Independent Living Resource Centre 11th Annual Report 2008-2009 Mission Statement The Independent Living Resource Centre is a consumer-controlled organization committed to providing supports, resources and opportunities for empowerment, which enable persons with disabilities to make informed decisions about their lives. Table of Contents ILRC Staff and Board of Directors Interns, Project Staff, Students and Placements Committees and Advisory Groups Chairperson’s Report Executive Director’s Report Program Reports: Information & Networking Career Development Individual Advocacy Adaptive Technology Volunteer Services Peer Support IL Internship Report for the IL Canada Representative Debbie Prim Memorial Garden Committee Report ILRC Activities ILRC Building Community Treasurer’s Report Funding Partners 11 Years of Milestones Appendix: Financial Statements & Auditor’s Report ---------------------- ILRC Staff and Board of Directors Board of Directors: Chairperson - Cecilia Carroll Vice Chairperson - Roger Baggs Secretary - David Swain Treasurer - Cynthia Howlett Member at Large - Brian Conway Directors - Terry Rielly, Lucinda Churchill, Margaret Allen, Annette Powell, Joey Power, Paul Morgan, Brianna Hookey, Nicole Kennedy*, Alicia Hann* , Alaina Butt* , IL Canada Representative - Michelle Murdoch * Served on the Board for part of the year. Core Staff: Executive Director - Barry Galloway Administration - Crystal John, Aimee Cahill, Vera Parsons Bookkeeper - Dorothy Janes Core Program Coordinator - Susan Ralph Peer Support & Volunteer Services - Trudy Marshall IL Internship - Kathy Marshall, David Hogan Adaptive Technology - Donna Greene Individual Advocacy - Penney Abbott, Susan Ralph Career Development - Stephen Quinn Information & Networking - Amanda Lush Projects Staff: CAP (Community Access Program: Coordinators: Adam Baker, Provincial Coordinator Jeff Thornhill, Regional Coordinator Jamie Ivany, Regional Coordinator Interns: Tristan Gear, Intern (MUN), Karen Hannam, Intern (ILRC), Rebecca Feltham, Intern (ILRC), Nick Prosper, Intern (C.Brook), Michael Colbourne, Intern(C.Brook), Tony Collens, Intern (Clarenville), Mike Hunter, Intern (Grand Falls), Shivam Aggarwal, Intern (ILRC) CAP Summer Intern - Placement – Krystin Collins Independent Living Internship: IL Interns: Juanita Felix – Stephenville Karen Davis – Corner Brook Jennifer Roberts – Grand Falls-Windsor Darrell Duke – Clarenville Cyril Peach – Happy Valley-Goose Bay Gerard Blyde – St. John’s– AT Program Rebecca Feltham – St. John’s– Vol/Peer Support Program Kim Underhay – St. John’s– Reception/Administration Deborah Gilbert – St. John’s– Individual Advocacy Program Lynn Seward – St. John’s– Information & Networking Program Mike Ryan – St. John’s– Career Development (FSA) Bradley Goodyear – St. John’s Students: Nursing Students: Joshua Holmes, Jenna Meade, Tenille Slade, Mallory Sparkes Easter Seals Horizons Skills Link Program: Gillian Fleming - Placement Volunteer Summer Students: Michael Jones, Sara Dillon, Dylan Bridger, Sarah Rogers, Shivam Aggarwal Co-op Students: Adam Tucker, Kristyn CollinsCommunity Placements: Stella Burry: Kim Underhay- Placement Volunteer, New Beginnings, Cathy Gill, Placement Volunteer New Beginnings, Lindsay Maye - Placement Volunteer, Hope Works SWASP: Adam Tucker Memorial University; Michael Penney and Amanda Carberry- Adapted Physical Activity Course, Alistair Taylor, Ashley Moore, Danielle Baker, Kayla Reynolds, Stacey Tucker, Timothy Humphries ---------------------- Committees and Advisory Groups Debbie Prim Memorial Garden: Joey Power Stephen Quinn Brian Conway Diane White Paul Morgan Karen Westcott Len Starkes George Adamchik Pat Day Carlos Escobar Hubert Pinksen Tony Fagan Nominating Michelle Murdoch Crystal john Barry Galloway Full Steam Ahead Advisory: Ken O’Brien Sylvia Ash Roger Baggs Andrea Augot Kathy Marshall Stephen Quinn Susan Ralph Governance: Michelle Murdoch Cynthia Howlett Cecilia Carroll Barry Galloway Adaptive Technology Steering Committee: Paul Mitten Jeremy Brown David Swain Paul Morgan Penny Abbott/Jason Rose Karen Westcott Tim Wartman Brian Evans Kathryn Phelan Darlene Scott Kathy Marshall Personnel: David Swain Margaret Allen Michelle Murdoch Cecilia Carroll Lucinda Churchill Roger Baggs Barry Galloway Executive: Cecilia Carroll Roger Baggs Cynthia Howlett David Swain Brian Conway Barry Galloway Black Spruce Newsletter: Rebecca Feltham Mary Joe Power Catherine Lanari Joey Power Deborah Gilbert Cathy Gill Kimberley Underhay Lynn Seward Kimberley Kreiger Building Expansion: Brian Conway Susan Ralph Vera Parsons Alicia Hann Cecilia Carroll Barry Galloway Bob Burton* Margaret Warren* Strategic Planning: Terry Rielly Roger Baggs Annette Powell Brian Conway Cecilia Carroll Barry Galloway Note: Ex-officio members include Cecilia Carroll (Chairperson – ILRC Board of Directors) and Barry Galloway (Executive Director) * Served part of year ---------------------- Chairperson's Report - Cecilia Carroll It has been another amazing year for all involved with the ILRC. We witnessed history in the making as our Provincial Government made a huge step towards full inclusion for all people with disabilities by creating a Disability Policy Office. One of the main purposes of this office will be to work with all government departments to develop policies and programs that do not exclude but include persons with disabilities and are barrier free. We have experienced continued growth in the number of people accessing our programs and services. We have expanded our partnership with the Department of Human Resources Labour and Employment through the IL Internship Program, which will see our IL Interns in more areas of the province. We completed a series of province wide forums with people with disabilities, on housing, home supports and public transportation. A report on our findings was completed and submitted to various people within our Provincial Government. Over the past several years we have been working on developing a new Staff Policy and Procedures Manual, which was finally completed this year. I have to say thank you to all involved you did a tremendous job. This past year we also completed a business plan, which was developed to help us deal with our continued growth. We also did some work on a couple of areas of our bylaws and will be bringing recommendation forward for your review this evening. We also plan on doing a complete review of our bylaws over the next year or two. While it is wonderful to experience the growth that we have had we also have to be very mindful of the work we place on our staff and volunteers. Except for the money from projects and their staff, the ILRC has not had an increase in our core budget or staff since we started the ILRC back in 1997. Yet we continue to see increases in the number of people accessing our services, the cost of delivering those services and in our operational cost. We have a wonderful team at the ILRC and I would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued commitment to what you do and to people with disabilities in our community. I cannot image what it would be like with out you. Thank You. To our outstanding volunteers who do everything from answering the phone to snow shoveling I can’t thank you enough for all the work you do for us. Our entire organization could not function without you. The work you take on is truly amazing; your volunteer hours make up for more than five full time positions. To our Board of Directors, your dedication, commitment and never-ending attendance at meetings for one thing or another has not gone unnoticed. We seem to be accomplishing more and more every year – Thank you. On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to thank Barry Galloway for all of the hard work he does for everyone at the ILRC. Your passion is evident in everything you say and do. A special thank you goes out to all those who supported the ILRC financially over the past year. Your financial support is what allows the ILRC to do the work that it does. We look forward to continuing our partnerships as we work together to improve the quality of programs and services for people with disabilities in our communities. This will be my last year on the Board of Directors for the ILRC and I look forward to working with all of you to make it another great year. Just because I will not be on the board does not mean you are getting rid of me, I do plan on staying involved. Thanks again to everyone for everything that you have done for the ILRC. I hope you all have a safe and wonderful summer. Respectfully submitted, Cecilia Carroll Chairperson, ILRC Board of Directors ---------------------- Executive Director's Report - Barry Galloway The Independent Living Resource Centre A Year in Review 2008-2009 It’s been another busy year for the Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC) and we have made progress toward our goal of bringing a voice to the lived experience of disability in our province, of promoting Independent Living, choice and above all control. During the past year the ILRC Board of Directors has focused our attention on the process of consultation with consumers. We need to be responsive to changes in our community, in order to bridge the gap between our lived experiences and policy – so that we can influence the appropriateness of policy affecting people with disabilities in our communities and province. We have promoted the full inclusion of people with disabilities by voicing consumer concerns about access to transportation, affordable accessible housing, income supports, disincentives to employment, access to education and more. We have provided tools and opportunities for people to control their own lives and assume leadership roles in their communities; and we have, and will continue to - support change in social systems that will ensure dignity, quality of life, and full inclusion of all people with disabilities. We have made an effort to provide a clear voice to decision makers regarding the experiences of people with disabilities in our province. We have participated in, facilitated and conducted many discussions. I would like to thank each and every person who contributed in any way to these conversations. Your voice is our voice. - Human Rights Consultation, Dept of Justice – (Jan-Mar 2009) Review of the Human Rights Code in Newfoundland and Labrador held focus groups and formed committee with NLACL and COD and made recommendations for improvements to the code. - Youth Retention Consultation, Dept of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE) - December 2008 – held a focus group, youth with disabilities to discuss issues that influence their choice to live in NL. Responses were compiled and a report submitted to HRLE (Dec 2008) - Health Care and Adverse Health Events Consultation, Department of Health & Community Services (HCS) - June 2008 – held a focus group with consumers to discuss how the health care system identifies, assesses, discloses and takes action on adverse events. Report submitted to Dept of HCS, June 2008. - Adult Learning Community Consultation, in consultation with Halifax ILRC- June 2008 – held a focus group with consumers to discuss barriers faced by adult learners. Report compiled and shared with Government of NL and Halifax ILRC. This was followed up by presentation on our findings at the National Symposium for the Adult Learning Knowledge Centre. - Poverty Reduction Consultation, Poverty Reduction Strategy, Dept of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE) - November 2008 – held focus group with consumers, compiled report and submitted. o October 2008 – held focus group with consumers to critique the Guide to Programs and Services for Individuals and Families -- Aging Issues Network Consultation, Dept of Health & Community Services (HCS) - Provided direct feedback to the Dept of HCS regarding home supportive services. (April 2008 – March 2009) -- Voices of the People Community Consultations May-Oct 2008. Participatory Action Research conducted by the ILRC to hear what consumers throughout NL have to say about their experiences living with disability in NL. Report of findings compiled and submitted to Dept of HRLE, Dec 2008) -- ILRC Focus Groups / Community Consultations - Transportation (April 2008) - Housing (April 2008) - Home Supports (April 2008) - Disincentives to Employment (February 2009) This year the ILRC has participated in Working Groups, Conferences, Planning Groups, Workshops, Presentations/ Seminars, Training, Conference Calls, Community Groups, Celebrations/ Program Launches, Fairs/ Exhibits, Annual General Meetings and Community Activities. We have conducted workshops on Independent Living, Career Development, Disability Etiquette, Accessibility, Adaptive Technology, Computers, ON-Line Learning, Health, Diversity and Inclusion. We have provided over 2000 information packages to the community, over 150 Information sessions at the centre, conducted more than 100 Presentations and 75 workshops. Through our programs we have provided over 27,000 individual services in 2008-2009. Our Building We made some improvements to the Building this past year. We wanted to make it more welcoming to consumers and increase the accessibility as best we could. We replaced the automatic doors at the main entrance, installed a small walkway to increase accessibility to the garden, added a ramp to the back shed, replaced the floors, changed lighting and many other things. All in all we invested about $30,000 to improvements in and around the building. Partnerships Inclusion for all people with disabilities can only be achieved through cooperation, collaboration and partnership between governments, private and non-profit sectors. We have wonderful funding partners who support the work of the ILRC. The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador has consistently recognized the value of the work of the ILRC and, as we like to say, “put their money where their mouth is.” The Province has generously supported our programs and services for many years now. It is through the Department of Health and Community Services that we receive a core-operating grant. Our Career Development Program - Full Steam Ahead, the Adaptive Technology and the Independent Living Internship programs are funded through the Province’s Department of Human Resources Labour and Employment (HRLE). The Department clearly values the work that we do and has supported us with our efforts on many levels. We value their input for our programs and services and the relationships we have developed over the years. I’d like to express a special thank you to Ministers’ Susan Sullivan and Ross Wiseman. As well, acknowledge the work of Deputy Minister Ross Reid whose efforts have linked us with so many partners throughout the province and provided the Board and Management invaluable support. Thank you to all of our funders for their continued support, especially: - Province of Newfoundland and Labrador - Department of Health and Community Services - Department of Human Resources Labour and Employment - Department of Education - Government of Canada - Industry Canada - Service Canada - Independent Living Canada - City of St. John’s Para-Transit Committee - Community Foundation of Newfoundland & Labrador International Day In December we held a hugely successful International Day of Persons with Disabilities with over 100 people coming to the centre that day to help us celebrate. The new Minister of HRLE and the Minister responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities - Susan Sullivan was here and was presented the first official copy of “Voices of the People”. She helped us celebrate, acknowledged we have far to go, and added her voice to ours in hopes that some day we will be able to eliminate barriers to inclusion for all persons with disabilities in our province. Also in December, we were visited by our National Director Traci Walters, who was here to work with the ILRC in partnership with the NLACL – NL Association for Community Living, Human Rights Association and Human Rights Commission and the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities (COD). We held a great reception for Traci at the centre where she had the opportunity to meet with consumers, Board and staff. Also in attendance was the Deputy Minister of the Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector, Ross Reid who welcomed Traci and expressed to her, the importance of the ILRC to our province. We spent the week talking to a number of groups about the importance of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities including: Memorial University, St. Johns City Council, Employers Council, Out of the Fog, and an Open Forum at the Health Sciences. Topics discussed included: - The importance of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on changing provincial legislation; - The need to change our concepts of accommodation, in light of the convention, in all public and economic sectors; - The need for inclusion in all areas to achieve a truly humane and civil society as envisaged by the convention. CONSUMER FEEDBACK The second year of the Consumer Satisfaction Survey has been completed. Consumers had lots to say about our programs and services. The Consumer Satisfaction Survey is a tool that we continue to develop and use to gauge people’s level of satisfaction in a relatively immediate way. The results of the 2008 Consumer Satisfaction Survey rated the overall programs and services of the ILRC very favourably. We look forward to continuing this process and hearing directly from consumers on just how we are doing. Some things people had to say about the ILRC: - always friendly & never any fighting - The ILRC is a happy place to be - I’m always treated with respect at the ILRC - supportive - accommodating - the information is excellent - a wonderful place to volunteer - perfect, full of nice people - overall it can be busy & hectic but it is very open to helping people’s needs and has a friendly atmosphere - you don’t have to feel uncomfortable going to the ILRC We thank you for your comments and assure you that we are listening. FAREWELLS & WELCOMES Good Bye and Good Luck to those that have left. We saw one group of IL Interns leave as another began. Summer students came and went, AT Interns “Googled” and were gone. But all who have worked, volunteered, or been part of the ILRC have left some of themselves behind and taken some of us with them as they parted. We know you will continue to advance the philosophy of Independent Living in everything you do. And to those who have joined us – welcome - to the ILRC team. I especially want to welcome Crystal John our new Office Administrator. Crystal started with us in the new-year and fits us like a glove. WORKING TOGETHER We could not continue to do the work that we do without the ongoing support of our volunteers who do so much to advance the work of the Independent Living Resource Centre. Whether you write for the Newsletter, answer a phone, Braille a document, plant a potato, wash a cup, share an idea, support a friend, or change the world; you belong at ILRC. Thank you for always being here. Our Board of Directors commit countless hours of their time to attend meetings, and support the work of the centre. They remain informed on centre activities and are focused on the voices of consumers as we grow at the ILRC. Thank you all for your enthusiasm and dedication. In particular I want to thank Cecilia Carroll the Chairperson of our Board of Directors. Thanks Cecilia, you are a joy to work with! Thank you to the Executive Committee and all Board and Committee members. You are amazing people and contribute so much through your experience and participation. To the staff of the ILRC, thank you so much for your work. As a team, the ILRC staff - is second to none! As you read the Annual Report you will see just how much one determined group of people can accomplish. Our Admin Team – Crystal and Vera. Thanks so much for supporting the work of the centre – You are the grease that keeps the engine running. - Barry Galloway ---------------------- Core Program Coordinator's Report - Susan Ralph The role of the Core Program Coordinator is to coordinate and manage core programs of the ILRC including: Peer Support; Volunteer Services; Career Development; Individual Advocacy; and Information and Networking. The Core program Coordinator works closely with the Executive Director, the IL Internship and Adaptive Technology Coordinators’ to provide information and advice about core programs and selected projects, human resources, personnel issues and emerging IL policy issues in community and governments. The ILRC recognizes the value of people learning from their own disability related experiences. Our programs and services are designed with input from people with disabilities. Through our regular strategic planning processes and on-going feedback mechanisms, the Board of Directors and staff ensure the delivery of services and programs that respond to consumers’ needs. During 2008-2009, the ILRC delivered over 27,000 services through all of its programs. ILRC services are provided to individuals and communities throughout the province. Government, schools, health care facilities, businesses and community organizations also access ILRC services. These services are often delivered through specifically tailored workshops, seminars and consultations. ---------------------- Information & Networking Report - Amanda Lush The Information and Networking Program (I&N) is one of the ILRC’s core programs. It provides people with disabilities, their families and friends and the community at large with information about available disability-related services and resources. I&N responds to information requests and assists consumers to undertake their own information searches. Through one-on-one contact with the Coordinator - in person, on the phone, via e-mail, etc. – people are assisted to find answers to their questions; or helped to establish contact with others who can meet their information needs. Consumers access clear, accurate and practical information in the format of their choice and/or in plain language. Information is sought on a wide range of topics including legislation, community and government services, and disability resources such as audio/video tools. Consumers seeking information also can be linked to dozens of disability related organizations (provincial, national and international) and a range of other resources through the ILRC website and its Community Access Project Site. The I&N Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the production and distribution of the ILRC’s quarterly Black Spruce Newsletter and for maintaining an on-site Resource Library. This Library has information on over 65 different topics and is updated monthly. We have had the opportunity to provide input at many consultations and have participated in numerous committees and with a number of community and government agencies over the past year. Some of these include: Violence Prevention Initiative Executive Committee, Avalon East Regional Caregivers Network Committee, Universal Access Network and the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. Being connected with these committees provides an opportunity to promote Independent Living and Inclusion and to share information and disability resources with other community partners. Workshops and Seminars: We have developed and facilitated many workshops and seminars over the past year. Included in these were: Disability Awareness Fair at MUN; workshops with Horizons Group at Easter Seals, Wiseman Centre, and Outpatients Rehabilitation program of the L. A. Miller Centre, St. John’s Women’s Centre, Eastern Health, and many more. Young Adult Group: The members of the young adult group have gained skills and knowledge to deliver presentations, learn about different resources available in their communities and how to link with these resources. To everyone who makes Information and Networking an exciting place to be , thank-you. You have all shared wonderful gifts of understanding, knowledge, patience, strength and diversity. Looking forward to another exciting year! ---------------------- Career Development (FSA) Report - Stephen Quinn Full Steam Ahead (FSA) is a job search and career exploration program which uses an IL model of service delivery to assist people experiencing significant disability-related barriers to employment and training, and for whom access to more generic services is difficult or impossible.   Through a comprehensive self-assessment process, FSA participants are supported to identify their employment goals and mechanisms for achieving these. The program is self-directed and so all interventions are tailored to an individual’s needs with the consumer identifying the supports and services he/she requires to achieve his/her career goals.   The program provides consumers with information and support, and empowers them to define and move forward on their career aspirations.   FSA participants make informed choices, take risks and control their own career directions. Activities in which they can engage include:   - pre-employment skill development - e.g. resume writing, career goal setting, cover letters, interview skills; - skill and Interest inventories – e.g. identifying personal/job related and transferable skills; - job searches – e.g. accessing information on employment opportunities and being supported to deal with the frustrations associated with job search; - identifying and accessing funding sources and accommodations for both education/training and the workplace.   As well FSA connects participants to other services which also support them to achieve their goals.   Through participation in FSA, consumers learn about the range of community supports offered by other community agencies. Examples include the Y Employment and Enterprise Service; Community Youth Network (CYN); Community Centre Alliance; Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) & Partners for Workplace Inclusion Program (PWIP); the Murphy Centre; and Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).   HRLE and FSA are closely linked through on-going information sharing and a Program Steering Committee which includes representatives from both HRLE’s provincial and regional offices. FSA also is closely linked to the Office of Employment Equity for Persons with Disabilities, the Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Business Service Centre, and is establishing working relationships with HRLE’s Career Information Resource Centres (CIRCs). FSA participants are achieving their goals This past year, most consumers were working on action plans that steered them through job searches, business planning, and career exploration. This year 19 individuals found 20 positions. As the graph below shows, people with many different types of disabilities found employment in various parts of the labour market. Many participants who were successful in finding employment this year have been looking for a while. With support and a little optimism, and sometimes a little optimistic support, we can all move towards our goals. 13% of participants were engaged in creating business plans and exploring their options for financing their business start-up, and 1 individual started their own business. Perhaps one of the most encouraging things I experienced this year was seeing someone with a disability reduce their reliance on income support by starting their own business and then go on to hire their own employee. Many participants were exploring possible careers, and of those, 12 started or continued with their education. Participants are involved in all levels of education, including pursuing degrees at university, studying for certificates and diplomas at colleges, and learning more in courses like ABE. If you’re still looking for that job, or thinking of going back to school, remember you don’t have to get there alone. Together, we can talk about your goals and find a way to move towards them, one step at a time. ---------------------- Peer Support Report - Trudy Marshall The Peer Support program provides persons with disabilities who share similar experiences and circumstances an opportunity to get together in a safe and comfortable environment to talk about their thoughts and feelings; reduce their feelings of isolation; exchange practical information (on inclusion, informed choice, access, leadership, etc); learn from each other; problem solve around barriers; and develop new coping skills.   The Peer Support Program and other staff provide peer support to individuals one to one. A part time Coordinator supports individuals directly and links the consumers with other services at the ILRC or in the wider community. Peer matches are also formed and supported based on each individual’s experiences and goals. The Peer Support Program supported 77 groups for the year. There were 984 participants with most identifying as consumers [see chart]. For information on the young adult group please refer to the Information and Networking report. Thank you to the ILRC Interns and staff, Volunteers, Volunteer Placements, and group members for your support of Peer Support groups. Group members shared experiences, skills, and information at the: Dinner Club, Men's Group, Women's Night, Peer Support Group [Men and Women], Paint Group, Spruce Up Event, Bob Abbott Softball game; Focus group on Grieving and Loss, and the Workshop- Key to Accessibility. Thank you to the supporters of the ILRC and to our partners in the community and government for providing resources and information at our groups. Peer Support program group members shared their thoughts and ideas on the importance of these groups. Consumer Comments “Dinner Club is something to look forward to every six weeks. It’s like a bit of spice that breaks up the mundane routine of life.” “I enjoy every dinner club”. Dinner club members also shared that it is flavourful, sociable, enjoyable and enticing. “Good taste. Good food. I like to meet friends. The food is great By’. It is like one big family.” “I enjoy Dinner Club. It is a nice chance to go out to your favourite restaurant and enjoy… good food and good friends. Also, it is good to see how different restaurants are accessible and how some [restaurant] staff is very supportive and helpful to everyone with different needs. Everyone usually helps each other.” “It’s good how the paint group starts at 2pm and ends at 4 pm every week [on Thursday]”. “Productive, but fun… Lots of variety… [It is] practical for everybody. It is nice to meet new people, very helpful. It is fun to make cards for everyone. I always look forward to paint group.” Paint group members use words like interactive, equality, fun, expressive, and cool to describe the group. “I really enjoy the Paint Group. I find it a very relaxing thing to do, to sit and paint and create different things, also to support others while they express themselves in painting, drawing and colouring. It makes me happy to see others happy that they made something creative and feel like they've accomplished something.” “The Peer Support Group is a time that we can all meet together and have fun. I really enjoy going to the Peer Support Groups. I enjoy meeting with my friends and learning about different things. ILRC always provides a Sign Language Interpreter for me so that I can hear and understand what the speaker is talking about. It also helps me talk to my friends. I want to thank the ILRC for doing this for me.” I attend the Women's Group because there are always nice people to meet up with and I like to help out in any way I can. I am always appreciated for the work that I do and people depend on me too. It is very good socializing and usually there is an interesting topic. We learn something new and have things to share. [It is] very empowering, especially when I participate and get involved with the presenting of the topic or give my own ideas. [Women’s Night provides] a warm and friendly atmosphere ---community, all participating together.” “I really enjoy being part of the peer support program. It has really helped me in developing personal and professional growth through workshop creation and as a consumer. I have also developed new friendships though dinner club and women's night. Thank you” “Although I have not been able to attend any of the groups this past year… I feel that with these groups it allows people the opportunity to come together and share experiences and voice their concerns and collaborate their efforts in making their lives better. They support, encourage, and empower each other in these groups and become a family community which lifts them up and makes them stronger, whether that is only for a moment or a few hours." “As you know I have not been out for a long time now but I often think of the groups I have attended with the [women]. I still think about how much I enjoyed them all but the best part was getting to meet the other [women] in the group. I learned a lot from them... The [women] taught me ways to deal with my disability on a daily basis just by being themselves and accepting me into the group. I shall never forget the warm fuzzy feelings I would get just from that alone.” “I did a workshop in the Men’s Group and Women’s Night on ‘Security at the Bank- Frauds and Scams’. That was a great experience and now I am working with another volunteer on a workshop- Solutions to Paratransit.” The Peer Support program partners with community and government to create situations where partners can learn from each other and identify barriers to living and working in their communities. This program is linked with both HRLE and Eastern Health who refer their clients for one on one support and to access relevant groups. Additionally, the Peer Support Coordinator brings the IL perspective to a number of committees including the Elder Abuse Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador (EACNL).  ---------------------- Volunteer Program Report - Trudy Marshall Through the ILRC’s Volunteer Program individuals are recruited, interviewed and placed depending on their skills, abilities, goals and interests. A part-time Volunteer Coordinator recruits, screens, carries out orientation meetings, provides feedback, and links volunteers and volunteer placements with other programs and opportunities. Volunteers are provided feedback on their activities to ensure both the individual and ILRC are receiving maximum benefit from the placement. Volunteers are encouraged to identify their skills, goals and interests and in doing so they maintain control and ownership over their volunteer experience. It is estimated that in 2008 the total volunteer participation at the ILRC was equal to that of 6.3 full time staff positions. We wish to thank the 145 volunteers who did ‘light up community’ and the ILRC with their work last year. With volunteers, the ILRC is able to provide more information, support, and services to individuals with disabilities. While some individuals volunteer their time for 2 to 3 days a week, others share their talents for a few hours. We appreciate the work of each and every individual. Many volunteers at ILRC identify as consumers, however, other individuals join with us to learn about independent living, disability awareness, and to develop skills related to their education or career interests. Several students volunteered to gain credit for a course at University, while four Nursing Students completed Community Placements in the fall. A young person was supported in their placement arranged through the Horizons Program, Easter Seals. As well, three individuals from Stella Burry workplace programs were supported to gain experience in a workplace setting. The Volunteer program also promotes volunteerism in the community with individuals and on committees. ILRC was represented on the Volunteer Appreciation Week 2009 Committee and the Volunteer Expo 2009- Discover Volunteering Subcommittee. The Debbie Prim Memorial Courtyard Garden Committee was recognized at the Volunteer Week Awards reception at the Sheraton hotel in April. The chairperson of the committee accepted for the committee; most of the committee, 14 volunteers and staff, posed for photos, ate cake, and met with friends, old and new. A recent university graduate supported other ILRC volunteers to produce a Volunteer portfolio. The volunteers provided a brief sketch on their present volunteer position at ILRC, their skills, how they have helped ILRC grow, and how ILRC has affected them. Volunteered talked about how they share experiences and skills, support other consumers and volunteers, and gain skills and confidence. These impact statements reflect the essence of independent living and the principles of the ILRC. Several family members, 40 volunteers, and 10 staff joined together at ILRC on April 23, 2009 to celebrate hard work and great ideas. Thank you again to our volunteers. If you would like to learn more about volunteering, please contact the centre and we will meet with you. Perhaps the overall impact is best summed up by a consumer respondent to the 2008 survey: Volunteering at the ILRC has allowed me to achieve confidence in myself and what I can do for other people. It has introduced me to so many wonderful individuals, who I can't help but learn from along the way. I love everything about my volunteering experience. No matter how challenging some days may be, I learn from and love what I do. It is a wonderful opportunity for me and everyone involved. ---------------------- Individual Advocacy Report - Penny Abbott The Individual Advocacy (IA) program provides one-on-one support to individuals to support them to take control of difficult situations and make informed decisions resulting in positive resolutions. It can help individuals navigate difficult systems which many find confusing due to the maze of programs, jargon, regulations, and paper work; and it supports skill development including learning one’s rights, problem solving, understanding government processes and self advocacy, as well as personal development. The IA Coordinator explains the advocacy process to each program participant and supports them to advocate on their own behalf, in ways that are respectful, enable individual choice and decision making, and allow for dignity of risk. Individuals are provided information, choices and options. They can make informed decisions and take control of their own lives. The number of consumers accessing the program continues to grow. This year 57 individuals accessed the Individual Advocacy Program for the first time. The majority of consumers are from St. John’s and surrounding area however we are seeing a constant increase in individuals from across the entire province. Consumers have requested support with various issues. Some of the key issues were: - Financial Matters including Income Support through the Department of Human Resources Labour and Employment and Department of Health and Community Services, Canada Pension Plan-Disability, WHSCC, Canada / Provincial Student Loan, Disability Insurance Payments (private & group) - Accessible, Affordable, Adequate Housing - Transportation (Medical, Employment, Personal and Leisure purposes) - Home Support (Self-managed and Agency) - NL Prescription Drug Plan - Access to Equipment and Medical Supplies - Human Rights - Legal Issues (Financial, Family and Criminal) - Appeals Processes The Individual Advocacy program has provided a number of self-advocacy skill development and disability awareness workshops. Some of these workshops have been delivered to the AIDS Committee of NL Women’s Retreat, Ocean Works Business Development, International Exchange students from Disabled Persons International (DPI), ILRC Summer Student Placements, St. John’s Women’s Centre, Travel and Tourism students of Academy Canada, 3rd year nursing students at the Centre, Computer Club of the ILRC Adaptive Technology program, 43 Students of MUN in the Women’s Studies Program and the Youth with Disabilities Support Group at the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre. Like all ILRC programs, the Individual Advocacy program has been invited to consult and advise on an increasing number of committees and working groups, both with not-for–profit organizations and directly with provincial government. Some of these have included: Review of the NL Human Rights Code Consultation; The St. John’s Youth Protocol Committee; Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability Community Development Committee; Accessibility Audit of the HRL&E new Duckworth Street location; NL Prescription Drug Program Consultation; Blue Zone Advisory Committee under Department of Government Services; St. John’s Para-transit Advisory Committee; Disability Services Working Group (a sub committee under the White Paper Task Force); Marine Atlantic Accessibility Advisory Committee; Task Force on Adverse Health Events, Department of Health and Community Services; Access Denied Consultation hosted by the Canadian Treatment Action Council (CTAC); “Improving the Environment of the Waterford Hospital consultation hosted by the Schizophrenia Society of NL; Provincial Housing Strategy Consultation hosted by Newfoundland Labrador Housing; Attended Round table discussion with the Dr. Bennett, Liberal Party; St. John’s Mayor’s Advisory Committee of the Status of Persons with Disabilities, housing and homelessness Consultation, hosted by the City of Mount Pearl. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved throughout the year with the Individual Advocacy Program. You’re sharing of valuable knowledge and expertise has truly supported the programs success. ---------------------- Adaptive Technology Report - Donna Greene Through the ILRC’s Adaptive Technology (AT) program we offer AT related services to consumers and organizations throughout Newfoundland & Labrador. The primary focus of the AT Program involves bringing awareness of AT to people who need it, offering them the opportunity to try it out and helping them find ways to own the AT that works for them. Projects Thanks to continued support from the Community Access Program (Department of Education) our CAP site has been as busy as ever this year. We’ve also been able to purchase three new computers, do some hardware upgrades, and purchased some new AT products. We have continued our bi-weekly computer workshops and one-on-one support with consumers learning about computers. We were able to partake in a new funding initiative available through CAP this year – the Innovation Fund. In August 2008, we submitted a proposal which was accepted. The project we completed augmented our annual Industry Canada Youth Initiative project and allowed us to complete two major undertakings – a series of quick start manuals to support the learning of AT software and an Adaptive Technology Tech Camp. Manuals – The goal for this part of the project was to create a guide that was easy to read and would make learning easier. We created draft formats for software such as JAWS, Kurzweil, Zoomtext, Dragon NaturallySpeaking and WordQ/SpeakQ. We then asked consumers who use the technologies to proofread our drafts and provide feedback on areas that were good and areas to improve. Final editions are available from the ILRC website (www.ilrc-nl.ca) . AT Tech Camp – In February 2008 we partnered with College of the North Atlantic (Prince Phillip campus) to host our event. We brought together several community organizations, government agencies and industry representatives to showcase the Adaptive Technology resources that are available in our community. We had a great turnout and feedback from the event was very positive. The 2008-2009 AT Team Over the course of the year, the AT team has had the privilege of working with some great “tech-minded” people. In April 2008, the AT program partnered with the IL Internship program and began working with an IL intern who had a keen interest in technology and learning more about AT. This partnership continued throughout the year and proved to be a great support to the AT program. In July-August 2008 we received funding from Service Canada (HRSDC) to offer employment to two post-secondary students (one via SWASP). Both students had an interest in technology so worked as part of the AT program. In October, through our Adaptive Technology Youth Internship (funded through Industry Canada’s CAP-YI), we were able to employ 11 youth across the province. This year we had one provincial youth coordinator, 2 regional youth coordinators and 8 youth interns. Interns were located in St. John’s, Clarenville, Grand Falls-Windsor and Corner Brook. AT Reaching Across the Province Awareness of Adaptive Technology is increasing throughout the province. Over the past year, we’ve been able to visit several towns in Newfoundland & Labrador to talk about AT, including Carbonear, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, Stephenville, Marystown, Gander and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. We’ve partnered with College of the North Atlantic campuses, HRLE’s new Career Work Centres, local community organizations, and schools in order to get the word out there. It has been great to be able to build relationships with these groups and to be able to provide support around AT wherever we can. Other Activities Delivering AT presentations to community organizations, government departments, schools, and other groups continues to be a big part of what we do. This year we did 30 of these presentations from St. John’s to Stephenville to Happy Valley-Goose Bay. We hosted 25 computer club workshops, which informed consumers about a variety of computer related topics, such as Internet safety, digital photography, cyber bullying, and PC troubleshooting. We supported 40 consumers to learn about Adaptive Technology and computers in general through one-on-one weekly consults. ILRC Technical Support As part of the AT program’s everyday activities, we provide tech support to ILRC staff and volunteers to make sure all technology is up to par and our information is secure. This includes performing regular maintenance, ensuring anti-virus programs are active and up-to-date, troubleshooting when things go wrong, and supporting individuals to do things themselves. Firewall – This year we implemented a new firewall system which works to keep all ILRC computer systems and electronic information safe. Website – Work began on updating the ILRC website to provide the most up-to-date information and to increase accessibility. The website has also moved to a new host server which allows us to track more detailed information about how people are using the site. The new website is www.ilrc-nl.ca. CAP room – Thanks to CAP operational funding we acquired three new computers, a new scanner, and upgrades to four computers to increase their speed and efficiency. We also acquired the latest version of JAWS (screen reader software). Thank You At this time, I’d like to take the opportunity to say thank you to each member of the AT Steering Committee for their continued guidance and support throughout the year. I’d also like to thank all the staff of the ILRC for the support they offer to the AT program. But mostly I’d like to say thank you to our consumers – for helping shape the AT program into what it is today - and our volunteers - for lending such a wealth of skills and knowledge to the CAP room and the whole AT program. I very much look forward to working with each of you again in the upcoming year. ---------------------- IL Internship Report - Kathy Hawkins Program Two of the IL Internship Program got underway at the beginning of April with emphasis placed on recruitment and program promotion across Newfoundland and Labrador. In early April we completed a series of Information Sessions about the program in various communities across the province to inform communities about our Program Goals and Objectives. Within the first couple of months program interest was raised and we received applications from candidates for the Intern positions in all areas where we completed Information Sessions. These areas include Stephenville, Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, Clarenville, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Interns were hired in all these locations with staff starting work in the middle of June. In our St. John’s location we were fortunate to receive approval from HRLE to use funding from our Program One allocations to hire an additional two Interns, bringing our total to six Interns in St. John’s In early July all Interns travelled to St. John’s to participate in a full week of orientation and training. Staff learned more about the philosophy of Independent Living, Programs and Services offered by the ILRC, developed a workshop to be piloted within their communities on Disability Awareness and Inclusion, career portfolio development, and began developing a network list of resources currently available for people with disabilities within their communities. Once training was complete regional interns returned to their communities ready to conduct research and gather resources to develop Community Resource Guides for each community and work on individual portfolios while St. John’s Interns were matched with Core Coordinators of the ILRC to commence work placements. The IL Internship Program is comprised of two components to support individuals with disabilities to in their personal career development. The Skills Development component provides opportunities for Interns to continue to work on developing personal career portfolios articulating transferable skills they will develop throughout the time with the program. Our Work Placement Component provides opportunities for Interns to gain valuable experiences and skills to support their active job search upon completion of the program. During Work Placements, Interns were responsible to complete a series of tasks they developed through their work plans. For St John’s Interns a sample of these included: - A complete reorganization and update of the ILRC Community Resource Library - Facilitating workshops on Disability Awareness & Inclusion - Participation in public forum regarding barriers in communities (Voices of the People) - Organizing and hosting a series of career development workshops - Creating a series of tools to support consumers in completing applications - Hosting a series of workshops designed around computers & adaptive technology - Organizing a Disability Awareness Fair – Southcott Hall For Regional Interns a sample of these included: - creation of Intern Press Kits to share within communities - Published articles in various local newspapers on topics such as accessibility, affordable housing, inclusion and Independent Living - Coordinating a series of workshops within communities - Develop Community Resource Guides for rural communities - Presentations in province-wide gov’t consultations including the Pre Budget and Human Rights Consultations - Host public forums in each community – Voices of the People Program Partnerships with Government and Community Through the IL Internship Program, the ILRC has developed a unique partnership with Human Resources Labour & Employment at the various Career Work Centre locations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. In St. John’s our IL Placement Coordinator manages the placements of our six interns on a rotating schedule, with the Coordinator supporting interns during their CWC placements. During these schedule times, Interns work from the Career Work Centre locations on Duckworth St. and Regatta Plaza, providing services to HRLE clients as they work towards their career goals. Interns have supported clients in using computers and assisted individuals in setting up email accounts, conducting an online job search and have coordinated Information Sessions where representatives from community groups come to the CWC to provide program information and materials to HRLE Clients. St. John’s Interns have also created information tables and additional printed resources to share with CWC patrons specifically on topics of awareness and public education on career development and disability awareness. Regional Interns in Clarenville and Grand Falls-Windsor are currently on placement at their CWC for a portion of their week while some Interns are still waiting for the opening of CWC in Stephenville, Corner Brook, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. These locations are expected to open in the new fiscal year. This year we have worked really hard on developing our community networks in all regions which have not existed before, and have gathered a series of Letters of Support for the IL Internship Program. Samples of these include: - College of the North Atlantic – Clarenville, GFW, HVGB, CBrook, Sville - Canadian Hard of Hearing Assoc. – HVGB - Chamber of Commerce – Clarenville - CHANNAL – Grand Falls Windsor - Easter Seals – Corner Brook - GATHER – Clarenville - Community Mental Health Initiative – Corner Brook - Ability Employment Corporation – Clarenville - Community Education Network – Stephenville - Labrador Friendship Centre – HVGB Community Workshops Within this fiscal year we have offered a variety of workshops and training to our community partners as well as to HRLE CWC staff in all regions of the province. To date well over 450 people have participated in our workshop series and training has been completed with HRLE in all Career Work Centres that are currently open. As new Centres open in the next fiscal year we will continue to complete these awareness and adaptive technology sessions. This chart reflects workshops completed within a three month period in the Internship Program. IL Internship-AT Workshop – CWC Clarenville National Award – Allan Simpson Award The IL Internship Program has been the recipient of the 2008 Allan Simpson Award from our national office, IL Canada. This award was received based on our programming and creating independence for people with disabilities regardless of their types of disabilities. We are extremely pleased with this recognition given that our program is still very new to our Centre and the province. A copy of our certification follows. Future Plans As HRLE continues to open Career Work Centres in new locations throughout the province, we are seeking additional funds from HRLE/Poverty Reduction Strategy to expand our program to continue to complement services to consumers in new rural locations and offer new tools for community development through the establishment of a virtual Community Resource Guide ---------------------- Building Expansion Committee's Report The building expansion committee and the board of directors has been working very hard to prepare for a further expansion of our building. We recognize that in the long term we need a full accessible state of the art facility but that may well be a long-term goal. In the meantime we must do something to address the current need. In February 2009 the Board, staff and volunteers met to re-evaluate our current situation and the Board confirmed the following course of action. - To (re)confirm the need to continue to move toward our long term goal of securing / creating a new fully accessible state of the art facility but to acknowledge that this will not be possible in the short term; - A funding proposal be prepared and presented to the provincial government. This proposal will request funds necessary to enable the hiring of additional staff positions and associated increased operational and administrative funding. As well request additional one-time funding for an expansion to the existing building. ---------------------- IL Canada Representative's Report - Michelle Murdoch Independent Living Canada is a national organization, based in Ottawa, that helps support the network of Independent Living Centres throughout Canada. Across Canada, there are about 28 centres but this number changes as more are added and as some close. There is no one name for Independent Living Centres and in fact there is a wide variety of names for the various centres. Within the IL Canada Board there are provincial representatives and members-at large. The provincial representatives are associated directly with IL centres and this is why ILRC – St John’s chooses the provincial representative. If there was more than one centre, someone would be chosen, every two years, on a rotating basis by each centre. It is challenging to work on a national board because you are just one voice in both a large country and on a large board of Directors. Including the Past Chair there are nineteen Directors, eight as Provincial representatives and the rest, according to IL Canada web site, are members at large or executive. This fall the annual general meeting was held in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. Barry Galloway, Cecilia Carroll, Brian Conway, and I attended for NL. Those representing our centre had some issues with the manner in which we were asked to elect members-at-large for the IL Canada Board of Directors. We asked that our concerns be noted in the minutes and we were told these concerns would be examined more closely before the next elections. The face-to-face Board of Directors meeting was cancelled. It is my understanding that the Harper government has changed how funds are given out to community groups and money that once flowed for various projects is no longer available. As well core operating funds that normally arrive in April, at the start of a new fiscal year, have not yet arrived. As a result IL Canada has a deficit budget for the past year and is working to control the projected deficit predicted to follow this year. The ILRC – ST John’s has supported some of the concerns within the national office by paying for its Executive Director to attend the annual ED Forum this May. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Murdoch ------------------ Joanne MacDonald, O.C., O.N.L. Officer - Order of Canada On December 12, 2008 Governor General Michaëlle Jean inducted Joanne MacDonald into the Order of Canada in the Officer Designation. The ILRC hosted an Open House in Joanne’s honour shortly upon her return from Ottawa. "The Order of Canada, our country’s highest civilian honour, was created in 1967 during Canada’s centennial year to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation. Over the last 40 years, more than 5,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order." Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada. A powerful role model, Joanne has spent decades fighting to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities and to making Canada more inclusive. After achieving outstanding success as an elite wheelchair athlete, she became an outspoken advocate for people with disabilities, helping to empower her peers by challenging stereotypes and promoting equality. As a member of various organizations at the provincial and national levels, she has been a key contributor to the development of the independent living movement. Joanne’s dedication and passion to the Independent Living Resource Centre is apparent in her more than twenty years of active volunteering with our centre. She has served several terms on our Board of Directors and complementary committees. ------------------ Debbie Prim Memorial Garden Committee's Report The Debbie Prim Memorial Courtyard & Garden is blooming! All winter long, in the hearts and minds of our Gardeners and Garden Committee Members, flowers have been taking root.  We’ve been dreaming of vegetables and the smell of blooming Lilac trees. And this year, something truly wonderful and unexpected has occurred… Spring! - The Debbie Prim Memorial Courtyard and Garden was started to honour Debbie and her love of flowers.  The Garden, created by people living with disabilities and in the spirit of accessibility, still has an accessible pathway and wheelchair swing, and now we’ve added several accessible flower beds.  Show up during strawberry season and you can pick your own. In the past two years, consumers have also started a vegetable garden.  Last year’s harvest provided close to three hundred meals. Want to learn how to cook a good pot of soup? Then come by during our fall harvest.  We’re thinking green, and eating more healthy and local foods. People of all abilities are finding room to grow in our Garden. Want to be involved? Our Gardening Committee meets monthly and there’s always a weed that needs plucking. Come to learn, share your knowledge, or simply stop by to smell the flowers. Information Sessions & Presentations delivered to… - AT Overviews to Career Work Centre staff in Carbonear, Corner Brook, Stephenville, and Grand Falls-Windsor - AT presentations to members of the general public in Carbonear, Corner Brook, Stephenville, and Grand Falls-Windsor - AT presentation to Breaking Barriers Youth Group - TTY Training to a group of staff from HRLE’s Income Support Division - AT presentation to IL Interns (Program 2) - AT Overview to Special Services Staff of Burin Peninsula schools at Sacred Heart Academy, Marystown - AT Training to Career Work Centre staff in Grand Falls-Windsor - AT Overview to Career Work Centre staff in Gander - AT Presentation to CWC staff and GATHER group in Clarenville - AT Overview to Special Services Teachers at Queen Elizabeth Regional High School, Foxtrap - AT Overview to members of the public - Happy Valley-Goose Bay - AT Overview to Special Services staff at Stella Marris High School, Trepassey - AT Overview to Special Services staff at Booth Memorial High School, St. John's - Summer Staff of the Murphy Centre - Skills Link Group “Rabbit Town Community Centre” - Recreation Department “ Waterford Hospital” - Eastern Health “Young Adult CF Program” - St. Clare’s “Day Treatment Program” - Compu College “Therapeutic Recreation Students” - Tommy Sexton Centre - Miller Centre Outpatient Program - Seniors Resource Centre - SJSWC Women’s Centre - Memorial University “Nursing Students, Social Work Students” - Women’s Resource Centre “MUN” - Academy Canada “ Therapeutic Recreation Students” - Stella Burry Hope Works Program - NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre - Keyin College “Therapeutic Recreation Students” - Metrobus - Horizon Program “ Easter Seals” - Public Health Nurse’s - District School Board - Central Health - Opening Doors program - Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, NL - Christmas Hampers “Salvation Army” - Emmanuel House - Children’s Rehabilitation Youth Group - FSA - Alternate Family Care, Eastern Health - FSA - Career Information Resource Centre, HRLE - FSA -“Youth The Futures” program participants, CCRW - FSA -Teachers on Wheels - FSA -Youth Group, Janeway - FSA - Office of Employment Equity for Person’s with Disabilities - FSA - Y Enterprise and Employment - FSA -HRLE - FSA - Murphy Centre - FSA - Partner’s for Workplace Inclusion - FSA - New Beginnings, Stella Burry Community Services - Staff of the Murphy Centre; Skills Link Group, Rabbit Town Community Centre; Recreation Department of the Waterford Hospital; Eastern Health, Young Adult CF Program - St. Clare’s Day Treatment Program - Compu College - Therapeutic Recreation Students - Tommy Sexton Centre - Miller Centre Outpatient Program - Seniors Resource Centre - SJSWC Women’s Centre - Memorial University “Nursing Students, Social Work Students” - Women’s Resource Centre “MUN” - Academy Canada “ Therapeutic Recreation Students” - Stella Burry Hope Works Program - Keyin College “Therapeutic Recreation Students” - Metrobus - Horizon Program “Easter Seals” - Public Health Nurse’s - District School Board - Central Health - Opening Doors program - Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, NL - Christmas Hampers “Salvation Army” - Emmanuel House - Jane way Youth Group - Christmas on a Budget - Mixed Ability Dance by Calla LaChance, NDW publicity - Supported women of the Association for New Canadians to learn English, learn about Culture, Inclusion and Access - Internship Program Public Information Sessions in Carbonear, Clarenville, Grand Falls Windsor, Corner Brook, Stephenville - Internship Program Workshops to Career Work Centres in Carbonear, Corner Brook, Stephenville, Grand Falls-Windsor - “Voices of the People” Public Forums in Carbonear, Clarenville, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, Stephenville, & Happy Valley-Goose Bay - Disability Awareness and Inclusion Seminars to Career Work Staff in Clarenville, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Stephenville. We connected with over 85 HRLE Staff - Disability Awareness and Inclusion Workshops in Clarenville, GFW, HVGB, Corner Brook, Stephenville, and two in St. John’s - Voices of the People Follow Up Sessions – Creating Solutions in Clarenville, Grand Falls-Windsor, Happy Valley Goose Bay, Corner Brook, and Stephenville Internal Activities and Special Events - IL Quilt Project – learn the skill of sewing, peer support – Partnership with the Brother T.I. Murphy Centre, Harbourside Studio. - Spruce –Up Event - Celebration of International Day of Person’s with Disability - ILRC Art Auction - ILRC Staff Appreciation Day - Staff Orientations -OHS - ILRC BBQ - ILRC Board / Staff Strategic Planning Day’s - Stress in the Workplace, Canadian Mental Health Association - Volunteer Appreciation Event 2007/2008 - ILRC Building expansion forum - ILRC Board Orientation Session - International Day of Persons with Disabilities Open House - Reception for Order of Canada recipient Joanne MacDonald - Soup Boil-up (Fall Harvest of ILRC) on UN World Food Day - Voices of the People - A Public Forum for People with Disabilities - Community Independence Workshop, IL Interns CAP Room - Adaptive Technology Open House with special guests from Bridges Canada - Sign Language classes - ILRC AGM 2006-2007 - Annual Barbeque at Sunshine Park - Christmas Dinner & Dance Workshops: - Career Development Workshop, “Career Cruising”, ILRC CAP Room - Career Development Workshop, Using NOC Codes”, ILRC CAP Room - Career Development Workshop, “How would you prepare for an interview?” - Career Development Workshop, “What would you do at a Job Fair?” - Independent Living - Disability Etiquette - Accessibility - Health & Wellness - “Empowerment & Self-Advocacy” - Diversity and Inclusion Peer Support Groups: - Men’s Group Workshops - Sexual Assault. Presented by the NL Sexual Assault crisis and Prevention centre. - Security at the Bank- Photo IDs on Bank cards, Joey Power, ILRC member and Alicia Cox, Seniors Resource Centre - Mixed Ability Dance by Calla LaChance, Newfoundland Dance Works publicity - “Healthy Aging” – Dr. Wendy Young, Canada Research Chair in healthy Aging MUN & Dr. Michelle Ploughman, Research in Neuroscience, Miller Centre - Diabetes Prevention presented by Canadian diabetes Association, Amanda Dillon and Brian Conway - Safe Surfing, Gerard Blyde & Jeff Thornhill - Railway Coastal Museum Tour - Kitchen Party and Mummering. Department of Recreation, Hoyles-Escasoni Health Care Facility - Women’s Group Workshops - ‘Cultural Christmas Kitchen Party’ Supported women of the Association for New Canadians to learn English, learn about Culture, Inclusion and Access - Sexual Assault. Presented by the NL Sexual Assault crisis and Prevention centre - Women In Business- Healthy Chocolate, Angie Rose - Women In Business- Avon- Kim Underhay - Presentation on Diabetes prevention presented by Canadian Diabetes Association - Safety and Self- Protection, Constable Kevin Foley from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Safe Communities - Christmas on a Budget - Mixed Ability Dance by Calla LaChance, NDW publicity - Introduction to DRAIN- Disability Rights Are Indeed Neglected, Angie Rose - IL Quilt Artist’s Statements - Paint Group - Sold Christmas cards at the Farmer’s Market - Collage- Created Art for Volunteer Appreciation cards - Discussion of ceramics and shared information using different 3-D media - Independent Living Quilt Artist’s Statements - Dinner Club - Discussion of Accessibility at the following restaurants- Magic Wok, Boston Pizza, Fog City, Pasta Plus, Hong Kong restaurant, Montana’s Restaurant - Catered Dinner by Hungry Heart Café, Stella Burry - Youth Group - Let’s Talk Tech - Communication and Real Time captioning - How to Live Independently: A Young Person’s View Information Booths: - Disability Awareness Fair – Southcott Hall - International Women’s Day Fair, MUN - Disability Awareness Week, Confederation Building - Career Day, Community Youth Network - Canada Career Week, HRLE - Seniors Resource Centre - Connections for Youth, St. Teresa’s Parish Hall - Lifelong Learning Symposium & Fair - Emmanuel House Health Fair - MUN’S Pensioners Association - Women’s Resource Centre (MUN) – International Women’s Day - Career Week, HRLE - Tech Camp “College of the North Atlantic” - Disability Awareness Fair “MUN” - Violence Prevention Initiative Conference - CCRW Fair - Information Fair promoting Disability Awareness in Grand Falls-Windsor - National Symposium Adult Learning Knowledge Centre Computer Clubs: - Adaptive Technology 101 - Computer Basics 1 - Computer Basics 2 - Introduction to MS Excel - Things to do Online - Free Adaptive Technology - Digital Photography - PC Troubleshooting - Burning CDs - How to Protect your PC - Introduction to MS PowerPoint - MS Office 2003 - Laptops vs. Desktops - Building a Webpage using HTML - Cyber Bullying - Sending E-Cards - Things to Know Before Buying a Computer - Windows XP vs. Windows Vista: What’s the Difference? - Online Shopping - Internet Safety - Portable Media - Online Forms ILRC Representative – External Meetings - Metro Business Opportunities - Y Enterprise & Employment - New Beginnings, Stella Burry Community Services, - Partners for Workplace Inclusion Program, Canadian Council on Work and Rehabilitation - Murphy Centre - Employment Action, Ready Set Work, Youth Works Well, Youth Empowerment Strategies, Mentoring Connections and Community Youth Arts Programs, Newfoundland & Labrador/Canada Business Service Centre - Y-Enterprise Job Fair - NL Works – Graduate Employment Program – Employment Action Program, HRLE - ISSP/Pathways Provincial Inclusion Initiative - Student Support Services Advisory Group (Department of Education) - Adaptive Technology Support Network Focus Groups/ Consultations: - Human Rights Consultation, Department of Justice - Youth Retention Consultation, Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE) - Health Care and Adverse Health Events Consultation, Department of Health & Community Services (HCS) - Poverty Reduction Consultation, Poverty Reduction Strategy, Dept of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE) - Aging Issues Network Consultation, Dept of Health & Community Services (HCS) - Adult Learning Knowledge Centre National Symposium A discussion of adult learning issues from the perspective of five Atlantic Canadian communities: Aboriginal, African-Canadian, Francophone, Immigrants, and Learners with Disabilities. Panelists: Barb Martin, Aboriginal Community Outreach Sunday Miller, African-Canadian Community Outreach Lorette Chiasson, Francophone Community Outreach Donna McLean, Immigrant Community Outreach Barry Galloway, Learners with Disabilities Community - Senate Subcommittee on Cities met with representatives from the community and participated in a roundtable discussion on poverty, housing and homelessness – the committee is conducting a study of major Canadian cities with an initial focus on poverty, housing and homelessness – Barry Galloway, ED made presentation to the committee - Voices of the People Community Consultations - ILRC Focus Groups / Community Consultations - Transportation (April 2008) - Housing (April 2008) - Home Supports (April 2008) - Poverty Reduction Strategy - Human Rights Participation in External Events: - Presentations to the Pre-Budget Consultation Committee – Minister Jerome Kennedy(All regional locations) - Information Tables at events such as International Day of Persons with Disabilities – College of the North Atlantic – Stephenville - Program Presentation – National Conference CCRW – St. John’s NL - Living Wage Forum in Corner Brook - Participation in a Prior Learning Assessment Workshop hosted through NL Literacy Coalition (Corner Brook, GFW, St. John’s, HVGB) - Municipal Public Consultations – Strategic Planning- Education on community accessibility (Corner Brook & Clarenville) - Steering Committee for the Coalition on Wellness – Clarenville - Participation in Meetings with the Committee on Homelessness – Clarenville - Participated in Poverty Reduction Strategy Consultations with Minister Shawn Skinner – HVGB, GFW, Stephenville, Clarenville, Corner Brook - Participated in Human Rights Code Public Consultation – All Regional Locations - Violence Awareness and Action Training – Grand Falls Windsor - Attended Consultations with the Central Housing and Homelessness Network – Grand Falls-Windsor - Violence Prevention Workshop – Bay St. George Women’s Centre - Open House – International Day of Persons with Disabilities – Lake Melville Employment Corporation-CPA – Happy Valley Goose Bay - Helping Skills Workshop – Happy Valley Goose Bay. Hosted by the local Social Services dept of the HVGB Hospital - Lessons from Quebec on Community Enterprise, Community Services Council - Building Community Enterprise Workshop, Community Services Council - Canada Summer Jobs Information Session, Service Canada - Career Week, HRLE Regatta Plaza II - Career Information Resource Centre Visit, HRLE - Banking and Small Business, Royal Bank of Canada – Guest Advisor Program, Newfoundland & Labrador/Canada Business Service Centre - Community Capacity Building Program presentation, Department of Trade Innovation and Rural Development – Lunch and Learn, Community Youth Network - Service Canada Centre for Youth Open House - Social Economy and Sustainable Research Network of Atlantic Canada Information Session - CCRW Employment Now! National Conference - Y-Enterprise Job Fair - ISSP/Pathways Provincial Inclusion Initiative Press Conference, Minister Joan Burke - Provincial Forum on Adverse Health Events - Public Dialogue on Employment hosted by Newfoundland & Labrador Association for Community Living - The Coalition of Persons with Disabilities (COD) forum on Poverty and Disability - Launch of Poverty Reduction Strategy’s Guide to Programs and Services for Individuals and Families - College of the North Atlantic’s “Partner Appreciation Day” - Training on Conflict coaching with CAV - CAV Committee meeting - Breaking the Cycle –“Youth homelessness Conference” - CAV Awareness and Action Training - Avalon East Caregivers Meeting - Supportive Housing for Persons with Complex mental health needs - OH&S Training - Engaging Youth as Community Citizenship Workshop - Service Canada Centre for Youth - Volunteer Week 2009, Proclamation Signing at City Hall - Volunteer Week 2009, Volunteer Luncheon - National Pain Awareness Week Conference, NL Long Term Pain Association - Tommy Sexton Centre Christmas Open House - Bob Abbott Memorial Softball Game, Longside Club - Attended and participated in the annual/provincial meetings of the Aging Issues Network - Attended Press Release from the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities (COD) – NL on Poverty and Disability - Public Dialogue on employment hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living - ISSP/ Pathways Provincial Inclusion Initiative – Attended Press conference about changes in program - Provincial Forum on Adverse Health Events - AGM, Seniors Resource Centre Association of NL - AGM, CNIB - AGM, Coalition of Persons with Disabilities COD-NL - Health and Art, Memorial University of NL Faculty of Medicine, Waterford Institute of Technology, visiting Scholars, Ireland - Volunteer Week 2008 Youth Art Mural Creation, Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador - Volunteer Week 2008 Youth Event, the Lantern, Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador - Volunteer Week 2008 Award Ceremony, The Fairmont, Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador - Tax Clinic, Volunteer from the Canada Revenue Agency, Government of Canada, Hosted by ILRC - Reception Marine Atlantic- New vessel – Atlantic Vision Involvement on External Committees: - City of St. John’s Para-Transit Committee - Avalon East Caregivers - Marine Atlantic Accessibility Advisory Committee - Coalition of Persons with Disabilities (COD) - NL - Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) - Independent Living Canada - St. John’s Mayor’s Advisory committee on the Status of persons with disabilities - Blue Zone Advisory Committee, Department of Government Services - Newfoundland and Labrador Long-term Pain Association - Elder Abuse Committee of NL - Violence Prevention Initiative Executive Committee - Avalon East Regional Caregivers Network Committee - Universal Access Network - Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador - Building Worker Service Program, Salvation Army - Art and Health Affinity Group, Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Applied Health Research - Volunteer Week 2009 Committee and Volunteer Expo Sub-Committee, Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador - Social Recreation Committee for Persons with Disability, Stella Burry - Youth Protocol Committee, A collection of representatives from both federal and provincial governments and local service providers. - Member of the Steering Committee for the Community Mental Health Initiative – Corner Brook - Steering Committee for the East Coast Music Awards – Corner Brook Out of the Fog - The importance of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on changing provincial legislation – Anna McQuarry, CACL, Susan Ralph, CCD, Barry Galloway ILRC. General - Radio Talk Show Interviews, Newspaper article submissions, interviews with related press. Voices of the People - Hosted a series of radio spots on Violence against People with Disabilities for Violence Prevention Month – Stephenville CBC Radio - Radio Noon Cross Talk to discuss Disincentives to Employment for People with Disabilities– Michelle Murdoch, Barry Galloway, ILRC - Radio Noon Cross Talk to discuss Issues around Accessible Transportation – Michelle Murdoch, Barry Galloway, ILRC - Morning Show Corner Brook – Voices of the People Public Forum – Barry Galloway, ILRC - Interview regarding UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities – Susan Ralph, COD, Barry Galloway, ILRC - Interview regarding Accessible Housing – Barry Galloway, ILRC - Interview on Cross-Talk about common issues that persons with disabilities face. – Susan Ralph- ILRC - International Day of Persons with Disabilities - Susan Ralph, COD Barry Galloway, ILRC CBC Television - “The Future of Home Care in NL” – Susan Ralph, COD, ILRC VOCM - Open Line – Public Disability Forum – Voices of the People – Barry Galloway, ILRC - Exploration of Home Support Issue and Issues around Accessible Housing – Barry Galloway, ILRC - International Day of Persons with Disabilities – Susan Ralph, COD, Barry Galloway, ILRC NTV - International Day of Persons with Disabilities – Susan Ralph, COD, Barry Galloway, ILRC THE TELEGRAM - International Day of Persons with Disabilities – Susan Ralph, COD, Barry Galloway, ILRC - Voices of the People – Barry Galloway, ILRC - UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities – Barry Galloway ------------------ Treasurer's Report - Cynthia Howlett It is my pleasure to present the 2008-2009 financial statements for the Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC).   Total Revenue for the year ended March 31, 2008 was $966,473   Total Expenditures were $948,695. Resulting in a Net Surplus of $17,778. Again this year there were projects that provided valuable work and learning experiences to the Centre.  Health and Community Services, Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Industry Canada, Services Canada, Department of Education, and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Agreement have financially supported projects undertaken by the ILRC for the Community access Program.    I would like to take this opportunity to thank the various Departments and funding agencies that support the work of the ILRC.  Appreciation is extended to the Provincial Departments of Health & Community Services and Human Resources Labour & Employment that have again continued their ongoing support.  The official representatives of each of these Departments have been most helpful.  As well, HRSDC continues to offer support to Independent Living Centres across the country through Independent Living Canada.  We commend their commitment to the Independent Living Movement.   I would also like to thank Network Rhythm and Compusult and Husky Energy.  The support offered by these organizations throughout the year is valuable to the Centre and very much appreciated.    In addition to the support of these organizations, individual and business donations continue to be much appreciated.  As well, the tremendous wealth of skills, expertise and hard work that is given freely by volunteers is a strong component of the centre. Thank you to the members of the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers – your commitment to the fiscal health of the ILRC is very much recognized and appreciated. ------------------ Funding Partners A sincere thank you to our funding partners! Province of Newfoundland & Labrador: - Department of Human Resources, Labour & Employment - Department of Health & Community Services Government of Canada: - Industry Canada - Service Canada And … - Independent Living Canada Thank you to the corporate bodies that made generous cash and in-kind donations to the ILRC this year: Network Rhythm Compusult Ltd. Husky Energy ------------------ 11 Years of Milestones 1997 Civic # 4 Board of Directors and membership vote to become an Independent Living Resource Centre The ILRC becomes an associate member of the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC) The Black Spruce logo is created to reflect endurance, community & growth for the ILRC 1st Annual Christmas Open House 1998 Official ILRC opening, ribbon cutting with Hon. Julie Bettney (April 18, 1998) First edition of the ILRC Black Spruce newsletter (May 1998) First Annual General Meeting of the ILRC (Jun 1998) 1999 ILRC website officially launched with support from Xwave (January 1999) 2000 First COD/ILRC Children’s Party Cecilia Collier, ILRC member, receives the First CAILC Consumer of Excellence Aware, sponsored by Canadian Labour Congress (October 2000) 2001 ILRC Community Access Program site launched, ribbon cutting with Hon. Brian Tobin, Hon. Judy Foote, Hon. Walter Noel, Karen Westcott, Cecilia Carroll (February 2001) ILRC creates IL Mural as contribution to the great Millennium Project ILRC membership crosses the 200 mark 2002 ILRC selected by Industry Canada as local Web-4-All Champion (September 2002) Official sod-turning ceremony for the Debbie Prim Memorial Garden (November 2002) 2003 ILRC receives full accreditation as an IL Centre in Canada ILRC team wins Annual Bob Abbott Memorial Softball Tournament (August 2003) ILRC receives the National Alan Simpson Award for Excellence in Programming (October 2003) 2004 ILRC becomes Provincial Champion and rolls out Web-4-All throughout the province 2005 ILRC unites with Memorial University to complete research and to discuss and providing training on website accessibility ILRC CAP is recognized as a “Centre of Excellence” ILRC receives Occupational Therapists Award and is nominated for the prestigious Donner Foundation Award for Excellence in Non-Profit ILRC launches plans for building expansion to accommodate the growing demand for service at the Centre 2006 ILRC secures funding through HRLE for the Adaptive Technology Program ILRC receives the national John Lord Award for excellence in research for work on the Women - Adaptive Technology research project (Award also presented to Michelle Murdoch and Dr. Diana L. Gustafson of Memorial University) ILRC receives the Occupational Therapists Citation Award for contributions and support to the profession of Occupational Therapy ILRC website receives a fresh, new look and feel, and is fully accessible. 2007 FSA program is evaluated by Goss Gilroy (external evaluators) and receives a “gold star” for service delivery. AT program undergoes a formative evaluation and receives glowing feedback as a program to be modeled by others. ILRC membership grows to over 450 members. 2008 ILRC forms a unique partnership with Human Resources, Labour & Employment to begin a three-year Independent Living Internship program ILRC Membership grows to 600 ILRC launches Provincial Forum VOICES OF THE PEOPLE – A Consumer perspective on the barriers faced in Newfoundland and Labrador by people with Disabilities. 2009 IL Internship Program receives National - Allan Simpson Award for excellence in Programs serving People with Disabilities ILRC Membership grows to 660 ------------------ Independent Living Resource Centre 4 Escasoni Place St. John’s Newfoundland & Labrador A1A 3R6 Website: www.ilrc.nf.ca Email: info@ilrc.nf.ca Ph: (709) 722-4031 TTY: (709) 722-7998 Fax: (709) 722-0147 Toll Free: 1-866-722-4031