Spring 2012

OPTIONS

NEWSLETTER Spring 2012

311A - 393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6 PH: 947-0194 (TTY) Toll Free:1-800-663-3043 FAX: 943-6625 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ilrc.mb.ca

Chairperson Ken Shachtay Vice – Chairperson David Parker Treasurer Kate McLachlin Secretary Judith Rossowski Directors Martin Nyachoti Dave Fowler Brian Baldwin Sharon Olson Chris Sobkowicz Randy Guimond Executive Director John Young

Longer Days … More Opportunities

Created/Edited through the ILRC Options Newsletter Committee. The content of this newsletter is not necessarily a reflection of ILRC alone; it is a reflection of our consumer population. Cover art provided by Margita Tobolkova

1

Spring 2012 visual support and inclusion, society as a whole would reap the benefits. We would be able to focus on nothing less than quality time. With an abundance of quality time, we are rewarded with copious amounts of relaxation, satisfaction and meaningful interaction with the people and issues we are passionate about.

From the Soapbox A John Young Perspective

T

o be honest, it is not the quantity of time that appeals to me; it is the quality of time. Quality time for non-profit organizations means not having to spend 5060% of its resources circulating the same issues and misunderstandings. So much of our time is consumed with re-assuring community members that the expertise lies at the community level, combating the same basic human rights as we did decades ago and convincing governments that institutional models and agencies are relics of the past. We continue to argue for basic accessibility in building and city planning, education, transportation and employment. Imagine for a moment if we only had to inform senior management at Eaton’s once in 1919 that aisles were too narrow for physical accessibility or the basics of Braille signage. Where would we be now in the field of retail? If communities can grasp the relevance and impact of our message on the first try, so much time could be dedicated to other things.

As reflected in many of the contributions in this issue of Options, we crave more time. We base this on a desire for more good, more acceptance and greater equality. We must not lose sight that what we crave should go beyond the basics of necessity and take us to the higher levels of quality time we all deserve.

Instead, we must deliver the message over and over. Indeed our role as a disability service provider is to educate and promote awareness on accessibility and the impact of disability rights and inclusion. If this message is not legally enforced it is but a process others merely look at. The satisfaction for me as a leader in the nonprofit comes from a vivid imagination. I imagine what it would be if less than half of a community’s misgivings and misunderstandings were resolved completely and never came back. If we had no misconceptions on accessibility, hearing,

2

Spring 2012

Board Corner Brian Baldwin

W

hat images come to mind when you think of the springtime? It is the traditional time of the year when all that has been dormant comes to life again. It’s the time when the white blanket of winter recedes allowing a new layer of growth and prosperity to gently poke its head out into the world. We talk about it on New Year’s Eve, but for some the chance to start over with a clean slate for another year doesn’t happen until spring has arrived. So, why the emphasis on all things new? Can’t you smell it? I’m new.

You and Your Life

I joined the board at the last AGM, and I’ve had a fantastic time getting to know my fellow board members and learning more about the ILRC. There’s a lot to learn about the ILRC and all the programs being offered. I’ll be honest; I’ve only scratched the surface of all that’s offered to help everyone be a bit more independent. There are probably a few people in the same boat still having a lot to discover about all the programs and services of the ILRC. Maybe discovery can fit in with the theme of spring renewal and a fresh start.

Doug Lockhart

S

tep back and take a moment to reflect on where you are in your life and where you want to be in the years to come… Do you feel your rights are being supported to be included in all aspects of your community? Is there adequate opportunity for you to address your health care in a way that is respectful and holistic? Are you actively involved in your community in a way that supports your freedom to express your choices and decisions? If you answered no to any of the aforementioned questions then you are an ideal candidate for the upcoming Disability Health and Wellness Conference on May 30-31 at the Victoria Inn.

For this spring I vow to learn the ins and outs of at least two of the many programs offered by the ILRC. I’m not talking about just knowing the names; I mean know them to the core. For your spring, I challenge you to do something similar. You can learn more about one of the programs, or you can take it upon yourself to help someone else learn more. It might not seem like much, but that’s how big things get done; a little bit at a time. We are, after all, a community of communities all connecting together with a common thread. Let’s use the spring to stretch that thread a little further and see what happens.

The conference is titled “You and Your Life” and will be divided into 3 streams, “You and Your Health”, “You and Your Rights” and “You and Your Community” that will address a variety of issues and topics that will offer people with disabilities the opportunity to step

3

Spring 2012 into the future with optimism and supports/resources that will make each step a little easier.

Priming the Leaders of the Future Robert Mitchell

th

This is the 4 conference put on by a number of community organizations supporting people with disabilities and seniors and in each conference we have tried to respond as accurately as possible to the demands of the audience. This time around we are focusing on YOU and offering opportunities to be enlightened of options and new developments that affect you as well as providing a venue to be heard by professionals who make a difference in your life. So you have a job to do to truly make this about YOU.

hy aren’t we raising our kids to be entrepreneurs?

W

If I could grab a couple extra hours in a day, I would probably use them for the benefit of my child and this is probably the case for most parents today. The question of raising our young people to be developers and creators – the very essence of an entrepreneur – rather than conformers and followers is essential for establishing a pool of pro-active leaders for the community. Unfortunately we may not be going about it the right way. Parents, communities and education models tend to prepare our youth for a role to fill. We raise our children to perform a certain job, rather than create one of their own. If I could explain in this manner: in the elementary years, parents teach, among other things, the basics of what not to do – don’t hit, don’t bite, don’t scream, don’t mess your clothes and behave in a certain way to elicit a response from peers. Following this stage, parents (somewhat reluctantly) release their children into the education system where the defining of role-matching continues. Schools teach a plethora of activities, whether it be writing, math, geography, music or arts, all with the expectation that a child will latch onto one or more of these tools and work in that field. College and University Commerce and MBA degrees teach our youth how to work effectively in a corporation, for someone else. A CGA learns how to manage someone else’s money. All the while, media drives home the message to impressionable youth that if you want to be accepted or cool, if you will, you should wear a specific item, use this portable device or listen to this particular type of music. I recognize that this is a very

If you know a professional who you think would benefit from hearing the perspective on rights, health or community as it relates to people with disabilities and seniors then invite them, let them know that you require their presence so your voice and the voices of others can fall on the ears of the right person who can make a difference in how people with disabilities are engaged and integrated into all aspects of society. Whether that person is a healthcare provider, Social Worker, Fitness Instructor, Landlord, or anyone who would benefit from hearing what our community feels needs to be changed for us to be valued as contributors and in control of our daily choices and opportunities. With the right people hearing our messages we know that our impact will hit home where it can truly make a difference for you. After all… it’s about You and Your Life!

4

Spring 2012 simplified explanation of a cycle of education, but you get the point.

their own incomes with the passion and energy of innovation and a premise that has not existed before. Instead of aspiring to specific careers, the younger generation should aspire to greater ideals of leadership for therein lies the future of global economies, commerce, and socio-political change. If a child has poor grades and has difficulty integrating in a classroom, it begs the question: is the student failing in the education system or is the education system failing the student? She may very well be another entrepreneur.

All the while, youth learn how to step into a role, often a role defined by someone else. They may be very effective in this but what does a community teach, if anything, on the skills and prowess of rejecting a faulty system (whether it be in advocacy or business) and creating your own? This has greater repercussions within the disability community if we are preparing people to occupy a role rather than break free and establish an independent position. How can we expect the disability community to have a voice in systemic advocacy and life issues if, from a very young age, we are all conditioned to only play a certain part? Life is, after all, not as easy as a Shakespearean play. We must do a better job of teaching our children to dream and aspire to higher levels, to reject and question systems built on ignorance, regulation, control and belief for the sake of belief. Creating and managing a business independently requires a great degree of initiative and risk. We must look for the traits our children display early on and encourage them to build on these traits. There are some basic ideas to teaching youth to be entrepreneurs, beginning with the simple lemonade stand selling to neighbours. A young student learns to acquire a given product from an outside source – candles, clothes hangers, DVDs – and re-sell it for a profit. They can learn how to generate income in better and healthier ways. They should learn about money management and bank accounts earlier. Why wait to learn about interest and investment income until the teens? These are the kinds of tools we must expand on to ensure entrepreneurial skills are nurtured.

New Beginnings Besant Dhillon

W

hen I came to Canada forty years ago in June, the sun was shining brightly in my eyes. I thought it would stay that way all through the year, just like in Malaysia. Even though I had read a book about Canada, that it has four seasons, I did not know the winters would be so bad and cold. I went slipping and sliding a few times, right off my feet onto my back. I did not know you had to wear such a thick jacket, toque, scarf, mitts and big ugly boots with thick socks! I had to cover my nose and use lip chap. The cold was unbelievable when it blew into my eyes.

Ultimately we – parents, schools and businesses – have an obligation to teach youth how to be self-sustainable and create 5

Spring 2012 In the summer, I could spend more time with my friends and go out with them and have fun. There were many new adventures that I learned. When I learned to drive, I remember driving on the wrong side of the road a few times. Luckily there was no on-coming traffic! I quickly realized I was on the wrong side of the road and moved into the right lane.

listen to. These were all experiences I never had in Malaysia. I have made many new friends. All in all, I am thankful I came to my new country, Canada. It was all for a purpose, although sometimes I do miss the warm weather.

Everything was new, banking, shopping, going to college, working, Canadian cooking, baking, knitting, crocheting, canning and so much more. A few times I found I could not understand the instructions, especially in baking. Sometimes, all I could do was throw it away. The new Canadian way was very different. I got my hair styled differently. I learned to wear make-up. The clothes are fancier here in comparison to Malaysia. Clothes are much more conservative in Malaysia. Here the women cover themselves with very little, especially in summer. Footwear is also different. In Malaysia, they mostly wear sandals.

Did you Know?

In Canada, women walk in front of their husbands. In Malaysia, men walk in front of women. Here women seem to rule, whereas in Malaysia, the men rule. For example, in Canada, I have noticed that the wife expresses her wishes and usually gets her way. In Malaysia, if the husband says, "no", that would be the final word. Men and women are more separate in Malaysia. The men sit on one side of the room, the women on the other. In Canada, men can talk to women at length. In Malaysia there is a limit. Marriages were mostly arranged when I lived in Malaysia.

Gary Dyson

n January 4th 2012 the Province of Manitoba announced that Mel Holley has been appointed as Acting Ombudsman. Mel Holley will be taking over for Irene Hamilton who has accepted the position of Director of Justice Innovation.

O

Did you know that David Kron has accepted the position of Program and Member Director of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba Inc. As Laura Schnellert has decided to retire after being employed by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba Inc since 1989.

In Canada, I was on a sail boat, went on picnics, learned how to camp and make a campfire. Singing songs, roasting marshmallows were new experiences for me. Stories told around the campfire were fun to

Did you know that the communications devices program for adults at the Deer Lodge

6

Spring 2012 Centre is mandated to ensure speech devices are available to eligible adults. For more information please call Deer Lodge at 1-204831-3430.

and the experience amazing. Thank you to staff, volunteers and consumers at ILRC.

Volunteer Profile

The ‘Suite’ of Opportunities for a Placement Student

Natalie Pirson

Cynthia Mangaoil is one of our front desk volunteers who has been with us for quite a while. She shared some words on her experience volunteering with ILRC, thus far:

Yumna Gill

T

his has got to be the most beneficial part of attaining a degree – a working practicum at a dynamic community agency. It began with me doing simple tasks like listening to people’s stories at the Speaker’s Bureau, asking questions about the organization and its programs, partaking in Leisure Education presentations and conducting research in various projects. However, over these past few months I’ve been given the opportunity to broaden my experiences. I’ve gone from shadowing Leisure Ed. Consultants to becoming a consultant in the program.

One day reading the Winnipeg Free Press, I happened to come across the volunteering part of the newspaper and I was then interested in the front desk receptionist opportunity with Independent Living Resource Centre. First reason, being new to Canada I have to volunteer to gain confidence working in a different country, have a feel of the office work, how colleagues would act and react in workplace. Secondly, gain experience and practice my English speaking over the phone and to the consumer or client. Thirdly, being at the front desk I could meet different kinds of people not only different kinds of people but different nationality. Also, I was then curious about the Independent Living mission and vision. Right now I have been here for more than a year.

Moreover, I’ve become more conscious of the issues surrounding people with disabilities and seeing the larger impact of the programs I’m involved in. Being at ILRC has broadened my views on people with disabilities and has made me see barriers that I did not know existed. Not only that, but I’ve also learned a lot from the staff at ILRC. Witnessing their dedication and sincerity towards their work has motivated me to better myself and be sincere to my work, regardless of where I go from here.

Being at the Front Desk, I love meeting people and entertaining different kinds of people. I am also doing some work at the back helping in ILRC’s brochures, sometimes. In this place, I could say I meet the kindest, considerate, understandable people. They would accept you at your face value and nothing else (ILRC lifted up my morale). I enjoy directing few immigrants on the offices or centres they could go to get started with. I am always looking forward for my Fridays.

Last but not the least, I can’t possibly reflect on my placement experience and not mention my trip to Ottawa! I learned many things – the progress of the disability movement, how an Organization should plan and strategize to increase their funding to the history of the parliament building. The opportunity was rare

Volunteering to ILRC means learning a lot especially about people with disabilities, and accepting people for who they are. 7

Spring 2012 to self advocate. In light of this success of this program we will also be initiating new peer groups in addition to the IL skill workshops. These group formations will be based on the common interest expressed and shared in the community, including accessible gaming and writing. If you are interested in attending a workshop or peer group, or if you have suggestions on peer group content, please feel free to call Mildrate Matanga at 947-0194.

Thank you for still having me here!

A Place to Speak and a Place to be Heard Mildrate Matanga

The workshops/peer events that ILRC has been staging for the past six months provided opportunities for the silenced voices to roar like a thunder. As we listen and create an inviting atmosphere for consumers to freely express their thoughts and feelings, I am thrilled by their brightening faces and body language as they become comfortable in expressing their concerns and frustrations which were bottled in them for too long. Through this forum consumers discussed thorny issues which are related to selfadvocacy. Self-advocacy is a very difficult but empowering thing to do. When confronted by adverse situations and oppressions, often a lack of knowledge can dissuade consumers from mounting a vigorous assertion of one’s rights.

Spring = Eternal Hope Margita Tobolkova

I

am paraphrasing the famous line by Alexander Pope: “Hope Springs Eternal…” In my native language, we have a small rhyme that says something like “On New Year’s day - one step; On Three Kings’ day a bit more”. That tells us that the days are getting longer. We are getting more light, brighter days and new hope.

Often they will be going against a well funded system managed by highly trained professionals, whose sole purposes can seem to be to administer dictatorial decisions which often go against the interests of consumers. This is why at ILRC a program whose goal is to provide a forum through which consumers assist other consumers by sharing ideas and empowering each other was established.

I love winters in some ways. Everything is, or should be, clean and white. I even like honest-to-goodness cold, provided there is no wind. But days are too short. What can you do when it’s dark outside? Watch TV, watch movies and sit at the computer. The only good thing for me, as the photographer, is that I can take pictures of sunrise without

This experience often leads to growth in their self-esteem and interpersonal behaviors, paving the way for the formation of rewarding adult relationships with a variety of people in community, home, and workplace settings. This interaction also sharpens their strategies

8

Spring 2012 getting up at ungodly morning hours. But otherwise, darkness is depressing.

pruned the Laurel before I brought it in for the winter. There are lots of twigs rooting. I’ll be selling small laurel trees in the spring, most likely through a garage sale. It will come with a guide to growing and propagating. I presume everyone knows how to use it in cooking, or keeping cupboards free of bugs. Anybody want to book a laurel tree?

But when the spring comes, one is so full of hope and new vigor. I am watching as each day is getting longer and longer, minute by minute. I will spend more time outside. I will walk longer, and before you know it, I’ll be gardening again. I have a new hope of becoming rich through finding work. I have been recently trained as a receptionist. In my age - imagine. But this is an extra skill I can use looking for work. I buy 6/49 lottery tickets. Just for two bucks. I always lose, but I pacify myself by a thought that I have contributed to the community. At least that’s what Western Canada Lottery Corporation leads us to believe. But maybe this is my lucky spring and my numbers will come up. I have an airplane ticket to go to Europe in the late spring. But, I have absolutely no pocket money to go along with my ticket. If I don’t come up with some funds by the middle of April, I’ll have to postpone my trip ‘til autumn. I don’t have much time left for overseas travels. My doctor appointments are becoming more frequent. But the money problem will resolve itself somehow. Hopefully, it will be through earnings by honest work.

Voice your Choice Joanne Legault

The following is an update on Rapid Transit, courtesy of the Rapid Transit Coalition, Committee Member Valerie Wolbert. On Sept 8, 2008 the Mayor of Winnipeg and Premier of Manitoba announced a funding agreement for $138 million for construction of the first phase of the Rapid Transit corridor for Winnipeg. Stage Two will be the southwest section to the University of Manitoba.

I am looking forward to seeing lots of green colour. Grass, trees, plants and all that is so easy on the eye and soothing for the soul. I will be bothering my friends and relatives again with photographs of my budding flowers and sprouting vegetables.

What stage are they at now? The 3.6 km transit way between Queen Elizabeth, Stradbrook and Pembina to Jubilee will open April 8th 2012.

I will have more rose bushes this year. I have purchased a book as a gift for someone: “The Ultimate Rose Book”. After I went through the book I decided to keep it. So, I am into roses now. Other than that, I am winterizing my two big perennials: Laurel and Fig trees. I have

Bus Rapid Transit vehicles will be of a low floor design ensuring that all citizens can

9

Spring 2012 enjoy easy access to rapid transit services. Winnipeg Transit has been conducting driver training on the corridor since Dec 16 2011. The test buses approached speeds of 80 km/hr. How will the system work? When completed a network of transit routes will use their new infrastructure and existing transit priority measures to provide fast reliable transit service between downtown and the south west part of the city including the U of M and residential commercial and industrial areas.

Trying Something New – Why Not Volunteer?

Where will the stations be? Rapid transit stations will be built along the transit way at Harkness, Osborne, and in the Fort Rouge yards.

Suzanne Foreman

As someone who is outdoors as much as humanly possible I find winters a bit frustrating because I can’t just wander barefoot into the vegetable garden or hang out on the porch with a book and a tea. Those are two of my selfish pleasures and they get priority in the warm weather. In the New Year however, after the holiday hoopla is over and the dust has settled, my time is freer and becomes more about volunteering in the larger community.

What will be at the stations? The stations will incorporate the principles of universal design to provide access to all and include such passenger amenities as heaters, benches, real time bus watch electronic displays, information kiosks, way-finding signs and lighting. Any other features?

This year, I have the tremendous pleasure of joining the volunteer corps at The Manitoba Museum as a docent on the Nonsuch, the reproduction of the 17th century sailing ketch that by sailing from Sussex England into James Bay in 1668, set the stage for what would become the Hudson’s Bay Company and the history of the Canadian fur trade. I have been researching the ship and the trading climate of the 17th century “New World” and discovering a ton of information about my adoptive Manitoba home. I’m getting to meet some amazing people who genuinely love what they do at the Museum in

There is discussion taking place on having a canopy over the walkway. There will be warm facilities to wait during our colder months. What about Fares? The system will still use the regular bus fares but they are hoping to have automated bus fare boxes. If you’d rather pay with plastic you can visit a kiosk or log onto the internet and put money on a smart card.

10

Spring 2012 its many programs and galleries, the majority of which are mobility accessible. Volunteers get to attend many programs for free as well as recognition for their time and skills in a variety of ways. My own history of volunteerism extends back as far as I can remember; to barn-raisings and county fairs as a kid, through fundraising of all sorts during school years, to soup kitchens and palliative duties as an adult. I am still in touch with many of the people I volunteered with as we became friends over time in working together for a common cause. When I first came to Manitoba I got involved with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and pulled weeds, collected seeds and purged spurge as I met veterans of the Conservancy who had spent their lives protecting Prairie plants and wildlife. They had marvelous stories to share, and I look forward to meeting up with them a few times every Spring and Fall.

PACE

Winnipeg has an abundance of volunteers, so in getting out and about think carefully about what interests you, what you bring with you in terms of skills and experience as well as what you would really like to learn about. Consider your time and transportation needs, your availability and what kind of commitment you can actually make. The Nature Conservancy can be hard physical labour which I enjoy, but the Nonsuch I think is just going to be pure fun, and we can all use an extra dose of that while we wait for the days to lengthen and the temperatures to rise.

When applying for PACE you must include an application. Get yours at the ILRC Office Monday –Friday, 8:30-4:30PM.

Kelly Dagdick

W

inter has finally arrived here in Winnipeg and it is cold, but the PACE Program is as hot as ever. Perfect timing given that Spring is just around the corner! Our new year has brought forth many applicants wanting to participate in the PACE Program. Interviews have been done and our first session (39) of 2012 is in full swing. There were 72 applicants for the start of the New Year. Getting your application in early is a must. PACE will be holding six sessions this year. The dates for the sessions can be found on ILRC’s website: www.ilrc.mb.ca or by calling Kelly at 947-0194.

The application must be filled out and submitted with the following information: - A resume - A Criminal Record Check- (Obtained from the Public Safety Building 4th Floor 151- Princess Street) -A Child Abuse Registry Check - (Government of Manitoba Child and Family Services - 102-114 Garry Street) Please ensure that you keep the necessary information from the application regarding PACE. Once your application has been received it will be passed on to the interview selection process. The PACE Program is an excellent opportunity for new comers to Winnipeg looking for a new start. Working as an IL

11

Spring 2012 Attendant is a rewarding job opportunity with competitive wages and benefits.

Information Regarding the EIA Disability Trust

We are currently taking applications for any of the following sessions:

Gary Dyson

F

or regular readers of the Options News letter you have likely read articles about the RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan), but what is the EIA (Employment and Income Assistance) Disability Trust? Here is some information that will explain what this program is all about.

Session 40: Mar 5th –April 6th 2012 Registration Deadline February 21st 2012 Session 41: Apr 23rd –May 25th 2012 Registration Deadline April 9th 2012 Session 42: Aug 13th –Sept 14th 2012 Registration Deadline July 30th 2012 Session 43: Sept 24th – Oct 26th 2012 Registration Deadline September 10th 2012 Session 44: Nov 5th – Dec 7th 2012 Registration Deadline October 22nd 2012

Anyone who is an EIA participant who has a disability can have an EIA Disability Trust. Families on EIA who have a child with a disability can open an EIA disability trust for their child as well. An EIA disability trust is a separate bank or trust account. Information on the account and the opening balance, including details on the source of the funds, must be provided to a person’s EIA Case Coordinator.

Last year the PACE Program graduated 93 students. Many are fulfilling their passion and working in the health care field as an Independent Living Attendant. Take the chance and apply today.

Words of the Month

Funds in the EIA disability trust can be used for items that will assist you to live more independently or for items to assist with your disability needs. Some examples of items and services that can be purchased with funds in the EIA disability trust are: technical aids and equipment, personal services, homecare services, modifications to primary residence, workplace or vehicle for accessibility, purchase of a vehicle or primary residence, transportation , shelter, respite services, clothing purchase and alteration. If you aren’t sure of a purchase or service you are planning to make just contact your Case Coordinator.

idoneous \ahy-DOH-nee-uhs\ Appropriate; fit; suitable. It would hardly be possible to apply less idoneous adjectives to it than Watson's reiterated "wailing" and "haunting." -- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone Arctophile \ahrk-tuh-fahyl\ A person who is rather fond of teddy bears; often a teddy bear collector. Imagine what kind of arctophile I’d be if I didn’t keep at least a dozen teddies in my closet.

You can also use money in your EIA disability trust for more personal items as well. Each person has a liquid asset exemption of $4000 per year or $16,000 for a family that can be withdrawn from the EIA trust for items that are not related to their disability. This money can

Got a suggested Word of the Month? Send it to [email protected]

12

Spring 2012 be used to purchase gifts for family or friends, household items or a vacation.

Make It a Better Year

How do you contribute to your EIA disability trust? Money can be placed in the trust from any source other then employment earnings or money to replace or supplement income. Examples would be Canada Pension Plan Disability, Employment Insurance, and Workers Compensation for loss of income. Examples of eligible sources of money may include inheritances, life insurance policies, gifts from family or friends, proceeds from the sale of a secondary house, land or car. As well, other exempt sources of income are the Canadian Child Tax Benefit and the GST credit.

T

Tina Gledhill

hanks to all that contributed to my garden last year.

I think about the water that I use to rinse things out with so now I try to save that water to put with the compost (rinsing out the bowl that I put it all into)If there is beer left over in the can(not me ,the kids) I just pour it into the compost .What the heck. It was such a dry year last year and who knows what this year will bring and the moisture helps. I do know that my garden will see more change come Spring. I’m a collector of STUFF and it has now moved to my garden. I will work on removing some STUFF come spring. Reduce reuse recycle is my garden but some things will have to go. I did do a lot of thinning out of plants last fall, moved a lot of plants to an extended patch .I hope they take. I’ll add all the compost to this area to give it the boost it will need.

For more details in how an EIA disability trust may help you please contact your EIA Case Coordinator or contact Information and Referral at ILRC at 947-0194.

Scent Free Environment

M

any people have severe allergies, asthma, and environmental sensitivities to such things as hair spray, scented deodorant, perfume, aftershave, scented fabric softeners, etc. The ILRC provides a scent-free, safe space for everyone, so please don’t wear fragrances when you come to the ILRC or any of our events.

13

Spring 2012

Techie’s Corner

Our final style is that of Cloud-based software. Cloud-based computing is the concept of computing as a service rather than a product. In the other two styles mentioned the software was a product that was downloaded or purchased. With Cloud-based software the work that is being done is a service being provided by a website where you log in to access, create and modify your documents. The Google Docs platform (docs.google.com) is another free software suite and a good example of this style. With Google Docs, you have the same functionality as the other two options but instead of creating or opening a document on your computer you would log into Google Docs and create or open a document there. Existing documents on your computer can be uploaded as well. The main advantage is that as long as you have an Internet connection; whether via computer, smartphone or tablet; you have access to your documents. This is also a liability since, when you have no Internet, you have no documents. The other disadvantage is that of security. Since you have no physical control over the location of your documents only a user name and password are protecting any documents being stored in this manner.

Jason Hirose

A

s we talk about being more productive with the longer days ahead, my mind turns to productivity software. Productivity software (also known as an office suite) is the software we use to create or edit a text document, spreadsheet, presentation or database. In other words, everyone who uses a computer will need productivity software at some point. There are three main styles of productivity software available today. The first is paid software. This is what most people are used to: walk into a store, buy a piece of software, bring it home and install it using the discs provided. Similarly, the dominant suite for this style is the one most are familiar with as well: Microsoft's Office. Most offices use Microsoft's software so it's useful to have software that is highly compatible. The obvious downside is cost. Starting at $160 and going up to more than $600, this software can cost more than the computer it is running on.

Keep in mind that the software listed above is only listed for examples of what each style can do. What is listed may not suit your needs but there may be another application in the same style that will do exactly what you want. As usual if there are any questions regarding productivity software please send me a message at [email protected]

The next style of software is downloaded software. Although there are paid versions, most downloadable productivity suites are free. One solid example is Libre Office. (www.libreoffice.org) As a free project this kind of software is community driven with the idea that everyone should have access to productivity software. All that is required is an Internet connection or someone who is willing to download the installer for you. Even though this is a free program it is fully compatible with Microsoft’s Office; those who are unwilling to afford Office should find this a natural solution.

14

Spring 2012 James Kim is the supervisor of Able Sail Manitoba at the ILRC. He is in his first year at the University of Manitoba, with the goal of entering the Asper School of Business. James has been working with the Able Sail Program for nearly 3 years now and has found the program very fulfilling to work in. His explanation of the program is this: Able Sail is a very unique program that aims to provide sailing that is accessible to every willing person in the city. Whether your barrier to sailing is cost, age, or ability, we can make the freedom of sailing possible for anyone. Watching people enjoying the unique and fun experience of sailing, from children to seniors in all levels of ability, is an experience that brings joy to him and the other staff as well. Sailing is a sport that has become a truly accessible one, there are no limitations or barriers. James is very passionate about the opportunity this program provides and makes a great addition to the team!

New Faces; New Places Natalie Pirson

A

s ILRC is ever evolving, we have a very familiar face who has stepped into a new role. Terry McIntosh has been with ILRC since its inception and has virtually been involved in every program with the Centre. She has now taken on the role of Program Supervisor. With Terry’s vast knowledge of the community, various issues and her experience within the centre, she lends tremendous support to the programs. Kelly Thurston has been working at Qu’Appelle Housing Project for six years as an Independent Living Attendant. She was also employed casually with WRHA for 16 years. She has two teenage daughters who bring so much joy to her life and the best experiences too. Kelly has taken the position of Tenant Resource Coordinator for a year as Krystal Polson steps out on maternity leave. We wish Kelly success in her new position and we are confident her experiences working as an ILA will bring an authentic perspective to the position.

Don’t Forget!

ANNUAL CABIN FEVER SOCIAL (Western Theme) Saturday, April 28, 2012 8:00 P.M. - 1:00 A.M.

Burton Cummings Community Centre 960 Arlington Street Check the Insert for Details

15

Spring 2012

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM Your membership helps us in programs, production and mailing costs of this newsletter. Being a member has its benefits in that you can vote at our next annual meeting, you receive our quarterly newsletter, and most of all you support the Centre and what we do. If you have not renewed your membership, please do so. The cost is $5.00. Please inform us about the following: ___ New Member ___ Renewal ___ I prefer not to receive any mailings from ILRC. Name: _________________________ I prefer to receive my newsletter in this

Format: Org. Name: ___________________ Phone: _________________________

1. Audio tape ____

4 Braille ____

2. Large print _____ 3. Email text only ____

5. Disk _____ 6 Print copy ____

Address:________________________ Postal Code:_____________________

ILRC STAFF Executive Director: John Young Senior Program Coordinator: Doug Lockhart Controller/Accountant: Thom Lamont Assistant to the Executive Director and Director of Operations: Robert Mitchell Reception: Angela Rae/Volunteers Payroll Coordinator: Michael Jimenez Information & Referral: Gary Dyson, Natalie Pirson, Terry McIntosh Independent Living Skills/Peer Support: Mildrate Matanga Individual Self-Advocacy: Marie-Lynn Hamilton Volunteer Consultant: Natalie Pirson Network Administrator: Jason Hirose Programming Supervisor: Terry McIntosh

Senior Community Living Coordinator: Jodie Jephcote Community Living Coordinator: Tina Gledhill Tenant Resource Coordinator: Krystal Polson Community Living Staffing: Suzanne Foreman Leisure Education: Joanne Legault, Sonya Lockhart, Samareh Haji –Hamzeh, Christina Buebos Personal Attendant Community Education: Kelly Dagdick Urban Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Project: Robert Mitchell, Gary Dyson Community Outreach: Gary Dyson Kids on the Block: Zöe Kogan DART Training: Joanne Legault

16