Volume 15, Issue 1

Jan – Mar 2012

The Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC) is your disability resource centre. We offer a variety of resources, supports and opportunities for people who have disabilities. Our programs include: Information and Networking, Individual Advocacy, Peer Support, Volunteer, Career Development, Adaptive Technology, Independent Living Internships, free Computer Access, and Research and Development. The ILRC actively promotes all aspects of Independent Living.

Message from the Newsletter Committee   

Winter is upon us, and snow provides a sleepy blanket. However, the cold is unbearable only if you succumb to it, so snuggle up and read the latest edition of the Black Spruce.

Coming right after Christmas, we are now gearing up for a great year ahead. All the regular peer groups will go ahead as usual, along with men’s and women’s groups. Inside, there are many interesting articles and a list of upcoming events. Thanks a lot to all our contributors and especially the readers. May you thrive through the winter being entertained and informed by the Black Spruce.

ILRC Breaking News – Staff Changes!

New IL and AT Interns

We would like to say welcome to our new IL Intern and AT Interns. 

The IL Intern is Honora Mugford – Happy Valley- Goose Bay.

The AT Interns are Katie Cashin - Stephenville, Jeff Thornhill, Shane Martland, Sarah Dunphy, Amy Gillard and Jonah Brown – St. John’s.

We would like to say good-bye to Megan Russell and Karen Davis. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope to see you around from time to time. You will be greatly missed by one and all. Thanks for all your hard work.

ILRC NEWS

Inclusion Website

By Cathy Gill

There is a new website created by the Independent Living Resource Centre – it is www.inclusion-nl.ca.

The website is an online database of information about the accessibility of public places in many areas of the province. The site has over 1500 entries and gives viewers a chance to learn more about a location’s accessibility features and comment about places they have visited as a form of information exchange. The site was created by using information gathered by Independent Living interns throughout the province. Right now, communities with accessibility information include St. John’s, Clarenville, Grand Falls, Gander, Stephenville, Corner Brook, and Happy Valley/ Goose Bay.

 

2011 Open House - International Day of Persons with Disabilities

By Crystal John

On December 2, 2011 the Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC) held its annual Open House to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  The theme for this year was ‘Together for a better world for all:  creating barrier-free communities today.’ 

Many community friends and partners attended the event.  The Honorable Tom Marshall – Minister of Finance – offered insight on the progression of the disability movement in Newfoundland and Labrador and highlighted the contribution of government agencies, government programs, and community groups such as the ILRC.

At this event, the ILRC also presented the 2011 Independent Living (IL) Awards.  Diane White received the Cecilia Carroll Award for Independent Living; Amanda Howlett received the Young Leaders Award for Independent Living; Joanne Stevenson (Diversity Coordinator with RBC Royal Bank) received the Business Award for Independent Living; the Office of Employment Equity for Persons with Disabilities received the Local Government Award for Independent Living; and Team MacDonald received the Social Inclusion Award for Independent Living.  

Congratulations to all recipients of the 2011 IL Awards.  We hope that you continue to remain committed to your communities!

Please stay tuned for more information on the 2012 IL Award Nominations…

Pictured above: (right) Cecilia Carroll presenting the Cecilia Carroll Award for Independent Living to Diane White (left)

 

Pictured above: (right) David Hogan presenting the Business Award for Independent Living to Joanne Stevenson, Diversity Coordinator with RBC Royal Bank (left)

 

Pictured above: (right) Wayne Penney presenting the Local Government Award for Independent Living to Jim McDonald, Office of Employment Equity for Persons with Disabilities (left)

 

 

Pictured above: (right) Kathy Hawkins and Wayne Penney presenting the Social Inclusion Award for Independent Living to Lanie Woodfine, Team MacDonald (left)

 

 

Pictured above: (right) Trudy Marshall and Kathy Hawkins presenting the Young Leaders Award for Independent Living to Amanda Howlett (left)

 

End Exclusion 2011

By Catherine Rodgers

This year marked the sixth End Exclusion event held in Ottawa Canada. End Exclusion is hosted by the Council of Canadians (CCD) with Disabilities and the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) in partnership with Canada without Poverty.

End Exclusion is about Canadians with disabilities in many ways. It is about celebrating the accomplishments that have been made in the disability community in the past thirty years. It is also about informing politicians that we still have a far way to go before the full vision of an inclusive and accessible Canada is achieved. End Exclusion is also a way to inform Canadians about the lives of our citizens with disabilities. 

On behalf of CCD, both the current chairperson, Tony Dolan, and the past chairperson, Marie White, performed the hosting duties and kept the event on track. This year’s event kicked off with several speakers and a meet and greet on November 2, 2011.

On November 3, 2011 there were several powerful speakers during the day. The most powerful were those who told of their lived experiences with exclusion and poverty. One speaker told of how income is connected and related to the ability to be part of the community, to socialize, and to do many of the ordinary things that make up everyday life.

Another speaker told of how important it is to have inclusive schools as this is a foundation for inclusion in other parts of society as children grow up and access the world. She also spoke of how isolating living in poverty can be. She spoke about how having just a little extra income goes a long way towards being able to access the community and be a part of it, especially for children and youth. End Exclusion provides an opportunity for those outside of the disability movement to hear real life stories and to get an understanding of the issues thatCanadians with disabilities faceevery day.

 

IL Canada Annual General Meeting: Supporting Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

By Crystal John

From November 24 - 27, 2011 the national organization Independent Living (IL) Canada held its Annual General Meeting. There were many interesting topics covered that highlighted or discussed the current direction of the IL movement in Canada.  Of particular interest was the ‘Supporting Tomorrow’s Leaders Today’ session, which addressed the empowerment of youth with disabilities through career development opportunities.

The session on ‘Supporting Tomorrow’s Leaders Today’ took place on November 24, 2011. Scott Batten attended the session as a youth representative of the Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC).

Although the youth presence was few, the three youth speakers provided the audience with meaningful feedback regarding their experiences as persons with disabilities in accessing education and employment, and in skills-development in self-advocacy.  At this session, career development - best practice approaches offered by different Independent Living Centre’s were identified.  Federal programs such as the Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities and the Registered Disability Savings Plan were also discussed as incentives for youth. 

Youth involvement in the IL movement is important.  Sessions such as ‘Supporting Tomorrow’s Leaders Today’ will encourage outcomes that will mobilize youth in other communities to actively discuss the rights of persons with disabilities from a different perspective.

 

The Role of the Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC) in the Community and Community Development

Submitted By Ethel Bio, Canada World Youth Work Placement

For a community to develop it depends on the individuals in the community. Everyone plays an important role in the development of the community. All individuals, including those with disabilities, must be equal and included in the community if the community is going to develop. The ILRC plays an important role in supporting individuals with disabilities to be equal and to achieve their goals. The members, staff and volunteers at ILRC do not discriminate but rather, give persons with disabilities their due respect. The ILRC does not choose goals or make choices for individuals but rather, supports people to make their own choices in their own lives. I strongly agree with this approach because I believe that everyone has the right to make his or her own choices in life. This organization provides a place for persons with disabilities to feel comfortable and accepted.

In my point of view, everyone should be treated equal regardless of their gender, race, economic status or disability. We need to support everyone to be equal and included so that they can feel important and wanted in their community. The members, staff, and volunteers of ILRC have the qualities to support this. My work as a volunteer with the organization has helped me to improve my communication, computer, and writing skills.

 In conclusion, all of the individuals in a community are responsible to support the development of that community. No matter who we are, we have the right to speak and be listened to. That is exactly what ILRC is all about. The organization supports individuals with disabilities, one-to-one or at events and workshops, to feel included and to make their own choices.

 

Did you know?

 

RDSP Updates and Changes

Carry Forward Unused Grant and Bond Entitlements

As of January 2011, you are allowed to claim your unused grant and bond entitlements from the past 10 years (starting from 2008, the year Registered Disability Savings Plans [RDSP] became available). This applies if you already have an RDSP, or if you open an RDSP in January 2011 or later.

In order to claim unused grant and bond entitlements, the beneficiary must be eligible to receive the grant and bond (claims can be made until the year the beneficiary turns 49 years old).

The amount of grant and bond you are eligible for depends on the beneficiary’s family income in those years. The grant amount that you receive also depends on how much is contributed to your RDSP. The matching rate will be the same as the one that would have applied if the contribution had been made in the year in which the grant entitlement was earned. Matching rates will be paid on RDSP contributions using up any grant entitlements at the highest available rate first, followed by any grant entitlements at lower rates.

Grants and bonds will be paid on unused entitlements, up to an annual maximum ..  of:

·        $10,500 for grants; and

·        $11,000 for bonds.

Rollover Retirement Funds into an RDSP

As of July 2011, if you are a parent or grandparent of a financially dependent child or grandchild with a disability, you will be able to arrange for some or all of your retirement savings to be transferred tax-free to his or her RDSP when you pass away.

To be eligible for this measure, retirement savings must be in one of the following:

·        a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP);

·        a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF); or

·        A Registered Pension Plan (RPP).

The maximum transfer amount is $200,000; this amount will be reduced by all contributions and rollover transfers that have previously been made to any RDSP.

The amount of money transferred into an RDSP will form part of the $200,000 lifetime contribution limit. For example, if there is already $50,000 in private contributions in an RDSP, the amount rolled over from an RRSP, RRIF and RPP cannot exceed $150,000.

The Government will not pay matching Canada Disability Savings Grants on the money you transfer.

Beneficiaries with shortened life expectancies

Under the new rules, beneficiaries with a life expectancy of five years or less will be able to withdraw up to $10,000 per year in taxable savings, subject to certain conditions. This amount includes grants, bonds, and earnings. In addition to this, beneficiaries can withdraw a pro-rated amount of their plan contributions.

Repayment of any remaining grants and bonds that were paid into the plan within the preceding 10 years is not required until the death of the beneficiary.

To take advantage of this measure, the plan holder(s) must submit a request to the financial institution, along with a medical verification (a document certifying the plan holder’s health). The financial institution will then notify Human Resources and Skills Development Canada of the change to your plan.

For more information contact Amanda at ILRC or call

1-800-622-6232

TTY: 1-800-926-9105 Or visit www.disabilitysavings.gc.ca

 

An Introduction to Plain Language

By Gus Russell

Plain language is a form of communication. It takes into account the needs of the reader. It is not just using simple words. Plain language is a way of writing that can reach the largest number of readers because it is the easiest to read and understand. There are several tips and techniques that help people write in plain language. Some of those are provided below.

 

The first is to make sure the information is clear and organized. The document should be organized in a way that is logical and easy to understand. Important ideas and points should come first. Any background information or definitions should be given to the reader in the document. If the document is long, an introduction can tell the reader what the document is about and how it is organized. Using headers to introduce new information can also help the reader.

The second is to use appropriate words. Use simple and familiar words and phrases. Avoid unnecessary words and jargon. Explain what acronyms mean (for example, the acronym ILRC means Independent Living Resource Centre). Explain any ideas that may be complicated so the reader understands.

The third is to make clear and simple sentences. Sentences should have one main idea. Sentences should be concise but get the meaning across. The longer a sentence is the harder it is to understand. Most sentences should be between 15 and 25 words long. Sentences should be linked to each other in a logical way.

The fourth is to make clear and effective paragraphs. Sentences are grouped together in paragraphs and should help to move the point of the document forward. Paragraphs should have one main idea. Most paragraphs are between 3 and 6 sentences long, depending on the document. Like sentences, paragraphs should be linked to each other in a logical way.

The fifth is to design and test the document for plain language. Documents should be in at least 14 point font so they are easy to read. The font used should also be easy to read. There should be enough white space around the words so that the reader can see the organization of the document. Other design elements such as using bold or italics should be used when necessary and not overused. Documents can be tested with readers who have different reading skills. Documents can also be tested with readability tools to determine the language level.

The most important thing for a writer to keep in mind is to write for the audience. It is easier to write in plain language when the writer knows both the audience and the topic well.

 

Community Agency News!

Stella Burry Community Services

By Cathy Gill

Stella Burry Community Services (SBCS) is a social services agency in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador for adults and youth who have experienced family distress because of mental health issues, addictions, abuse, illiteracy, lack of education, or poverty. The services they offer are listed below.

Naomi House is emergency housing for young women ages 16-30 and is under SBCS.

The Brian Martin Housing Resource Centre helps participants looking for affordable and decent housing. Carew Lodge, Rawlins Cross 1 and 2 and above the Brian Martin Housing Resource Centre are all residential housing units own by SBCS. There are over 86 housing units owned by SBCS.

In 2001, the Community Support Program was begun because Correctional Services Canada contacted SBCS for a group for women offenders with different mental health issues.

Just Us Women’s Centre provides counseling and support to women who have had trouble with the law.

They have three before-work programs for adults, depending on where they are on their journey back to work. Counselors meet with them to help them to decide

which program is best for them. At the beginning of each program, people are paired with employment support staff who work with them towards the right work for them.

Hope Works is a part-time before-work program for adults who have serious mental health issues and have had little or no work experience.

New Beginnings is a full-time preparation and skills training program for adults who have had things blocking them from working or long periods of no work because of different reasons.

Can Do is for adults who have had serious mental health problems, many social problems and may not see themselves as being able to work. They get paid work experience as a group or by themselves.

Adult Basic Education, Level 1 program is for those who have struggled with basic reading, writing, and math in a school setting

.Food Service program is very popular in the before-work programs. The Hungry Heart Cafe gives training in a professional food environment that prepares participants to work in any fine restaurant in St. John’s.

Trades Helper program teaches participants apprentice carpentry by a Journeyman carpentry instructor. The person gets experience and counts his/her hours toward his/her own journeyman papers.

The participants, in the Green Team, sell raised-bed boxes at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market and prepare them during the week to the buyer’s wants. The team tells the public about healthy food and the benefits of backyard gardening.

The Food Buying Club was formed because of the rising cost of food and participants not being able to buy healthy food because of their low income. Bulk and discount food purchases makes this happen.

There is also an on-the-job program for those interested in being a cleaner and they can get real job experience.

Shared Spaces is held on the last Thursday in every month and is a talent night where people can get up and sing, or read a poem, for example. Snacks are provided.

Common Ground Coffee House is a weekly social time, bringing people together for coffee and other goodies. It also gives information about upcoming jobs and social/recessional times in the general community.

 

Disability Policy Office (DPO)

By Valerie Penton

The Disability Policy Office officially opened on June 1, 2009. It became an Office because people in the community let Government know that this would be important to making sure people are included.  The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.  

There are many barriers that can get in the way when people with disabilities try to access a service, program or opportunity. Whether it is going to school, finding a job, playing sports, or volunteering in a local event; People with disabilities should not be excluded. It is important to remove barriers and that is what the Disability Policy Office is all about.

The purpose of the Disability Policy Office is to facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. This is done by working with people with disabilities, advocates, community organizations, businesses and other government departments to identify and remove barriers. This includes all kinds of barriers such as those in buildings, attitudes, and policies.  The Disability Policy Office also promotes inclusion by encouraging positive attitudes and raising awareness of disability issues. All of this work is important to make sure everyone has the same opportunities.

For example, the Disability Policy Office led consultations all over the Province to get input from people with disabilities about the best ways to remove barriers. 

The Disability Policy Office helps people inside and outside of Government learn about accessibility standards and products such as assistive technology that is used by people with disabilities to access information. The Disability Policy Office has developed materials to help people use respectful and clear language.

The Disability Policy office helps government departments create policies that include people and are barrier-free.  These are just a few of the things the Disability Policy Office has done to work toward inclusion of people with disabilities in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

You can contact the Disability Policy Office

Telephone: 1-709-729-6279
Toll Free: 1-888-729-6279

TTY: 1-888-729-5440

E-mail: disability.policy.office@gov.nl.ca

 

NL Long-Term Pain Association (NLLTPA)

The NL Long-Term Pain Association holds pain support group meetings the third Friday of each month. The meetings are confidential, free of charge, and open to anyone dealing with long-term or chronic pain. 

Location: 10 Bennett Avenue, St. John’s, in the St. John’s Retired Citizen’s Association Club Building

Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Dates: The 3rd Friday of each month,

Winter/Spring Meetings: January 20, February 17 , and March 16, 2012.

If you have any questions about the group or meetings, please contact Carol Stanley at 709-747-0744 or longtermpainnl@live.com.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Long-Term Pain Association … making pain more bearable.

 

Refugee Camp in the Heart of the City

By Cathy Gill

One night you are watching the news and a story comes on about hungry and scared people running from a war in their town or city. You continue watching the news and forget about those people who are running for their lives.

I used to be that way too until last September when a group of volunteers from Doctors Without Borders setup a refugee camp in Bannerman Park. I decided to take a tour of the refugee camp and it opened up my eyes.

Refugees leave their homes quickly. It might be orphans, a widowed mother and children, a pregnant woman, it could be anybody. These people could be hungry, thirsty, scared and/or sick.

When you go to the entrance of the refugee camp, you can’t just walk in right away. A volunteer will take names, medical information and other kinds of information on a card. There’s always an up-to-date listing of information on each refugee so that the volunteers know whether or not there are improvements to the refugee’s health.

The food that these people get is rationed out. It maybe only rice and clean water but it’s good enough and it keeps them, hopefully, from getting sick.

While refugees walk to safety, the only water they’ll find on their journey to the refugee camp is dirty water and no doubt it’s got a disease in it called cholera.

If he or she is lucky enough to get to a refugee camp, one of the first things that’s done is separate the ones who have cholera into an area where they can be treated and the disease doesn’t spread throughout the camp.

The camp has a medical station to do almost everything – even some surgery.

But not everybody makes it. Even if a pregnant women woman gets to the refugee camp it doesn’t mean she will live through the birth of her baby. Sometimes the woman and unborn child die.

There’s also an area to treat infants. It even has scales to weigh the babies to check on weight or if the child is gaining weight. That area shocked me because those children can die anytime. Their little bodies are so weak from not getting enough food and water while the parents are trying to get to the camp. The same goes for older children and seniors.

Some people live their lives out in the camps. Some people die in the camps. Volunteers do their best to improve the health of the refugees but there is only so much they can do.

Donations are very much needed. There is never enough money. In war torn areas, non-governmental agencies are always looking for more money because they are trying to help the people that need them the most.

These agencies deal with the warlords, trying to get through to the people and trying to keep projects running. This is very stressful for the volunteers because things change so quickly and they are doing the best they can do in extremely hard times.

If you have questions or would like to know more about the refugee camps you can go to this website, www.msf.ca .

If you want to know more about the refugee camp in the heart of the city go to http://refugeecamp.ca/ .

 

 

ILRC Groups and Upcoming Events

Power of Parenting Project

We wish to thank parents with disabilities, persons with disabilities, volunteers, volunteer placements, ILRC staff and community and government partners for providing support in the planning and completion of the Power of Parenting project. We also thank the Wellness Coalition Avalon East for funding this project.

 

Peer Support Groups

Peer support group members come together to share experiences, skills, knowledge, information, and wisdom with each other.

 

Paint Group

Members meet on Thursday afternoons from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the ILRC and in the community. Do you have skills to share or would you like to work together with us on a project? Help us show that art can be created and shared across disabilities.

 

Dinner Club

Join us every two months to share and learn together. Let us know your favourite accessible restaurants. You can contact the Volunteer Dinner Club Coordinator, Amanda Howlett on Thursdays or Trudy Marshall, Peer Support Coordinator.

Date: Monday, Feb 6, 2012

Time: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Location: Montana’s, Kenmount Rd

 

Women's Group

Women are now meeting once every three months at the ILRC or at a location in the community. Would you like to do workshops or share an interest? Join us in supporting and learning from each other.

Date: Monday, Jan 16, 2012

Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Location: ILRC Kitchen

Topic: Love and Marriage?

 

Peers - Men and Women Group

Men and Women with disabilities get together once every three months at the ILRC or at a location in the community to share and support each other. Would you like to join them in sharing your ideas?

Date: Monday, Feb 13, 2012

Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Location: ILRC Kitchen

Topic: Accessible Housing Focus Group, Penny Abbott, Individual Advocacy Coordinator

 

Men's Group

Men get together once every three months at the ILRC or at a location in the community to share and support each other. Members of the Men's Group are planning to give workshops on accessible transportation. Would you like to join them in sharing your ideas?

Date: Monday, March 5, 2012

Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Location: ILRC Kitchen

Topic: Men Talking about Health

 

If you are interested in any of the above groups, or have any questions, please contact the Peer Support Coordinator, Trudy Marshall by calling the ILRC or emailing peer@ilrc-nl.ca.

We would like to discuss any ideas you have on how to make the group accessible, comfortable, and enjoyable for you.

 

Young Adult Group

Young adults with disabilities come together every second month at the ILRC. The group gets connected with other youth, and share common interests all while having some fun and meeting a new network of people.

Date: Thursday, Feb 23, 2012

Time: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Location: ILRC Kitchen

Topic: Healthy Relationships

 

Please book your own sign language interpreters.  Metrobus and Wheelway tickets are available if needed. Please arrange your own ride.

If you are interested in joining the Young Adult Group, Contact Amanda

Email: amanda@ilrc-nl.ca

 

Creative Corner

Over in the Corner

By Gus Russell

A Mental Health Consumer’s Views

Mental Health must be maintained if we are to succeed in life. Many people find it difficult to cope in the sometimes bleak environment that we call society. However, for those of us who find it difficult and are judged to have mental health issues, a form of recovery therapy must be used. In order for us to avail of a good quality of life, outreach programs must be put in place. It is only through such programs that we can realize our true potential and achieve a balanced wellness.

Most therapies affect all of the major areas of living. Most of them lead us, through a team approach, to a creative expression of all our desires, and our place in society. The main goal of most therapy deals with crises before the consumer requires hospitalization. Fewer of those with mental health problems were placed in mental hospitals or units after the 1960’s, and thus we saw a gradual decrease in the number admitted over the last 50 years. The use of newer medications also affected this number greatly.

The philosophy of keeping Mental Health consumers out of hospital proved not as expensive as the booming increase in the cost of psychiatric beds. However, the new team approach in community outreach programs still proved costly, and there were many shortcomings. Many of the consumers in the nearby areas remained without work, had limited social contacts and still required some degree of sheltered environment-like care. Some program options demand hefty boarding fees and a degree of segregation exists within the homes. As a result, the many complex needs of the mental health consumer were not met.

Despite these shortcomings, modern programs have made some inroads, and the consumer movement, which had its heyday in the 1990’s, still maintains a degree of influence.

There is certainly a long way to go in the rehabilitation of psychiatric consumers. If we are to make the right choices in our struggle to survive chronic mental illness, some changes still remain to be challenged. Remember that no step is too small to count in our struggle to return from a psychiatric darkness.

 

Word Scramble

We have provided a list of words which need to be unscrambled. Have fun and try to unscramble them. We will provide the unscrambled words in the next edition. We have included the answers to the Christmas Word Scramble.

Answers to ChristmasWord Scramble

itsgf                   gifts

hitacrsms rete   Christmas tree

uicms                 music

adcny aescn      candy canes

nwasomn          snowman

ktnsaig               skating

okecois              cookies

atasn lucas        Santa Claus

enerrides           reindeers

eoaindcrtos        decorations

 

Word scramble for Winter Time

nows                    _ _ _ _

hvligsoeln           _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

okyhce                _ _ _ _ _ _

ldnsiig                  _ _ _ _ _ _ _

kigsin                             _ _ _ _ _ _

cei ihnfsig           _ _ _   _ _ _ _ _ _ _

nwso soighen     _ _ _ _   _ _ _ _ _ _ _

nwso frto             _ _ _ _   _ _ _ _

oth cooaehclt      _ _ _  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

cdol wahrete       _ _ _ _  _ _ _ _ _ _ _