Independent Living Resource Centre 10th Annual Report 2007 - 2008 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 DirectorsInterns, Project Staff, Students and PlacementsCommittees 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 InternshipReport for the IL Canada RepresentativeDebbie Prim Memorial Garden Committee ReportILRC Activities ILRC Building CommunityTreasurer.s ReportFunding Partners 10 Years of Milestones Appendix: Financial Statements & Auditor.s Report -------------------------- ILRC Staff & Board of Directors Board of Directors: Chairperson - Cecilia CarrollVice Chairperson - Joanne MacDonaldSecretary - Margaret AllenTreasurer - Jennifer WarrenMember at Large - David Swain, Deana Brewer* Directors - Alicia Hann, Lucinda Churchill*, Myles Murphy, Margaret Warren, Philip Warren, Annette Powell, Joey Power, Paul Morgan, Faye Freeman, Brian Conway, Karen Westcott* IL Canada Rep - Michelle Murdoch* Served on the Board for part of the year. Core Staff: Executive Director - Barry Galloway Administration - Danielle Denty, Jane Halliday, Vera Parsons Bookkeeper - Dorothy Janes Peer Support & Volunteer Services - Trudy Marshall IL Internship - Kathy Marshall Adaptive Technology - Donna Greene, Kathy Marshall Individual Advocacy - Susan Ralph Career Development - Stephen Quinn, David Hogan, Andrea Augot Information & Networking - Amanda Lush, Lanie Woodfine -------------------------- Project Staff, Interns, Students & Placements Projects Staff: CAP (Community Access Program): Coordinators: Natasha Denty, Amanda Lush Interns: Jeremy Cross, Alaina Butt, Roberta Simmonds, Jamie Ivany, Marco Chiaramonte, Silone Fowler, Brandon Jenkins, Jennifer Lythgoe, David Richards, Adam Tucker, Kristyn Collins, Michael Robinson CAP Summer Intern - Jeremy Cross Marketing & Awareness - Gary Norris Independent Living Internship: IL Interns - Mary Jo Power, Karen Westcott, David Hogan, Stephen QuinnStudents: Nursing Students - 4th Year: Natasha Edwards, Sharon Collins 3rd Year: Courtney Foote, Krista KingSocial Work Students - Jaime Huggett, Julie Ann Haggett Summer Students - Rachael Goenaga, Katie Breen, Anna Delaney, Kayla Riche, Derek Simpson Co-op Students - Adam Tucker, Kristyn Collins Community Placements: Stella Burry - Paul Furey, Steve Sceviour, Anne Pearce SWASP - Mary Anthony, Michael So Horizons Skills Link Program - Nicole Kennedy ------------------------- Committees & Advisory Groups Debbie Prim Memorial Garden: Tony Fagan Joey Power Trudy Marshall Brian Conway Diane White Paul Morgan Karen Westcott Len Starkes George Adamchik Pat Day Carlos Escobar Hubert Pinksen Bridget O.Brien Nominating: Cecilia Carroll Lanie Woodfine Barry Galloway Full Steam Ahead Advisory: Ken O.Brien Sylvia Ash Roger Baggs Andrea Augot Kathy Marshall Adaptive Technology Steering Paul Mitten Jeremy Brown Karen Westcott Tim Wartman Brian Evans Penny Abbott David Swain Calla Lachance Darlene Scott Kathy Marshall Paul Morgan Personnel David Swain Margaret Allen Michelle Murdoch Faye Freeman Executive Joanne MacDonald Margaret Allen Jennifer Warren David Swain Strategic Planning Annette Powell Faye Freeman Brian Conway Black Spruce Newsletter Kayla Riche Mary Jo Power Faye Freeman Karen Westcott Catherine Lanari Kimberly Kreiger Joey Power Jason Cook David Swain Alaina Butt Building Expansion Margaret Warren Susan Ralph Vera Parsons Brian Conway Alicia Hann Mike Wadden Lloyd Power Sandy Gibbons Governance Philip Warren Barry Galloway Note: Ex-officio members include Cecilia Carroll (Chairperson . ILRC Board of Directors) and Barry Galloway (Executive Director) --------------------------- Chairperson's Report by Cecilia Carroll It is hard to believe that it has been ten years since the Independent Living Resource Centre first began here in St. John.s. It seems as though it was only a couple of years ago that we started discussions around closing Civic # 4 and becoming an Independent Living Resource Centre. This past year has been extremely busy for everyone involved with the ILRC, especially the staff, as they are the ones responsible for running the programs and supporting consumers as needed. As the ILRC continues to grow, so does the work of its staff. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff for the work you do with consumers and for the centre. Your never-ending commitment is greatly appreciated, you make a fantastic team and it is a pleasure to work with each and every one of you. We have made some real plans towards dealing with the limited space at the ILRC, thanks to Margaret Warren (Chairperson of our Building Expansion Committee) and three people from the community who Margaret asked to help us get started. Huge thanks to Sandy Gibbons, Mike Wadden, and Lloyd Power. You have helped us see that our vision can and will become reality. The ILRC has started a new partnership with the Department of Human Resources Labour and Employment, through a pilot program called the IL Internship Program. The ILRC will hire 10 interns with disabilities each year for three years throughout Newfoundland Labrador, who will then learn about the Programs and Services offered at the ILRC and pass on that knowledge to people in their own communities. Thank you to the Board of Directors, committee members, and volunteers for all the work that you do on behalf of the ILRC. I honestly don.t know where we would be without you. The ILRC currently has 164 active volunteers who are involved in all areas of the ILRC. Thank you to all those who contributed financially to the ILRC during the past year. It is because of your financial support that we are able to offer our programs and services. As I look back over the last ten years it.s easy to see that we made a good decision. The ILRC has experienced tremendous growth from just 1,800 individual services in its first year to over 25,000 in its 10th year. We have seen so many changes over the years but the one thing that has remained constant is our passion for what we do and the way in which we do it. You are all responsible for the success of the ILRC in some way or another, whether you were a volunteer in reception, a member of a focus group, a committee member, a board member or a staff person. Each and every one of you should feel proud of what we have accomplished and how far we have come as an organization in just ten years. I hope the next ten years are as successful and the last ten years. Respectfully Submitted, Cecilia Carroll Chairperson ---------------------------- Executive Director's Report by Barry Galloway It is interesting to look back to 1996 when the Board of Directors of the then, CIVIC # 4 had to decide whether St. John.s was ready for an Independent Living Resource Centre. That Board of Directors showed incredible foresight. They had a vision of a future with not just fewer barriers for people with disabilities but rather a future with no barriers at all. They saw a need for an organization that was based on the philosophy of Independent Living. Consumers had spoken and they wanted an organization that could provide support, access to information, choice and options. They wanted an organization that they controlled and that they felt part of. They wanted an Independent Living Resource Centre. And like the Black Spruce which proudly we display as our logo; an emblem of strength which thrives even when the odds weigh heavily against it, the ILRC has gained strength with each new member, each new consumer and each new barrier that is removed. We know that each time we share our voice, our experiences; each time we speak up and challenge inequity; each time we make our own choice, we grow in strength because we are living the Independent Living Philosophy. 10 years ago the ILRC was just beginning and with 5 dedicated staff and a handful of hardworking volunteers the ILRC was established. This year we had a total of 49 full-time, part-time and project staff and, yes, they are still as dedicated now as they were then. 10 years ago the ILRC had a small but dedicated group of active volunteers who took their vision for the future and used it to energize themselves in their efforts to, as the first ILRC Chairperson Leslie MacLeod put it, ..get information flowing . and networks of people strengthened everyday.. As we all know, volunteers always have been and always will be at the core of who we are. This year we had 164 active volunteers who make up an equivalent of 5 full time positions at our centre. These are the people that comprise your Board of Directors, committees, who care for the Debbie Prim Memorial Garden, who answer the phones, make coffee, change the light bulbs, make phone calls, prepare the Black Spruce Newsletter, or whatever else we may need. These are the people that make us who we are. 10 years ago there was no Adaptive Technology Program but the Board of Directors recognized a need for a program to support consumers in accessing their technology independence. The ILRC now offers a program that supports consumers across Newfoundland and Labrador. 10 years ago the ILRC offered 1,800 individual services. This year we surpassed 25,000 through all of our programs and services. Yes indeed, consumers have spoken and it is a resounding YES to Independent Living! The ILRC has always been an organization that embraces challenge. That certainly has not changed in 10 years. As they say, our problem is the result of our own success. It is because of our demonstrated capacity to support people with disabilities, to respond to identified needs and to provide options so that consumers can make informed decisions in an environment that is welcoming and respectful, that we are currently facing significant challenges particularly regarding appropriate physical space and human resources. Recently, a membership meeting was convened by our Building Expansion Committee under the leadership of our long time Board Member Margaret Warren. We brought together the most skilled group we could think of to discuss the future needs of the physical space of the ILRC. Naturally, this group was the membership of the ILRC, supported with the knowledge of local architect Sandy Gibbons. The meeting resulted in a clear view of the limited physical capacity of the current ILRC building and an even clearer view of a future Centre that will address current needs and allow for future growth, a centre that will be an example of true accessibility in our community and in our province. To achieve this goal, we require space in excess of 10,000 sq ft. Our current building is one-third that size. As always we continue to take direction from our membership and leadership from our Board of Directors who have demonstrated a firm commitment to the values we all hold dear and whose vision has brought us from seedling to forest in just ten years. As we enter the next decade of the ILRC we trust in the continued wisdom of our Board of Directors whose commitment to the ILRC remains firmly rooted in the values of Independent Living. Together we will achieve our goal and the grand opening of our new ILRC facility. Can we do it alone? Absolutely not! Can we do it together? Absolutely! Together we can do anything! PARTNERSHIPS 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 the old saying goes, .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. This amount has been in place for the past 10 years and has given us the base dollars necessary to function. In the coming months we hope to work more closely with that department to enhance their support to the ILRC. Our Career Development Program - Full Steam Ahead and the Adaptive Technology Program 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. Shawn Skinner and Ross Wiseman. As well, I would like to acknowledge the work of Donna O.Brien, Sylvia Ash and Ken O.Brien whose efforts have linked us with so many partners throughout the province and provided invaluable support to staff coordinating our programs and services. This past fall marked yet another milestone for us at the ILRC. Through our close work with the Province and the Department of HRLE under the Poverty Reduction Initiative, the Minister of Human Resources Labour and Employment announced a 3 year funding initiative with the ILRC to launch an Independent Living Internship Program. This commitment provides us the opportunity to hire a total of 30 people with disabilities as Independent Living Interns over the 3 year period. "Our government is proud to partner with the Independent Living Resource Centre on this important new employment initiative to promote decent work for persons with disabilities," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "The Independent Living Internship Program is a unique approach that will increase the ability of the department.s Career Information Resource Centres to meet the needs of this community, and I am confident, it will result in increased participation of persons with disabilities in the workplace." Funding through this initiative permits us to conduct a series of public forums province wide! VOICES OF THE PEOPLE Many people with disabilities currently face a variety of issues when accessing all resources within their community. In 2007, the top five service areas for the ILRC included: disability awareness, accessibility (transportation and otherwise), information on Independent Living, assistance acquiring income supports through provincial government departments, and access to safe affordable housing. The ILRC is hosting a series of consultations with consumers to discuss topics such as accessible housing, home supports, and public transportation. These public forums are a part of a provincial series, .Voices of the People. designed to engage in dialogue and share your thoughts, experiences, and opinions on these, and other critical issues. A report of the findings of our meetings will be launched following completion of the forums. IL CANADA Other partners that have continued to support us financially include Independent Living Canada (previously, Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres). At the CAILC AGM in the fall of 2007 a vote was taken to change the name of CAILC to Independent Living Canada. Thank you to IL Canada for their continued support of the ILRC - St. John.s. CAILC has also undertaken some interesting projects during the past year and I invite you to visit their website to see their new look. www.ilcanada.ca INDUSTRY CANADA Industry Canada has continued to support our Adaptive Technology Program and once again funded our program to hire 10 youth interns who were placed across the province with partnering organizations and educational institutions. Their role was to provide information and support to consumers around their Adaptive Technology needs. The ability to meet the needs of consumers where they are has indeed served to remove significant barriers to accessing information and to enhance their ability to achieve true independence. EVENTS We also had many ILRC events this past year including: * International Day of Persons with Disabilities * Annual Barbecue and Fun Day at Sunshine Camp * Christmas Dinner and Dance at the Holiday Inn * Volunteer Appreciation Day. I also had the opportunity to attend the End Exclusion Event in Ottawa last December. I have to mention this because it was one of those moments in your life that you will never forget. It was a cold blustery day in Ottawa. The streets were not clear. Snow everywhere and still it came down in those big flakes that you can catch on your tongue. Here we are at a hotel and about to leave to march to Parliament Hill where we would assemble around the Eternal Flame of Peace. Picture it in your mind. All of us heading up the hill, hundreds of people . and as we marched others on the street asked what we were doing and we said .We are marching to End Exclusion. and invariably they would ask if they could join along? Isn.t that what it.s all about? By the way, it was through Mary Reid.s efforts in her capacity with the City of Ottawa that the sidewalks were cleared so that we could make it up the hill. Three Cheers for Mary! When we arrived at the Flame of Peace, there was a stillness, even though the snow continued to fall. And in that stillness, we felt the connection that had brought us all there from coast to coast to end exclusion. CONSUMER FEEDBACK 2007 marked the beginning of a new opportunity for consumers to give us feedback on our programs and services. We have always provided informal opportunities for consumers to provide input on what we are doing well and what we need to improve. This year however we developed a new tool for feedback and launched it with the assistance of Kayla Riche (one of our summer students) last July and August. The Consumer Satisfaction Survey is a tool that we can continue to develop and use to gauge people.s level of satisfaction in a relatively immediate way. The results of the 2007 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. FAREWELLS & WELCOMES 2007-08 marked some farewells at the ILRC. Lanie Woodfine and Andrea Augot have moved on to pursue other career goals. We wish them great success with their futures and thank them for their dedication to the ILRC. Let.s not forget Jane Halliday, our Office Administrator. Jane, we miss your cakes! We are located at 4 Escasoni! Thank heaven she.s not too far and we have formed a great relationship with Stella Burry.s Hungry Heart Café. Kathy Marshall moved from her position as AT Coordinator to take on the challenge of the new IL Internship Program. Donna Greene is back with us at the ILRC as our new Adaptive Technology Coordinator and so is Danielle Denty as our new Administrative Assistant. In Information and Networking we have Amanda Lush as the new Coordinator and our Full Steam Ahead Program recently welcomed Stephen Quinn in the Coordinator position. Good Bye and Good Luck to those that have left. We know you will continue to advance the philosophy of Independent Living in everything you do. And welcome to the new additions to the ILRC team. 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. You are the core of who we are. Thank you for always being here. This year we had many placements, IL Internship interns, Adaptive Technology interns, Summer Students, Nursing students, Social Work students, as well as placements from Stella Burry Community Services and SWASP. Thank you to everyone for your dedication and support. Our Board of Directors works to keep us on the straight and narrow, always keeping the IL Philosophy at the forefront in everything we do. They 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 and I will always try to have a can of Carnation at the Centre for you! Thank you to the Executive Committee and all Board 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! I wish I could mention you all individually, but with 49 staff last year. I think that would be too much! However, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Coordinators of the ILRC Programs and Services. Our newest program coordinators, Amanda Lush . Information and Networking and Stephen Quinn . Full Steam Ahead, are already putting their marks on the ILRC. Amanda.s passion and Stephen.s commitment are noteworthy and have earned them great respect from members. Susan Ralph who needs no introduction continues to support consumers in Individual Advocacy and recently was elected as Chairperson of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities. Susan is a leader in our community and we are lucky to have her on the team. Donna Greene as our AT Coordinator is a pillar of strength in a sea of calm on the team. You can always leave it to Donna to see through the challenge to the solution. Our IL Internship Coordinator - Kathy Marshall is leading the way with our innovative new program. Kathy is a breath of fresh air. Plain spoken you might say, but always interested in supporting consumers to achieve their goals of independence. Trudy Marshall is our IL compass on the team. Trudy Coordinates the Peer Support and Volunteer Programs and that is no small task. With 164 active volunteers, it is a constant amazement to me that she is still able to support individuals and groups through Peer Support. Our Admin Team . Danielle, Dot, and Vera. Thanks so much for supporting the work of the centre and the countless information packages, newsletters, mail-outs, financial reports and so on that you all facilitate. Thank you to all of you. And thank you to everyone who contributes in any way to the Independent Living Resource Centre. 10 years have come and gone and we have remained true to our mission. We hold firm to our philosophy. And never has it been more relevant than it is today. All we have to do is look at the growth of our organization to see that consumers value what we do and the way that we do it. Happy 10th Anniversary ILRC! ------ Information & Networking Report by Amanda Lush Information and Networking provides a wide range of services, information, and resources within our community through presentations, information sessions, as well as consultations, workshops and seminars. In February 2008, Lanie Woodfine left the Information and Networking position to pursue a new career path. Soon after, the position was filled by Amanda Lush. It has been an amazing year! The information and Networking program offers many resources to support consumers to make an informed choice. Resource Library: Our Library continues to grow with over 65 different topics. Included in those topics are Advocacy, Education, Employment, Disability Supports, Housing, Parenting, Transportation and youth. We also have videos and DVD.S that may be of interest to you. The Black Spruce: This year was a great year for the Newsletter Committee. We distributed four amazing editions. I would like to express many thanks to the wonderful volunteers who dedicated their time, knowledge and expertise to each edition. Consultations: We have had the opportunity to provide input at many consultations and on many committees with a number of community and government agencies over the past year. Some of these include the Primary Health Care Community Advisory Committee, The Violence Prevention Initiative Executive Committee, Avalon East Regional Caregivers Network Committee and the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland & Labrador. Being connected with these committees provides an opportunity to promote Independent Living and the importance of sharing 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 the Disability Awareness Fair (Miller Centre); workshops with Horizons Group (Easter Seals), Wiseman Centre, and Outpatients Rehabilitation program (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. Members have enjoyed learning about resources and linking with their community. Some of the skills they have gained are about: communicating with your service provider; Adaptive Technology and Independent Living. This group has encouraged young adults to develop their skills with communication, public speaking, and improving community connections and networking opportunities. Student Placements: We continue to have great relationships with the Centre for Nursing Studies and again this year hosted placements with 3rd and 4th year students. Also we maintained our partnership with University of Victoria in B.C. and supported 2 Social Work Student Placements through that program. Our evaluation process at the ILRC has now been adapted for use within the Social Program their. We are pleased they saw the value in the Independent Living Approach to supporting people in skill development. To everyone who makes Information and Networking an exciting place to be . Thank You! Also, thank you to everyone for supporting me in my learning curve as the Information and Networking Coordinator. You have all shared wonderful gifts of understanding, knowledge, patience, strength and diversity. I look forward to another exciting year! ------------------- Career Development Report by Stephen Quinn The Full Steam Ahead Program has seen many changes this year. We say good-bye to Andrea Augot who has moved on to share her talents with the Community Centre Alliance. Andrea has done a wonderful job encouraging so many on their way to finding the job they want. She will be missed. Join me in wishing her luck, and in asking her to stay in touch with the ILRC. We also extend a warm welcome to David Hogan, an Independent Living Intern who has greatly increased the impact of the Full Steam Ahead program. I also send a big thank-you to David who has helped me get comfortable in this new position. And that leaves me, Stephen. I am the new Career Development Facilitator for consumers of the Full Steam Ahead program. I am very excited about working at the ILRC, a place I found out about 2 years ago while volunteering in the community. The first time I walked into the ILRC, I knew this was an extraordinary place in which all people are welcomed, exactly as they are. I am happy to say that since this first encounter, the impression is even stronger in my mind. To all those considering career development, I extend this same welcome. I hope that this can be a respectful and empowering place to explore your future. The first thing I would like to say to all of you, no matter where you are, is that there is a place where you belong. It is a place where your abilities are appreciated and people treat you with respect. It is the place you are meant to be, because it is the place you find when you follow the path you choose. We are here to help you realize that vision, the vision in your mind of how things could be. And we are here to encourage you to explore the paths in life that lead you to it. Just don.t be too hard on yourself if you are not there yet, for we all have to be somewhere to get somewhere. And remember, you don.t have to get there alone. ---------------- Individual Advocacy Report by Susan Ralph The main objective of the Individual Advocacy Program is to support consumers in taking control of difficult situations and making informed decisions. The program has supported hundreds of consumers to identify their goals, personal strengths and skills. It supported consumers by providing clear, accurate information about current legislation, policy regulations and resources. Consumers have accessed this program to empower themselves to navigate the systems and gain control of their lives by making informed choices. The advocate also, when requested by the consumer, acts as a support or liaison between the individual and organization / government / service delivery providers. The number of consumers accessing the program continues to grow. This year 52 individuals accessed the Individual Advocacy Program for the first time. The majority of consumers are from St. John.s and surrounding areas 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 this year 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 - Accessible, Affordable, Adequate Housing - Transportation (Medical, Employment, Personal and Leisure purposes) - Home Support (Self-managed and Agency) - 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 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: 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); Vulnerable Persons Network; and Marine Atlantic Accessibility Advisory Committee. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved throughout the year with the Individual Advocacy Program. Your sharing of valuable knowledge and expertise has truly supported the program.s success. ------------------------------ Adaptive Technology Report by Donna Greene Adaptive Technology has been a growing area of interest at the ILRC for many years, and continues to be so today. We offer technology related services to individuals and organizations all 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. Through our partnership with the Department of Education and the Community Access Program (CAP), we are able to offer free public access to computers and the internet, in a fully accessible environment. We have many types of adaptive equipment from height adjustable desks, to screen reader programs, and mouse and keyboard alternatives. Our CAP site sees a steady flow of traffic on a daily basis. This year over 4700 one-hour sessions were logged by consumers and members of the public. The times when I.ve glanced in the CAP room and seen empty chairs have been few and far between . and that.s a very good thing! We continue to offer regular computer workshops in the CAP room. This year we hosted 33 workshops on a variety of topics including Resume Writing, Online Social Networking, how to use various Microsoft programs, and Computer Basics. We.ve also been delivering presentations to community organizations, government departments, schools, and other groups to talk about AT. This year we did 35 of these presentations. We.ve recently been focusing on high schools in particular, to help provide students and teachers with more information on AT. Our hope is that by talking about different types of technology supports, we can give students the tools they need to make the transition from high school to post secondary more smoothly. Again this year (thanks to funding from Industry Canada) we were able to provide several employment opportunities to youth. This year.s program was unique in that all of our youth interns were youth with disabilities, and we regard this as a great success! In total, we employed 1 summer CAP intern, 2 Youth Coordinators and 12 Youth Interns. And what a great group of people to work with - bringing so many varied skills and personalities. Interns worked on updating toolkits, developing workshop material, supporting consumers in the CAP room, and delivering AT presentations to schools and community organizations. In August we had the pleasure of hosting an AT Open House/Info Session with Bridges Canada . a Canadian company that specializes in offering AT solutions to individuals, schools, medical centres, and other organizations. During the afternoon, consumers as well as visitors from College of the North Atlantic, government departments and community organizations dropped by to learn more about AT. At this time, I.d like to take the opportunity to say thank you to each member of the AT Steering Committee for their guidance and support throughout the year. They continue to be an invaluable asset to the AT program, and the ILRC as a whole. 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. ---------------------------- Volunteer Program Report by Trudy Marshall Over 160 volunteers helped the Independent Living Resource Centre run smoothly last year. Thank you to the volunteers who answered our phones and welcomed people to our centre. Volunteers elected to the Board of Directors, worked on committees and planned for the future. Many groups and events were organized by volunteers and staff working together. Individuals shared their talents to create our newsletter by writing, formatting, and editing. Paint group members promoted and supported ILRC through artwork. While, Volunteers also shared experiences, skills, and support through peer matches and in the public CAP site. Individuals also gave of their time to clean, plan and organize to make the inside and outside of ILRC beautiful. 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 work for an hour or two a year to make sure that our election of board of directors at our Annual General Meeting is fair and runs smoothly. We appreciate the work of each and every individual. Volunteers share their talents, skills, positive energy, and spirit with us. They are encouraged to identify their skills, goals and interests and in doing so maintain control and ownership over their volunteer experience. While many volunteers at ILRC are consumers, other individuals join with us to learn about independent living issues, disability awareness, and to develop skills related to their education or career interests. At ILRC we bring together individuals with disabilities and others in the community to develop creative and new ways to break down barriers, support inclusion, and develop partnerships. A part-time Volunteer Coordinator recruits, screens, carries out orientation meetings, provides feedback, and links volunteers and volunteer placements with other programs and opportunities. It is important to realize that support and direction of Volunteers is also provided by other staff including Program Coordinators and Interns, as well as by other volunteers. The Volunteer program has benefited from having an Independent Living Intern .job shadow. the Volunteer Coordinator position part time. The Intern supported the Volunteer Appreciation event with ideas, planning, and by helping to update the Volunteer list. The IL Intern also provided support, direction, feedback, and encouragement to volunteers. The IL Intern supported individuals through the volunteer orientation process by engaging with the person, and providing Information on ILRC and its programs and services. The volunteer program has supported two student placements from the High School Level IV Co-operative Education program, from Prince of Wales Collegiate and Holy Heart of Mary. The program has also supported, along with other Program Coordinators, two individuals doing SWASP and four Nursing Students doing their Community Placements. Another young person was supported in their placement arranged through a partnership with the Horizons Program, Easter Seals. As well, three individuals from Stella Burry workplace programs were supported to gain experience in a workplace setting. When asked why they volunteer, individuals often say that they need something to provide structure in their life or they need to stay busy. The volunteer experience provides them with skills, encouragement, and confidence. Volunteers doing placements at the ILRC often leave with valuable information and many skills that they can use in their school, work, or life. The Volunteer program also promotes volunteerism in the community with individuals and on committees. ILRC was represented on the Volunteer Appreciation Week 2008 Committee and the Youth Volunteer Appreciation Events Subcommittee. A youth volunteer appreciation mural was completed and an event celebrating youth volunteers was attended with input from ILRC staff and members. We appreciated Volunteers every day last year, but on one day this spring, we invited volunteers together at ILRC to celebrate their hard work and great ideas. Thank you again to our 164 volunteers. If you would like to learn more about volunteering, please contact the centre and we will meet with you. --------------------- Peer Support Report by Trudy Marshall The Peer Support program at the Independent Living Resource Centre supports situations where individuals or peers share experiences. This program benefits from the work of many staff and volunteers. A part time Peer Support Program Coordinator supports interns, summer staff, students, volunteers, and volunteer placements to support consumers one to one and in groups. Thank you all. When we think of our .circle of support. we often list professionals as experts. At ILRC we see consumers as experts with wisdom and power. Peers have the inside story- they have been discriminated against. They have realized their right to ask for help, and have used their knowledge of human rights to support others. In peer situations, consumers share their knowledge of disability issues and relate the skills they have learned to break through barriers. The knowledge and skills gained by one person in developing their independence can inspire others to empower themselves to practice Independent Living. When peers share information, individuals can take what they want to use in their own lives. Sometimes having someone listen or be there is enough to support consumers to feel accepted. Personal growth can include developing the courage to move forward, making informed choices, and solving problems. Learning and skill development occurs through informal discussions as well as formal mentoring and information sharing in-person or on-line. This past year, the peer support program supported individuals around many issues such as health and access. We also shared with community the philosophy and practice of Independent Living, information on disability issues, and the isolating reality of inaccessibility. We continue to share the talents, expertise, and strength of consumers with community. The Peer Support Program supported five Peer Support groups: Women.s Night, Men.s Group, Long Term Chronic Pain Support Group, Dinner Club, and Paint group. Group members joined together to attend several focus groups, The Stone Soup event, and to catch up at a Peer Support BBQ. In addition, Karen Wescott, IL Internship Program Intern, presented a workshop in the Peer Support Leadership Series- .Speaking Out: Your Choice, Your Right.. The Peer Support program has set the stage for group members, volunteers, students, summer staff and IL Interns to use and develop skills. We all worked together to arrange speakers/tours and remind members of the event. We also shared skills on how to plan, share, present, lead, evaluate, and support each other in the groups. Other skills used include communication, group decision making, workshop development, and relationship skills. We shared artistic skills like making cards, creating pińatas from Paper Mache, sewing, working with clay, and a relief technique. We supported co-operation, sharing of ideas and talents, and computer or researched skills in the groups. The Peer Support program promoted ILRC, artists and Paint Group. Original images developed by Paint group members were used to produce Christmas cards. Cards were sent to ILRC partners in December 2007. The paint group members and IL intern are developing a marketing strategy to sell the remaining Christmas cards to support the paint group and artists. In the winter of 2006, an ILRC member sparked the idea for the IL Quilt with her story. The paint group proposed and formed a partnership with the Eastern Edge Gallery. Supported and inspired by the Outreach Coordinator, paint group members and volunteers developed a plan for the IL Quilt as an .artistic construction. of about 4 feet by 8 feet with 16 blocks. Many peer support group members have contributed and construction has begun. The IL Quilt will appeal to the tactile, visual, and auditory senses and will have statements by the artists, written stories and poetry in alternative formats. A mural was donated to IL Canada for an auction at their AGM. Several paint group members entered the People First Freedom Tour: From Institutions to the Community t-shirt design contest. The winning t-shirt came from our group. We also celebrated Paint group Artists at 2006 2007 ILRC Annual General Meeting. We hope to form a Peer Support Program advisory committee to discuss the further development of the peer match program and to promote the leadership skills of consumers and members. Peer Support Issues: Independent Living Respect Choice Our Rights Food Bank Accessibility Christmas Hampers Poverty The Dining Experience Restaurant Accessibility Harvest Stone Soup Community Gardens Food Sharing Community Gardens Catering Transportation Inclusion Employment barriers Accommodations Sharing Plain Language Men.s Health Art and history Self Defence for women Alternate Format Transportation Online Dating Clothing Swap Coping with Long Term Pain Accessibility Love and Chocolate Poverty Conservation Creative expression Cross Disability Fire safety Ownership of image .How to Help Seniors who are abused. Harm Reduction Substance Use Access To Recovery Artistic Expression Medical Marijuana Peer support Gardening Isolation Safe Space .Cabin Fever. Fresh air Agoraphobia Access to Health Confidential Space Growth of the ILRC Women.s Rights Safety Snow Removal We Can Humour Promoting Yourself as an Artist Displaying Artwork Freedom Institutions Artists Statements Health and Art Isolation Depression Informed Decisions Community Access Construction of Art Empowerment Independent Living is not where you live ---------------------- Independent Living Internship Report by Kathy Marshall Program Launch and Recruitment The IL Internship Program commenced in early December with program promotion, marketing and recruitment of IL Interns. Officially launched on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Minister Shawn Skinner hosted a Press Conference at Confederation Building to launch the program, with an Open House planned for later in the day at the ILRC. We began the program with a search for Interns for Carbonear, Clarenville, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, Stephenville, Goose Bay, and 4 Interns for St. John.s. Response for the St. John.s positions was extremely favourable with over 80 applications received. Our Hiring Committee screened and selected over 15 applications for our interview process with four individuals hired and commencing the program on December 10, 2007. Few applications were received for positions available in regional locations throughout the province. Two separate advertising campaigns were initiated through electronic avenues as well as advertising placed in various newspapers across the province. Ads were purchased for .The Evening Telegram., .The Western Star., and .The Labradorian.. Applications were received from Clarenville (1) Stephenville (1) and Corner Brook (2), however upon doing follow-up with each applicant; eligibility for the program could not be confirmed. Three were ineligible for income supports and the fourth applicant withdrew her application at the time because of medical reasons. As this program is a unique partnership developed for the first time between HRLE and a community organization, our program has been provided with a designated Client Services Officer from HRLE. Our CSO met with our Interns twice during the commencement of their employment to ensure a smooth continuum during this transition time and organized supports for them through HRLE.s .Job Start-Up. Program. Program Marketing and Promotion In order to promote the program provincially, in partnership with our Adaptive Technology Program, we hosted a series of Information Sessions across Newfoundland. Two presentations were given in each community. Our first meetings were for the regional Employment & Youth Officers with Human Resources Labour & Employment We also held public sessions in each location; Carbonear, Grand Falls- Windsor, Corner Brook, & Stephenville. We received very positive responses to our provincial sessions, with a noticeable increase in awareness across the island of the programs and services available at the ILRC. In May of this year, the ILRC launched our first provincial public forum series, .Voices of the People.. Public forums were hosted in St. John.s, Clarenville, Carbonear, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, Stephenville, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The purpose of these events is to seek out information from individuals regarding current day challenges and barriers people with disabilities are facing in their respective communities. The final report from these events is available at the ILRC. Program Skill Development Portfolio development began for program Interns very early in January following orientation. Interns completed the first component of their portfolios, The Life History, towards the end of January. In this phase narrative descriptions of previous life experiences were articulated, with Interns having the option of writing stories or writing about different time periods in their lives. Three Interns chose to write a series of stories while one Intern wrote a series of letters about their life experiences. Also during this phase of their skill development, all interns participated in an Employment Prep Workshop offered at the Career Information Resource Centre through HRLE. Feedback indicated that this workshop was extremely beneficial to our Interns and they indicated that they valued the opportunity of meeting Employment Counsellors from HRLE. All Interns are currently completing the Skills Analysis Component of their portfolios with next steps including gathering documentation to validate individual transferable skills and preparation for the completion of two community information interviews. Portfolio development is being completed by our Interns in an extremely timely fashion. Target date for completion is the end of May. The skill development component of the program is comprised of 14 hours of the weekly schedule. Program Work Placement When choosing possibilities for placements with Core Program Coordinators at the ILRC, each Intern spent time with each Coordinator learning about their programs and consulting with them regarding expectations, wish lists and learning objectives before making choices as to which program they would like to be placed in. To date they have each completed three months of shadowing Coordinators on work placements. Each Intern works directly with consumers, have presented workshops on a variety of topics, and have participated in numerous community workshops, meetings, and conferences. A sample of community connections made to date by Interns includes: - Community Youth Network - Labour Market Initiative Conference . HRLE - Coalition Against Violence - Housing & Home Supports . ILRC - Partners for Workplace Inclusion - Focus Groups on Public Transportation & .Speaking Out . It.s Your Right. - Coordination of Disability Awareness Fair - Canadian Business Enterprise Centre - Human Resources Labour & Employment . CIRCs Work Placement comprises 21 hours of the weekly schedule. Program Partnerships and Community Placements Through the IL Internship Program the ILRC has developed a unique partnership with Human Resources Labour & Employment at the Career Information Resource Centres. With endorsement from NAPE, Program Interns have been completing weekly placements at the CIRCs in St. John.s. Interns are working with CIRC staff and clients to increase services available at the CIRCs for people with disabilities and also increase education regarding disability related information throughout the community. ---------------------- Independent Living Canada Report from Provincial Representative by Michelle Murdoch Independent Living Canada representatives tell me they love to come to St. John.s for meetings. This is because of our unique scenery but also because of the strong grounding we have around Independent Living. This is in part thanks to all of you who invest time and energy into the organization and because of the contribution of all kinds of strong leaders and role models in our past. During the Independent Living Resource Centre - St. John.s (ILRC) annual general meeting last year I was elected as the provincial representative. This is a two-year term. The longest a person can hold this position is a maximum of two, two-year terms, as voted on by the general membership. Independent Living Canada, once called the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC), is a national organization. It is made up of 28 Independent Living Centres; whose numbers change as new ones join the national organization. As a national organization Independent Living Canada has a Board of Directors that presently is made up of representatives from most provinces, people with a particular expertise and some Executive Directors of various local Independent Living Centres. The national office also has a network through which it communicates with the Executive Directors of all 28 individual Independent Living Centres. Every Independent Living Centre across Canada is unique. Centres have a variety of different names and services; however each Centre has four core programs. They are peer support, information and networking, research and development and advocacy/skill development. These programs are run by a designated staff person or a volunteer. Independent Living Centres offer a variety of services and some are quite different from the ones we know here in our province. Each Centre works within the frame work of the Independent Living philosophy. I have learned a lot from being on this Board. Even though I served on our local Board for quite a few years, national work is very different. Our ILRC is well supported by a variety of government programs and projects. This is not the case for many Centres who have little funding besides the $53,000 supplied to most Centres by Independent Living Canada. A number of Centres struggle to service their communities with few resources, including volunteers. Some struggle to find fully accessible and affordable space and look towards the national organization for support. Some Independent Living Centres have a lot of competition to get dollars designed to serve people with disabilities and are in great need for a variety of ways to fund their organizations. In an effort to gain access to funds, some executive directors asked staff at the national office to help develop other options for their Independent Living Centres to raise money. In Ottawa, at the national annual general meeting, there was discussion of a planned giving program. Simply put this is when individuals say they wish to give a set amount of money to the organization, usually from their estate. We have not been open to that idea here but others across Canada are. So challenges begin when a person is working with so many diverse interests. I am supported by Cecilia Carroll, who is a member-at-large and Independent Living Canada Vice-Chairperson. While we can not tell other Independent Living Centres how to get funds the reverse is also true; others can not tell us. So while we may not agree with everything that comes to our attention nationally, I see my role as projecting the voice of our ILRC to ensure decisions made at a national board level come with options, that we can choose to participate in or not. The Board of Directors at Independent Living Canada also have monthly teleconferences and a second face-to-face meeting. This year that meeting took place in Shippagon. This is a small, rural French speaking community that welcomed the Board of Directors with open arms. Located in northern New Brunswick, Moncton airport is three hours away. Staff drove back and forth to bring us all to their organization, the Centre de Resource Vie Autonome Région Péninsula Acadienne Inc. They were fabulous hosts and while we had meetings all day long it was broken up with wonderful lunches including salmon. The final evening there we had a magnificent lobster supper with various government officials attending. From my meetings in the Shippagon Centre in particular, it is obvious we must celebrate our differences. This creates a greater understanding as to why it is necessary for us not to all be one perfect replication of the other. But to do that we must embrace the uniqueness of others as well. So I will continue to challenge myself to work within this diverse group and to ensure decisions will be made that offer options. If each Independent Living Centre can pick and choose what works best for them and still remain focused on the Independent Living philosophy then we will create a stronger national network. ----------------------------- Debbie Prim Memorial Garden Committee Year End Report Structure of the Committee The Committee consisted of a Chairperson, ILRC Staff Member, Communications Director, ILRC Board Representative, Courtyard Manager, Garden Manager, Secretary, ILRC Summer Staff, Consultants and other interested Volunteers. Committee Members Brian Conway (Chairperson); Trudy Marshall (ILRC Staff Member and Secretary); Paul Morgan (Communications Director); Karen Westcott and Joe Power (ILRC Board Representative); Diane White (Courtyard Manager); Len Starkes (Garden Manager); Derrick Simpson (Summer Staff); George Adamchek and Tony Fagan (Consultants); Pat Day, Carlos Escobar, Hubert Pinksen and Bridget O.Brien (Other Committee Members). Activities and Events The past year many of us became involved in the Courtyard and Garden for the first time. Derrick, our summer student, pretty well took care of the watering and weeding around the Courtyard. Two Elders from the Latter Day Saints did the mowing. A couple of Teens from Youth Corrections also dropped by to do some of the weeding. Thanks to them all! With permission from Hoyles-Escasoni and Newfoundland Power we were able to open up the Power line Easement to the north of the Courtyard. We cut the grass, removed the trees and the sods. We then proceeded to work the ground and prepare it for planting vegetables. We also added an herb section to the Courtyard. During August we were able to have the annual Spruce Up event held in co-ordination with the Paint Group and the Youth Group. An accessible adjustable table was built for the Event. Some of the furniture and tables were repaired. The back fence was stained, also. Later in the fall we had a couple of Stone Soup events, with turnip from the Garden being added. Even tough we didn.t yield a bumper crop, all in all the Courtyard and Garden were complete successes . successes in that they gave those of us living with a disability the chance to show what IL really means. ------------------------------ ILRC Activities 2007 - 2008 Information Sessions & Presentations: * Food Bank and Christmas Hamper Info Session, Salvation Army * Etiquette & Mental Health . CHANNAL * IL Internship Information Session to HRLE Regional Directors (conference call) and Regional Career Work Centres in Carbonear, Stephenville, Corner Brook, and Grand Falls-Windsor * Disability Awareness . Hungry Heart Café, Stella Burry Community Services * Autism Society of NL * Marine Institute Career Expo * Coalition Against Violence * Rabbittown Community Centre * Partners for Workplace Inclusion * Canadian Council on Rehabilitation & Work * Community Accounts * Opening Doors * Services for Students with Disabilities, College of the North Atlantic * Labour Market Information Symposium, HRLE * Avalon East Caregivers Network * Employment for Victims of Violence * Community Youth Network * Coalition of Richer Diversity * Canada Summer Jobs Event, Services Canada * Public Legal Information Association of NL * Canada Business Services Centre * The Murphy Centre * Adaptive Technology presentations to local high schools (Frank Roberts, Queen Elizabeth, Mount Pearl Senior High) and Eastern School Board Educational Psychologists * Native Friendship Centre * Work-Life Balance, Canadian Mental Health Association * Healthy Work Environment, Canadian Mental Health Association * Women.s Studies Programme, MUN * International Exchange students, Disabled Persons International * Community Youth Network * Service Canada * MacMorran Community Centre * Wheelway Transportation Ltd. * St. John.s Status of Women Council/Women.s Centre * Brain Injury Association * Social Work students, MUN School of Social Work * Stella Burry Hope Works Program * Wiseman Centre * Military Family Resource Centre * YAST . Youth Ability in Skilled Trades * START Program, St. Clare.s * NL Sexual Health Centre * For the Love of Learning Program Focus Groups: * Affordable Housing * Home Supports * Public Transportation * Adverse Health Events * Adult Learning Internal Activities & Special Events: * International Day of Persons with Disabilities Open House * Adaptive Technology Open House with special guests from Bridges Canada * Sign Language classes * ILRC AGM 2006-2007 * Volunteer Appreciation Week * Annual Barbeque at Sunshine Park * Young Adult.s Group * Spruce Up Party * Christmas Dinner & Dance * ILRC Staff Retreat with Susan McConnell Workshops: * .Speaking Out . Your Choice, Your Right. * .Community Independence: What.s It All About?. * .Empowerment & Self-Advocacy., Youth with Disabilities Support Group, Children.s Rehabilitation Centre * .Disability Etiquette & Words with Dignity., ILRC summer students * .Disability . Sensitivity & Accommodations., Ocean Works Business Development * .Inclusion & Disability Etiquette., Women.s Centre * .Sexuality, Parenting with a Disability & IL., Nursing Studies students, MUN * .Expectations in the Workplace. * .Diversity in the Workplace., Husky Energy * .Community Development, Social Inclusion & Networking in the Community., MUN School of Social Work * .IL & Positive Thinking . Opportunities for Empowerment., Emmanuel House * .Disability Etiquette & Communication., Gonzaga High School * .Transitional Supports for Students with Disabilities., MUN Faculty of Education Students * .Travel & Disability., Academy Canada Travel and Tourism students * .Accessibility & Plain language., NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre Peer Support Groups: * Men.s Group * Women.s Group * Paint Group * Dinner Club 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 Computer Clubs: * Career Cruising - Online Resume Writing * Job Search & Resume Posting Online * Online Gaming & Safety * How to Maintain Your Own computer * JAWS and Your PC . How to use Voice Output software * Self-Advocacy Online * Online Dating * Website Accessibility * Online Social Networking * Networking Basics * Critiquing Your Resume * Braille 101 * Adaptive Technology 101 * Introduction to Windows XP * Internet Basics * Computer Basics 101 ------------------------------ ILRC - Building Community Consultations: * .Supporting Victims of Elder Abuse: Legislation, Supports and Services. (Seniors Resource Centre, Public Legal Information A N, Victim.s Services) * Government of NL, Pre-Budget Consultation * IL Canada Accreditation * Housing and Homelessness Initiative Participation in External Events: * .Faces of Pain. (NL Long Term Chronic Pain Support Group) * .People with Disabilities. The Forgotten Poor . An Open Forum on the Financial Realities of Disability. (Coalition of Persons with Disabilities) * Bob Abbott Softball Tournament * CHANNAL Open House * Women with Disabilities Luncheon . Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women, NL * Newfoundland & Labrador Prescription Drug Plan press release * End Exclusion Event (Ottawa) * AIDS Committee of NL, Community Planning Day * Coalition on Richer Diversity (CORD) Focus Group * Canadian Society for Social Development information session * Grand Opening . Service Canada Student Centre * HRLE Accountability Framework presentation * Youth Ability in Skilled Trades Workshop . CCRW * Y Job Fair * Investing in Futures; RESPs (IL Canada teleconference) * .Annual Professional.s Day . Let.s Talk About Youth. (Community Youth Network) * .Community Accounts Information., Canada Business Service Centre * Community Services Council Volunteer Luncheon * Canada Summer Job.s Information Session (Service Canada) * .Employment Supports for Victims of Violence. Involvement on External Committees: * Elder Abuse Committee . Creating a Response to Elder Abuse * IL Canada . Access to Recovery (conference calls) * Social Recreation Committee * St. John.s Youth Protocol Committee * Canadian Council of Canadians with Disabilities (provincial representation) * Board of Directors, Coalition of Persons with Disabilities * Vulnerable Persons Network (national) * Blue Zone Advisory Committee * Active Living Alliance . Community Development Committee * St. John.s Para-transit Advisory Committee * White Paper Working Group on Services for Students with Disabilities * Marine Atlantic Accessibility Advisory Committee * Communications Committee, CHANNAL (Consumers Health Awareness Network of NL) * Board of Directors, Community Youth Network * Board of Directors, CP Association * Regional Coordinating Coalition Against Violence * Public Legal Information Association of NL * Avalon Regional Caregivers Association * Primary Health Care Community Advisory Committee * Provincial Advisory Council for the Status of Women ------------------------------ Treasurer.s Report by Jennifer Warren It is my pleasure to present the 2007-2008 financial statements for the Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC). Total Revenue for the year ended March 31, 2007 was $652,765 Total Expenditures were $588,633. Resulting in a Net Surplus of $64,132. 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, Community Youth Network,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, Service Canada continues to offer support to Independent Living Centres across the country through the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC). We commend their commitment to the Independent Living Movement. I would also like to thank XWave, 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 . Community Youth Network Independent Living Canada Thank you to the corporate bodies that made generous cash and in-kind donations to the ILRC this year: Xwave Compusult Ltd. Husky Energy ------------------------ 10 Years of ILRC 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.