arrange an appointment call Michelle at 902-564-9953 (Sydney CNIB)

We will post Clinic dates as soon as we know them watch here for news.

OFFICE USE:

2009-01-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

With temporary scheduled changes, our Aberdeen Professional Centre office is regularly used by:

Monday:
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM – TBA

2:30 - 3:30 PM - Darrell Feit - ASL Class

3:00 - TBA

Tuesday:
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM –

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Darrell Feit - ASL Class

Wednesday:
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM –

4:00 - TBA

Thursday:
9:00 AM – 2:30 PM –

3:00 – 4:00 PM – Darrell Feit - ASL Class

4:00 - TBA

Friday:
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Darrell Feit - ASL Class

11:00 - TBA

CNIB sets up Low Vision Clinic in Pictou County

2008-11-12T07:24:00.000-08:00

"CNIB has set up an itinerant Low Vision Clinic to serve needs in the Pictou area," said Michelle Fudge adding "and we certainly appreciate being able to use the Let Abilities Work Society's office for that purpose."

Michelle Fudge is a Low Vision Specialist with the CNIB office located in Sydney. She plans to travel and run the Low Vision Clinic about once a month from the Let Abilities Work office located in New Glasgow at the Aberdeen Professional Centre.

"CNIB is the primary source of support, information, and hope for all Canadians affected by vision loss. Low vision services include professional assessments and instruction on how to maximize residual vision with to help of magnifiers, lighting, and color contrast. Low vision aids are recommended in relation to the eye disease, the severity of the eye disease, task requirements and the response of the individual to the aid", said Fudge.

CNIB welcomes everyone and it is encouraged that people contact us as soon as vision loss is detected. CNIB also offers an eight week Adjustment to Vision Loss peer support program, independent living skills, orientation and mobility training, assistive Technology, and library services.

Readers seeking further details may contact the CNIB office in Sydney at 8 Hugh St., Sydney, N.S. B1P 1V7 or by Telephone (902) 564-9953, Fax (902) 562-9802 or by visiting the CNIB website. For CNIB: Vision health. Vision hope. Visit cnib.ca

ASL Classes at Let Abilities Work

2008-11-10T08:59:00.000-08:00

Nine people are participating and learning to sign in classes being conducted for those wanting to learn basic American Sign Language (ASL). These classes are being held in New Glasgow at the Let Abilities Work Partnership Society office in the Aberdeen Professional Centre.

Darrell Feit is instructing the ASL classes for which a small fee of $100 is charged. A textbook, Sign Language the Easy Way is recommended and may be purchased for an additional charge. They are open to all and run on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Anyone interested in participating in a future class is advised to contact the instructor, Darrell Feit by email at feit_darrell@hotmail.com or by telephone through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711 and asking the relay operator to connect you to 755-6232.

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes -September 18, 2008 3:30 pm

2008-11-05T04:16:00.000-08:00

Present: Cheryl Campbell, Lea Nicholas, Crystal Mann, Ralph Ferguson, Jason MacDonald, Fred Popowich, Darrell Feit, Gerald Lees, John Kyle, Kevin White, Grace Boudreau (Interpreter), Philip Fisher, Kathy Rose

Absent: Ron Levy, Kendrick Fraser, Marilyn Higgins (with regrets)

1 Meeting called to order at approximately 3:28 pm. Changes to agenda: Committee Headings, Summer Student to be added to old business instead of committee reports.

2 Treasurers Report – Ralph gave the report. (The Chair noted that a request from Ron Levy had been put forth to resolve having a new treasurer. At the end of July, the account balance was $15,500.17, with some outstanding student grant money to be received. This balance includes the Barrier Free money. - Ralph

3 Secretary’s Report – Nothing to report at this time. - Crystal

4 Correspondence – Nothing to report. - Ralph

5 Business arising from Correspondence – None

6 New Committee Set Up –

Governance – Kevin, Cheryl, Lea -

Recreation – Kathy, Philip, Lea, Jason -

Fundraising – John Kyle, Ralph, Lea, Crystal

Barrier Free – John Kyle, Jason, Fred, Darrell

Deaf & Hard of Hearing – Darrell, Crystal

Finance – Fred, John

Ad Hoc – Kevin, Crystal

Governance - will cover operation of the board, by-laws, protocol, terms of reference, ethics, membership recruitment.

Recreation – Barrier Free -Wheelchair basket ball Wednesday evenings at NSCC, numbers are increasing, Johnnie Miles. Chair: John Kyle

Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Darrell expressed the level of frustration for getting interpretive services. APSEA has three interpreters, one full-time, two part-time. Twenty-five deaf persons in the area to interpret for, Halifax can not supply at short term notice. Certified services are preferred. Grace our new interpreter, just had a baby but has agreed to help.
Chair: Darrell

Ralph reported on - Proposal for funding request for Pictou, Truro, Antigonish with NS Disabled Persons Commission through Community Services to be moved forward to October/November. Ralph was not yet in contact with Millie at Community Services who just arrived back from vacation but then has been off sick in the last couple of weeks.

Movies with Closed Caption were every 2 weeks (Empire Theatre), but it stopped recently. The theatre said they would bring it back.

Dances will go under Fundraising.

Newsletter – Ralph and Jean to put together. Committees wanting to communicate via the newsletter will need to get submissions in to Ralph by deadlines (which are to be determined).

Ad Hoc will be a task force on an as needed bases.
Finance with be taxes, audit

Other Reports:

CPN – Gerald brought up employment and shared some of the history of LAWPS. Looking to advise the province on best practices. LAWPS has the expertise in work related with disabilities. The Collaborative Partnership Network is in discussion with the provincial government and the proposal that LAWPS agreed to be included in (in July’s emergency meeting), will be presented to the Provincial Government once all reports are back and a letter is drafted. It was stated that there are no specialized services in Pictou County for disabled persons and this is an important issue needing to be addressed.

References were made with regards to Career Connections and Service Canada. As a point of interest a Community Coordinator model is not used here in Pictou County. ..Gerald

8 Old Business – a. Taxwise – The scheduling was moved forward into November. Kevin and Crystal will be and Ad Hoc committee for this educational seminar to the public.

Summer Student Report – Employment stopped one week short of the grant deadline. Matthew worked 13 out of 14 weeks. The closing BBQ was not well attended. A display marketing board which Matthew put together was presented. Overall, Ralph thought he did a fairly good job.
Ralph, Lea

9 New Business –
a. Formal letter to John Kyle and Jason MacDonald seeking advice on how the $10,658 donated to LAWPS could be utilized in helping persons in Pictou County living with barriers. Crystal

b. Crystal to call governance meeting to be held at 2:30 pm before next regular meeting to discuss terms of reference and AGM.

c. Events – December- International Disability Day -Crystal

d. Add to agenda, Tele Health TV network to interpret (DHA). LAWPS is not represented to them. November agenda, add how this committee functions. Cheryl would like to see one good presentation put together on Power Point for the people in the community to be made aware of the need for interpretive services and funding. Cheryl

e. No emergency response team in place when a disabled person has no food, shoes, house, etc. Cheryl

Another executive committee meeting needed on CPN as well as Ad Hoc Summer Student Committee need for the spring. Cheryl

Motion to adjourn -

Next Meeting – October 20, at 3:30 pm in the Carmichael Room in the Aberdeen Professional Centre

Respectfully submitted by Crystal Mann
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Our Summer\Fall Calendar of Events

2008-10-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

(Updated Nov. 5th) - Call Ralph @ 485-6740 with updates to this schedule: -

December 02, 2008 - (Tuesday) - Archery 1pm to 3pm at the Michelin Club gym.

November 20, 2008 - (Thursday) -FREE Tax Reduction Clinics at 11:00 AM, 2:00PM and 7:00 PM at the Holiday Inn Express, 86 Lawrence Blvd., Stellarton, NS

November 20, 2008 - (Thursday) - Board of Directors meeting (LAWPS). The meeting will take place at 3:30 pm in the Carmichael Room at the Aberdeen Professional Centre.

November 03 -04, 2008 - (Monday) - Michelle Fudge, Low Vision specialist with CNIB Sydney will be receiving clients by appointment from our office in the Aberdeen Professioal Centre.

November 03, 2008 - (Monday) - Rescheduled to December 2nd - Archery 1pm to 3pm at the Michelin Club gym.

October 20, 2008 - (Thursday) - Board of Directors meeting (LAWPS). The meeting will take place Thursday, October 20th at 3:30 pm in the Carmichael Room in the Aberdeen Professional Centre

Octoer 16, 2008 - (Thursday) - Board of Directors meeting (LAWPS). The meeting will take place Thursday, October 16th at 3:30 pm in the Carmichael Room in the Aberdeen Professional Centre

October 03, 2008 - (Wednesday) - Archery 1pm to 3pm at the Michelin Club gym.

September 18, 2008 - (Thursday) - Board of Directors meeting (LAWPS). The meeting will take place Thursday, September 18th at 3:30 pm in the Carmichael Room in the Aberdeen Professional Centre

August 20, 2008 - (Wednesday) - Bowling 2pm to 4pm. Be sure to call CHAD Transit at 928-1234 well in advance if you need transportation to this event.

August 18, 2008 - (Monday) - Free Concert 6pm to 8pm on the Pictou Wharf. Come out and enjoy the renditions of entertainer Jakki Rogue.

August 17, 2008 - (Sunday) - Summer Fun for Everyone Community Event 1pm to 4pm at Trenton Park. Come with us for a day of fun, to meet the folks at Let Abilities Work Partnership and to find out how you can join in and share your thoughts and ideas for even more fun events.

August 11, 2008 - (Monday) - Free Concert 6pm to 8pm on the Pictou Wharf. Come out and enjoy the renditions of entertainers Sarandy.

August 06, 2008 - (Wednesday) - Bowling 2pm to 4pm. Be sure to call CHAD Transit at 928-1234 well in advance if you need transportation to this event.

August 04, 2008 - (Monday) - Free Concert 6pm to 8pm on the Pictou Wharf. Come out and enjoy the renditions of entertainers Laura Watson & Gordon Tucker. Sorry! This was rained out for us. Would have been good.

July 29, 2008 - (Tuesday) - Archery at the Michelin Club 11pm to 2pm. Archery is open to everyone with an interest in archery (from first timer to expert). All people with and without disabilities are invited to come out and participate.

July 28, 2008 - (Monday) - Free Concert 6pm to 8pm on the Pictou Wharf. Come out and enjoy the renditions of entertainers Rick Rankin & Glen Gordon.

July 23, 2008 - (Wednesday) - Bowling 2pm to 4pm. Be sure to call CHAD Transit at 928-1234 well in advance if you need transportation to this event.

July 09, 2008 - (Wednesday) - Bowling 2pm to 4pm. Unfortunately, CHAD Transit is overbooked on this date and as such will not be available.

June 26, 2008 - (Thursday) - Archery at the Michelin Club 1pm to 4pm. This activity will be open to all persons with and without disabilities. Everyone with an interest in archery (from first timer to expert) is invited to come out and participate.

June 24, 2008 - (Tuesday) - Movie "The Incredible Hulk" 1 PM to 3 PM. This showing will be close captioned to include the Deaf & hard of hearing. Everyone welcome. Admission $6.99; mini pop & mini popcorn $5.00 or $3.99 for kidpack. Be sure to call CHAD Transit at 928-1234 well in advance if you need transportation to this event.

June 19, 2008 - (Thursday) - Our Annual General Meeting will be held from 7 PM to 9 PM in the program room at the New Glasgow library and following the Annual General Meeting of CHAD (Central Higlands Assoc. of the Disabled) which will take place at the same location beginning at 6:15 PM. Refreshments will be available, both meetings are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

June 15, 2008 - (Sunday) - Johnny Miles Run 4.5km Wheelchair Leg - Starts at The Brick. We gather at 8:30 AM to start at 9 AM. Call John Kyle for details 755-1516

June 14, 2008 - (Saturday) - Outing at LORDA. Be sure to call CHAD Transit at 928-1234 well in advance if you need transportation to this event. We expect the CHAD bus will be leaving for LORDA in the morning about 10am.

June 11, 2008 - (Wednesday) - Bowling 2pm to 4pm. Be sure to call CHAD Transit at 928-1234 well in advance if you need transportation to this event.
End of Article - Return to main page

2008-09-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Closing in on the Final Event

2008-08-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

I have sent a request out to you all, asking for assistance in find volunteers about 1-2 weeks ago and have had no response. Lea and I spoke about using my resources and I have done that and exhausted my resources other than the Board.... Now once again I ask you to please if you can be of assistance, let me know what you can do.... I'm looking for some one to run the games, to BBQ, Hand out prizes, if any of you can provide prizes it would be great, Lea has already offered a prize from S.M.A.C...Thank you Lea....

So that everyone knows we have 3 sponsors so far and it's not nearly enough for the event to go off successfully!!!

Wal-Mart - 60.00
Co-op - 10.00
Scotsburn- 60 mini sips & 60 ice cream cups
Atlantic Sup- we won't find out until Wednesday
Please If you can be of assistance email me at lawps2@gmail.com i will be checking regularly or call 754-6740

There's only a few days until the event and I will be out Weds & Thurs making games out of material that has been donated and I will be off Friday to off set the time I will be using on Sunday for the Event.....

Once again I thank you all for everything you can do, I do realize you do lead busy lives, but this is my last day with Let Abilities Work and would like to see you all.

B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L Evening in Pictou

2008-08-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

by Kathy Rose with photos by Phillip Fisher

PICTOU - Here are a few 'p i c s' from. . . ' P I C ' T O U. . .

Monday, July 28/08 was a beautiful evening to just sit and be entertained at the Pictou Marina.

I was SO pleased that Philip was able to capture that beautiful rainbow for us, in this picture.

'Cuz, it just made an already b e a u t i f u l picture. . . e v e n M O R E SO ! ! !

At Ieast those were my thoughts, anyways!

Nice 'pic' of you, Ralph!

Enjoying a lovely evening of . . . . p e r f e c t weather, with beautiful surroundings, excellent entertainment, shared along side long-time friends, and the beginnings of new-found ones, as well!
End of Article - Return to main page

The Pleasure is all mine

2008-08-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

The pleasure has been all mine,

To all of you I've had the pleasure of meeting, it has been wonderful to meet you all and get the chance to see you for who you really are. My time here has gone by way too fast, but i guess that's what happens when you do your best to get all the work done that you can before you leave... It has been a great honor to work for this organization with such a worthy cause. This experience has been an eye opener for me as I've kind of missed out on some of what life has to offer by being sheltered and not getting to meet very many people other then who I've worked for. When you work construction 60-70 hours a week since you were 19 there really isn't much time for anything else,let alone meeting new faces... But I thank all of you for this wonderful chance to help sharpen my business skills and jump in and get my feet wet. It has been a privilege.

Sincerely

Matt Cameron

Summer Community Event!!

2008-07-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

My Summer term is coming to a close rather quickly. August 17th will be my last day with Let Abilities Work. I would like to invite you all to come out to the last event I will be Organizing, it will be a Community event at the Trenton Park from 1-4pm. We will be having some fun games (washer toss, Bocce & horse shoes). There will be prizes given out and we will be having a Fund raising BBQ to support the cost of the event.We will also be given a Discount on swimming and mini Golf.
Hope to see you there... as it will be my last day, and I will Miss you all......

Sincerely

Matt Cameron

What is Butterflies and Blooms?

2008-06-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

By Joan Mackeigan

Professor Norman Goodyear of the Nova Scotia Agriculture College will lead an interactive presentation on Horticultural Therapy and what it can do for a community. The event is being sponsored by Butterflies and Blooms and will take place July 3, 2:30 pm, at River John Legion. Admission is FREE.

NSAC is inaugurating a new horticulture therapy diploma program in January 2009. Butterflies and Blooms is exploring ways it can help communities on the north shore get involved this initiative.

So what is Butterflies and Blooms and what is Horticultural Therapy?Firstly, what is Butterflies and Blooms?

Introduction:

A community is a composite of young and old, able and disabled people. A happy community is a vibrant place where all people, regardless of age and ability level, are integrated into the mainstream, enjoying employment and leisure activities.

In the real world, though, seniors and people with disabilities often find themselves excluded from the many activities so easily enjoyed by others. However, through imaginative projects that foster creativity, well being, and a sense of belonging, they can lead meaningful lives, contribute greatly to the society in which they live, and even become a rallying force in a community.

One of the most effective venues for integrative activities is a garden, because in a garden there is a place for everyone.

The stage is set. Enter Butterflies and Blooms.

Butterflies and Blooms is an independent, non-profit partnership organization started in April 2008 and run entirely by volunteers. Its mission is to partner with groups to organize activities that foster the wellbeing and integration into the community of seniors, people facing mental health issues, and people with physical and intellectual disabilities through activities based around a garden.

Activities could include vocational training, nutrition, rehab, music, art, and horticultural therapy, but usually include the laughter of children and always a good measure of fun.

We are currently reaching out to communities in Pictou, Colchester and Cumberland Counties.

The setting chosen for the initial project in the Butterflies and Blooms program is the five-acre, professionally landscaped Remembrance Garden in River John, Pictou County, behind the Legion on the River John Station Road.

This garden project also has use of an adjacent wheelchair-accessible, multi-purpose building with meeting areas, kitchen, theatre stage, washrooms, etc. Ideas for activities are limitless. The actual scope will depend on the breadth of imagination and willingness of community members to get involved and come out and have some fun and try something new.

Thus far, some of the activities being discussed include:* Herb garden * Plant nursery * Vegetable garden* Market kiosk * Community garden plots * Bakery/food services * Art * Music* Theatre* Woodworking * Pond restoration * Therapeutic riding * Residential component.

For info on a project that has provided us with lots of inspiration please check out Providence Farm in Duncan BC.

And secondly, what is Horticultural Therapy?

Health-care professionals have come to realize that horticulture is not just a rewarding pastime. Working with soil, seeds and plants can also be an enriching and curative experience.

The powers of nature, as seen in the growth of a plant, can be a great teacher. The life cycle of plants provides us with an example of hope for life renewed and a marvelous opportunity to begin again.

In its simplest form, horticultural therapy is a therapeutic process that uses plants and other horticultural activities to improve an individual's quality of life. Horticulture provides excellent stimuli for the senses: sight, taste, touch and smell. Using living material that requires nurturing and care, patients take part in activities that stimulate thought, exercise the body and encourage awareness of the external environment.

What can horticulture therapy do for our communities, who could benefit and how?

Come on July 3 and find out!

For further information, contact Joan MacKeigan, RR#3, River John, NS B0K 1N0; (902) 351-2697; Email: macmarwa@gmail.com
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WOW !!!!

2008-06-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

The Turn out at the movie was impressive. It made me proud to see how many of you came out in support of this event. Even if it didn't go as planned, I hope to see you all again the next time. With as that many people coming out maybe we could spread the word a little more and get an even bigger turn out.

PS. A special thanks goes out to Darrell and all of his family for coming from Truro to support us.

Thank you all,

Summer Musical Showcase

2008-06-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

Let Abilities Work members from last summer will recall the Summer Musical Showcase of free outdoor concerts in Pictou at the Hector Quay Visitor's Marina Stage on Sundays and Mondays at 6:00 pm.

Plans are that these free concernts will run again this summer through July and August, weather permitting. To that purpose, the Pictou Recreation Commission has just released the scheduled lineup of talent for this year's concerts.

Please review this list and advise Matthew in our office at 754-6740 which of the shows you think our group should plan to take in.

July Schedule

Canada Day - Tuesday July 1- Alycia Putnam & Family
Sunday July 6 - No entertainment - Lobster Carnival
Monday July 7 - Jason Brushett
Sunday July 13 - Jakki Rogue
Monday July 14 - Linda deCoste
Tuesday, July 15 - Old Fashion Hymn Sing sponsored by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, raindate July 22
Sunday July 20 - Gordon Tucker
Monday July 21 - Ian Grant
Sunday July 27 - Albert Dunnewold
Monday July 28 - Rick Rankin & Glen Gordon

August Schedule

Sunday August 3 - Beyond Ash
Monday August 4 - Laura Watson & Gordon Tucker
Sunday August 10 - Small Packages
Monday August 11 - TBA
Sunday August 17 - Albert Dunnewold
Monday August 18 - Jakki Rogue
Sunday August 24 - Jason Brushett
Monday August 25 - TBA
Sunday August 31 - TBA

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The Anticipation Grows!!!!

2008-06-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

It's just one day away, Is eveyone excited? I hope so!!!!

7 Days Until the Movie

2008-06-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to view the Movie Trailer below

RSVP

2008-06-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hello to you all,

The movie date is fast approaching and i have no idea of how many are going to this event. If you could please send an e-mail to lawps2@gmail.com or call my Cell @ 754-6740 just so i can get an idea of how many people to expect. We really want to make a good impression with the theatre so they will be willing to support a group activity again.

Thank-you

Later

Matt

Movie Trailer

2008-06-13T08:12:00.001-07:00

The Countdown is on

Matt Cameron joins the team...

2008-06-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

New Glasgow - The Let Abilities Work Partnership Society is pleased to announce that Matthew Cameron has joined its staff for the summer months. A student of marketing at the Nova Scotia Commuity College, Cameron started working as a social developer with the Society on May 26th.

Cameron will be working 35 hours a week from 9am to 4pm out of the Society's office located in Suite 101 in the basement of the Aberdeen Professional Centre. This position has been sponsored by a Service Canada student summer work grant.

"Mr. Cameron has been quick off the mark" said Executive Director Ralph Ferguson adding, "He has already helped organize two bowling afternoons, brought our computer programs up to date, arranged for an upcoming movie matinee at Empire Theatres and started taking a sign language course with Darrell Feit so he can communicate with our members who are Deaf."

"With Matt Cameron on board, 2008 promises to be a great summer!"

Movie Matinee

2008-06-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hello to all,

I have been working closely with Empire Theatres to find a version of The Incredible Hulk with a captioning so that everyone could enjoy it. Please come join us we would be delighted to see you. So I will continue to update the countdown to the 24th

Later on

Matt

PAANS - Provincial Access Awareness Nova Scotia

2008-06-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

New Glasgow - Let Abilities Work Partnership, with assistance from Lea Nickolas of S.M.A.C. (Start Making Abilities Count) taped a session for EastLink Cable Television's community program, "In Conversation".

We hope in this way to promote the disability awareness week, June 1st to 7th and awareness by spreading our disability awareness messages.

The piece was taped with EastLink in New Glasgow on June 2nd and will air June 09th (6:30 pm), 10th (6 pm) and 12th (7:30 pm). Be sure to watch it if you can. A copy of the tape was requested which the station will provide to us after the airing.

Let Abilities Work buys Archery Equipment from folded Oxford Club

2008-05-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

New Glasgow - On Sunday, Phillip Fisher drove to Oxford, Nova Scotia with Ralph and Anne Ferguson where they came away with almost enough second hand equipment to start up a club in Pictou County.

"We still need to get some target backings but if need be, we can make those out of pressed cardboard", said Fisher.

The Let Abilities Work buyers purchased eight recurve bows which are suitable for beginning archers as well as numerous arrows and miscellaneous equipment.

Also included in the purchase was a professional indoor net which catches arrows that miss their targets. This allows the sport to be held in indoor venues. Fisher is very hopeful that with this net available, the Michelin Club will agree to allow the activity in their facilities.

Almost as exciting as getting this equipment, is Jamie Hicks, the chap we purchased it from. Both Jamie and his wife, Kelly Hicks are certified Canadian archery coaches and while the club Jamie was coaching has been disbanded, his interest and committment to the sport remains firm. He has offered to give our group any help he can including to come to our area and help us put on events. As said, it is exciting to have a professional resource like this available to us as we start up!

Stay tuned for more news on this activity and plan to get involved.
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Disability community plans sport & recreation activities in Pictou County

2008-05-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

New Glasgow - Let Abilities Work Partnersip Society held a public meeting in the New Glasgow Library community room from 7-9 pm on April 30. This meeting was planned as an information sharing and "getting to know you" session. The 27 people who attended including a few able bodied persons as well as others with a wide variety of disabilities.

Chairman Gerald Lees opened the meeting, welcomed all those in attendance and turned the running of the evening over to Executive Director Ralph Ferguson.

The agenda called for four presentations so following a round of introductions of those in the room, Ferguson introduced the presenters one by one who spoke to the group as follows: -

Lea Nicholas and Ian Smith of SMAC (Start Making Abilities Count) provided a very well received presentation encouraging everyone to look beyond the disabilities and to start focusing on the abilities which everyone has in order to make these how we count or measure people rather than by their disabilities.
Laughie Rutt for many years was the Executive Director of Canadian Paraplegic Association in Nova Scotia and now is the Diversity Consultant with the Halifax Regional Municipality. He is also an avid wheelchair curler and a member of the Nova Scotia team. He drove in from Halifax to speak to our meeting and with the aid of a power point presentation to introduce us to wheelchair curling and encourage us to field a team in New Glasgow.
Kendrick Fraser spoke to the meeting. He has been unable to sail his boat since his accident in which he broke his back and became a paraplegic. However, on our west coast folks like Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan (also a paraplegic) have figured out how to sail from a wheelchair, started a Sale Able program which has spread now to the Dartmouth Yacht Club in Nova Scotia. Kendrick is looking for some able bodied and folks with disabilities to help him get a disability sailing program started here in Pictou County.
Philip Fisher spoke to the meeting. He was once a member of an active archery club in the Trenton area. Philip is married to Kathy Rose who runs the local MS Society. He and others still have their equipment but for some reason the interest in the club died down. Let Abilities Work Partnership sees archery as a recreational activity with potential for persons both with and without disabilities so we would like to help spark a revival of the sport in the area. Phillip is willing to head up that initiative so was looking for a show of interest.

There was interest shown in all these activities as well as in dances, kitchen parties, bowling and other things we might plan. It was pointed out to the group that the Partnership has received some funding and wants to spend it wisely and with their input.

We have to check to see if the local curling club has accessible washrooms and if there is a way or if a way could be made to allow wheelchairs access to the ice surface. Apparently curling ice is pebbly allowing wheelchairs to function well on it.

Please stay tuned and get involved. There will be more to follow on all of these and other topics.

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ACCESS AWARENESS WEEK JUNE 1st-7th

2008-04-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

This Year’s theme for Access Awareness Week is: Accessibility for All: The Business of Inclusion.

In anticipation of the week, some of the things being worked on include:

The Elementary School Accessibility Poster Challenge
Elementary School Students have an opportunity to create their own posters about the importance of inclusion of persons with disabilities. Poster entries must be submitted by the deadline date which is May 2nd. Check out the Teacher’s Corner on the PAANS website for more information.
The Mel Hebb Hourglass Action Awards
It is time to recognize Nova Scotians/communities and businesses for their contributions to the lives of persons with disabilities. Recognizing that these contributions are varied and diverse. The deadline for nominations is May 1st.
Scholarships for Students with a Disability
Purpose: To assist Nova Scotians with a disability in their pursuit of post-secondary studies. There are eight (8) scholarships available. The deadline to make application is May 1st. The program is supported by: Casino Nova Scotia, the Bank of Nova Scotia (ScotiaBank); and, the RBC Foundation.

For applications/ nomination forms or for more information on what’s happening during Access Awareness Week and how YOU can get involved visit the new PAANS website: http://www.paans.ca/ or contact the PAANS Coordinator, Geoff Fleming at 902-424-6920 or by email : paans@eastlink.ca

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April - NEWSLETTER

2008-04-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

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.

Start Making Abilities Count

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

HIGHLIGHTS OF PAST ACTIVITIES

Thanks to Ralph Ferguson for putting together this collection of pictures and reports on events held last year.

June 17, 2007 – (Fathers’ Day) Let Abilities Work Partnership had 12 wheelchair entries in the 4 kilometer wheelchair leg of the running of the Johnny Miles Marathon.
A good time was had by all participants.

July 23, 2007 – Entertainment on the wharf in Pictou. Cape Breton entertainers 16 year old Krysta MacKinnon and Adam Cooke put on a spectacular show on what was the nicest evening of the summer. Look for big things from Krysta in future.
She’s good! (The next Natalie MacMaster.)

August 1, 2007 – Sledge Hockey is a sport being engaged by persons with disabilities. Hockey Nova Scotia partnered with three universities (Dalhousie, Saint FX & Acadia) to hold a demonstration of the equipment and game August 1st, at the Dartmouth Sportsplex. We have since generated some interest in the game locally among people with disabilities. They feel that persons with disabilities could make use of such sleds for that purpose as well. We will continue efforts in 2008 to introduce and involve our members in these activities.

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 !

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