"My wife & I live in our own home..."

"My wife and I live in our own home, on the outskirts of North Bay, Ontario. I am retired, aged 67 and I have been an active quadriplegic since 1979. Recently, I had to give up driving due to partial vision loss.

When we first heard of the Direct Funding Program that is available in Parry Sound, we were cautiously optimistic about its suitability. Since starting the program in the fall of 2016, I realized the first benefit was a small team of people to interface with. We have three people that we chose that were directly suited to my needs. The prime attributes we sought were people with positive attitudes, a willingness to learn and the ability to take direction.

We find we have strong relationship with staff who are dedicated to my needs. We're adaptable to each other's timing needs, changes and we are in control of our lives. Even my recent inability to drive has been offset by attendant care help, allowing me to stay involved in community services, volunteer work, personal care needs and shopping.

Generally, I have many hours of service from people attuned to my needs for a broad scope of attendant work. As well, all of this allows my wife more time for herself than before and will prolong our ability to maintain independent living.

In terms of public service delivery, the Direct Funding Program is an excellent example of an efficient use of public funds. It reduces overhead administration and staff training. It should be an example to follow regarding services for delivery and efficiency".

Stuart

"I will be 65 soon..."

“I will be 65 soon and will no longer be able to access the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). The Personal Empowerment Program (PEP) Coordinator in my Independent Living Centre in Calgary set up an individual workshop on the Canadian Federal Government Registered Savings Plan for Disabled (RDSP) so that I could access grants to aid in my financial stability.

I have been unable to work either part or full-time my entire life due to being born with physical and developmental It has been a huge barrier to employment. The workshop program through my Centre provides the necessary information to apply for the federal grant and start the savings program. This led to improving my circumstances, and led me out of poverty.

Since the workshop began, PEP participants have a hope for their futures and the impact has been very positive, directly improving lives”.

Cynthia

"When I was 15 my father died..."

“When I was 15 my father died, and my step-father, who was a really good man, encouraged me to get involved in our community. Prior to having seizures, I was involved in my church, however these seizures limited my ability to work. It was at that point I started volunteering.

When I came to Calgary from Newfoundland I was on the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program. I got involved right away in the Calgary community. In 2008, my good friend encouraged me to start volunteering at the Independent Living Resource Centre of Calgary, and I’ve been here now for almost a decade. I’ve always loved the idea of people helping people. The connections and friends have prevented the dire alternative of sitting at home staring at four walls.

Diann

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"I am originally from Africa..."

“I am originally from Africa where I was an outreach volunteer at my local school. My role included assisting with food and clothing distribution to local children and families.

I moved to Calgary where I continued to volunteer, until I found permanent work as a Health Care Aide. I still volunteer with the Independent Living Centre Calgary, as a practicum student, in order to complete my diploma in Human Services.

I have a particular interest in serving the disabled and seniors. I assist with 18 programs at the Independent Living Centre Calgary, who are part of LEARN (Lifelong Education and Awareness of Recreation Needs). Through this valuable placement experience, I work with all types of complex cross-disabilities including sight, hearing, mobility, developmental, and Acquired Brain Injury. The impact of this experience, combined with schooling, has been invaluable to me and I became determined to find remunerated work in this sector. I am now a proud Independent Living Centre Calgary Instructor.”

Cynthia Z.

"I started out in the Reception area..."

“I started out in the Reception area of the Independent Living Centre Calgary on a weekly basis during the Summer. I contacted the Executive Director in order to extend my involvement through the Spring Break and Christmas. This will pave the way for more work at a camp in the summer. I have been successful in learning new office skills and will be applying them once I graduate from high school.”

Amneet

"My name is Chrissy..."

“My name is Chrissy, and I have been volunteering at the reception desk of the Independent Living Centre Calgary. I have helped with administration and assisted with volunteer coordination over the past five years. I also help with filing related to accounting, and I work on special projects for the Executive Director and the LEARN (Lifelong Education and Awareness of Recreation Needs) Program Coordinator.

My mother recently remarked how much confidence I have gained and she thanked the ILRCC staff for their support and encouragement.”

Chrissy

"As a guy in a wheelchair..."

“As a guy in a wheelchair attending the Culture Club, I enjoy the weekly events that the Program Coordinator puts together. It’s a cold, cold day today and it’s been brutal, but at least the city has cleared the sidewalks so people can get around. Usually, this chair manoeuvers well in cold and snow.”

Frazer

"When I moved to Richmond BC in 2009..."

“When I moved to Richmond BC in 2009 I had recently been diagnosed with a serious chronic illness called Post Traumatic Hyper Irritability Syndrome. This illness is a rare form of Fibromyalgia. It had taken nearly two years to receive a diagnosis and I was not well. Managing my illness was a great challenge and my life was unstable. I remember being very isolated and I was terribly frustrated with the return- to-work set up and my employers.

I recall visiting the centre and seeing the long wall which held hundreds of different brochures. Each time I visited, I left with a mitt full of information. At one point, I returned and entered a job return/search program calledA position became available which the Centres’ Executive Director felt was a good fit for me. I had never worked in any relevant field relevant to the position, yet, she saw something that many others had not seen in the past.

I have been working at the RCD for many years now. They provide a non-judgmental, accepting workplace which is an absolute must for anyone with my symptoms. They allow me the flexibility to work around the many challenges and barriers that my illness presents. Over time, and with the help of the RCD, I have gone from being nearly housebound to accomplishing the following:

- I now have a reason to leave the house and get exercise riding my adapted bicycle back and forth to work and all around Richmond.

- I graduated with honors at the age of 41 with a certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

- I have been able to reach new plateaus within the confines of my illness and have been able to remove several harmful prescription drugs from my daily regime.

- I have been able to give back to others with similar illnesses and become an advocate in the Invisible Illness community. This year, we will be hosting our Sixth Annual Invisible Illness Awareness Event.

- I was given the chance to teach and conduct public speaking engagements. This was something I had thought I would never be able to do again.

- To date, I have authored four workshops and have two more in development. This was something I thought I would never, ever do.

- I have been published in the Abilities magazine which is a nationally distributed disability-focused publication.

- I have become part of a radio program as a monthly host on the Vancouver Co-Op Radio Soap Box Program. The Soap Box Radio is a program that provides a platform for people with disabilities, their families and those who advocate for them.

In closing: My work at the RCD has helped me retain the unique aspects of my personality and abilities, and has also been instrumental in helping me look at my life in a much more positive way. Often, I do not refer to my work as a job. It has become part of my therapy and recovery process. I just love meeting the people I come in contact with, and I see and appreciate how they overcome unbelievable barriers.”

Dave T.

The Story of France Clark, Founder of the Richmond Centre for Disability

Frances Clark (1935-2015) was famous for not giving up easily! When we looked at Frances, we understood the essence of participation; she was the best example of how a person could live a full life, regardless having a disability or not. She has shown determination, courage and dignity throughout her life; what she has accomplished is beyond measure and touched the lives of people around her.

Frances was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta at 10 days of age, when it was discovered that she had two broken legs. In all, she has experienced more than 34 fractures in her lifetime. This bone condition also caused her to lose her hearing by the age of 18. Frances, however, has never let her disability hold her back. Despite not going through typical schooling, she completed her education through Government Correspondence Courses; her passion for reading made her very knowledgeable in all aspects of life.

Frances was a people person, a great mentor and an excellent leader. She was always the key catalyst bringing stakeholders together. She was the first to gather people around the table, and sometimes the first one to leave when things were on the right track. She sat on numerous advisory committees. She mentored several board chair successors and executive directors at the organizations she founded. She was always available to guide fundraising initiatives and knew how to address broader social issues.

Frances was the driving force behind the founding of five charities, with a broad spectrum of focuses such as: dog showing, human-animal bond and responsible pet ownership, civic affairs and social policies, therapeutic equestrian and finally, Independent Living Philosophy of persons with disabilities. Her reach went beyond the disability community to the general public. Such community involvements enabled her to highlight a number of important social issues such as affordable housing, healthcare concerns, social planning, accessibility and inclusivity for all.

The Steveston Residence was one of the many examples showcasing her teamwork strength and ability to mobilize community resources. At the opening of this specialized housing project built for persons with disabilities who require full-time attendant care in 2000, Frances was recognized for her work in bringing together the government, the developer and the service agency to hatch this much-needed project. When she began her work at the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society in 1985, she brought people together from the deaf community, dog organizations, the SPCA and experienced dog aficianados, to establish an affiliation with the world recognized Canine Companions for Independence in California to ensure service dogs would be trained to the highest possible standards and trainers would receive certification.

In 2000, Frances oversaw the establishment of a physical centre for the Richmond Centre for Disability, which now serves over 26,000 individuals with disabilities annually, in a wide array of aspects. More significantly, Frances was a role model of citizenship for all. She reflected true Canadian values of diversity, respect and dignity. Many people respect her for her courage, integrity and fearless quest for equality. She was an exemplary model of inclusivity which helped form the guiding principles for the charities she founded. Frances was indeed an inspiration to many.

Frances created sustainable social impacts through empowerment. The establishment of the Richmond Centre for Disability is a perfect model for self-determination and participation of persons with disabilities. The organization eventually won the 2012 Business Excellence Award as Association of the Year. Frances won the Prime Minister's Volunteer Award Program for Life Long Achievement in 2013, which fully recognized her as a leader and achiever in the fulfillment of community needs. She was a catalyst, a pioneer and an inspiration.

Ella Huang, Executive Director, Richmond Centre for Disability

“I am a 56-year old women from Langley, B.C., who found new passion..."

“I am a 56-year old women from Langley, B.C., who found new passion and a lifes’ mission in wheelchair curling. I got involved in spring of 2016, and I was recently featured in the February 2017 Curl B.C. newsletter. I hope to encourage more people to join this skillful and competitive sport.

People say I am an outgoing and humorous lady who brings sunshine and laughter to the people around me. My first ever curling tournament was at the Richmond Centre for Disability’s 10th Annual International Wheelchair Curling tournament.

I started using a wheelchair because of a stroke in 2015 and I feel curling is the best rehabilitation for me. after a few months of introduction to the sport, I got the chance to play on the Guys and Dolls League at the Langley Curling Centre. After that, I became unstoppable!

After the November Bonspiel in Richmond, my second competitive event was the Provincial Curling Competition. I’m loving it more every day. My goal is to eventually make the national team. At the provincial event, my team placed third overall against much more experienced players. This was no small deed because having curled for merely a year, it took a lot of courage to step out on the arena and face the challenge.

I’m having a blast playing, learning, and meeting some incredible people along the way! I am trying to recruit more people in wheelchairs.

The minute I talk about curling, I come alive. This was not what the horizon looked like in 2015 when I had that stroke. Like many others, I lost my spark for life and felt hopeless about the future. But I am naturally a positive person and this proactive attitude led me to the discovery of curling. This is the essence of Independent Living Philosophy: people find their niche and connect with their passion for life. Don’t give up on your dream! Act on it like I did!

The Richmond Centre for Disability has been hosting the annual Canadian open in wheelchair curling since 2006, and the event has grown into an international tournament that attracts many international teams. The upcoming 2017 edition will be hosted from November 15 to 19 at the Richmond Curling Club. I look forward with great anticipation to this, probably the biggest and most competitive curling event so far.”

Tracy B.

“On trying to make the workplace truly barrier-free..."

“This sharing focuses on trying to make the workplace truly barrier-free. But unlike my previous stories, where the focus is on participants, this one is from the perspective of staff members making changes for other staff members, here at the Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) . We believe that a comfortable and happy work atmosphere results in higher productivity; similar to how happy cows roaming free in a green pasture would produce sweeter and more abundant milk. Only in this case we're not cows, we are a team of work horses!.

Our Centre employs people with all types of abilities - abilities that can be hidden or amplified in different situations. It pains us to see co-workers not being able to perform their best because some kind of barrier is in the way. We are an Independent Living Centre, we should know better. Don't get me wrong, compared to an average workplace we are 110% more accessible and 90% barrier free. But at an individual level, where we want to bring out the strength of each and every staff member, there is always room for improvement of the workplace. A small but growing team here is constantly on the lookout for where obstacles exist and where improvements can be made. Our mission is to tackle these tiny little performance-inhibiting barriers one by one, for each person, for everyone.

Originally, we want to share with you what our office looks like, how many people it hosts, and how accessible it is even before the changes, but we'll skip all this and bring you a list of the top five improvements we achieved last year. Keep in mind these changes may or may not apply to every work environment because it is done on an individual basis through observation, communication and tons of imagination.

5. Dual computer monitors – One for you and one for me - It used to be a common sight to see a staff member and a client crowding in front of one computer in our computer area. Our monitors are not particularly small, but they are definitely not made for two people using it at the same time, especially when two power-chairs are parked side by side. The solution was to install a secondary monitor so two persons can work on a file together with ease at a comfortable range from the monitor and from each other.

4. A transcript for everything - Whether you have a hearing impairment or a language barrier, having a physical transcript on hand reduces a lot of errors in communication. Our Centre being located in a culturally diverse neighbourhood, the margin of error through verbal communication is unfortunately high, especially on the phone. In response to that problem we installed VOIP telephones with transcript and recording features. Voice mail or recordings are automatically sent to our email inbox along with a transcript. This beats listening to a message five times to confirm a name or a callback number.

3. Flexible training schedule - Our staff goes through a lot of training and workshops every year. Some are external, and some are internal. While there is not much we can do about the external training, our internal training is completely revamped to fulfill the needs of the staff team. Staff training is now completed mostly online, so they can do training at home and at their own pace. Let's face it, not everyone is thrilled to sit in a three-hour workshop on a Friday afternoon.

2. Making changes to existing policies - Policies are in place to ensure that our Centre is running at optimal efficiency. Some of these policies form the backbone of our organization and are vital to the well-being of the Centre and cannot be changed. However, some policies can be updated to reflect changes in the demographics within the staff team. Without going into details, we recently expanded our sick leave policy to address a growing concern of some co-workers who are more vulnerable. An open conversation with all levels within the organization can help address such issues.

1. The tiniest things matter - Throughout the year we have made small changes in the Centre, in the hope that staff would feel at home in their workplace. We deployed personal heaters during winter, we installed more water stations to reduce the need for moving around, we mounted security mirrors in rooms with public access; we even implemented a flexible policy for staff in extreme weather conditions. The list goes on.

Almost all of the changes were customized for at least one individual in mind. A change that caters to one co-worker or a handful of co-workers with special needs may seem unnecessary, even cumbersome to others. It is all about accommodating each other in the workplace. By now co-workers assisting co-worker is part of everyday life. We see each other as family members, and we appreciate the tiniest things we do to support one another. As a result, the average number of years a staff member remains with the RCD is a stable eight years.

Please keep in mind that most of the improvements are not made overnight and some may not be suitable for every work environment. It is worth noting, that most of the changes we made were not costly at all. Some were installed by our volunteers. When we try to be more understanding of the needs of the people working closely with ourselves and if we put our heads together, amazing things happen”.

Ian

“I was born with a physical disability in 1960..."

“I was born with a physical disability in 1960, at a time when there were little or no accommodations for persons with disabilities. Living in a small, coastal community, I was reliant on relatives and friends to transport me from place to place. This did not sit at all well with me. I longed to be as independent as I could be at a very early age. I instinctively knew that if I were going to achieve my fullest potential, I would have to move and live in the city.

I have lived in St. John’s since 1979. I have a teaching degree from Memorial University. I was married in 1989. I have been employed as a provincial civil servant since 1992. My wife and I purchased our current home in 1996.

I live my life on the premise that every challenge is an opportunity for personal growth and personal enrichment. Life is not always fair; (a lesson that I learned from a very young age), but we must make the best of it. Throughout my life I always made it a practice to look for solutions to overcome whatever obstacles were in my path. As such, I feel very fortunate. In recent years I have discovered that I get a great deal of satisfaction from advocating for other persons with disabilities. I find great solace in helping people who might not otherwise be able to help themselves. My voluntary capacities at Empower, The Disability Resource Centre constitute some of the most important things that I have done in my entire life. I consider it a privilege to be involved in the Independent Living Movement”.

Randy H., Vice Chair, Empower

“I have been volunteering since I was young..."

“I have been volunteering since I was young and it is one of the most rewarding things I have done. It has taught me a lot of skills and qualities that make me who I am. I do not let my disability stop me from helping people because that’s what I really enjoy.

I was always taught to lend a hand to help others, and to respect my elders and treat others as I would want them to treat me. I always greet someone new with a smile on my face, especially someone who needs my help. That is just who I am.

I started out volunteering at the Health Science when I was young and at the hospitals, and then at homes for seniors. I also volunteered my time at the Waterford Hospital, assisting people to attend services in the chapel. Over time, I have volunteered at my church and lent a hand in other activities in the community. I have tutored people in different subjects in school, as well as with computers. It feels great to be of service to others.

Today, I volunteer at the executive level, on a number of key committees at Empower, The Disability Resource Centre. This is an organization that I am proud to be a part of. I serve on the PARTS (People Advocating for Respectful Transportation) and the Garden Committee. I am also involved with a special research project: a photovoice study about what accessible transportation means to me. I am a Board member and serve on the Governance and Nominations Committee, AND I attend the Mayors Advisory Committee!

In addition to my present involvement with Empower, I find some time to be a member of People First of Newfoundland and to act on their Board of Directors as Treasurer.

The bottom line is that I am a part of organizations that really mean something to me. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for discovering my values around compassion for having helped others. All this makes me proud to be the person I have become.

I encourage anyone who needs direction in life, or is looking for a job and need experience, or simply wants to make a difference in the world, to VOLUNTEER. It is THE thing to do”!

Kim U.

“Supportive Employment is a huge success for me..."

“Supportive Employment is a huge success for me as a person with an intellectual disability. This is my story.

I am an active volunteer and member of Empower, The Disability Resource Centre and I live in the rural neighborhood of Goulds, St. John’s NL.

I graduated from high school in June 2006 from a program called Work Experience. This class was made up of nine high school students who would spend the majority of the time in class, and some time in a work placement. We went to local businesses in the community and would spend several hours a day in job training.

In Grade 12 we did two week blocks, one prior to the Christmas break, and one at the end of the school year. At the end of it all, the Department Manager filled out an evaluation. In my last evaluation, he indicated I would need a job coach to keep me focused on the tasks at hand. My Mother called two different organizations, which she knew offered supportive employment, but to no avail.

We had a meeting with the Full Steam Ahead Coordinator at Empower who recommended my mother get in touch with a certain employment agency. She did and in the Fall of 2006 we had a meeting with them. I became a client of theirs, and that was a first barrier broken! I applied to a local coffee shop, but heard back that if a job coach was recommended to work with a person who has a disability, this coffee shop would not even call you for an interview. I was slated to be placed somewhere else, but this too was unsuccessful. Months of waiting began. In late May of 2007, a position came up for a cleaner position (one day a week) at a local store. My luck changed and the placement became mine! On June 18th, 2007 a quiet 19 ½ year old experienced her first morning of work, and almost 10 years later that 29 ½ year old has blossomed to a talkative active member of the community!

I am still working as a cleaner. I was transferred to a different location this past October, but for the same employer. It was challenging, but I have adjusted.

Supportive Employment breaks a lot of barriers for persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Some people think I can’t do my job, but I prove them wrong every day, with my fast pace and intent on getting the job done. I love meeting new people and interacting with my co-workers at both work locations.

This is my story and my experience with Supportive Employment and breaking down barriers to find and retain work. I am so very proud to share all of this with you”.

Amanda H.

« Lorsqu’on me regarde, la première chose que l’on remarque...»

« Lorsqu’on me regarde, la première chose que l’on remarque, c’est mon fauteuil roulant. Cependant, après une discussion de quelques minutes, les gens oublient souvent que je ne marche pas. Une seule raison peut expliquer cette réaction : mon attitude. C’est l’attitude et le caractère qui définissent une personne, pas son moyen de déplacement.

Cela fait maintenant 15 ans que je suis en fauteuil roulant. Au cours des dernières années, j’ai eu la chance de voir une grande amélioration dans la perception des gens ainsi que dans l’accessibilité des lieux. On peut cependant faire mieux encore. Il y a quelques décennies, les gens à mobilité réduite étaient souvent isolés. Les écoles, les commerces et beaucoup de lieux publics n’étaient pas accessibles aux fauteuils roulants. Maintenant, on peut vivre une vie normale et active malgré un handicap.

J’ai le plaisir d’avoir un emploi à temps plein motivant, de participer des activités sportives et d’avoir une vie sociale bien remplie. Je dois remercier les gens qui, avant moi, ont repoussé les limites et éliminé plusieurs barrières. Terry Fox, Rick Hansen, Chantal Petitclerc et bien d’autres ont démontré qu’il était possible d’accomplir de grandes choses, malgré un handicap. Après tout, être en fauteuil roulant n’est pas un handicap. Cependant, ne pas pouvoir visiter un lieu parce qu’il n’est pas accessible, oui, ça, c’est un handicap. Ne pas pouvoir travailler dans un environnement de travail convenable, aussi. Et se retrouver isolé ou rejeté, ça, c’est un handicap.

Le fauteuil roulant est souvent perçu comme une limitation alors que dans les faits, ce fauteuil est un outil me permettant d’être indépendant. Pour moi, me transférer dans mon fauteuil roulant le matin est la même chose qu’une personne qui met ses lunettes en se levant pour mieux voir.

Comme je le mentionnais précédemment, j’ai un emploi fantastique. Depuis maintenant un an que je travaille comme recruteur de para-athlétisme à Athlétisme Canada. Grâce à celui-ci, j’ai maintenant la chance d’aider les personnes avec un handicap à commencer la pratique du para-athlétisme ou les aider dans leur cheminement vers l’excellence. C’est un sentiment incroyable que de permettre à des personnes handicapées de s’épanouir. Je vois beaucoup de jeunes qui mordent à fond dans les aventures qui s’offrent à eux. Ils ont un bel avenir devant eux et ils en profitent au maximum.

J’ai aussi été membre du conseil d’administration de Vie autonome Montérégie pendant près de cinq ans. Durant ces années, j’ai eu l’opportunité de mieux connaître les besoins des individus ayant des limitations fonctionnelles de toute nature. Ce qui m’a attiré vers cet organisme et qui me rejoint dans ma façon de vivre c’est qu’il fait la promotion d’une société inclusive et favorise l’autonomie des personnes handicapées.

En espérant que plus de gens en fauteuil roulant adoptent une attitude positive face aux obstacles qu’ils rencontrent ».

Ian M.

“I started at the Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) as a front desk staff person..."

“I started at the Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) as front desk staff person, back in the summer of 2013. I was an effective front desk receptionist and I also dedicated my extra time by volunteering at the Centre. Everything was going great until the summer of 2015, when I noticed my already weak vision was getting worse. I had trouble reading from computer screens, letters and documents and lost my ability to read altogether. I felt I was no longer an effective team member.

After many appointments with different doctors the problem persisted. I tried to tackle the problem by carrying a magnifying glass. Everything I did from that moment on, revolved around pulling out my trusted magnifying glass and burying my head over it.

Some of my colleagues soon picked up on that, and arranged a visit for me, to the Canadian National Institution for the Blind (CNIB). The CNIB was able to offer some help by having me test out different assistive devices and technologies. Soon after, I was connected to the Neil Squire Society where they looked after the funding side of the device I needed. Finally, Aroga Technologies came to the rescue, installed and setup the Acrobat HD Mini for me. This is a portable battery operated electronic magnifier that I continue to use every day, at work and at home.

I remain an effective employee today. This vision impairment has little impact on my work, thanks to the assistive device made available to me in 2016. I am now into my fifth year with RCD and I continue to be a vital part of the team."

Sally L.

“I registered with the Richmond Centre for Disability’s Support for Independent Living Project (SIL) in July of 2016..."

“I registered with the Richmond Centre for Disability’s Supports for the Independent Living Project (SIL) in July of 2016. As someone interested in exploring both community participation goals, as well as employment options, I had been the ideal match for the Centre’s SIL project. The objective is to put participants in the driver’s seat of their lives through self-determination. It consists of two streams: resources for career development and resources for community participation. Participants are free to travel down either or both streams at any given time.

Fueled by the Independent Living Philosophy the SIL project also fits into the Centre’s Mission: to empower people with disabilities, to participate in the community to the level of their desires and abilities by providing information, resources, support and by increasing community awareness and accessibility.

When I first enrolled, I was told about available provincial disability benefits known as Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Designation, and was assisted by the project coordinators to apply. The resulting approval for PWD benefits has given me some financial independence and empowered me to seek either employment or other community participation with the aid of a monthly bus pass.

I also quickly found work following my enrollment with SIL. I worked full-time as a Kettle Host during the Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign. As a person of faith with a passion to help others, this seasonal opportunity was the perfect fit for me. I have also been an active participant in short-term work experiences coordinated by the Centre.

In my search for steady employment, I have applied for a spot in the Access Program, which is a local college-based course designed for people with disabilities for work; in this case, within the Hospitality Industry.

I have a keen interest in sport and physical fitness, so while a participant with the SIL project, I also looked into both recreational and volunteer opportunities in these areas. My ultimate dream is to merge my employment and recreational/volunteer interests. People say I am industrious and determined, so there is no reason not to be able to achieve whatever goals I set for myself."

Minseong P.

“My name is Al and my life has been a total fog..."

“My name is Al and my life has been a total fog. I was suffering from severe back pain and depression. I couldn’t work and I couldn’t cope. I had tried to get financial help but was denied. I appealed that decision and lost. I was then referred to the Independent Living Centre Kingston (ILCK) to see if they could help.

I met with them on a weekly basis for several months, discussing in depth how my disabilities affected my life, and how I could develop coping strategies. They asked me a lot of questions about depression, and I finally told them the root of my problem.

In 1999 I was sitting in my van waiting for my son. While he was coming out of the store towards my vehicle, he was shot. Murdered right in front of me. I will never get over this. One of the bullets just missed me and lodged in the seat of my van. This also caused a total breakdown of my marriage of 32 years. As a result, my life has been a total fog.

In addition to this, I severely injured my lower back about 20 years ago and I now have deteriorating discs. I have really severe back pain and have to lie flat. When I try to get up, I have to crawl up. I also fractured my left wrist and hand in a car accident about five years ago. I have arthritis in my back, shoulder, arm, wrist and hand. As a result of these situations I have numbness in my shoulders, arms, hands and legs.

I used to walk a lot, play hockey and golf and now I can’t do any of these things. It’s very depressing not being able to do anything. I get very irritable due to the pain that never goes away. I can’t concentrate and I forget a lot of things.

The Centre helped me arrange a psychiatric assessment, grief counseling and a referral to a pain management clinic. With the Centre’s assistance I re-wrote the Self-Report section of the ODSP application, describing how my disability affected my life. We added these details of the effects of my disabilities, shared it with my doctor and submitted a new application. It was successful within four weeks.

Through the compassion and support of ILCK I was finally able to talk about the death of my son. Spending time at the Centre gave me comfort and a safe place to talk which helped me through my grief and freed me from the trauma. I have a long road ahead, but I have the help I need to stabilize my situation and begin to heal and rebuild my life.

Al

“My name is Hanah and I used to dance..."

“My name is Hanah and I used to dance. Most people working with me saw the facts: I have post-traumatic stress disorder, flashbacks, anxiety and I am a survivor of sexual and physical abuse.

This was my reality. I felt like there is a ball that rolls up into my throat and closes my throat off. My world was spinning and I couldn’t catch the walls. I felt my chest was crushed and I gasped for air as I felt like crying and screaming. I would just fall to the floor and I cry and cry until I couldn't catch my breath. And then I panicked.

I have deep tissue muscle pain in my back, shoulders and I have dysplasia. The headaches are unbearable. This is where the addiction to pain killers began. Then there were the flashbacks. I would bathe and scrub and bathe and scrub until my skin was raw and I still wasn’t clean.

I used to dance. I don’t do that anymore. I try not to go out. I don’t want to leave the house: I can’t deal with people because of my anxiety. I don’t trust anyone and don’t seem to be able to develop healthy relationships.

I struggled a lot in school. I was tested for ADD but I don’t have ADD, I was just stupid and lazy, my dad said so. My last job was three years ago, I was a hair stylist. I had to leave, I couldn’t cope.

With help of Independent Living Centre Kingston we have worked to successfully complete my application for Ontario Disability Support. Part of that success was their referral to an amazing psychiatrist who helped me develop coping strategies and a medication regime that helped stabilize my life.

I felt that the Centre was there for me. Not to direct me but show me some options, and I continued to meet there weekly. I needed to maintain that support. With my confidence regained I enrolled in a business administration course and I’m enjoying it immensely. Thanks to the Centre’s help and support I will have new and exciting adventures in the world of employment”.

Hanah

“I am disabled, so what?"

“I am disabled, so what? My name is not important, but my world is. I am very capable, but I have a disability. Many people in our society do not understand nor believe the concept of a capable person with a disability, but things are changing and I am proud to be part of that change.

The community in which I live has accepted my active participation. Not only do I receive the benefits of being active in my community, but others receive benefits from me being there, whether they realize it or not.

The benefits I receive are very tangible and direct. Although I have indicated that I am a very capable person, there are limits. As a person that uses a wheelchair, there are times when I need assistance. Individual people and organizations in our society cater to my needs and help in many ways. For example, people hand me things when I cannot reach, they hold doors open for me, they assist me with my schooling, they organize group meetings for the disabled to talk about the challenges we face, they organize fundraising events, they smile as they pass by, they simply lend a helping hand when needed. People and organizations that are designed to help others are particularly generous in this regard.

In turn, people, organizations and society as a whole benefit from my participation. Think of how it feels to support someone who needs help: at Christmas time, my parents have always told me it is better to give rather than to receive. I love giving back. It is in the giving that people and various groups feel good about themselves. Everyone wins and as a bonus, friendships are developed and grow over time.

Another benefit that I provide others is more subtle, but it does change the world. People see what I can accomplish and they realize that just because I use a wheelchair does not mean I am necessarily different from others. This realization is of great benefit, as it creates understanding around the need for inclusiveness. I see the world changing for the better every day. I am still young, yet I have seen changes such as an increase in building and public places becoming more wheelchair accessible.

Raising awareness and changing attitudes towards people living with a disability is very important. Inclusiveness is what we want. One simple way to participate in awareness is by involving more people with disabilities in community events. When I engage with people, they realize what being disabled means, and that really helps increase awareness. It also helps when media covers events relating to the disabled. At school, everyone sees that I use a wheelchair and the accessibility ramps. I am involved in the seminars and clubs where others can appreciate what the challenges are. In general, people don't understand right away what a person with a disability can accomplish, until they see us go! Becoming involved wherever possible is beneficial for everyone.

So, my name is not important, but my world is. I may have a disability, but I am a very lucky person. I do not want people to feel sorry for me. I am a very capable individual. I do want others to realize that being disabled simply means I need assistance at times. It does not make me better or worse. I still have feelings just like them and enjoy being involved in the community. We all have dreams and we all aspire to live life to the fullest. Whether we have a disability or not”.

Stephen W.

« Une nouvelle vie débutait pour moi à l’âge de 19 ans...»

« Une nouvelle vie débutait pour moi à l’âge de 19 ans (1978), alors qu’une infection virale allait me priver de l’usage de mes jambes pour le reste de ma vie. Combatif de nature, pas question de me laisser abattre, acceptant d’emblée de relever le défi qui m’était imposé.

Diplômé de la faculté de droit de l’Université Laval, Québec, quelques années plus tard, et admis au Barreau du Québec en décembre 1984, je brûlais du désir de mettre mes connaissances, non seulement au profit de la communauté des personnes handicapées, mais aussi de tous les secteurs d’activités de notre société. C’est ainsi que tour à tour j’acceptais des mandats de Maire de municipalité, Commissaire à la Commission scolaire et Vice-Président de la Régie de la santé de la Montérégie.

Ardent défenseur du mouvement de la « Vie Autonome », né aux USA en 1985, je contribuais avec conviction et enthousiasme à la fondation de « l’Association canadienne des centres de vie autonomes » (devenue plus tard Vie Autonome Canada – VAC). Puis, père de famille de trois enfants nés en 1990, 1994 et 1996, j’allais me consacrer entièrement à ma famille pendant les années qui suivirent. En 1999, je reprenais mon bâton de pèlerin et acceptais la présidence de VAC, fonction que j’allais occuper pendant près de neuf (9) ans. Avant la fin de ma présidence de VAC, je réussissais à convaincre la communauté des personnes handicapées du Haut-Richelieu de procéder à la création et mise en place de ce qui allait devenir le 28ème centre de vie autonome au Canada. Ainsi, « Vie Autonome Montérégie » vit le jour. Tout au cours de ces années, je m’évertuai à faire la promotion des droits individuels et collectifs des personnes handicapées, et ce, partout au Canada.

Puis en 2009, je fus recruté par la « International Senior Lawyers Project » (ISLP) de New York qui me demanda d’agir pour le compte de cette organisation, notamment au Kenya, aux Indes et en Afrique du sud. En tout, je posai mes roues dans près d’une centaine de pays. Mais c’est en Haïti que je m’engageai le plus à fond. Me Jean Vandal et moi avons rédigé et fait adopter une loi-cadre sur la protection des droits des personnes handicapées en Haïti.

De 2010 à 2015, je retournai à plusieurs reprises en Haïti, à la demande expresse du Secrétaire d’état et de ISLP, pour aider à la mise en place de cette nouvelle loi haïtienne, tant auprès des Magistrats, que des avocats ou des Haut-fonctionnaires de l’état haïtien.

Le 23 mai 2015, j’acceptais avec honneur et dignité le titre de: « AVOCAT HONORAIRE DU BARREAU DE PORT-AU-PRINCE » pour ma contribution à la promotion et à la protection des droits des personnes handicapées de ce pays.

Cet engagement soutenu, envers mes amis haïtiens, n’était cependant pas sans raison. Plusieurs années auparavant, alors que je commençais ma « nouvelle vie », une infirmière originaire d’Haïti qui travaillait à l’Institut de Réadaptation de Montréal, où j’étais hospitalisé, avait partagé avec moi ses « trois règles de vie », lesquelles sont devenues les miennes et allaient réellement changer le cours de ma vie… bien plus que mon handicap physique :

1. En toutes circonstances, fais de ton mieux;

2. En toutes circonstances, pense positivement;

3. En toutes circonstances, relève les défis qui te sont proposés;

Règles auxquelles je rajoute quatre autres:

4. Ne laisse jamais les autres décider à ta place;

5. Ne laisse jamais les autres te fixer des limites;

6. Ton attitude envers les autres doit toujours laisser transpirer tes capacités et non tes incapacités;

7. Prend tout ce qui t’es donné et fais-en profiter un maximum de personnes.

Depuis 2015, je partage mes connaissances et mon savoir au conseil d’administration de Soccer Canada.

Mais au-delà de tous ces engagements, ma plus belle réussite demeure ma famille. Gaétane, ma conjointe avec laquelle je partage ma vie depuis maintenant 35 ans, se plaît toujours à dire : « Jamais je n’aurais pu espérer un conjoint ayant de meilleures jambes! »

Mes enfants : Marie-Pierre (aussi avocate et qui travaille avec moi) Guillaume (étudiant à la Faculté de droit) et Jean-Michel (étudiant en cinéma) : « Nous sommes bien fiers de lui. Ses réalisations, son accomplissement continu et sa joie de vivre nous inspirent à chaque jour de notre vie et nous n’aurions pas voulu d’un autre père que lui. »

Et moi, je n’aurais pu rêver d’une meilleure vie! »

Paul-Claude

« J’ai 30 ans et je suis une personne à mobilité réduite...»

« J’ai 30 ans et je suis une personne à mobilité réduite qui requiert des services 24/7. Depuis 6 ans j’ai quitté mes parents pour aller vivre dans un édifice vraiment adapté selon mes besoins, le Centre Multifonctions Sieur de Normandie à Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, secteur Iberville.

Initié par Vie autonome Montérégie et le Regroupement des Personnes Handicapées Région du Haut-Richelieu ce complexe d’habitation compte 32 unités de logements dont onze logements adaptés aux personnes handicapées physiques, comme moi, qui requièrent un service de supervision continu 24 heures par jour.

Avant mon déménagement je sentais souvent mes parents préoccupés par mon futur. Ils étaient inquiets de savoir ce qui pourrais m’arrivé s’ils devaient me quitter. Ce n’est pas que je veux les voir partir, loin de là, mais je peux les rassurer car je suis très heureux d’avoir mon propre appartement et de réaliser un rêve. J’en parle souvent avec mes amis sur l’étage de la chance d’avoir notre propre appartement. Mais en fait, ça ne devrait pas être une chance mais simplement un droit. Malheureusement, faute de centres comme le nôtre plusieurs de nos amis se retrouvent en centre d’hébergement pour personne âgées. Je n’ai rien contre ces centres mais ils ne sont pas adaptés pour nous les jeunes adultes.

Le Centre Multifonctions Sieur de Normandie offre aussi un centre de répit (hébergement temporaire) ce qui me permet de rencontrer souvent d’autres personnes et d’autres amis car il est situé sur le même étage que mon appartement. De plus nous avons une grande salle ou il y a des activités de jours aussi bien pour les gens de l’extérieur que pour les locataires de l’immeuble. J’en profite quelques fois surtout lorsqu’il y a des sorties extérieurs d’organisées.

Étant donné qu’il est difficile pour moi d’avoir un emploi comme tout le monde, et que ma passion est la musique, je suis équipé dans mon appartement pour faire des montages de musiques. Mon nom d’artiste est DJ MO et je suis quelques fois demandé pour animer des soirées dansantes ce qui me rend extrêmement heureux car pour moi me sentir utile et faire ce que j’aime le plus c’est du grand bonheur.

J’aime aussi faire du sport, plus particulièrement le ski nautique adapté. Depuis trois ans, grâce à une entente avec la ville de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, la Fondation des Sports Adaptés et Vie autonome Montérégie, nous pouvons faire des sports adaptés sur la rivière Richelieu. C’est avec grande joie que plusieurs personnes de la région, comme moi, pratiquent ces sports tout l’été.

Depuis que je vis seul en appartement je deviens de plus en plus autonome. Je gère mes rendez-vous que ce soit avec mon professeur de musique, mon intervenante sociale, ma massothérapeute ou mon coiffeur. J’ai un téléphone adapté que je peux utiliser aussi bien pour répondre que pour appeler quelqu’un. Je me sens vraiment plus autonome.

Le dimanche est une de mes journées préférées car, tout comme quand j’étais chez mes parents, nous sortons en famille. Papa vient me chercher et nous allons au restaurant pour un brunch et après le restaurant nous faisons une randonnée. Au souper maman me prépare un repas, que l’on pense ce que l’on veut mais un repas de maman c’est toujours très apprécié, et par la suite elle vient me reconduire chez moi.

Je suis très heureux chez moi, ce milieu de vie me plait et correspond parfaitement à mes besoins. Mon grand souhait c’est que plusieurs personnes dans ma condition puissent avoir cette opportunité et plus encore: ce droit ».

Marc-Olivier

“Canada's healthcare has saved my life..."

“Canada's healthcare has saved my life on more than one occasion! I managed to survive 20 operations, and life threatening Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clots in the Lung) and various physical/mental health conditions and disabilities. In fact our Public System has helped me cope with my chronic health conditions, like Sleep Apnea, Depression, Kidney Stones, High Blood Pressure, Gastric-esophageal Reflux, Osteoarthritis, Small Bowel-Ileostomy related issues and so on.

Many, if not, all of you have benefited from Canada's public healthcare Programs! And, we all contribute to our vital Healthcare services by our collective taxes.

I know our public system is not perfect, and there will always be room for improvement, like integrating Home Care, Vision Care, Dental Care and Pharmacare into our Public Health Care System. For instance, take a look at our Public Drug Coverage Programs. Did you know Canada remains the only country in the world with a fragmented system with inequitable drug coverage?

When it comes to the issue of Universal Pharmacare, in Canada, I have noticed some progress toward more accessible, affordable pharmacare programs, on the provincial level, but not much on the national level. Provinces, like Newfoundland & Labrador have either improved or expanded their drug coverage to include more people who otherwise will be without! However, Newfoundland & Labrador recently cut funding for medically prescribed over the counter drugs. Unfortunately, the Federal Government hasn't committed themselves to this important Canadian Health Care Initiative! Right now, one in five Canadians is "underinsured" for high drug costs, and 3.5 millions Canadians are without Prescription Drug Coverage!

When we talk about a National Pharmacare Program, we are referencing inclusion, preventative medicine, wellness, poverty reduction, quality of life and the promotion of Independent Living”.

Ed

« Je suis très curieuse de nature ».

« Je suis très curieuse de nature. Cette vertu m’a permis de développer une grande passion pour tout ce qui concerne les nouvelles technologies. Internet fut pour moi une vraie révélation. À partir de chez moi, je peux entretenir mes liens d’amitié, avec un ami peu importe où il est. Du bout des doigts, je peux comme par magie voyager et retrouver, grâce aux réseaux sociaux, les membres de ma famille qui vivent en Australie, en Amérique du Sud et en Californie. De plus, je peux avoir des activités de loisirs tels que visionner un bon film, lire un roman, m’informer des dernières nouvelles, écouter le dernier disque de Michael Bublé ou jouer aux échecs. J’ai même découvert que les Pères Noël utilisent l’inforoute pour faire leurs achats. Et vlan! pour la légende des rennes et de la cheminée! Ils font quelques clics et envoient les cadeaux par Postes Canada. Avec la technologie, je contrôle mon environnement dans la même position que la reine Cléopâtre. Plus sérieusement, les outils informatiques m’ont permis d’effectuer un retour aux études en psychologie et, depuis 13 ans, de m’engager dans le mouvement de la vie autonome. Par ce travail, j’exprime concrètement ma croyance selon laquelle tous les êtres humains ont leur place et peuvent enrichir leur communauté ».

Deborah

« Mon corps est pour moi un outil grâce auquel j’enlace la vie ».

« Mon corps est pour moi un outil grâce auquel j’enlace la vie. Il me sert à voir le monde qui m’entoure d’une manière bien particulière, m’incitant à toujours innover et à ne jamais baisser les bras. Il m’invite à croire en mes forces et à cheminer main dans la main avec tous ceux qui veulent aller de l’avant vers la concrétisation de leurs forces uniques. Le défi que je relève avec enthousiasme est de réaliser au quotidien tout ce que je désire en compagnie d’un corps qui me désobéit. Grâce à une bonne étoile, j’ai eu d’infinies possibilités sur ma voie. Ces possibilités se sont manifestées sous forme d’épreuves à surmonter ou de cadeaux à étreindre, mais toujours la vie m’a donné les outils pour me dépasser et apprendre. Ce qui a transformé ma vie, ce sont tous les événements qui ont fait de moi avant tout une femme et non une personne handicapée. Mon corps me convie à saluer mes rêves les plus fous. Je troque donc avec plaisir mon fauteuil roulant électrique au profit d’un divan luxueux, d’une selle chevauchant un magnifique cheval ou encore d’un masque de plongée sousmarine. Mon corps adopte tous ces milieux différents avec joie. À d’autres moments, il devient sage alors que je me concentre sur de nouvelles notions que me portent à découvrir mes études doctorales. Il s’enflamme très souvent pour des causes qui étreignent mon cœur. Il se mobilise afin de défendre le droit si fragile de l’équité entre tous. J’ai donc la fièvre de la vie et je brûle de mille et un désirs ».

Isabelle B.

« Je suis né à Montréal, Québec, le 28 juillet 1984 ».

« Je suis né à Montréal, Québec, le 28 juillet 1984, atteint d’arthrogrypose, une anomalie congénitale qui affecte la structure osseuse, le mouvement des articulations et la croissance musculaire des jambes. J’ai donc marché avec des béquilles en très bas âge. Je danse le B-boy depuis que j’ai 15 ans et j’ai d’ailleurs créé un impact majeur dans la communauté internationale du breakdance (B-boy). Je suis le fondateur et le créateur de ILL-AbilitiesMC Crew , le premier groupe composé des meilleurs danseurs ILL-Abled . Le but du groupe est de montrer au monde que si nous sommes créatifs, nous pouvons nous adapter à toute situation et qu’en partant avec cette idée, tout devient possible. Il n’y a Aucune excuse, ni aucune limite ! * J’ai participé à certains des plus gros événements mondiaux et j’ai figuré dans de nombreux médias internationaux, y compris Americas Got Talent, Much Music, MBC Korea, CBC, TF1, NBC Today Show et plus encore. Conférencier spécialiste de la motivation, je me rends partout dans le monde pour enseigner au public l’importance d’une attitude positive dans la vie. J’ai été honoré en 2010 en devenant le co-metteur en scène du segment de danse One Inspires All pour les cérémonies d’ouverture des jeux paralympiques de Vancouver. Il s’agit de la plus grande réussite de ma carrière, jusqu’à maintenant. J’ai aussi participé à l’émission de télé So you think you can dance Canada et je me suis rendu jusqu’au 3e tour de la semaine des finales, marquant ainsi l’histoire de la télé nationale en devenant le premier danseur avec un handicap à se rendre aussi loin. Je suis également diplômé de la John Molson School of Business de l’Université Concordia. Je n’ai aucunement l’intention de ralentir et je planifie amener ma carrière encore plus loin, tout en continuant d’offrir au monde. It’s about taking the bad and making it good et No excuses, No limits ».

Luca

« Passionnée de la vie, je n’aurai pas laissé mes limites fonctionnelles arrêter mes activités ».

« Passionnée de la vie, je n’aurai pas laissé mes limites fonctionnelles arrêter mes activités. Ma vie bascule en 1995, à l’âge de 21 ans, quand je deviens quadraplégique suite à un accident d’auto. Tout ce que je veux, c’est vivre le plus normalement possible. Je réalise très vite que nous ne pouvons pas modifier notre passé, nous n’avons que très peu de contrôle sur la plupart des événements regrettables de notre vie et nous ne pouvons influer sur la réaction des gens. Nous ne pouvons non plus changer ce qui est inévitable. Tout ce que nous pouvons faire, c’est miser sur notre point fort, sur notre ATTITUDE. Je suis persuadée que la vie est composée à 5% de ce qui nous arrive et à 95% de la façon dont on réagit. Une attitude positive élimine bien des faux problèmes et amène des perspectives beaucoup plus positives et intéressantes, pour une vie plus harmonieuse. Je décide alors de poursuivre mes études en relations humaines et en psychologie pour obtenir un baccalauréat en 2010. Aujourd’hui, je collabore avec différents organismes pour la promotion et la défense des droits des personnes handicapées. Je propage mon optimisme et ma vision de la vie avec tous ceux qui m’entourent. J’essaie de profiter du moment présent! »

Afroditi S.

« Je cherchais un moyen de bouger ».

« Je cherchais un moyen de bouger. Les instruments à vent me faisaient souffler, la guitare m'étourdissait et le chant me laissait sans voix. Avec quoi me divertir? J'ai par hasard entendu parler des percussions et de la jonglerie, qui englobent une vaste gamme d'instruments, de possibilités et de jeux. Par exemple, avec les bâtons fleurs, que vous voyez sur cette photo, je tiens le rythme en faisant tournoyer un grand bâton orné de fleurs à ses extrémités. Rythme, danse et jonglerie se marient donc avec aise. Ajoutons maintenant un quatrième élément : une limitation visuelle. Comment agencer cela avec un passe-temps très visuel comme la jonglerie? C'est alors que le rythme entre en jeu. J'apprends à connaître le poids de mes bâtons et, surtout, je porte attention au son des bâtons claquant les uns contre les autres. S'amuser, travailler et étudier avec un handicap, c'est ceci pour moi : faire les choses à ma façon. C'est cela que j'ai voulu partager grâce à cette photo. »

Julie S.

« En 1981, à ma sortie des forces armées canadiennes...»

« En 1981, à ma sortie des forces armées canadiennes, mon médecin découvre que je souffre de dystrophie musculaire myotonique de Steinhert, soit la forme adulte. Une carrière militaire étant devenue impossible, j’ai dû me tourner vers mon passe-temps favori depuis ma jeunesse : la photographie. J’ai commencé dans un club amateur où je me suis vite passionné pour l’architecture des anciens bâtiments et les paysages. Ayant un intérêt grandissant pour la photo, je me suis inscrit au collège Marsan pour une formation sur la photo noir et blanc, couleur et chambre noire, volet commercial. Je suis un homme qui parle peu, je suis un observateur qui s’exprime avec la photo J’aime croquer une photo sur le vif. J’ai amassé beaucoup de souvenirs de voyage. J’ai un faible pour les grands félins, ces gros chats qui me fascinent avec leurs yeux mystérieux. Tous mes chats à la maison ont leur photo dans un cadre et semblent me regarder. Avec la photographie, je m’évade dans mes pensées, dans la beauté de la vie. Je ne suis pas négatif face à ma maladie. Je ne me laisse pas freiner, j’avance avec ma spiritualité et ma foi que m’inspire la nature qui s’offre à moi en photo. À l’ALPHA (association de loisirs pour personnes handicapées autonomes), j’ai été pendant plus de dix ans le photographe officiel. J’en ai immortalisé des sourires lors d’activités! J’apprécie aller voir une exposition de photos. J’observe la profondeur de champ, la prise de vue avec les jeux d’ombre et de lumière… J’aime me demander pourquoi le photographe a choisi de me présenter le sujet de cette façon. »

Claude G.

“I first came to Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin (ILSM) in 2011..."

“I first came to Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin (ILSM) in 2011, when it was on Elm Street. I was in school – a French one for adults - at the time, but I had a hard time learning, so I didn’t want to go back. I was very depressed going through a separation with my wife, and I had to find a new solution, something to get me out of my depression.

I was introduced to ILSM by a friend. And Cherie, who is a member here, helped me to overcome my depression; so I said : wow that’s a good place for me. Cherie helped me a lot, she’s a nice lady. So I stayed, and I helped in the kitchen with Claudette.

The Center helped me when I was very hard on myself, over the separation with my wife. When I joined the Center, I was not as depressed as before. It went away.

I continued to help in the kitchen and that created something positive in my life. I met a lot of people and did some Christmas crafts, and helped with event fundraising, and selling tickets. There was a time where I left the Centre for a while but realized I missed it. I came back for good.

When the Centre moved to Durham Street, I went to the opening. It’s good place for people to help them to express themselves. It is a place to grow and do pleasant things. For instance, I had a barbecue with a member.

People at the Centre understand what I am going through. It is wonderful to be able to grow with people like that. You belong. I help them too. I feel that I’m growing mentally, physically and emotionally. When you have problems, you talk to someone and they help you find solutions to those problems. The Center changed my life”.

Daniel

“My name is Alyre M., I am 66 years old".

“My name is Alyre M., I am 66 years old. I am a paraplegic (with no balance) due to an accident in October 2004.

After several months of rehab, I came home with the support of my wife and Personal Support Workers. The staff were good to me, but there was no consistency in the scheduling.

We moved to Bracebridge in 2013 to be close to our daughter, and therefore, we had to change services. Before making the move, I was guaranteed my service would not change. I had workers come at 7 am till 9 am for morning care and again at 8 pm for evening care. Some said they would provide PSW’s for personal care, but they would not do my bowel routine which is done Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. The nurses were sent out those days to do this at 7 am. The PSW’s were to have me up and ready by 7:15 for the nurses.

The service provider wanted to send the PSW’s out at 9 am. But the nurses schedule was set for 7 am. It took some time but soon my PSW’s were coming for 7 am but my evening care was all over the place. Again, no consistency with workers or schedule times. Plus, I was only getting care from Monday to Friday no weekends. This left my wife to do every weekend. Red Cross had 2 training sessions to have enough personal to cover my shifts, but the dispatchers still sent untrained PSW’s. One time my wife had to come running to help, due to the PSW not knowing how to use my lift. If she had not been there, I would have been hurt.

After several months, my service provider merged with another company and the nurses care changed. My PSW’s could only do personal care, dress, bath, get me up and put me to bed. The nurses said they would not do my bowel routine anymore. I was lucky the two PSW’s said they would take it on and my wife trained them. But if they were not scheduled to work, that meant my wife had to do it.

I now had a sore and the nurses were coming 3 times a week to look after it. I was first informed about the Direct Funding Program, but did not consider it until one of the nurses asked if we had heard about it. I started the paperwork early in the summer of 2014. I was approved just after Christmas in 2014, but it did take some time to set up. I had to hire my staff. I have four-part time workers on the books, plus a bookkeeper. Three workers are PSW’s who look after all my personal care including bowel routine, some light house keeping and laundry. That was not allowed with my prior service provider. My other staff helps by driving me to doctor appointment and some maintenance on my equipment.

I have care seven days a week. Morning care starts at 7 am, and evening care I set at 7 pm winter and later during the summer. If I have to be in Toronto for a doctor’s appointment, my main worker will start at 6 am. If I am going to be later in the evening, my workers will accommodate me. In return, I will work with them if they need to come in a little earlier or later.

Its great to have four very able workers that I trust to be here on time working for me. I can not say enough about this program. Recently my wife went on a week trip. With this program, it gave her the freedom to do this. If I needed extra care while she was away this program allowed it. I would not have had that flexibility otherwise.

My only regret is that I did not know about Direct Funding before hand. It is a great program and I hope more people like me will consider it”.

Alyre M.

“I was born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe)..."

“I was born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and before immigrating to Canada in December of 1999, I lived in South Africa for 14 years.

I contracted polio when I was about a year and a half, and at that stage, I could only move my head, but over the months I got much stronger, and now it’s basically my legs, and my right arm that have been affected. So today, I permanently use a wheelchair, but I don’t consider myself as enduring any hardships – life is what you make it, and with a positive attitude, you can do anything. In growing up, if I did moan about anything petty, the answer to any problems was to, “suck it up” and get on with life – nobody owes you anything!!!

Many of my early school years I spent at a boarding school in South Africa, and I think that was the best thing my parents could have done for me, although I didn’t think so at the time. It made me realize that I have to stand up for myself and not allow people to take advantage of me. So I was really quite feisty when I was young and I guess I can still be that way today, given the right circumstances! I finished my schooling in Zimbabwe, and was lucky enough to start working fairly quickly after I left college.

After I came back from boarding school my parents encouraged me to get involved with the local sport club for people with disabilities, as I was always nagging my dad to take me swimming, I just loved it. After a lot of procrastinating I did join and life certainly turned out to be fuller than I had ever expected. I learned to play table tennis, lawn bowling and participated in numerous field events, including javelin, shot-putt and discus, and of course I trained at swimming three to four times a week. Sports and socializing ruled my life, and I loved it. I still keep in touch with many of the friends I made to this day.

In 1972 I was chosen to represent Zimbabwe at the Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany: what an experience!! I will never forget it. I competed in table tennis, javelin, discus, shot-putt, and of course swimming. I won three Olympic medals at these games. A year or so later I also went to the Stoke Mandeville Games in England, and competed in the same events, also winning a number of medals. In 1976 the Paralympics were held here in Canada, and I was so excited to be part of the Olympic Team again, and to visit Canada, but, it wasn’t to be. A week before we were due to leave, Canada banned Zimbabwe for competing. Politics I guess! All that training down the drain. Anyway, I did get to compete in one more Olympics in 1980 when I went to Holland, and was lucky enough to win four more medals. After the 1980 Olympics, I still carried on with many of my sports, but competed mainly in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

While I was working in Zimbabwe for a record company, I met my husband to be. After Zimbabwe “went down the drain” we immigrated to South Africa where we got married in 1988. We lived there for 14 years, then decided to come to Canada, and here we are - 17 years later”.

Eileen K.

“Over time, we have become pillars of the arts and culture community..."

“Over time, we have become pillars of the arts and culture community in Port Carling in Muskoka. It keeps us very busy. We have a gallery attached to our home, and we run artist-in-the-school programs, give lessons and do other cultural programming. Our lives were turned upside down though, on June 27, 2013 when I (Gary) ended up in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the hospital because of an unidentified virus. I was totally paralyzed, unable to move anything but my eyes. The exact cause is unknown but is an unidentified virus. Faced with the challenge to adapt to a new way of living, we both together, have approached this with the same vigor as when we were building the arts community. Our experience shuttling between various hospitals and healthcare facilities in Toronto and Barrie has made us aware of some of the gaps in the healthcare system. We’ve seen first-hand what it’s like to hit road blocks along the way.

One of these road blocks was learning that I wouldn’t be able to go home. I use a ventilator to help with my breathing and I was told that there weren't enough resources (nurses or trained staff) in Muskoka to be able to provide care for someone who uses a ventilator. With some creativity, persistence, and help from Heather Hollingshead, we’ve been able to find another way.

We met Heather, a Regional Services Coordinator with SCI Ontario, when I was in the ICU. She has been with us on this journey ever since. At the time, we hadn’t really wrapped our heads around what I would need to be able to live independently. I would need things like a wheelchair, a modified vehicle, and renovations to make our home accessible, plus 24 hour care. Heather was able to let us know about all these things and right away began the process to get me a wheelchair. She was also able to put together one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle - getting us a home.

After more than a year in ICU I was accepted into the Transition to Home Ventilation Program at West Park Healthcare Centre in Toronto. During this 14 week program, that actually turned out to be almost year, we learned that local healthcare resources wouldn’t be able to provide that same level of care for me to return home. Fortunately, they applied for Direct Funding and were successful. This was the key to enable me to return to my life in Port Carling.

Throughout my time in the ICU and at West Park, I remained involved with the running of Muskoka Chautauqua, which Gayle and myself co-founded 20 years ago. Since returning home to HQ I am right back in the thick of things! With the help of an eye-gaze computer I am able to work alongside Gayle and Chautauqua staff in the office.

Now that I have been home for two years and experienced the breadth and depths of the health care system inside and outside of institutions, and following the challenges I have had to face, I am committed to making a positive difference in the future of healthcare delivery in Muskoka and the Province. I have become a healthcare advocate, working with professionals within the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care and the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network.

We have lived in Muskoka for many years and have been long-time advocates for arts, culture, and life-long learning. We have been celebrated and received a number of awards for our work in the community. I was named Citizen of the Year the year before my ordeal began. Now we happily accept speaking engagements such as at Critical Care Services Ontario Community Care Council, Rotary Clubs, and TVO’s The Agenda to advocate for positive change in healthcare delivery.

We are proud and grateful to live in such a caring and supportive community and acknowledge Independent Living and the Direct Funding program in playing such an integral part in my ability to live at home and my ability to contribute to my community”.

Gary

“I first heard of Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin on the bus..."

“I first heard of Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin (ILSM) on the bus. There were a couple of friends that told me about it. They said there was a place for people with disabilities. So I thought, okay I’ll look into it, but I was volunteering somewhere else at the time. So I thought I would wait a bit.

In 2006, I met Robbie [DiMeglio, Executive Director of ILSM] out walking his dog, and we had a chance to talk, and I became a member.

I have been a member and volunteer ever since. I kept helping out and before you knew it they were hiring people for the Assistant Volunteer to the Chair of Fundraising, Tracy G., who was the Chair at the time, said that I should apply for the position. She told me to refresh my Resume and go for it. “I just know you are going to be hired,'' she said. So I gave my Resume to Norma and Earl B. on the Board, and to Tracy, and before I knew it I was hired!

Since then I have been pretty much working Monday to Friday, and if I miss a few days, they miss me and call.

I help a lot of members in the Center. I also help sell tickets for events we put on, like porketta bingo, the Gala and the International Breakfast. I help find prizes, and help with the posters and promotion. I also help manage other members and volunteers when we are out in the malls or in other places selling tickets and running events.

The Center has been very good to the people who come here. It’s a place they can come to. It keeps them from staring at the four walls at home. The Center keeps the people who come here motivated. I’ve noticed a change in a lot of them. Some of them are shy and some are outgoing. Some of them want to help with fundraising or want to cook. There are others who prefer to go out and talk. They want to tell their stories.

People here find the confidence and skills to be able to do things in life. It equips them to handle personal things a lot better; like their marriage, their significant other or their home”.

Kim

“I usually arrive here around 10 o’clock in the morning..."

“I usually arrive here around 10 o’clock in the morning. I’ve been coming to the Centre for over ten years. I help Rob with raffles: the king size and double size. I like coming here because it gets me out of my apartment and allows me to make new friends; lots of new friends. I also learned a lot about computers.

Years ago, while I was working, I met a gentleman who went to a place called Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin and I started to go with him. That led to dating, and marriage, seven years ago. My husband still comes to Center, and another couple have dated and still do. Another couple just like us have gotten married as well."

Theresa

“I joined the Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin Center around 2004..."

“I joined the Center around 2004. Almost since the start of the Center I have been a member and volunteer here. I do the dishes here, hand out breakfast and lunch, fill-up the sugar and sweetener in the kitchen. I really enjoy it. The Center has been very important and good to me. I have made a lot of friends here. What I like most is the people, the volunteers and activities. I also really enjoy the porketta bingo and karaoke”.

Anita

“I’m a member here..."

“I’m a member here at the Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin Centre, and joined around 2010. I come here and I colour, sometimes I read, and I also help people. I help people by playing cards and doing mazes.

I really enjoy the Centre and it is important to me. I have made a lot of friends here. I like the activities, like the fundraising and bingo. The Center has helped me to get over my shyness”.

Shannon

“I have been here five days a week, since 2008..."

“I have been here five days a week, since 2008. I volunteer here at the Center with the fundraising. I’ve also helped in the kitchen previously. I help members if they need someone to talk to or if a member of the staff needs help with something. I’ve also worked at the reception. If new members join and they are shy and they don’t know how to approach people, I help them warm up to the new environment that they are in. I’m the the person that staff goes to when they are trying to help a member socialize and come out of their shell. I slowly help them get rid of their shyness. I really enjoy this work. It’s one of my favorite things: getting people to realize that they don’t have to hide and be alone, or tell themselves they are going to be judged.

The Center is like a second family. It has been there during my rough times. I would do anything for the people here. I don’t really call the people here friends anymore, they are more like family.

I literally had nothing to do before I came to the Center. I was in a deep depression: I was on pills and was seeing a psychiatrist. I felt like I had no place on this earth. This Center changed my whole entire life. To me, it is a life-saving place. If the Center didn’t exist in Sudbury, I don’t know what would have happened to me.

The staff here are amazing. They bend over backwards for you. It doesn’t matter what it takes, or how much energy it requires, they will be there for you, no matter what. Everyone in here is here for each other. We don’t turn our backs on one another, we are one. Not everyone has a disability here: some of the staff do, others don’t, some of the members do, others don’t. It doesn’t matter because we are one community. I wouldn’t change it for the world”.

Cherie

« Bien que je sois née entièrement constituée... »

« Bien que je sois née entièrement constituée, y’a que la petite enfance qui m’a vue grandir ainsi. Dès l’âge de 5 ans, je me retrouve amputée d’une partie de mon bras gauche après avoir subi un accident dans la boucherie de mes parents.

Jeune, le mot « handicapé » sonnait faux à mes oreilles. Tout d’abord, parce que je ne me considérais pas comme handicapée. L’image que j’avais de moi était conçue à partir de ce que je voyais chez les autres, chez mes amies. Ce que je voyais, c’était des personnes avec deux bras, donc pour moi, c’est ce à quoi je ressemblais. Deuxièmement, j’arrivais à faire pratiquement tout ce qu’elles faisaient — et parfois plus même —, alors je n’étais pas handicapée.

Au cours des dernières 39 années en tant que personne amputée, j’ai compris que les barrières auxquelles j’ai pu faire face venaient la plupart du temps de moi. Le handicap en général peut lui-même nécessiter un ajustement, une modification, mais rarement il crée une incapacité totale. « Voir au-delà du handicap » est bien plus qu’un slogan, c’est un mode de vie!

Je suis passée de l’enfance où rien ne m’arrêtait… à l’adolescence où le regard des autres me bloquait… pour enfin atteindre l’âge adulte où plus rien ne me dérangeait.

Ces moments où je me limitais moi-même, c’est parce que j’accordais de l’attention à ce qu’il me manquait au lieu d’accorder de l’importance à ce qu’il me restait. J’étais pourtant capable de faire beaucoup de choses, mais parce que le regard et les commentaires de certains m’avaient fait réellement prendre conscience de ma différence, ma perception par rapport à mon handicap avait changé. J’étais pourtant tout autant capable qu’avant de faire ce qui me tenait vraiment à cœur, mais à l’époque de l’adolescence où l’apparence est si importante, je me suis mise à me restreindre lorsque ma façon de faire attirait trop l’attention. Je me suis aussi mise à me questionner sur l’amour et les possibilités de voir un jour mon rêve de fonder une famille se réaliser.

Par chance, j’avais été positivement encouragée toute ma vie et je voulais faire MON chemin dans la vie. Non pas celui de mes parents, ma famille, mes amis, ou encore celui que la société voulait parfois me tracer. Non, le MIEN!

J’ai rapidement compris que pour être aimé et accepté par autrui, il faut avant tout s’aimer et s’accepter soi-même. C’est un cheminement qui ne se vit pas du jour au lendemain et par chance, car la persévérance que sa demande nous suit pour la vie.

Mon autonomie est soudainement devenue très importante. J’ai donc décidé qu’à la fin de mes années d’études secondaires, j’allais partir étudier un an en Colombie-Britannique. Non seulement j’allais apprendre l’anglais, j’allais vivre au sein de familles ayant des valeurs différentes de la mienne, ce qui allait ouvrir mes horizons. Sans le savoir à l’époque, cette expérience allait aussi développer chez moi une grande capacité d’adaptation, utile dans toutes les sphères de la vie.

Cette décision de partir fut une pierre angulaire dans ma vie. S’en est suivie, quelques années plus tard, ma participation aux Jeux paralympiques d’Albertville, en France. Le sport, et plus particulièrement le ski alpin, faisait partie de ma vie depuis plusieurs années, mais c’est au cours de ce séjour dans l’Ouest canadien que j’ai découvert la compétition de ski alpin pour personnes handicapées.

Cette compétition m’a permis de revenir au pays avec beaucoup plus que trois médailles en main. C’est une expérience, ou je dirais même une espérance, de vie toute entière que je suis allée chercher! Auprès des quelque 600 athlètes présents, j’ai trouvé les réponses aux diverses interrogations que j’avais. Mes craintes d’adolescente venaient de s’estomper. La plupart des athlètes plus âgés que moi avaient une vie professionnelle et une vie familiale comblée.

À partir de ce moment, ma vie a pris le chemin dont je rêvais. Loin d’être sans embûches (ce qui serait totalement anormal!), j’ai au fil des ans occupé des emplois à travers desquels je me suis épanouie; j’ai continué à faire du sport et du bénévolat pour le sport adapté; je me suis impliquée activement auprès d’organismes voués au mieux-être des personnes handicapées — dont Vie autonome Montérégie — et par-dessous tout, j’ai trouvé le grand Amour et fondé une famille! Une famille de 4 beaux garçons!

La vie vous fait une jambette? Relevez-vous et démontrez-lui que tomber n’est pas une fin en soi »!

Caroline V.

« Depuis 14 ans je m’implique dans ma communauté... »

« Depuis 14 ans je m’implique dans ma communauté. Que ce soit à la Fête du Québec, à la Fête du Canada, pour l’organisme le Relais pour la Vie, pour l’autre organisme le Relais Canin ou à la fête de mon quartier je réponds toujours présent.

Il y a 14 ans, je débutais la grande aventure du bénévolat parce que je croyais dur comme fer que j’allais me faire embaucher par la suite. J’avais le besoin quasi viscéral de trouver ma place dans ce monde et l’une des façons que j’ai trouvé, c’est par le bénévolat.

La vie avait bien des surprises à m’apporter. J’ai réalisé que je ne pourrais jamais être embauché sans avoir les compétences de base telle que mon secondaire 5 en poche. Je me suis donc rendu à l’évidence et à l’âge de 21 ans j’ai continué mon parcours scolaire à Montréal. N’étant pas de la région de Montréal, j’étais plus que déterminé à réaliser mon but. Habiter sur la rive sud c’est bien, mais disons seulement que ça apporte son lot de trafic et de surprises. J’ai fait le voyagement jusqu'à l’âge de 29ans. Ce fut 8 années franchement difficiles, car j’avais des échecs scolaires et j’étais brulé par le voyagement.

À l’âge de 30 ans, quelque chose s’est produit. Encore aujourd’hui je ne sais pas si c’est le fait de changer de dizaine ou la maturité, mais je ne pouvais pas m’enlever de la tête mon objectif. À 32 ans je suis retourné à l’école des adultes de ma région. Encore une fois ce ne fut pas si simple. Le trafic en moins oui, mais les échecs demeuraient tout mêmes. Jusqu'à ce que je rencontre un professeur qui a cru en moi. Elle m’encourageait à persévérer et ça fait une réelle différence pour moi.

Maintenant à 34 ans, je suis fier de dire que je prends mon avenir scolaire au sérieux et j’en fais même une priorité. Bien sûr je n’ai pas laissé tomber mes activités de bénévolat. J’aime profondément rendre service, car je sais tout le bien que cela apporte aux autres autour de moi.

Le bénévolat m’apporte de la joie et de la fierté. De plus j’acquiers des connaissances partout où je vais. Mon curriculum vitae commence à être rempli. Ce qui est important pour moi c’est de prendre part à ma communauté en étant un acteur de changement. Lorsque je sors de chez moi faire mes nombreuses activités, c’est pour briser mon isolement ainsi que pour changer les mentalités.

Je crois pertinemment que le handicap n’est pas une finalité, mais bien un début de quelque chose d’autre. Je donne des conférences sur ma vie dans les écoles secondaire et primaire.

Je vous l’accorde je n’ai pas vécu très longtemps, mais disons seulement que mon parcours de vie a été tout sauf un long fleuve tranquille. Je crois que cela vaut la peine que j’investisse du temps à démystifier mon handicap pour changer la vision des gens.

Entre vous et moi, quoi de mieux que de le faire avec notre belle jeunesse. C’est en quelque sorte mon humble contribution afin de rendre notre monde un peu plus inclusif. Il est important pour moi d’être un modèle, pour inspirer les autres personnes atteintes d’un handicap à ce qu’ils puissent eux aussi s’épanouir et transformer le monde qu’on connaît en un monde accessible et que l’accessibilité universelle soit instaurée ».

Éric B.

« Je vis à plein. Je vis mes passions... »

« Je vis à plein. Je vis mes passions. Même si je suis atteint du syndrôme de Lesch-Nyhgam, je me bats férocement pour franchir les étapes qui me séparent de mes rêves! Je suis comme tout le monde j’ai des rêves et des aspirations……et rien ne m’arrête. Rêves, petits ou grands valent la peine de se battre.

Durant mes années d’école, on m’a souvent répété que les études n’étaient pas faites pour moi jugeant mon handicap trop important, je ne me suis pas avoué vaincu et aujourd’hui j’ai en poche un diplôme d’études professionnelles en comptabilité.

Ma dernière passion, je l’ai réalisée, avec Jean-François Mainville mon prof de musique! Et oui je prends des cours de musique. J’ai longtemps eu en tête de faire un CD avec mes propres compositions, j’ai 15 compositions mais j’en ai seulement 4 sur le CD, je continue à m’investir pour en produire un autre, ce n’est pas la motivation qui manque mais les fonds! La plupart des gens ne me prenaient pas au sérieux, mais lui, Jeff, a cru en moi et m’a aidé. Je veux que mes projets soient le plus haut possible. Lors de mon lancement, au Cabaret Théâtre, j’étais comme une « vedette » sur scène, avec une danseuse en plus!…des moments comme ceux-là est la plus belle récompense pour les efforts et l’énergie et surtout de ne pas avoir laisser tomber!

Je vous mets donc les paroles de l’une de mes chansons qui reflète bien une tranche de vie…une tranche de ma vie.

Tranche de vie

Je suis né pendant une tempête de neige en ‘76

La même que les Olympiques à Montréal en ‘76

Je vivais à L’Acadie, sur une ferme laitière

Où la plupart de temps ma mère aidait mon père

Durant l’été, pendant les foins, c’était fichtrement pas le temps

De tomber malade comme un chien

Pour pas scraper notre gagne-pain.

Je m’en souviendrai

L’histoire de ma vie ou tranche de vie

T’en souviens-tu, c’est ça ma vie

À la petite école, quand tout me semblait primaire

Toutes les belles filles prenaient soin de moi

On se baladait, chaise contre main

Les gars jaloux, en beau calvaire me saluaient du poing

Au secondaire en ’92, j’avais les blues d’aller prendre l’air

Je suis parti en France au diable au vent

Pour voir la tour Eiffel d’en bas évidemment

Je m’en souviendrai

L’histoire de ma vie ou tranche de vie

T’en souviens-tu, c’est ça ma vie

Des années plus tard

J’avais fait mon chiffre de flâner dans les cours d’écoles

J’ai fait un DEP en comptabilité

Tout le monde trouvait donc que c’était une idée folle

Hors de ma portée

Mais j’ai dit : « hey! C’est pas parce que je peux pas marcher que je sais pas compter »

Je les ai comptés, toutes le fois où tu m’as encouragé

Et des fois un petit peu démotivé

Mais là j’ai dit : « C’T’assez »

Maintenant

Que je suis un homme bien autonome

Je sais ce que je veux pis ce que je veux pas

Je sais ou aller pis où j’en va

Je m’en souviendrai

L’histoire de ma vie ou tranche de vie

T’en souviens-tu, c’est ça ma vie

Moi j’m’en souviendrai! ».

Marc

« Je suis née avec malformation des quatre membres en 1977... »

« Je suis née avec malformation des quatre membres en 1977. J’ai toujours eu une vie très active. J’ai eu un parcours scolaire habituel qui m’a mené au baccalauréat. J’ai été la première enfant amputée d’une jambe, au Québec, à faire du patinage artistique. À l’âge de 12 ans, j’ai commencé la natation de compétition. Je me suis rendue aux Jeux paralympiques d’Atlanta en 1996 et j’ai accumulé une dizaine de records du monde au cours de ma carrière de nageuse. C’est à travers le sport et les voyages que j’ai développé ma pleine autonomie.

Au premier abord, les gens sont impressionnés par mon handicap, mais très vite ils réalisent que j’ai une vie bien remplie, très similaire à la leur. Comme monsieur et madame tout le monde, j’ai un emploi (gouvernement fédéral), une maison et un conjoint. Je suis aussi la belle-mère de trois jeunes merveilleux.

J’ai toujours été très fière de ma différence, de ce qui me rend unique. C’est un peu comme ma signature, ma carte de visite. Dans le fond, vivre avec un handicap physique ça demande beaucoup de créativité pour inventer ses modes d’emploi. Souvent, les gens me disent : « si j’étais à ta place, je ne serais pas capable. » Ils oublient que j’ai 39 ans d’expérience avec mon corps. 39 ans à explorer les différentes possibilités pour atteindre mes objectifs. 39 ans d’essais-erreurs.

Bien sûr qu’il y a des défis associés à la notion de handicap. L’accessibilité des lieux est sans aucun doute le plus grand obstacle que les personnes handicapées peuvent rencontrer encore aujourd’hui. Si toutes les personnes handicapées avaient la chance de recevoir leur éducation dans leur quartier, elles pourraient s’intégrer pleinement à leur communauté et mener une vie à l’image de leurs ambitions.

Il reste encore beaucoup de travail à faire, les choses évoluent lentement, mais je suis très confiante. De plus, nous avons maintenant un ministère fédéral des personnes handicapées! C’est une excellente façon de faire valoir et reconnaître les droits des personnes handicapées, un groupe de citoyens qui représente la plus grande minorité au Canada.

Je rêve de la journée où toutes les personnes handicapées seront pleinement fières d’elle-même, qu’elles sentiront des personnes à part entière ».

Joëlle R.

“ I came to SSILC Employment Services in March 2017...”

“I came to SSILC Employment Services in March 2017. I had a well-developed resume with office, retail, and call centre experience. I began to work on my action plan with my SSILC Employment Facilitator. I made a list of my skills and assets, as well as assessed my barriers to employment. I have anxiety and depression resulting in isolation and shared that with the facilitator.

I identified my goal as employment. I agreed to take the SSILC Employment Classes: Employability Skills, Self-Management for Work, and Employment Assessment classes, as well as the Job Finding Club. Part way through the March classes I realized that the classes were just what I needed, and told my facilitator.

During the classes I demonstrated excellent punctuality, attendance, participation, determination, and teamwork. The following are some of the areas of growth that I identified in my self-evaluation:

• I set a goal of finding a job and to continue to search until I found one.

• I will not let external measures affect me. I am the only person I can control. I cannot control other people in the work place. I am the only person who can tell myself that I can do the job.

• I can decide internally to get along with my co-workers, and how I do my work. I can keep positive in my employment.

• The main thing that I have gotten from the Job Finding Club is the ability to stay positive and not give up.

I learned many skills including communication skills for the workplace, networking, how to access the hidden job market, mind-mapping the potential places to apply for jobs, interview skills, and made calling cards.

I applied for jobs and got interviews for eight positions. I have been hired at LP3 Transportation Solutions as a bus driver.

I was connected me with Dress for Success Regina to acquire suitable interview clothes. I am presently waiting for my next appointment with Dress for Success Regina to receive a week of work clothing”.

Carrie P.

« Je participe au Phénix depuis 6 ans... »

« Je participe au Phénix depuis 6 ans, soit 4 ans en tant que membre du conseil d’administration et 2 ans à titre de présidente.

Je vis, je travaille et j’aime en dépit d’un handicap physique depuis plus de 20 ans. Comme bien des gens dans cette situation, mon handicap me ralentit sans m’arrêter.

Au quotidien, ma routine présente tout de même un certain nombre d’inconvénients… comme celui de me déplacer plus lentement que la moyenne des adultes de mon âge, et de mettre davantage de temps à me préparer ou à faire la transition d’un lieu à un autre.

Fort heureusement, mon entourage attribue ces retards à ma personnalité décontractée de type B, affublée de retards chroniques, plutôt qu’à mon handicap. Et c’est bien comme ça !

Nulle part ailleurs qu’au Phénix n’ai-je eu autant l’occasion de vibrer à mon rythme, et de prendre le temps d’écouter celui des autres.

J’ai trouvé au Phénix une équipe respectueuse des limites de chacun et, qui fonctionne en ouvrant grand les portes : on y participe à la mesure de nos capacités, et on y revient quand on veut ou quand on peut.

Comme présidente, j’explore d’autres sortes de limites : celles des systèmes, des lois et des programmes reliés à l’accessibilité. J’apprends ce que signifie l’inclusion en termes de valeur sociale et d’espace économique. Je découvre les forces et les fragilités de la diversité.

En cours de route, je croise des gens réceptifs, résilients et patients. Des gens qui réalisent discrètement de bien grandes choses. Des gens pleins d’espoir que leur communauté arrive à composer avec les capacités et les talents dont ils sont capables.

Le Phénix ne viendra pas à bout de mes retards chroniques. Mais il est bien possible que, dans une société accessible, j’épargne des efforts avec des portes dégagées et des passages sans paliers pour me concentrer sur ma contribution…

Je remercie le Phénix, sa formidable directrice générale et tous ses membres pour l’extraordinaire travail d’éveiller la conscience sociale des Franco-Ontariens à l’inclusion des personnes en situation de handicap ».

Natalie B.

« J'ai connu Le Phénix en 2015 grâce à une personne... »

« J'ai connu Le Phénix en 2015 grâce à une personne qui m'a donné le nom de Judith. C'est alors que j'ai parlé à Judith: la conversation a été positive.

Le Phénix m’a offert de participer à un programme pour les jeunes entrepreneurs en situation de handicap et je m’y suis inscrit. Ça m'a donné la possibilité de connaître d'autres employés du Phénix comme Dyane.

J'ai débuté le programme jeune entrepreneur en situation de handicap parce que j'avais une idée pour monter une microentreprise qui offre des services de montage vidéo et de transfert. J'avais besoin d'aide pour m'aider à démarrer.

Dyane m'a montré la facette de l'entreprenariat. Pendant ce cours on a découvert que j'avais de la difficulté à écrire à cause d’un problème de motricité fine. Dyane m’a fait rencontrer d'autres organismes qui pouvaient m’aider. Le Phénix m’a fourni un logiciel de reconnaissance vocale que j'utilise en ce moment pour écrire ce texte. Ce fut tout un apprentissage mais j’ai pu compter sur le support du Phénix. Grâce au Phénix j'ai pu écrire mes textes plus rapidement lors des sessions de travail du programme pour les jeunes entrepreneurs en situation de handicap et grâce à ce programme j'ai pu démarrer ma microentreprise.

Le Phénix m’a donné la possibilité de participer à plusieurs projets et à ouvrir des portes que sans eux je n'aurais pas été capable d'ouvrir. Ils m’ont fait connaître des gens qui travaillent dans mon domaine, comme par exemple un vidéographe de Toronto.

Dyane et le Phénix sont toujours là pour m'aider quand j'ai un problème d'accessibilité. Je me sens inclus car je participe en donnant mon opinion sur l'accessibilité et d’autres sujets.

Qu'est-ce que le Phénix a changé dans ma vie ? Le Phénix m'a donné la possibilité de faire plusieurs choses. Ils ne me disent jamais non, ils m’aident à trouver des solutions pour que je réussisse. Si j'ai des questions, ils me rappellent pour en discuter. Ils n’hésitent pas à s'adapter à ma situation pour m'aider. Car chaque personne est différente. Dyane est une personne ressource pour moi.

Maintenant mon cheminement continue et je suis rendu au prochain chapitre de ma vie. Je suis en attente d’une réponse pour l’obtention d’un logement. Encore une fois, Le Phénix m’encourage et me prépare à relever ce nouveau défi.

Je souhaite au Phénix longue vie pour promouvoir l'accessibilité. Ensemble au-delà du handicap ».

Mathieu L.

« Mon conjoint, Guy S., est natif de Fournier... »

« Mon conjoint, Guy S., est natif de Fournier en Ontario. Amputé de la jambe droite depuis 1984 à la suite d’un accident d’automobile, il a siégé avec fierté pendant plusieurs années au Conseil d’administration du Phénix situé à Alfred. « J’ai été à même de constater à quel point Le Phénix est indispensable à l’épanouissement des personnes qui vivent avec des limitations, qu’elles soient d’ordre physique ou mental », se souvient Guy. Pour lui, le slogan « Au-delà du handicap » résume très bien le mandat qu’assume l’organisme provincial depuis plus de 30 ans. La sensibilisation, qui est faite auprès des municipalités, des employeurs et de la population en général, lui apparaît essentielle à la participation et à l’inclusion des personnes handicapées à la société. « Même s’il y a toujours matière à amélioration, je constate que les gens sont beaucoup plus conscients des nombreux défis et obstacles que nous devons surmonter au quotidien. Et c’est en grande partie au Phénix que nous devons cette évolution remarquable! », ajoute Guy avec fierté.

Au fil du temps, Le Phénix a su s’adapter aux besoins de sa clientèle, que ce soit par exemple en matière d’employabilité ou d’accessibilité. Guy garde un précieux souvenir d’une campagne qui visait le respect des aires de stationnement réservé aux personnes à mobilité réduite. Un carton, semblable à une contravention, proclamait en anglais et en français : « Puisque vous avez pris mon stationnement, prendriez-vous aussi mon handicap? ». « J’en ai déposé à quelques reprises sur le pare-brise d’automobilistes en situation d’effraction », se rappelle celui pour qui humour et franchise font toujours bon ménage.

Si Guy n’a qu’une jambe, il est pourtant de loin la personne qui m’a procuré le plus bel équilibre dans ma vie. Nous cheminons ensemble depuis 1989 et partageons entre autres le goût des voyages et du jardinage. Comme je souffre du trouble d’anxiété généralisée, la fréquentation du Phénix via le groupe de femmes Opale et divers ateliers de formation m’a permis de mieux accepter mon handicap de santé mentale. La ténacité de R. qui se déplace en chaise roulante, l’éternelle bonne humeur de J. atteinte de sclérose en plaques ou la franchise désarmante de S. « aveugle à 99,8 % » sont des sources inépuisables d’inspiration.

En mon nom et celui de mon compagnon de vie, je remercie 150 fois la dynamique équipe du Phénix, en particulier la directrice-générale Judith Parisien, pour son apport prodigieux au mieux-être des Canadiens et Canadiennes de tous horizons. »

Josée G.

“I would like to express my appreciation...”

“I would like to express my appreciation to Le Phenix in assisting me to search for part-time employment. As a disabled (visually impaired) person, I have great difficulty in searching for employment and Le Phenix’s Employment Liaison Agent, Mr. Rejean Rouleau , has been a great help to my search, with his professional, positive attitude. I am very overwhelmed by all of Mr. Rouleau’s endeavors to find employment for myself. He encourages me to be positive and secure when applying for a position.

It is a wonderful opportunity for disabled people to use the services of Le Phenix when searching for employment.”

Sincerely,

Trudy S.

“The joys of reentering the workforce after years of isolation...”

“The joy of reentering the workforce after years of isolation was an amazing feeling filled with self worth and the enjoyment of belonging again in the world. It gave me the courage to believe strongly in myself again. It gave my children the faith to believe that mommy was a fighter and believed in herself once again. It was amazing how a little faith and belief in myself did wonders for the people around me. It brought back the knowing that no matter how life gets, you can do anything you put your heart too. You just need that first push to get back out there, but once out, you never stop learning and putting forth your very best.

Going back into the workforce gave me the courage to stand tall again and know that I am worth a lot. Never give up and go for it with all you have in you!

To all the people who believed in me and stood by me in this journey: I thank you for your support. I needed it, I appreciate it and it was worth everything.”

Elizabeth

“My name is Karen C. and I’ve been a member...”

“My name is Karen C. and I’ve been a member of the Independent Living Centre for the past seven years and I owe my life to this Centre. Before coming to the group I would sit in my house and feel sorry myself. Physically I was a mess. I was very obese and could hardly walk or move. My body ached all the time.

I had a hard time coming to the group. It took three attempts before I could make it through the doors because I was so scared and shy. I didn’t know what to expect.

I would go to exercise class ever Friday and Vince the instructor would encourage me, although it hurt because I wasn’t used to it. But I stuck with it! Starting was the worst for me, but Vince would get me standing for 3-5 minutes at a time. I wasn’t crazy about the idea, but I did it anyway – what a relief.

Today I can walk, stand, and hold down a job. I have lost a considerate amount of weight and changed my lifestyle. I attended all the self-help groups that the Centre offered for the first 5-6 years, to get the confidence and courage to keep going. If it wasn’t for the London Independent Living Centre, I don’t know where I’d be. Today, I’m a different person. I laugh, smile, exercise and treat every day as my last.

It’s never too late. Don’t just sit back and wait for things to happen. Only you can make them happen. If you want change, you have to try and make it happen. Thank you ILCLA for accepting my disability and not judging me, and thank you to Vince N. for all your support!”

Karen C.

“My name is Tayler and I’m a member...”

“My name is Tayler and I’m a member at the Independent Living Centre here in London, Ontario. I attend the weekly exercise class, as well as many of the independent living skills workshops and peer support activities.

I especially enjoy peer support activities that involve being in the sunshine and enjoying a tasty treat. I’m an outgoing person and enjoy the Centre as a safe space to share and grow with my friends. I like to be the first person to greet you with hello and ask how you are doing.

I’m seeing impaired but personally like to refer to my disability as “broken eye syndrome.” I have been putting in an enormous effort to overcome my personal challenges through eye sight training. My training includes many exercises such as: trying to recognize colors using cue cards, wearing bright colored bracelets to help me gauge the depth of my hands, and practicing spelling my name. My eyesight training helps to reduce some of the barriers I face every day but even more importantly, it makes me feel a sense of empowerment.

The Centre has supported me in my efforts by trying to incorporate activities like brightly colored board games and friendship bracelets that provide me with the opportunity to practice my eyesight training. Since beginning the training, I have been able to color coordinate my clothes, often in my favorite : lime green! This may seem like a simple task to most, but for me this is an accomplishment that has come with a significant amount of effort. This helps me gain independence, empowers me and I feel like I can accomplish anything!”

Tayler

“My name is Len F. and I have been...”

“My name is Len F. and I have been a member at the Independent Living Centre London and Area for five years. I have also been on the Board of Directors for the past two years and currently hold the position as Chair of the Board. I am a very active member of the Centre. I attend the majority of both peer support activities and independent living workshops, as well as our weekly exercise class.

When I first came to the Centre I struggled to walk with my cane. My balance has been very poor as a result of a stroke I suffered at age seven. This stroke left me with a weaker right side. I also have a brain cyst that makes it difficult for my body to send messages to the muscles that need strengthening. The weekly exercise class has been central to my progress. I show up almost every week, ready to work hard, whether it be on the stepper, bike, or with an unusual contraption our instructor thought up to challenge me!

Over the course of the last two years, I have experienced the right side of my body getting stronger and stronger. Now I find I’m able to walk longer and faster with less and less reliance on my cane. Gaining some of the strength back has reduced mobility barriers in my day to day life. I’m even able to participate in the annual walk-a-thon and enjoy the full route!”

Len

“My name is Katie...”

“My name is Katie and I have been a member of the Independent Living Centre London and Area (ILCLA) for two years. I have thoroughly enjoyed attending the ILCLAs workshops, exercise classes and Holiday sessions. The Holiday sessions are one of my top picks because I can sit back and have some laughs, eat delicious snacks, and do crafts with my new friends who have welcomed me and my energetic personality with open arms.

Another one of my favorite things is going to the workshops, particularly the Mindfulness workshop. It helped me overcome my anxiety and provided healthy ways to deal with my emotions. I now use the counting and breathing techniques they taught us to focus on being in the moment and staying on the task at hand.

The ILCLA has allowed me to advocate for participants by implementing fun and thought provoking activities, as well as helped me create new opportunities for myself. One example is my idea to volunteer and bring my therapy dog, Maggie. They accepted my idea and I now volunteer with Maggie every few months. This really gave me a sense of empowerment because what I initiated was accepted and included in future ILCLA event planning.

Reminiscing on these amazing memories has made me realize how lucky I am to be a part of the ILCLA and recognize what a big role they play in my life. They have provided me with so much independence and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us members next!”

Katie

“Hello everyone, my name is Kevin M.!”

“Hello everyone, my name is Kevin M., I am a multimedia journalist for the You Tube Partnership Program with the 2Man Advantage Podcast: A sports website and YouTube Channel. I also serve as a motivational speaker. I was born with Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy however, I haven't allowed my disability to deter me from achieving my goals. The Direct Funding and independent Living Programs have helped to transform the way in which I live my life for the better, and here is how.

Having the privilege to be afforded the opportunity to work with a support staff have expanded my reach and ability to bolster my career as a motivational speaker and sports radio talk show host. This in turn, allowed me to reach more people and open up more doors to opportunities. My quality of life has tremendously improved due to the Direct Funding Program and the assistance of my support staff. I now have boundless access to ways of achieving the goals I set out for myself. This program has had tremendous impact in the shaping of my improved self-confidence. It has allowed me to form new personal and professional relationships, and for this I am most grateful.

The Independent Living and Direct Funding Program has also played a critical role in easing the burden of stress and concern for my immediate family. The six years prior, I was afforded some funding, but my family and I were required to pay for direct support often out of pocket. This can be extremely costly and often left me feeling isolated and removed from the rest of my community. Now thanks to this program, a great burden of stress has been lifted. It has removed a great deal of anxiety for my family, helped me positively impact the lives of others and provided me with a blueprint for a successful and boundless future.

I would urge any individual with a disability, or family in need of personal support, to consider the Direct Funding Program as an avenue to gain the support of tremendous resources and tools towards living an independent life. It has truly played an enormous role in ensuring that I benefit from a clear path to independence. It has facilitated social interactions and provided me with resources I wouldn’t otherwise have access to. I’m tremendously thankful to have been blessed with this opportunity. I am also grateful to the staff which work for me and the staff at the Direct Funding Program. Sharing my story of inspiration with all of you is something I am also grateful for, as perhaps others can benefit from the same opportunity. It has truly been a life changer!”

Kevin

« Je suis venu au monde à l'hôpital d'Amos... »

« Je suis venu au monde à l'hôpital d'Amos en Abitibi-Témiscamingue en mars 1976. J'ai vécu une enfance heureuse à Belcourt. Je demeurais dans un rang en campagne. Je voyageais en autobus du Rang à Belcourt, jusqu'à l'école primaire à Senneterre. Mes parents ont d'abord pensé que j'avait un problème de dyslexie mais ça n'a jamais été confirmé. Ils ont voulu que je fréquente l'école régulière et ils ont bien fait! J'ai terminé l'école primaire en Juin 1988 à Senneterre. Ensuite j'ai déménagé en ville. J'ai aussi terminé mon secondaire V en Juin 1994 à la polyvalente La Concorde. Par la suite, j'ai poursuivi mes études en technique administrative option gestion au Cegep de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue à Rouyn-Noranda. J'ai terminé avec succès en 1999.

À 23 ans et suite à une aventure amoureuse, j'ai vécu un épisode psychotique. Mes parents ont soupçonné un syndrome d'Asperger, mais aucun diagnostic n'est venu appuyer ces soupçons. Mes parents m'ont soutenu pendant tout ce temps.

Au début des années 2000 je me suis impliqué au Centre d'Amitié autochtone de Senneterre en remplacement temporaire à la comptabilité et j'ai siégé sur le conseil d'administration du Comité Prévention du Suicide de Senneterre. Je fait la comptabilité de ce groupe, en remplacement temporaire. J'ai aussi travaillé à la Société d'histoire comme archiviste.

Je me suis inscrit dans un programme d'employabilité en 2011 au Centre Vie Autonome Abitibi-Témiscamingue comme réceptionniste et aide au secrétariat. Depuis cinq ans, j'ai beaucoup amélioré mon estime de soi et ma confiance. Je suis impliqué dans le programme Information et réseautage et je fais du travail comme aide à remplir des formulaires. Je suis très bon avec le logiciel Excel et particulièrement avec les tableaux informatiques. Je suis bien intégré à la communauté, et je me suis trouvé un logement à mon goût à Val-d'Or. J'aime beaucoup la socialisation et l'entraide disponible au Centre Vie Autonome Abitibi-Témiscamingue. J'apprécie l'encadrement, la stabilité et le programme d'emploi,qui me donnent une raison de vivre. »

Alexandre

« Je m’étais inscrit à des activités de jour... »

« Je m’étais inscrit à des activités de jour avec l'organisme communautaire en santé mentale La Petite Rencontre dans les années '90. Je suis issus d'une famille du secteur de La Sarre. Je vivais en famille d'accueuil et j'étais tout simplement tanné de vivre en campagne et pas tellement intéressé aux travaux qui se rattachent à la vie en campagne. Je voulais vivre en ville à Val-d'Or, surtout que les appartements du « 812 » venaient d'être implantés. Mon désir fut exhaucé à l'aide de mon comité clinique. Je suis donc allé vivre à la résidence d'hébergement La Chaumière pendant un temps relativement court, et avec l'aide de Vie autonome Abitibi-Témiscamingue, j'ai pu accomplir certains apprentissages pour me préparer à aller vivre en appartement. Je vis maintenant dans MON appartement et je suis très heureux de vivre en ville.

Je me suis inscrit à un programme d'employabilité avec le Centre Vie Autonome Abitibi-Témiscamingue. J'ai augmenté ma confiance en moi, mon assiduitée et mon écoute des consignes. Maintenant, lorsqu'on me pose des questions j'écoute beaucoup mieux qu'avant.

Je suis très heureux de pouvoir continuer à échanger et à m'impliquer dans les activités et je sens que je fais totalement partie de l'équipe de Vie Autonome. »

Sylvain

« Lorsque j’étais enfant, mon entourage a constaté que j’avais un handicap... »

« Lorsque j’étais enfant, mon entourage a constaté que j’avais un handicap. pendant ces années là, aucun service n'était établi pour quelqu'un comme moi. J'ai dû fonctionner avec l'aide de l'hôpital Sainte-Justine.

Pendant les années '80 je siégeais à Santé et Bien Être Canada en tant que représentante de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Je souhaitias obtenir des références de quelques groupes qui pourraient m'aider; surtout que j’étais active au Club des handicapés de Val-d'Or, dès ses débuts en 1976. Mais c'était difficile d'obtenir une quelconque information. J'ai fini par obtenir une piste: l'Office des personnes handicapées du Québec (OPHQ). Après avoir pris contact avec eux, mon Club et moi-même avons démarrer plusieurs groupes de soutien au Québec. Nous avons entrepris les démarches et demandé l'accréditation pour le premier. le Centre Vie autonome Abitibi-Témiscamingue vis alors le jour. J'ai continué de grandir et de partager mes connaissances avec plusieurs personnes handicapées.

J'ai appris beaucoup sur l'administration avec ces groupes. Par exemple, on peut être très visible et prendre des coups durs. J'admire les gens du conseil d'administration de Vie Autonome Canada qui ont tenus à ramener un souffle nouveau dans les centres. J'ai aussi appris beaucoup des personnes que j'ai rencontré au Centre. Vic par exemple, étais un homme très actif. Malheureusement, il est décédé dernièrement. Il a donné et partagé beaucoup avec Vie Autonome Canada. Les personnes avec qui j'ai travaillé me sont très chères. Je pense à Paul-Claude et Suzanne par exemple. Ce sont des personnes indispensables au groupe. J'ai profité du savoir faire de nombreuses personnes.

Dans notre localité, j'ai aidé plusieurs groupesà démarrer et ceux-ci ce sont épanouis avec les années: le Club des handicapés de Val-d'Or, Le Repère 649 (groupe qui œuvre en santé mentale), Centraide (bureau local), le Centre de Bénévolat de la Vallée de l'Or, Vie Autonome Abitibi-Témiscamingue, le Transport Adapté La Promenade, La Résidence d'hébergement La Chaumière (santé mentale), Les logements Populaires de Val-d'Or (pour personnes handicapées), Le Camp Familial Abitibi-Témiscamingue, ainsi que l'Association de défense des droits sociaux de la Vallée de l'Or.

Comme vous pouvez le voir, mon handicap ne m'a pas empêché de travailler, d'étudier de planifier et de bâtir des projets communautaires. Du côté familial, je suis fière de dire que les deux générations qui me succèdent sont aussi impliquées dans le milieu communautaire. »

Merci de votre attention! Anne-Marie.

“I heard about the South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre...”

“I heard about SSILC through a brochure for people with disabilities who needed help getting back into the workforce. I was not optimistic as I had tried a similar program years ago, but went anyway.

I could tell this place was very different right away: I was welcomed with a smile and the atmosphere in the office was welcoming, and the people exceptionally personable.

Throughout the whole process I knew SSILC Moose Jaw would help me with anything I needed. Filling out a Resume or doing a job search was not so overwhelming. When I talked with the staff, I could tell that this wasn't just a job to them, they sincerely wanted to help. Every time I envision myself as an office worker, I think of the SSILC staff Moose Jaw as the perfect example of what I want to be like with customers.

After 16 years in my job, I was struck with this disease. They made me feel like I was no longer welcome, and friendly faces ceased to exist. I felt like I lost my humanity. I was in constant pain and the job was too physical for my condition, but had no other skills; and by the time I got to SSILC, I felt very physically and mentally unwell.

I have now been in my new position for a few weeks and my coworkers are wonderful. It's nice to go to work and not be hated because I look different. My pain has also lessened and I am no longer sick after a days' work. I'm so thankful to have been given this opportunity and will be forever grateful.”

Nicole

“My name is Erin L. I have been totally blind...”

“My name is Erin L. I have been totally blind since birth due to Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). I am 37 years old and have been living on my own since 2008. I have lived with my roommate Heidi now for two years now. She has also been totally blind since birth.

There are several ways in which I am fully independent. I use a long white cane which helps me to efficiently navigate the surrounding areas of my apartment and the city of Greater Victoria. I have also learned various home management skills and life skills and have honed them through the Pacific Training Centre of the Blind. This has given me greater self-confidence, and increased my independence. I also use various technology aids which help me with tasks such as writing, communicating on social media, and domestic tasks such as cooking and identifying the various food items in my kitchen.

My long white cane and my iPhone, the Braille Sense U2 Mini are vital tools I need in order to travel on my own. The cane helps me to scope my surroundings using tactile landmarks. The subtle changes in the concrete allows me to know where to walk. My iPhone has a GPS app that lets me know the surrounding streets which, in turn, helps me to figure out where I am. My iPhone has a screen reader called Voice Over which has made Apple's Smartphone totally accessible for the blind. I use it for social media programs as well as a travelling companion. I go onto Facebook, Twitter, Skype and other social apps regularly.

Throughout my life my mother has constantly pushed me to be as independent as possible. She has taught me many valuable skills that will and have helped me and propelled me to where I am today. She has taught me home management skills such as cleaning the kitchen, bathroom, dusting wooden furniture, washing windows, etc. My mother has helped me to hone my independence skills and has been the driving force behind my success as a self-reliant confident blind woman. She has and will always be my support, my rock and my encouragement.

The Pacific Training Center for The Blind has been a vital part of my life in recent years. Elizabeth L., my friend and mentor for many years, is the executive director. She has shown me that with perseverance I can achieve any dream that I set my mind to. I graduated from this program in March of 2015. I have learned valuable skills in travel, braille, home and employment skills that I will benefit from. I learned how to efficiently navigate busy street crossings, locate different stores and how to label various kitchen items. This program has helped me greatly, enhanced my self-confidence and continues to be an inspiring aspect of my life.

Graduating from university with a Bachelor’s Degree with a Major in Women’s Studies would have been a huge challenge if it had not been for the support of family, friends and tutors who helped me to achieve this goal.

My freedom and independence is essential to me. Though I may struggle to prove that I can do something that appears to be easy to a sighted person, I will indeed achieve the desired goal because I am a strong, blind, independent woman who believes that she can do just about anything, given equal training and opportunity.

Even though we are people with disabilities, we are still able to live free, happy and independent lives. I am totally blind and I am free!”

Erin

“My name is Nicola Z. and I was born and raised on Salt Spring Island...”

“My name is Nicola Z. and I was born and raised on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia (BC). While I could begin my story by telling you how I was born with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and that I am often perceived as having overcome many challenges in my life, both of these facts seem simplistic and in no way define me. I grew up on a somewhat idyllic island on the West Coast of BC where I could often be found playing with my siblings in the backyard or dashing to the school bus as it pulled up our driveway. I was, however, slightly different than those around me. Playing often involved finding my wheelchair so I could keep up with my peers and before dashing to the bus, I would frequently glance in the mirror to make sure my chosen crutches matched my outfit. I knew I was different but I was raised by parents and supported by individuals who continually taught me to embrace my differences and not to fear the unknown.

After completing high-school, I was determined to leave the island-life behind and find a city where I could go to university and develop more independence. My determination led me to Nanaimo, BC, where I made friends from across the country, while attending Vancouver Island University for two years (with a focus on criminology). I then applied to the University of Guelph in Guelph, ON, to complete my Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Public Policy with a Minor in Political Science. I subsequently completed my Masters in Sociology (with a Criminology focus) at this university as well.

It was in Guelph where I truly began to grapple with how I could maintain my independence while also acquiring supports and services related to my CP. I would meet with Doctors, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, home care representatives, and the myriad of other service providers who would poke me, prod me, and discuss my needs before I consciously made decisions about my own care and well-being. These decisions were sometimes complex and did not always go as planned, but now I can say that they all resulted in personal learning and growth.

Five years after leaving for Guelph, I found myself back in B.C. completing a second graduate degree in Social Work at the University of Victoria. I focused much of my studies on the area of disability, and was also employed to provide learning support to university students who experienced a wide-range of disabilities. After completing my Masters of Social Work, I began teaching at the School of Social Work as a Term Faculty Member. I was also recently hired as an Information and Referral Officer at the Victoria Disability Resource Centre. Both positions allow me to learn with and from individuals with varying abilities, while working to remove stigma and barriers that individuals with disabilities confront daily. My desire to educate and provide support in the area of disability both stem from my lived-experiences with CP, the interrelated supports that I have had, and a strong belief that people with disabilities should be provided with the space and supports necessary to make choices about their own lives.”

Nicola

“Until 3½ years ago, I lived my life as a healthy, able bodied person...”

“Until 3½ years ago, I lived my life as a healthy, able bodied person. I worked for 35 years in social work, raised two daughters, and fostered several teenage girls. I had moved from the east coast, after obtaining my degree in Ontario. I ended up in Victoria via Fort Nelson for a few years. My life was successful and mostly good - I was now set to enjoy retirement!

On January 31, 2014, I awoke with agonizing pain in my groin. I went to the emergency and was admitted and put on a morphine drip. When I tried to stand, my right leg collapsed - I was paralyzed from the waist down on that side. After a series of tests, I was told that I had spinal stenosis, a buildup of calcium on my spine. The calcium had grown inward and compressed my spinal cord by 80%. The specialist said I might improve, or I might never walk again! I was devastated.

After one month, I was sent home in a power wheelchair. I lived alone, so life was extremely challenging at first - all I could do was transfer in and out of my chair. But the Red Cross brought me equipment, occupational therapists helped me problem solve tasks, and my daughters and friends helped out. I got through those first month's and gradually became able to care of myself and my home.

I had long term benefits through my employer, which helped pay for medical expenses. Three years of acupuncture helped restore movement to my leg, and Tai Chi classes became my physio. I currently am able to walk a couple of blocks with a walker, and never use my chair at home. I live completely independently.

I have had emotional ups and downs. I've gone through depression and anger to acceptance of a new normal. I became involved with the Victoria Disability Resource Center, where I serve as board chair and also volunteer extra time. I am involved again in my community and with my profession. This is certainly not the retirement I envisioned - but my life is meaningful and fulfilling.”

Lynn

“The day to day activities that most people take for granted...”

“The day to day activities that most people take for granted can be monumental struggles for those with disabilities. Having more than one disability, and invisible ones at that, makes life even more difficult. I was diagnosed with Bilateral Sensory Neural hearing loss at age three, and suspected of having autism from the age of six. My journey has not been an easy one, but I now have the support around me to live independently.

Before I was 19 and able to get PWD assistance, my parents had to pay for all of my hearing aids, batteries and tests out of pocket. I did go through mainstream public school, though I had an Educational Assistant to support me as well as using an FM system worn by the teacher. My hearing continued to drop over the years, until I received a cochlear implant on my right side at 17.

My mother had to fight very hard to have me tested at Queen Alexandra Children’s Hospital when I was 12. The undiagnosed Autism became more apparent as I grew older. At 18, my psychiatrist officially diagnosed me with Autism, which enabled me to be accepted for PWD.

I really started to come into my adult-self after I began receiving Ministry Assistance. Never having even attempted to obtain a driver’s license, the bus pass gave me the confidence and the freedom to explore the city and run errands by myself. As well, the Ministry pays for all equipment and maintenance towards my cochlear implant and the hearing aid I now wear as well. I was also approved for Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) assistance when I was 22, and received a support worker who comes several times a week to help me with chores, meal planning, shopping, and similar activities. Finally, I spent two years in an assisted apartment building to help me build independence after moving out of my parents’ house.

Today I am 24 and living in a one bedroom apartment. I volunteer twice a week with the Victoria Disability Resource Center, and I am able to live independently with the help of my support workers. I have lots of creative talents and hobbies, such as sewing, painting, poetry, as well as a love of music. I have played the piano since age three, despite losing my hearing, and I am now at a Grade 9 (out of 10) level. I took choir all through high school and still love singing, and have recently discovered a passion for dancing. Many things are still difficult for me though. I have social anxiety, which makes crowded or loud situations very stressful. Texture issues from the autism make certain chores and hygiene tasks a struggle, as soaps and lotions raise my anxiety. A short-term memory has led me to become very meticulous about writing things down.

I think the most important thing about living with a disability is being able to acknowledge it to yourself. My hearing loss was impossible to ignore, of course, but I did not fully accept that I was autistic until two years ago. I have finally come to understand that there is nothing wrong with reaching out for the supports that are available to me when I need help. I have built an amazing group of friends around me, most of whom I met through my volunteering at the Victoria DRC. As well, I have a very supportive boyfriend. Most of the self-reflection I have done has been through my boyfriend’s guidance, and with his support I am actually beginning to rely less on my workers to supervise me with chores and am taking initiative to do certain things on my own.

I am definitely coming closer every day to my full potential, but I still have a long way to go. My volunteering at the Victoria Disability Resource Centre has shown me how much I enjoy administrative-type work, so I am searching for jobs in that field. I also would like to go back to school at some point, most likely to study math. After all, just because I have disabilities does not mean I won’t go far!”

Kelsey

“My name is Peter H. and I grew up in North Bay...”

“My name is Peter H. and I grew up in North Bay. I acquired my commercial helicopter license and a private fixed wing licence at the local flying school with the intention of getting my commercial pilot’s licence. I could not find employment as a helicopter pilot due to fact the Vietnam war had just ended and there were lots of ex-military pilots looking for work. So, I decided to apply to the University of Guelph for a BA in psychology. It was my intention to get a PhD.

While at the University I began to have problems swallowing, double vision, speech difficulties and poor balance. After going to many, many doctors it was discovered I had a non-invasive, epidermoid brain tumour about the size of an egg, on the cerebellum at the lower back of my brain. This was surgically removed in 1983.

In 1986, I graduated from the University of Guelph with a BA degree in Psychology. While at University, I was employed with the Ontario Ministry of Correctional Services part-time and when I graduated, I began working full-time as a Correctional Officer. Later on, I became the Program Coordinator, providing various programs for the inmate population. But the tumour grew back again, and in 1992, I had another major brain surgery to have it removed. I left my job and went back to North Bay to live with my parents because the residual effects of the brain surgery had severely affected my speech and balance, making work in the prison very challenging.

Over time my medical situation improved and I returned to Guelph where I secured a job working with young people in Probation-Parole Services and the local Detention Centre. I started with one day a week because that was all I could manage. This slowly increased until I was working four days a week. Then the tumor came back again and I required further surgery. Six years later, in 2001, I began having symptoms once more. My doctor recommended I have a shunt put in, a tube to drain the fluid off my brain.

The following year I moved out to Victoria. My family had been very supportive through all this time. However, I wanted to live life on my own terms. I moved to the West Coast to pursue an independent lifestyle. I was not able to work when I moved but could manage on the long-term disability plan from my previous employer. In 2006 I was hit again with another tumor which had grown back and once more it was taken out. Then in 2011, I fell on two separate occasions damaging both my shoulders ending up in hospital for 9 months. In 2015 I had my fourth neurosurgery to remove the recurrent brain tumour.

I had started doing motivational/inspirational public speaking about living with a disability when I lived in Guelph. I would talk to schools, Rotary Clubs, employers and anyone else who asked me. I set up my company, Peter Hicks Productions (peterhicksproductions.com). In 2005 I decided I would write my story up in a short book (From Top to Bottom and Back). I had hoped people in hospital facing life threatening surgery would be inspired and take hope from my story.

In Victoria, I was not able to work, yet wanted to fill my days. I was President of the Victoria Sailing Foundation (a volunteer community group which provided a sail boat and staff so people could partake in the incredible sailing experience). I was a volunteer board member with Power to Be (a Victoria/Vancouver based non-profit organization that empowers people to explore their abilities through inclusive nature adventures), and of the Victoria Disability Resource Centre. I was also the president of my strata council in the building where I reside. I attend the gym 4 or 5 times per week to maintain my physical health. I work three times per week with an exercise specialist. My recovery continues from my fourth neurosurgery. I have considerable experience to offer and want to give back as much as my health will allow. Independent Living is a philosophy of life that I, like so many others, embrace each day.”

Peter

“I have been legally blind all my life...”

“I have been legally blind all my life due to a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa. I have no central or detail vision and see shapes and shadows from my peripheral. I use a long white cane, read Braille, use a computer with a screen reader and do most things non-visually. I am 43 years old and a single mother of two boys, age 9 and 13.

I have always viewed my blindness as a positive characteristic, one that has afforded me many experiences and adventures I never would have encountered as a sighted person. Society tends to view blindness as a hardship, an insurmountable obstacle that makes life difficult and limited. Without adequate training and opportunity, blindness can be extremely hard, but this difficulty is not necessarily innate to blindness itself; instead the majority of obstacles stem from society’s attitude towards blindness. Most challenges I experience as a blind person do not come from lack of sight, but instead result from the misinformation and misconceptions about blindness - the attitudes of people, often well-meaning, who do not understand my capabilities.

The other day I was walking down the street with a blind friend. We chatted enthusiastically and laughed as we walked. A stranger saw us and said we were “amazing.” Then shortly after, another stranger said he felt “sad” for us. A man in my neighbourhood saw me on my way home from the mall. Despite my quick, confident walk and smile, he asked if I knew where I was going. Since I showed no sign of confusion, he determined I was lost based on my lack of sight. An acquaintance recently expressed disbelief that I was a mother because I was blind. This person did not see me as a competent person; instead she saw inability based on misconceptions about blindness.

The public often views us as pitiable or possessing miracle powers, with no in between, without regular traits like anyone else. They view our lives as unlike the lives of others, others who have ups and downs, twists and turns, successes and failures. People who see me on the street and make assumptions about my life do not know that I have children, a university degree, run an organization, swim and ski and date and watch TV and do the dishes and make beds and wear makeup and use a computer and cry and laugh and get angry and feel joy. I experience these things like other people do. This complexity of activities, sensations, feelings and knowledge that make up my life represent independent living.

Yes, I live independently in my own home and am in charge of my own affairs, but my diverse and dynamic experience of life truly symbolizes the core of independence. Independence means to live one’s life with choice, with purpose, with self-determination.

My unending belief in the abilities of blind people and in the abilities of people with disabilities in general lead me to a career dedicated to advocacy, mentorship and empowerment. As a student at the University of Victoria, I became president of the Society for Students with Disabilities. Subsequently, I served as president of the Canadian Federation of the Blind. In 2010, I trained at the Louisiana Centre for the Blind, and in 2011, I founded the Pacific Training Centre for the Blind, where I currently work as an instructor and executive director.

The Pacific Training Centre for the Blind uses an empowering, problem-solving model of instruction, where blind people are the teachers, planners, directors and administrators. The Center’s main program, Blind People in Charge, involves a collaborative, positive, and empowering approach to blindness, in which blind people learn from and teach each other in a supportive, can-do atmosphere. The program teaches Braille, cane travel, talking computer technology, job readiness, cooking and other lifeskills, but most importantly, students learn to live independently, to raise expectations and to take charge of their own lives.

For the last year, I have been honoured to serve on the board of the Disability Alliance of BC. Through this and other roles, I will continue to empower people with disabilities to achieve independence and liberty and to make choices about their own lives. I will continue to find opportunities to spread awareness about the tremendous diversity, experience and potential of people with disabilities.”

Elizabeth

“I am a single woman who was born with a number of challenges...”

“I am a single woman who was born with a number of challenges. My Mother had German Measles when she was carrying me, so I was born with heart issues, visual impairment and hearing loss. I have also had back issues, anxiety and asthma for most of my life. I attended a school for the blind, W. Ross MacDonald, in Brantford, Ontario, where I grew up. I learned to play the piano and discovered my love for singing. I love country music. I also love to volunteer and am well known in my community for my little dog that I bring with me whenever I can.

Most people take a look at me and think I can’t possibly do things for myself. When I decided to get my dog, people in the community said I shouldn’t because I wouldn’t be able to care for it. How would I hear her if she wanted to go to the bathroom, or see where she was in my apartment, and how could I afford to pay for the dogs care? I didn’t like this negative talk and ignored it. Today, I have the sweetest little pet, who helps me with my anxiety and makes me feel less lonely when I can’t find anyone to talk to.

For me independence is thinking for yourself and when people say “you can’t”, you try anyway!”

Mary

“I am Casey, and I live in Collingwood, Ontario where I often...”

“I am Casey and I live in Collingwood, Ontario where I often can be found driving around the streets listening to my music when the weather is good. I like to have fun and I love music, so I am well known in town because everyone hears my music before they see me coming.

I live with Cerebral Palsy, and I have a computer that helps me to communicate. But it doesn’t stop me from being busy. I love to be busy. I have been a volunteer at the Breaking Down Barriers Independent Living Resource Centre (ILC) for three days a week, over the past seven years. I also take part in the accessible curling in the winter and The Rockin’ the House Bonspiel every February. Next week, I will be representing them at a Health and Wellness Night at Mountainview School in Collingwood, where my friend Eve attends. It should be fun to talk to people and get to meet all the organizations attending.

Recently I went to Toronto to get outfitted for a new laptop keyboard. This will allow me to access more of the databases at the ILC and I will be able to help more. It will be ready in a month and I am very excited about it.

I sit on my local accessibility committee and I am glad to see that Collingwood is becoming more accessible, though there are still things to be done. One of the best additions to the town has been an accessible taxi. It was not easy to get it running, but I worked hard to show the town how important it was to all people with mobility needs. Of course funding was a concern, but since Ace cabs has taken it over, things have been running well. This service allows many people to enjoy their community, whatever the weather. I like it, because I can stay out as late as I want and still get home safely.

I am looking forward to the summer and being able to get out on the open road with my music and having fun.”

Casey

“Gerald and I have been married over twenty years...”

“Gerald and I have been married over twenty years and have lived in the Collingwood area our whole lives. We are close to our family and are particularly involved with our niece and nephew. Our niece has some special needs and as such, needs our assistance a lot. We are always there to help our family and are often the first people that they call when something happens. This has meant doing everything from attending medical appointments and shopping for foot orthotics to helping our nephew learn to drive.

Last year, I was not feeling well and suffering some pain. I was told I would need to have surgery to correct the issue. As a person who is pretty used to doing and going where I want, this was a bit of a blow. Then Gerald was told he too would need surgery, so here we were, both waiting on dates for surgery. Mine would take place in Toronto, while Gerald’s in Barrie. We were both wondering what would come next.

Gerald made the decision that my surgery should be first, so he could take care of me before he had his, and once I was on the mend I would help him with after care.

Though everything went well, and we both came through without issue, it was hard to get back into the routine of things. We started slowly by returning to the groups we attend at our local Independent Living Centre, and taking walks. Soon, we got back to our normal routine with family and friends.

Trying times, such as illness, comes to everyone, and it is not an easy hill to climb. As I look back on the experience, I see the strength we shared in every burden and now, we are glad to be back to our old, yet improved, selves.”

Georgina

“I moved to Collingwood from Toronto in 2008 so I could be closer to family...”

“I moved to Collingwood from Toronto in 2008 so I could be closer to family. I like the slower pace and the smaller town atmosphere. No matter what the weather, I walk all over, though I have a route I prefer and I love to go to Sunset Point Park where I walk the trail and talk to my friends at the Chipper.

Walking has improved my mental health and I am aware of when I need to get myself out into the fresh air, to ease anxiety. I stopped drinking in 2007 and I find my routine of walking helped me adjust to this big change in my lifestyle.

Hockey is also a passion and I can be found in the hockey arenas locally watching a game or two just like I did when my nephews were young. I have even nicknamed my home “Hockey Hall of Fame” because I collect a lot of hockey gear especially the Chicago Blackhawks.

Sometimes change can be as good as it is hard, and I have learned that volunteering at Breaking Down Barriers has helped me to learn new skills and get to know people. I am also volunteering to help my sister with things, the neighbours in my apartment building and assisting a friend to clean out her storage closet which could use a spring clean.

All in all the move to Collingwood has been a good one.”

Paul

“I am a widow, and a senior, living on my own with my dog Charlie...”

“I am a widow, and a senior, living on my own with my dog Charlie, in Wasaga Beach. In 1985 I survived cancer and then in 1996, I was hit by a car as I crossed at a crosswalk. This resulted in a brain injury, as well as some physical issues such as weakness on my right side. The car accident has affected my hearing and ability to speak clearly. It also caused double vision. I felt I had “Nine Lives”, however, everything changed.

When I retired to Wasaga Beach in a family owned cottage, I began winterizing it. I hired a contractor from the area, whom I thought I could trust, however, the work was terrible and when a job was finished it was actually in need of redoing.

At his insistence, I had paid the man who was doing the work up front, and unfortunately, I ended up with my home in need of more work and my RRSPs depleted. It was very discouraging.

The contractor asked that we go through the invoices to see what he was still owed on the job, and I was nervous to go through this process alone, mainly because of my head injury which at times, makes it difficult for me to process or speak quickly. I told him to wait until I had someone with me to help.

I called 211 who told me to call Seniors for Life, who in turn put me in touch with the Breaking Down Barriers Independent Living Resource Centre. Being a new resident, I was glad to have the assistance as the staff made me feel comfortable and less stressed. We held a couple of meetings with the contractor and local building inspector to get things straightened out, but I didn’t want the man to do more work on my home. I had proof of cheques and invoices that I owed him. He said he wanted $1500 that was still owing, but it was only $700 owing. I paid him $350 and the balance when the unfinished work was done, but I found out through the building inspector he wasn’t coming back.

After consulting lawyers through Legal Aid and a local Attorney, I was advised that though I was within my rights to sue, the cost would be expensive and I would have difficulty collecting the money awarded by the court if you won. However, I decided to take the man to court and represent myself. Over the next year I made eight trips to Barrie to file paperwork, put together the necessary evidence and did my best to remain positive about the outcome. With the help of the Red Cross for transportation and Breaking Down Barriers and Tracey , who went with me to explain, and the witnesses, I was able to win.

This was one very stressful period in my life, not only mentally but physically, however when the judgement came in my favour I was very grateful and pleased.

The major lesson I learned from this experience is that in order to face something that is not right you must stick with your convictions even though it can be physically and emotionally draining. I am proud to have been born in Canada, other places are nice to visit, but number one is Canada.

I am still living in my cottage, with my dog, working on my cottage to suit me, tending to yardwork and attending a Monday group at the Breaking Down Barriers Independent Living Resource Centre, which is my outing. I like my independence.”

Rose-Lynn

“Most people think my physical disability negatively affects my life...”

“Most people think my physical disability negatively affects my life every day but that is definitely not the case. It is part of my everyday life, but it never stopped me from participating in life (going to school, enjoying my friends, graduating high school and going to college) until I decided to enter the workforce.

After graduating from college, I was really excited to use my skills and education and begin to earn enough money to finally move out of my parents’ home and live independently. I quickly learned that navigating the job market is much more difficult if you’re a person living with a disability. Employers wanted to hire me, but really didn’t know how. Luckily, I was connected with my local Independent Living Centre who took the time to work with me and help me figure out what barriers I faced to employment, such as transportation and adaptive equipment. Once I made up my mind to overcome these barriers, we were able to work together to remove them and I almost immediately found a job in my field.

Since then, I have been able to move out on my own and now work hard balancing a full time job, friends and my hobbies. I try to encourage young people with and without disabilities to follow their dreams and tell them nothing is impossible when you work hard and are determined to succeed!”

Jason

“I live with an invisible disability...”

“I live with an invisible disability. One that no one can see, hear or understand by simply looking at me. I get told every day: “But you look great, you don’t look sick at all!”; when I tell them how I am really feeling inside. I have lived with my disability for most of my adult life and have always encountered this response from friends, family and co-workers.

I have always felt guilty and out of place for talking about my disability until the day I met a group of people who understood what I was going through.

I reluctantly joined a support group for people who live with chronic pain and invisible disabilities after a family member nagged me weekly to go. It was a group of people who I had never met before but we seemed to be living the exact same life and having identical experiences. Through this network, I realized I was not different. I was not alone. I was empowered.

I now speak to groups, taking part in disability awareness training events, educating people on the importance of acceptance. The motto I teach to others now is “there is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.”

Stacey

“I was born and raised in Kapuskasing, Ontario...”

“I was born and raised in Kapuskasing, Ontario and I am well known in my community. I am a 21-time medalist with the Special Olympics, with my most recent medals won for swimming and track and field. Not only do I love sports, but I also volunteer many hours with the Golden Age Centre, the Disability Resource Centre, the Connexion Centre, St Patricks Church, Catholic Womens League, and our Legion Branch.

With a busy schedule, that balances four part-time jobs, volunteerism and sport; I do still make time for another one of my passions: fundraising. Over a period of 27 years, I have raised approximately $58,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. I am inspired by his story and his dedication to help others. I aim to continue to do the same!”

Stella

“Independence: I believe it’s something we all strive for...”

“Independence: I believe it’s something we all strive for. But what is independence? I have learned since being involved in a serious motorcycle accident where I hit a tree head first while driving 100 km/hr, that independence means being able to keep in touch with my abilities. Independence is not what a person does or what they are able to accomplish on their own, but rather how well an individual can find their abilities and put those into action in their daily life.

I live with motor control problems and an amputated arm but these things do NOT define me: I do. My history will not dictate how I live my life today. Someone once said “A person cannot move forward if they are continually reading a transcript of the past.” So for me: being physically active and healthy was important before and after the accident.

Rock climbing was something I wanted to try (check). Having freedom to make my own life choices was important and I wanted to live on my own (check). It is important to me that I have a determined spirit and stay healthy. I do this, in part, by working out at the gym until my legs feel so wobbly that it feels good (check). It is important to me that I express gratefulness and generosity. I do this by giving back to a local charity that was a positive influence in my life. Specifically, I planned and ran a fundraiser, which raised over $10,000 (check).

My history does not determine my future. My future is determined through accessing my abilities wherever I am, every day. If it’s independence you’re after, you need to know that it is achieved within. It is something YOU create. What are you going to create today?”

Jeff

“In 1998, my family and a group of other kind folks...”

“In 1998, my family and a group of other kind folks put together a golf tournament to help me purchase an accessible van. As a young man, I was beginning to understand that I could have no real independence while relying on public transit. The appointments I made, school application, everything was dependent on whether or not I could get there. Having my own vehicle would mean freedom of choice; freedom to choose when I went somewhere, the freedom to travel outside of the city for medical appointments, or to see a concert. These are all things that people who have access to transportation take for granted.

I was thrilled all those years ago to get into my new ride and I have (in large part) the Tournament of Hope to thank for that. Now, twenty years later, that same tournament has helped over 200 people purchase almost half a million dollars in medical equipment and assistive devices, allowing others to live independently too.

This year, I find myself in need of a vehicle again and the Tournament has chosen me to be a recipient. I feel blessed to have been chosen but it also feels kind of surreal because I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since I have received my first vehicle. I'm lucky to be able to use the Tournament again and still be able to drive, because I still have places to go!“

Randy

“My name is Kelly Z.; I’m a young adult from New Hamburg, Ontario...”

“My name is Kelly Z.; I’m a young adult from New Hamburg, Ontario. I believe I truly became independent when I started college. I was in my last year of high school and by the end of the year my goal was to be independent so I could move away to school in the fall. By April I achieved my goal. I was at school, no parents, no known friends, living in a new city. Being put into this new way of life encouraged me to truly find my independence. For me, independence was being self-sufficient, where I could and utilizing support services where I needed them.

Now in third year, I am still independent, and I don’t always need support services, but I know they are available to me when I do need them. Generally, I use them in more stressful times like midterms and finals.

Webster’s dictionary defines independence as: “freedom from outside control or support.” (Merriam-Webster, 2017) If we look at this definition, I conclude we are all independent. Making our own decisions, doing what we can, and knowing when to ask for support; as well as accepting that support when we need it—that’s all a part of independent living.”

Kelly

“Having experienced life as both an able-bodied person...”

“Having experienced life as both an able-bodied person and as a person with a disability, I have a lot of respect for those who have blazed the trail of accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. Certainly, the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region (ILCWR) comes to mind, as they have been an integral part of my and the maintenance of independence in many areas of my life.

In the early 80's, after having received my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), ILCWR hired me as a support worker. Everyone likes to feel needed and productive, and it was encouraging that they did not see my disability as a reason to disqualify me as a candidate. Eventually, when my MS progressed and I could not physically continue as a support worker, ILCWR hired me as a supervisor. Now, I live in one of ILCWR’s Assisted Living Sites and I am actively involved in how our site is run. It’s great living in supportive housing because it allows me to be an active person in my community and to have a choice in the decisions that affect my life. This allows me to have a say in how I’m living, just as any person would want for their life.

I’m now retired, but I am currently the chair of ILCWR’s Board of Directors. I feel it important to acknowledge and uphold the work done by the individuals who have come before me, and pioneered the breaking down of the barriers which individuals with disabilities face. I believe we should not only maintain their achievements, but work towards greater inclusion, so that the people who will follow can enjoy the things that life has to offer and have a voice that is heard.”

Sharron

“I believe advocacy and independent living go hand-in-hand...”

“I believe advocacy and independent living go hand-in-hand, and I consider myself to be an advocate of everything! Over the years, I have had the opportunity to be a member of various boards and committees. I was on the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region’s Board of Directors for nine years, five of which I was chair. Additionally, I’ve participated in the AODA 2005 Transit Committee, the United Way Board of Directors, and the KW AccessAbility Board of Directors. Over the years, I’ve felt it important to also become involved in a variety of areas of public interest, to ensure they are open to others with disabilities. Some of these examples include, the Kitchener Public Library, Grand River Transit, and Centre in the Square. The project I’m most proud of is the ramp that was built leading to the stage door of Centre in the Square. This ramp allowed performers with disabilities to have access into the building at the same entrance as their fellow performers.

Overall, I am a big advocate that solutions should be communal; that everyone should be involved. I feel that evoking change which creates inclusivity for individuals with disabilities is an ingrained part of my own independent living experience.”

Sue

“In some ways, my ability to live with independence is because...”

“In some ways, my ability to live with independence is because I have been able to turn my disadvantages into advantages. Growing up I didn’t associate myself with the disabled world, and it wasn’t until I entered the workforce that I realized how my own experiences living with a disability could be used to help others.

In my early career, I was in a reception role and I was asked if I could fix the company’s website. I didn’t know anything about web design at the time, but I like to say yes to things. Eventually, this experience led me to start my own website design business. Over time, I have become an expert in accessible web design. While some people are proficient in specific programming languages, I am able to manage a project and integrate various web design pieces under the accessibility umbrella. Today, I do a lot of work as an independent contractor for a provincial agency where I perform accessibility audits on technology, offer design suggestions to create more accessible websites, and develop accessible PDFs.

I am thankful that the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region (ILCWR) has been able to act as a support framework for me to live my life completely of my own choosing, which has included many common milestones such as attending university, getting married, having kids, and running my own business. What I need are people to help me do what I need to do, and not just by providing care, but rather by providing access to care. In this way you have choice in the care you receive. I can’t imagine living a life being told what to do or how to do it. ILCWR strives to uphold consumer-driven values in a world that doesn’t make it easy, and they implement their consumer-driven mission in a way that goes above and beyond.”

Dan

“With chronic illness it is a choice to get up in the morning...”

“With chronic illness it is a choice to get up in the morning and have a good day or not; to have it conquer you or not. Because I hold this belief, my friends always call me “Pollyanna”. The reality is you can’t do everything, but you must make sure your life is as rich and full as the next guy’s. I’m not minimizing how difficult that can be, but having a positive attitude can make it possible. It’s a question of not reducing your expectations, but rather changing your approach. For instance, I love the market; I can go to the market. I love the theatre; I can go to the theatre. It requires more planning, such as calling to make sure it’s accessible, or booking your transportation well in advance, but it is possible and being aware of these things makes me feel more independent.

Having Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has taught me patience, to not be afraid, and to speak up. A little while after I was diagnosed with MS, I decided to put a sign on the back of my wheel chair which says, “I have MS. Ask me about it.” While gaining knowledge of MS I felt that awareness was important. The sign is like opening a door and inviting people in. People will say to me, “I love your sign”, and often I am stopped. I sometimes forget it’s there, and then someone will stop me. It can be anyone, from a teen who wants to know more, to someone who has been newly diagnosed, to a person who knows someone, such as family member. I’m glad that I’m able to help and to encourage someone with MS to see that there is life after the diagnosis.”

Sharon

“As a 24-year-old university student with a passion for social justice...”

“As a 24-year-old university student with a passion for social justice, the independent living philosophy is especially important to me. It means having the ability to self-direct, pursue, and accomplish one's goals. Put simply, it is the freedom of choice.

To some, the word "independence" may evoke images of solitude, or the idea that one functions entirely by oneself. The opposite is true for me. I achieve an independent lifestyle by accessing a variety of supports and actively participating in my community.

The Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region has been an integral part of my life for almost a decade. In 2008, I joined the Youth in Transition program, and in 2012 I began receiving attendant services. Both initiatives give me the tools to live independently - from physical support and information, to friendship and empowerment.

Self-advocacy and advocating for others is also a part of being independent. Having attendant supports has taught me how to communicate my needs in a constructive, non-confrontational way. I've been able to transfer this skill into other parts of my life - most notably at school and in the workplace. Most recently, I helped start an accessibility advisory committee on campus.

Overall, I think that living independently with a disability extends beyond one's ability to perform basic tasks. For me, it involves self-direction, advocacy, and connecting with others. I would encourage everyone to engage with their communities, make their needs known, and explore the resources available to them.”

Sarah

“The Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre gave me HOPE...”

“The Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre gave me HOPE to keep moving forward on a path of daily empowerment and independent living, a chance to prove to myself, my family and my doctors that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.

A big thank you to Jessica and the team for having been by my side from the very first day. I finally mustered the courage to approach them. What sets the Direct Funding Program apart from other services, are the genuine people who care about you as a person. They listen and try to find the best solution.

You have truly touched my life and I am forever grateful.”

Dalia D.

“I was introduced to the Ottawa Independent Living Centre (OILRC) in December of 2007...”

“I was introduced to the OILRC in December of 2007 through another member who is a friend of mine. One of my favourite activities there, is the lunch club. I live alone and it’s nice share a meal with others! I also really enjoy music therapy, the Healthy Eats Program, Creative Expressions workshops, and the Yoga sessions. Some memorable outings with the OILRC have been the Tulip Festival, walking the Rideau Canal, the Rainbow Cinema, and visiting all the museums. I’m a loyal participant of the all the annual events, including the Holiday Dinner, the Halloween Party and the summer getaways.

I’ve gone through my ups and downs over the years. During one of the most difficult times in my life, I was able to turn to the OILRC for emotional support. I felt that they were there to listen, understand and not be judgemental.

I’m happy to continue participating in the Peer Support activities. I have had the opportunity to meet new people, feel connected within my community, and learn new skills. I’m also learning how to get out of my comfort zone and try new things!”

Jean

“I started coming to the Centre in 2011...”

“I started coming to the center in 2011 when I was in high school. I had always found school hard. When I first found out that I had a learning disability, I didn’t know what to do. My social worker introduced me to the Ottawa Independent Living Resource Center. Meeting other consumers has helped me accept myself and focus on my abilities. I don’t feel alone anymore…I feel happy! I have met wonderful people who have supported me in achieving my goals. No matter what your background, age or disability, everyone is welcome at the Centre! I am part of the iLeap Program and the Peer Support Program. My favorite Peer Support activities are bingo, healthy cooking classes, and the lunch club.

My job goals were to work with food and to help people. I was able to get a job as a server and house keeper at the Rideau Gardens Retirement Home. There I gained valuable experience working in a kitchen. After that, I worked on my resume with the staff at the Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre. I also went to the Ottawa Technical High School to finish my high school credits and completed a co-op in the cafeteria. I was able to secure employment at Bridgehead as a kitchen helper, where I am currently employed. My favourite part about my job is making the pastries that are so tasty. All the customers enjoy them!

I feel that I can accomplish anything as long as I keep learning and being open to new experiences. I have truly learned to be more confident. I am not as shy, and slowly coming out of my shell. I am happy the Centre is here to support me.”

Van

“I have Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy...”

“I have Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. This disability makes life extremely hard to deal with sometimes. In addition, I have had some extreme hardship in my life. Believe it or not I wouldn't change any of this even if I could. As a matter of fact, I am thankful. This is because all of it has made me the strong person I am today.

Fortunately, my Dad and I love each other so very much and we can count on this love and the value we are for each other. Thanks to his constant coaching, I have managed to develop self-motivation and drive, along with many other positive traits.

I can proudly say that I am a 2013 graduate of the Algonquin College General Arts and Science Diploma Program. I also completed a certificate in Introduction to Music Industry Arts prior to that. Soon, I am planning to start my fifth level in the Algonquin French Program.

Since I now have my diploma, my next long-term goal is to find a meaningful job. I started looking for jobs on my own, but I realized this is not an easy process. I was worried for a while, because I was afraid employers would not be willing to look beyond my physical limitations. I knew I had to take a different path. This is when I turned to the Ottawa Independent Living Centre. I give a huge amount of credit to them. Thanks to their generous support, assistance and outstanding ability to look beyond the physical challenges, I am now well on my way to accomplishing my dream of being a significant contributor to society and an inspiration to everyone I meet.

Living my life has taught me that even if you have setbacks such as disabilities, you can succeed. Just travel with your heart and your body will follow. Also, don't be afraid to listen to your parents (I know this is hard sometimes.) They just want you to succeed in life and they always have your best interest at heart.

Thanks for reading my story. I hope I have been an inspiration to you.”

Anastasia

“Determination, perseverance, discipline...”

“Determination, perseverance, discipline. Those are the qualities I truly hope to capture as a Canadian athlete, Olympian and politician.

It was my love of competitive sport that helped me regain confidence in my abilities post injury. Since then, my passion for competition has been my vehicle to success in all aspects of life.

I am a six-time Paralympic gold medalist in both basketball and track; nine­ time World Champion, and the world record holder in the 100m, 200m and 800m events in the T52 class.

I am also the BC Liberal candidate for Parksville-Qualicum in the 2017 provincial election. I was first elected as MLA on May 14, 2013. I am the Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation and also a member of the Cabinet Committee on Secure Tomorrow, as well as the Treasury Board. Prior to my appointment as Minister, I served as Government Caucus Chair and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Seniors and Healthy Living.

I am passionate about healthy, active living and I advocate for people with disabilities and children with special needs. I have been an ambassador, spokesperson, business owner and most recently competed on the international stage at the Rio 2016 Summer Paralympic Games, bringing home two gold medals.

My determination, perseverance and discipline have allowed me to triumph over any obstacle on my journey to success, purely for the fact I do not see limits, only challenges.

I live in Parksville, a beautiful city on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada with my husband Mark and son Kai.”

Michelle

“In the blink of an eye, a split second, my life changed. Dramatically...”

“In the blink of an eye, a split second, my life changed. Dramatically. I dove into a shallow pool, during a backyard barbecue and it left me a C4-CS quadriplegic. Actually, I was fortunate to survive at all, but a friend breathed life into me until paramedics arrived. I knew immediately what happened to me. I had been a lifeguard at provincial beaches around City of Winnipeg pools. I slowly came to grips with what lay ahead for me.

Prior to the accident, I was on top of the world. I had been a scuba diver. I owned an airplane, had five businesses on the go, enjoyed sailing and had been married to Laura for a little more than a year. Our first child Christine, was six months old when I broke my neck.

Cue the aftermath: How do I proceed from such a tragic occurrence and get on with life? Part of that transition involved a move to Chemainus in 1997, where I soon integrated into the community. I met so many nice people. Everybody knew me in Chemainus.

The transition wasn't without its difficulties, part of the normal feeling most people experience while coming to grips with life in a wheelchair. The first year I moved here, I got really depressed. But I have never been one to sit around and feel sorry for myself. I am a doer and a people-person.

After being interviewed by an official at the G.E Strong Rehabilitation Centre in Vancouver, I rediscovered a passion for sailing. I could now sip and puff my way to freedom. Over the years, I became a fixture in Mobility Cup races across Canada: Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and elsewhere, winning five times.

The Ladysmith Disabled Sailing Club, operating through the Cowichan Independent Living Centre, offers great opportunities. The Ladysmith Maritime Society is set up with three boats and accessible docks and 85 people with disabilities use the services in the summer.

Another pursuit was getting involved with the Spinal Cord Society and fundraising for them. The Rodney Stanes golf tournament at the Mount Brenton Golf Club realized proceeds of about $15,000 each year.

Family has always meant the world to me. I was especially conscious of the impact on my daughters Christine and Daniella. They were a tremendous help. I tried to make life as normal for them as possible. Christine, who was so young at the time agrees.

"I didn't know anything different during my childhood and had very loving and supportive parents. Life is full of shocks, challenges and changes in plans and while growing up my dad was always a great example of not seeing these changes as things to stop you from experiencing your passions."

Daniella is studying sciences at Concordia University in Montreal. I was already paralyzed when she was born. "Nothing stopped him from adoring fatherhood. We would go sailing together, go on road trips to see our family in Calgary and Winnipeg, go camping on Quadra Island. We would cook together, Christine and I acting as extensions of his arms. He would teach us everything he used to make in his old restaurant. Most of my fondest memories are being in the kitchen with him. He was so active in our lives you would never think he had a disadvantage."

I coached the girls' volleyball teams throughout high school, taught Daniella how to pitch in softball and both girls became lifeguards just like me.

"In my elementary school, my dad would come to speak at assemblies about his accident to raise awareness about disabilities which, looking back, was a really incredible thing for children to see and hear at that age,".

"It allowed everyone there to look past the immediate impression and stereotype of a person in a wheelchair and see a story, a character, a life. I think that is what made all of my childhood friends super accepting of him. I never had a problem with that. Although my dad's accident was tragic and altered our family and friends' lives immediately and extremely, I am so thankful for the awareness and sensitivity I grew up with about people living with disabilities. It conditioned me to immediately address the person, not a disability."

Life is quite different now for me now because I am divorced and my daughters are on their own. I still have three attendants at my home to help with bathing, feeding and dressing needs. I like to travel as much as possible and will be going to Cuba in January with an attendant.

I have always remained hopeful I might not need a chair one day, as ground-breaking research by the Spinal Cord Society using stern cells gives me reason to keep the faith. I’d love to walk again. I can't stand people that have given up. I have hope. It's a great life if you don't weaken. The Lord works in mysterious ways."

Chris

« Je m’appelle René H., je suis originaire de Shippagan... »

« Je m’appelle René H., je suis originaire de Shippagan au Nouveau-Brunswick. J’ai fait une année collégiale en Production Multimédia et Inforoute. J’ai une passion pour l’informatique, les jeux vidéo, les films, la mode, le magasinage et la photographie. Pour les jeux vidéos, j’aime les jeux pour tous, ceux qui sont non violent. Depuis quelque temps je m’intéresse à la mode, à un style en particulier et je suis même en développement d’un projet personnel de styliste. En photographie, je préfère les clichés de paysages, d’objets, d’animaux et les photos de mode. J’ai un esprit rêveur, explorateur et organisateur. J’aime quand tout est bien organisé. Ma saison préférée est l’hiver. J’adore les couleurs pastelles et tout ce qui est arc-en-ciel. J’adore aussi écouté de la musique. Sans être le plus sportif, j’aime le badminton, le miniputt, le bowling et faire du vélo.

De plus, je m’identifie en tant que non-binaire (même si j’ai un côté féminin plus développé) et asexuelle. Je me passionne et supporte beaucoup la communauté LGBT. J’adore tout ce qui est unisexe, je crois profondément qu’une personne ne doit pas se limiter à une seule façon de vivre et ne doit pas se limiter aux objets et vêtements qui sont normalement assigner à leur sexe biologique. Malgré ce que la société nous enseigne, je pense que tout le monde a le droit de s’exprimer comme il/elle veut et ce, sans limitation et sans se faire juger tout simplement à cause de leurs différences. Même si je suis adulte, mentalement, je me sens encore comme un adolescent, surtout dans mes goûts.

Mes obstacles et défis: je fais face à un petit trouble de la parole (bégaiement). J’ai quelque fois de la difficulté à m’exprimer et convertir mes pensées en paroles. Je suis gêné face à certain type de personnes. J’ai plusieurs symptômes du spectre d’autisme et syndrome d’asperger. Cela m’affecte dans mon fonctionnement et ma façon de penser. Je suis aussi limité côté mémoire et concentration, possiblement un déficit d’attention. Cela peut m’empêcher de faire les choses normalement, mais heureusement, j’ai appris à me débrouiller et développer mes propres techniques de fonctionnement. Mes limitations physiques et mentales m’ont grandement affectées lors de mon passage à l’école, et ces limitations m’affectent encore dans ma vie de tous les jours.

J’ai connu Vie Autonome Péninsule Acadienne (VAPA) par le biais d’un membre de la famille qui était sur le conseil d’administration à l’époque. Mon premier intérêt pour le centre fut pour avoir accès à l’internet, puisque je n’avais pas internet à la maison. On m’a invité à devenir membre de VAPA, et au départ j’ai accepté l’invitation pour avoir accès aux ordinateurs. Extrêmement gêné, j’ai commencé à socialiser avec les autres membres, me faire de nouveaux ami(e)s et fréquenter le centre de plus en plus souvent. Après un certain temps, avec les encouragements et support de mes nouveaux amis, j’ai commencé à faire du bénévolat. Je suis membre depuis environ huit ans. Je m’implique comme bénévole dans les activités. Aujourd’hui, je suis fier d’être membres du conseil d’administration et bénévole à temps plein.

VAPA m’a beaucoup aidé à sortir de ma coquille, à socialiser, briser mon isolement et a me donné plus confiance en moi. Je n’ai pas toujours eu une vie facile et me faire accepter pour qui je suis a été un grand défi en soi. J’ai même réalisé depuis peu mon rêve d’avoir mon propre appartement.

Dans mes plans d’avenir je vois plusieurs possibilités. J’ai comme ambitions de devenir styliste, photographe, lancer ma propre ligne de mode et/ou ouvrir ma propre boutique. Déménager dans une grande ville fait aussi partie de mes rêves. »

René

« J'ai 67 ans et je ne me suis jamais marié... »

« J'ai 67 ans et je ne me suis jamais marié et je n’ai pas d’enfants. J'ai grandi dans une famille de 11 enfants, avec des parents très sévères. J'ai reçu une éducation de la part des Frères du Sacré Cœur qui eux aussi étaient très sévères. Je me souvient être un jeune avec peu d’amis et j'étais très renfermé. J'ai demeuré au Québec et en Ontario pendant une trentaine d’année, pour le travail. Suite à un accident de travail, j'ai dû arrêter de travailler et je suis revenu dans mon village natal.

Je ne me souvient pas vraiment comment et où exactement j'ai entendu parler de Vie Autonome, mais je fréquente l’organisme depuis environ 10-12 ans. J'apprécie le Centre et j'y ai rencontré des amis et des personnes supers intéressantes. J'ai développé des amitiés solides et je ressent un sentiment d’appartenance avec VAPA. Avec ma soif de savoir, j'apprécie beacoup les ateliers et les activités. Pour une personne comme moi, avancée en âge et vivant avec des défis importants, les journées sont parfois longues et mon moral est facilement affecté.

Venir ici me permet d’être une meilleure personne. J’ai beaucoup de vécu et j’aime jaser avec le monde et donner des conseils; partager mon opinions. Quand je pense à ma vie, parfois je me dis que j’aurais pu faire les choses différemment. Sortir de la maison, venir faire des activités avec VAPA me permet de me changer les idées. Même si je cherche dans ma tête, je ne trouve rien de négatif à dire du centre. Ça m’a juste amené du positif.»

Aldo

« Chez Vie Autonome Péninsule Acadienne, je fait presque partie des murs... »

« Chez Vie Autonome Péninsule Acadienne, je fait presque partie des murs. Je visite quotidiennement l’équipe et je participe aux activités depuis l’ouverture. Je m'implique beaucoup au niveau des activités, des levée de fonds et je siège même présentement sur le conseil d’administration.

J'adore faire rire tout le monde, j' aime beaucoup jouer aux cartes, aider les autres et passer du temps entre amis. Avec mon sens de l’humour, je sent beaucoup de compassion, d’empathie et de sensibilité pour autrui. Victime d’un accident de voiture grave dans ma jeunesse, je vit avec beaucoup de douleur physique et je ne peut pas travailler. Malgré tout, vous me verrez toujours avec un grand sourire contagieux.

Dans le temps, je fréquentais un autre centre d’activités et j’ai commencé à perdre intérêt et ne plus vouloir y allez. Je me souviens que j’allais moins bien et ma travailleuse sociale à l’époque m’a mentionné l’existence du centre VAPA. J'en avais entendu parler et je suis allée voir, puis je ne suis jamais partie (rires). C’est ma petite sortie chaque jour. Les fins de semaine je trouve ça long quand c’est fermé. Ça fait du bien d'être là! Je pense plus positivement maintenant. L’équipe est accueillante et il n'y pas une journée qu’on ne rit pas. La VAPA m’aide pour bien des choses. Par exemple, quand je reçois une lettre par la poste et je ne suis pas certaine de comprendre le contenu, je peux leur demander de l'aide. Je n'ai pas de famille ici, mon garçon vis à plusieurs heures de Shippagan. Je suis quelqu’un avec peu de moyens (finances) et j'apprécie les activités gratuites du Centre. »

Jeanne D’Arc

« Malgrés mes 57 ans, je suis un homme avec un cœur très jeune... »

« Malgrés mes 57 ans, je suis un homme avec un cœur très jeune. Avec les Olympiques spéciaux, j'ai voyagé à travers le Canada et reçu de nombreuses médailles pour mes talents en athlétisme. J'aime beaucoup faire le 200 et 400 mètres et le lancer du poid. Je suis une personne toujours de bonne humeur, et j'aime apporter du soleil partout où je passe.

J'ai entendu parler de Vie Autonome à travers l’Association des personnes handicapées alors situé à Caraquet, et avec qui j'ai régulièrement fait du bénévolat. Je suis allé au Centre pour la première fois avec un ami membre de Vie autonome Péninsule acadienne (VAPA), et j'ai aimé mon expérience.

Ça fait environ depuis 2000 que je viens ici. J’aime beaucoup le monde et les activités. Je fais plein de bénévolat et je rencontre plein de monde. Je suis sportif et j’aime bouger et aider les autres. Je vends des billets, on se promène. Je suis partout où Vie Autonome va. J’aime tout ce qu'ils font! »

Jean Marc

“I first heard about Independent Living Vernon when my mother started to work there...

“I first heard about Independent Living Vernon when my mother started to work there. I live with Spina-Bifida and require the use of a wheelchair. I participated in Independent Living Vernon's Self-Esteem program, as well as the Employ-Ability program. Thanks to the Employ-ability Program, I found meaningful employment at Independent Living Vernon (ILV) and I am currently going to school to complete my Criminal and Social Justice Diploma.

Back in January 12, 2015, I became the YOU (Youth Opportunities Unlimited) Group Coordinator and have greatly enjoyed my time with the youth, helping them to grow and learn new skills. In May 2015, I helped setup a booth at a Lions Club fundraiser in Vernon that not only marketed the Employ-Ability Program, but also marketed the YOU Group, and Independent Living Vernon as a whole. I enjoyed this task because it was easy to market and give people relatable and useful information, given that I was a past classroom participant. The Employ-Ability Program taught me many useful life-skills that I will carry for the rest of my life such as: self-esteem strategies, putting up good boundaries, budgeting, health and nutrition and how to set smart goals for myself".

Kyla

“I was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD), ADHD, and Tourette's Syndrome...”

“I was born with FASD, ADHD, and Tourette's Syndrome. I first came to Independent Living Vernon (ILV) on my own when I was about 15 years old, to use the computers, talk to people, and check out a program that ran Friday nights.

I am now 35 years old and still enjoy coming in, to use the ILV services. The most beneficial things is the internet use and the presence of staff. I stopped coming for about 10 years, but I have now returned because I missed the happy people there.

Some of the positive impacts of ILV on me include: good leadership skills from the job club with Kathryn and having a good place to relax, breathe and socialize. The job club provided me with the necessary skills for completing job interviews.

I am a strong supporter of FASD research and I use some of my time on the public computers here to learn more on the subject and other things that spark my interest. Independent Living Vernon is helpful to people without computers. They are very accepting of everyone and nonjudgmental."

Carson

“I first heard about Independent Living Vernon (ILV) when I was looking for work...”

“I first heard about Independent Living Vernon when I was looking for work. I was introduced to Kelly and Laura, and shortly after, I started to attend Peer Support. From participating there, I have learned many skills in volunteerism and leadership. I helped with the water tables for the Cycle for Independence, for about three to four years. I also got involved in the Employ-Ability program and I learned organizational and planning skills while completing course activities. Through Employ-Ability, I gained further knowledge in the areas of financial planning and budgeting.

My hip, shin, and ankles were badly injured in a car accident. Laura assisted me with my PWD application, as I continued working towards furthering my education.

Since becoming a consumer at ILV, I have been able to take more risks, become more independent, problem solve effectively, and learn about new things I have an interest in. I have developed very good social, computer and reading skills.

I currently have my own business. You can find it at www.williamhawkins.teamasea.com. I believe in myself now. You have to believe in your ability and power to help yourself".

Bill

“I have been coming to Independent Living Vernon's Peer Support program for about 3 years...”

“I have been coming to Independent Living Vernon's Peer Support program for about three years. I have Osteoarthritis, mental illness, and low-intellectual functioning.

My favourite things about Peer Support, are, socializing, activities, barbecues at the park and celebrations of consumer's birthdays. I also enjoy the monthly potluck, which is on the first Friday of every month. I help out by bringing snacks to share.

I have taken both the Self-Esteem course and the Employ-Ability course. Both have been very helpful, I can share my interests with the groups. I have become more social through the activities I participate in. My confidence and self-esteem have increased.

I heard about Peer Support from Susan who invited me and I am glad she did. I also go swimming with Bill from Peer Support, at the Vernon Recreation Center where my disability pass helps me save on the admission price.

Socializing at Peer Support has put me in touch with other services and useful information.”

Rita

“I first heard of Independent Living Vernon when I was searching for an advocate...”

“I first heard of Independent Living Vernon when I was searching for an advocate. I met Lisa and took the Self-Esteem course in 2013. I took other classes and courses as well, through Community Futures.

I have severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), originating in my childhood, but it is now stabilized. Independent Living has helped me find solutions to my problems through the Self-Esteem program. I gained confidence and lessened my social anxiety which made talking to people one-on-one easier. The most beneficial part of Independent Living for me, was definitely the Self-Esteem program.

I have a certificate in audio engineering and I did some volunteer work with this certificate. I am currently taking the Human Service Worker Course through Community Futures. My life has changed since participating at ILV in the following ways : I am now going after what I want to do, and my ability to communicate with other people has increased significantly. I also trust my first reactions now, and don't second guess myself.”

Bryan

“I am an adult with an intellectual disability ...”

“I am an adult with an intellectual disability that is supported by TIER. I first heard about Independent Living Vernon through Kathryn from TIER Support Services. Kathryn spoke with Kelly from the ILV to set up the current shredding job I hold now. I remember starting the shredding job on December 1, 2014.

I also work at two other jobs during the week : at the Bean to Cup twice a week, and at Vernon Physio once a week. I used to work at Java's Coffee House in Smithers, where I made salsa. On Mondays, I participate in Main Street Connections with Kindale. I do Ventures' day program on Tuesdays. Positive developments in my life are: gaining employment through ILV and the enjoyment of my work. This keeps me busy, with a work schedule and positive social interactions.”

Dennis

“Do you have Tourette's? Awesome! How about anxiety?...”

“Do you have Tourette's? Awesome! How about anxiety? Great! Depression? So what?! ADHD, OCD? Right on!

I am a professional speaker and mental health advocate, with TV and radio shows. My radio show: Not Broken® Radio, has $1.8M+ listeners/downloads per month. I'm also a best selling author and have created a mental health clothing line, all aimed at having open and honest discussions about mental health and disabilities and giving confidence to those who are struggling.

When I was 6 years old, I was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome and severe ADHD. At 17, I was also diagnosed with anxiety, OCD and panic disorder. I've spent a large part of my life feeling broken, wondering what was wrong with me - depressed, as an outcast, even with the ones closest to me. In 2012 I was in two car accidents that left me unable to work for a year, and living with chronic pain ever since. I've faced many challenges with anxiety, disabilities, life and businesses, and yet (or exactly because of it!) came out on top as a strong business woman, the proud owner, CEO and president of multiple companies. I'm constantly learning and I am passionate about expanding my knowledge.

I'm an active member in the community and am currently involved with many projects, such as working with disabled, volunteering and fundraising with a number of mental health organizations. I have been involved with many other causes and non-profit organizations in the last decade. I'm endorsed by mental health associations across the globe as a Mental Health Advocate, including but not limited to: Mental Health America and Canadian Mental Health Foundation; and I am Mental Health First Aid Certified.”

Brett

“Growing up, it took me a long time to learn how to color inside the lines...”

“Growing up, it took me a long time to learn how to color inside the lines. It took countless hours of practice. In certain ways, that particular goal was beneficial, but in others it became an obstacle.

My grandmother, Mom and sister found joy in crafts. Their interests were varied and multiple. Even as a very young child, I wanted to do what they were doing. And I wanted to be good at it.

I started with knitting and crocheting. I had Cerebral Palsy, I was Dyslexic and I was left handed, so to say it was a challenge is an understatement. Finally, we found a family friend who was left handed and we were off to the races, sort of. I could do it. I did do it, but it wasn’t something that brought me joy.

As I grew, I tried different things. I wrote poetry, I cross-stitched. I even tried rug hooking and beading. Some of these things were somewhat enjoyable, I was even good at some of them, but still; I couldn’t seem to find my “thing”, my passion.

Finally, in my twenties, I read a novel in which the plot was centered on quilting. I was enamored almost instantly. Without ever having done it, I had found my joy.

People were not very encouraging when I shared my creative dream with them. “That’s just not realistic”, I was told countless times. “It’s an expensive pipe dream and you don’t have the dexterity for it.” There was one person who believed I could do it: my new husband. As a wedding gift, he got me lessons with a fabulous quilting instructor who also believed that I could live my dream.

I was/am in heaven! I love gorgeous fabrics and exquisite design with endless possibilities. Piece by piece, I was/am creating my version of beautiful. My mentor and I often have to come up with unique ways of quilting when the more common methods don’t suit me. I pick the color, based on my preferences. I choose the strength of the stitch. I select the pattern and line up the seams based on my plan.

That seems familiar does it not? Life is what you make it. Living independently, with a disability, dictates that you be creative. It is an art. It requires that you bring your pieces, plans, and goals and choose the pattern that works for you as an individual. You make the decisions. You make the necessary adjustments to make your life your own.

I’m proud to be a small part of things at the North Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre. I’m thankful that NSILC works to help individuals help themselves to find lives of balance; from entrepreneurship to creativity. It all matters. We all matter!”

Cathleen

“I have been a dedicated and loyal member of the Centre for Independent Living Toronto (CILT) for many years...”

“I have been a dedicated and loyal member of CILT for many years and served on several Steering Committees and even had the opportunity to speak at public forums and co-facilitate workshops.

The Centre not only provides support and social activities for its members, but also valuable information and the tools for them to learn and develop leadership skills and confidence to go forward in their communities and really make a positive difference.

The main reason for CILT's success, is its exceptional and exemplary staff who genuinely care for and feel for their members. In this world of "selfism", these wonderful traits are invaluable.

I had a major spinal cord injury in 1997 which left me with nerve damage, lack of sensation and poor balance which necessitated using a walker. Over the years, I have had many medical setbacks and the Centre supported me through many of them.

The most recent was in September 2015 when I fell and fractured my right ankle to the extent that it required major surgery and two metal rods and 18 screws to hold it together. This meant that I would be spending more than a month in the hospital, two months in a separate convalescent care facility and another two months in a rehab facility. As if this wasn't bad enough, it was discovered that I had a rare type of leukemia for which at present there is no treatment or cure. Having no family to support or help me or even to go to my apartment to bring me very necessary items. I lost hope and cried every day. I was so devastated and felt so alone, I even told the doctor I no longer wanted to live. This time I thought God gave me a mountain I could not possibly climb!

Being independent I did not reach out for help but I did make a phone call to one person who contacted CILT on my behalf. Thank God they did, because things soon started to change. Members not only visited me regularly, brought me the toiletries I needed, edible goodies, puzzles, books, nightgowns, sweaters and jackets because it was winter and lots of love and hugs! I cried again, but this time, they were positive tears.

I honestly felt I did indeed have a family which was not "blood related" but "heart and soul" related. What made it even more wonderful was that this loving care continued for months, throughout all three facilities and beyond and continues to this day.

The staff at CILT played a major role in saving my emotional life and well-being and, as a result, was instrumental in allowing me to physically heal and go forward with a positive attitude and hope again in my heart.

I shall always feel indebted, thankful and grateful to the Centre for Independent Living Toronto. There really are no adequate words, in any language, that could realistically convey my true feelings.”

Joan

“I was interested in volunteering at the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT)...”

“I was interested in volunteering at the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) because I wanted to help improve the lives of people with disabilities. I also wanted to meet new people.

I did not think that by volunteering at a Centre, my views of my own disability would change in positive ways that would improve my sense of self and my outlook on life. Of course, why not? It’s a Centre for Independent Living!

For as long as I can remember my outlook on life was positive, but I could never fully embrace my disability as part of my identity, because I struggled with how I could fully empower myself while still pursuing my dreams of a fulfilling life.

I was raised with medical model view of disability, that professionals knew more about my disability and body than I did. I agreed with the idea that my physical body could be improved and that this would improve my life. I understood this, but I also recognized the challenges that I would continue to face in society even if my physical abilities increased.

I was disheartened by these feelings because it conflicted with my own personal dreams of wanting to help change people’s perspective on the lives people with disabilities and where l could have a life of living, writing and traveling independently.

When I came to CILT, I saw the social model of disability, which is the idea that people with disabilities can empower themselves and others by taking responsibility and control over their lives. I saw this being put into action by the people around me.

I feel welcomed and accepted for what I can contribute as I volunteer. This has led to a sense of personal empowerment! Without realizing it I have incorporated the social model of disability into my life!

My outlook is, my life is definitely going to be fulfilling, and my dreams will happen in the future.”

Tammy

“Our late son, Noel M., had been a Direct Funding participant....”

“Our late son, Noel M., had been a Direct Funding participant, or Self-Manager, from age 16 until his death at 29 in January, 2015. Early on it gave him and us the freedom most young adults with disabilities couldn't have. He was able to go out with friends and experience life as a young person should. Becoming an employer at 16 did cause a sudden maturity. As all Self-Managers know, attendants become much more than employees, they become friends and keeping friends in line and on time can have its challenges. Learning to hire and having to fire was a mountain at first, but he did it several times and learned how to do it legally and respectfully.

After finishing high school, Noel wanted to try college but was unsure it could happen. Working with Direct Funding and bunking with another Self-Manager in a special accessible room at Algonquin College, they were able to use their pooled resources to extend care around the clock. Although he was only able to go for one year, it was the experience of a lifetime.

As his disease progressed, Noel applied for and received more hours, allowing him independence while living at home, a challenge even for able-bodied young adults! He continued to be able to explore the city, plan trips, meet friends and live a full life because Direct Funding was there. At age 26 he had a health setback and upon being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) the nurse practitioner in charge of the complex care team was amazed at how Noel could be that age with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and they didn't know him yet. That was the power of Direct Funding: allowing him to be cared for at home.

His health stabilized but at a level that would have required him to live in the ICU for the remainder of his life, because he now needed around-the-clock care due to ventilation needs. The complex care facility in the city refused to take him, citing his complex needs. I still can't figure that one out! Not prepared for him to stay in hospital if he could live at home we began negotiating on his behalf with Direct Funding and the local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) to arrange for 24-hour assistance at home. The argument was simple: an ICU hospital bed is conservatively $5,000 per day, he could be better cared for at home and have independence for less than $350 per day. We were shocked to learn there was no decision maker in the entire health care network who could make what seemed a simple decision. Again, Direct Funding stepped up to provide the maximum they could squeeze out of a tight budget and CCAC handled the nights with nursing by using registered practical nurses to stay in its budget.

After 45 days of hiring new staff and gradually ramping up his care, Noel moved back home for good. He had a good additional 19 months living at home, being able to go out for shopping, lunches, attend concerts and do day trips, all because Direct Funding was there.

There is no question about the value of the Direct Funding program for Noel but also to the health care system, as it likely saved more than $1 million that it would have cost to have kept him in hospital with little or no quality of life. Well done, Direct Funding: keep up this essential program.”

Sean M.

“I could laud many things the Direct Funding Program has done....”

“I could laud many things the Direct Funding Program has done for me but the most important one is that is has allowed me to continue to be a contributing and productive citizen. After a surgical mishap resulted in my Paraplegia, I considered how I might be of assistance to my new community. I had a background in engineering and building so I chose to work on physical accessibility. Project inspections, design meetings, and consultations require flexibility and adaptability with regard to my time with my attendant. The Direct Funding Program, which is available anywhere in Ontario, has provided the framework for my attendant and me to be able to accommodate our two schedules. Other attendant care models are not sufficiently adaptable and can restrict people’s opportunities to return to or to continue with a work life.

As a taxpayer I think that Direct Funding is both very efficient and cost effective in providing attendant services.”

David

“I am a 26-year-old quadriplegic who had been living in hospital in eastern Ontario for more than 4 years....”

“I am a 26-year-old quadriplegic who had been living in hospital in eastern Ontario for more than 4 years (1,540 days, to be precise) due to a spinal cord injury sustained in a swimming accident in May 2011. Invasively ventilated, I attended university remotely while hospitalized, but could not return home because there were not enough community supports.

Since August 2015, I have been living in my fully accessible home with the help of the Ontario-wide Direct Funding Program. On Direct Funding, I recruit, hire, trains my own attendants to assist with my activities of daily living, like transfers, dressing, showering and meal preparation.

Since returning home, I graduated from university in June, 2016 and only a short four months later found a job in my field of study. I have also become a motivational speaker, hospitality entrepreneur, and disability activist.

A seasoned traveler since before my accident, I have not let my disability stop me from pursuing my passions. I still love to travel and it hasn’t really stopped me from doing that. I set a goal three days prior to my accident while I was at the summit of Machu Picchu, that I would travel to all seven Wonders of the World. I have checked off two of the seven and plan to continue to complete this goal. I went to Chichen Itza in Mexico in February, 2016.”

Drew

“I am an 89-year-old man with multiple sclerosis (MS) who lives in Ontario...”

“I am an 89-year-old man with multiple sclerosis (MS) who lives in Ontario, and I am the main caregiver to my wife, who has an acquired brain injury. I have been on the Direct Funding Program since 2002; the program provides funding to recruit, hire and schedule the attendants of my choosing to assist with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing and feeding.

My son contacted program staff in early 2013 to request some temporary overnight assistance for me, while the family waited on a long-term care placement for my wife and I. My son thought my wife would go to long-term care first. I have always been a careful, responsible self-manager, so he asked me why I wasn’t I contacting them. What had changed so dramatically? I needed assistance at night due to severe leg cramps and I had assumed it would be beyond the scope of Direct Funding.

Program staff discussed my overnight needs with me and implemented the assistance quickly, allowing me to remain in my home, thus averting the need to take up two long-term care beds in the system. I am one of Direct Funding’s oldest program participants.”

Ted

“I haven't been volunteering as long as some other people, but I love to help...”

“I haven't been volunteering as long as some other people, but I love to help, and with the employees working at Empower, I have hit the lottery (so to speak). The employees at Empower live up to their objectives; to "empower" their consumers, and provide said consumers with the tools and compassion, they need to LIVE, the way they want to live.

I am very proud to volunteer in such an environment. It's one of the reasons I look forward to going there. They make me feel wanted, and isn't that what we all strive for?”

Claudette

“My message: Don’t be complacent!...”

“My message: Don’t be complacent!

In 1972 my car hit some black ice in Prince Rupert and as a result of a Spinal Cord injury, I have had to use a wheelchair ever since.

The philosophy of. Independent Living has helped me to speak up for myself when I see that something is discriminatory.

There have been many improvements in accessibility for persons with disabilities over the decades since the ‘70s but for ‘every 2 steps forward’ it seems we have to ‘take 1 step back’ (erosion of access?) laws and regulations notwithstanding.

Back in 1993 a movie theatre that had earlier been designed with an integrated accessible entrance decided to close that entrance down and only open it upon request from a person in a wheelchair. To have this decision reversed I had to lodge a Human Rights complaint, and also appeal an unsatisfactory decision to the Supreme Court of BC. Although it took several years for a decision the BC Supreme Court and later the BC Human Rights Tribunal ruled in my favour and the entrance was ordered to re-open and be kept open.

More recent and more common examples of ‘erosion of access’ include businesses changing their universal (accessible) washrooms into storage rooms or staff washrooms. Simply asking the business (restaurant) to change it back doesn’t always work or may work temporarily but a visit from a City by-law enforcement officer usually does the job.

Adopting the philosophy of Independent Living, being a self-advocate and not being complacent are rules I have tried to live by as the results are usually beneficial not only to me but to the community of persons with disabilities in general.”

Vince M.

“My name is Alexis D., also known as Lex or Lexi and I have Cerebral Palsy...”

“My name is Alexis D., also known as Lex or Lexi and I have Cerebral Palsy. I am a quadriplegic and use my power wheelchair to get around most of the time. Although my wheelchair allows me to be independent at times, I am unable to do the daily things in life that most people can do when they wake up in the morning. Not being able to administer self-care, hinders my ability to brush my teeth, get dressed, shower, do my hair and prepare my own meals. Thankfully I have a full-time care giver, who happens to be my mom, to help provide those needs for me. This disability has obviously been a hurdle, however I've never let it hinder my independence.

I moved to Niagara on the Lake almost three years ago from Toronto. When I lived in Toronto I frequently used the subway system and the Wheeltrans buses to move throughout the city. That changed when I moved to Niagara on the Lake. I found it very difficult to get around. I was only able to take accessible public transportation for medical appointments or work. I thought this was very unfair because everyone deserves to be able to go shopping or meet up with their friends and enjoy a social life. Recently, the accessible transportation policies have changed and I am able to book my rides as needed. This has definitely been a positive change for my independence here.

Although I am unable to drive a car or ride a bike, that doesn't mean I can't get from point A to point B. I independently book my rides for all my travel and live a full social life without any interruption. Another barrier that makes it difficult to navigate is the amount of buildings that are inaccessible in town. There are currently only a handful of places that I am able to get into with my power wheelchair. This makes planning a bit difficult when going out for dinner or shopping. On the other hand, I am grateful for the places that offer full accessibility.

A few years ago I went to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon with the March of Dimes. I worked hard with my family to book the trip, moreover it was the first time I travelled to another country without any family members. Through the program I was granted access to aids and transportation throughout Vegas with other peers who have disabilities. I was able to explore the city, see a great magic show, ate at fancy restaurants, tested my luck at the slots, and took in the unbelievable sights at the Grand Canyon. I can't begin to explain how beautiful it was sitting there at a wonder I wouldn't of thought was accessible a few years before. Travelling makes me happy and I hope that one day I will be able to visit Las Vegas again.

No matter who you are, there are always going to be hurdles in your life. For me, it has obviously been very tough as I am confined to a wheelchair. I view it as a small challenge that I will not let hold me back. Whether it is travelling to see your friends or going on an adventure to the Grand Canyon, I never and will never let my disability define who I am!”

Lexi

“I have been a member of the Niagara Center for Independent Living for almost 20 years...”

“I have been a member of the Niagara Center for Independent Living for almost 20 years. Just after I started my college career I was introduced to a place called Niagara Center for Independent Living (NCIL). I joined what was then called the Youth Group and through this program I met a lot of great people. Shortly after joining the Youth Group I was asked if I had ever thought about joining the NCIL board of directors. I hadn't given it much thought but I was very interested in helping out in whatever way I could. Shortly after joining the board the chairperson resigned and I was put in the position of chair. To be honest, it was uncomfortable position for me at first as a 22-year-old very unsure of myself and lacking the confidence to talk in front of large groups of people. Being chairperson was quite an adjustment for me but because of the support of the executive director as well as other board members I flourish in that position. I did two eight years stints as board chair before leaving the position in 2016.

Due to my experience at NCIL I had gained the confidence to lead many different organizations and be a part of many different projects.

I am currently the chairperson of the Niagara Accessible Sports Committee as well as the head coach of the Brock Niagara Penguins wheelchair basketball team and played a role in having the 2021 Canada Summer Games come to Niagara.

In 2015 I won Niagara Coach of the Year. As well, I have coached the Brock Niagara Penguins through three consecutive winning seasons.

On another note, I have been lucky enough to have access to the Direct Funding Program for the last 13 years. It too has made a huge difference. I have full control over my life and can create my own schedule, based on my own needs.

I would like to thank IL for all it does in the communities throughout Canada. Without the support of the Niagara Center for Independent Living, I would definitely not be the person I am today. I would like to thank those people involved at NCIL who had the patience and confidence in me to be an effective leader and contributing member in the community.”

James

“It is no exaggeration to say that I owe my life to an Independent Living Centre...”

“It is no exaggeration to say that I owe my life to an Independent Living Centre.

Eight years ago, I was in a dark place. I was thirty-eight and living in isolation in my parents’ house. I was unemployed and had no prospects, and no motivation. I lived in denial of my depression. I was in a hole of my own making, and I believed I belonged there.

One day, thanks in part to a bent lawnmower blade, I hit a point where I decided to give life one more chance. I went to my doctor and was prescribed medication, which helped reconfigure my thought processes and allowed me to see the possibilities of a future. Then I sought job counselling, and from there, I was referred to Niagara Centre for Independent Living. This is where the door to my future went from being opened a crack to getting flung wide open.

NCIL provided me with specialized job counselling, as well as help in applying for Ontario Works and ODSP. As well, upon learning that I had a background in writing and journalism, they offered me a chance to write for the Centre’s newsletter. Eventually, I was put in charge of writing and laying out the entire newsletter.

Upon being accepted for ODSP, I was able to move into my own apartment and begin my life anew. Inspired by the work I saw being done at NCIL, I applied and was accepted to the Social Service Worker program at Niagara College. The Centre supported me throughout my time in the program, even allowing me to do my second-year work placement there. I graduated three years ago this June.

Today, I am a part time employee of NCIL; covering the reception desk, helping write grant applications, and performing other functions. I also do support work with disabled youth. I have been married to my amazing wife for a year and a half. Not long ago, the life I have now was beyond my imagination; now, however, I find it hard to understand how I lived any other way. And it was an Independent Living Centre that played a major role in getting me to this point.

Niagara Centre for Independent Living, and Independent Living Centres across Canada, help people like me through empowerment and understanding. They don’t judge you for where you are, they just want to know where you want to go and will work tirelessly to help you get there. And on behalf of all of the people who have been served by Independent Living Centres, I express my limitless gratitude for all that you do.”

Roger

“My name is Dustin and I live in Grimsby, Ontario...”

“My name is Dustin and I live in Grimsby, Ontario. At one time, I worked for several years in the civil engineering technology field, but found that the stress in that type of work was not suitable for me. I received treatment at various health care agencies over a number of years and also worked as a veterinary assistant, and now I am accessing the services of Work Link at the Niagara Centre for Independent Living.

I had my first appointment with Mary Jane of Work Link in June 2013. We went through a process identifying possible suitable occupations and I found that the accounting field suited my aptitude, strengths and organizational skills. I completed a Second Career application for retraining with Mary Jane’s assistance which was approved by Employment Ontario. I began my studies in the Business Accounting Program at Mohawk College in January 2014. Mary Jane from NCIL was particularly helpful during my transition. Her support and guidance were invaluable and played a large part in my current success. I am extremely grateful.

Once I graduated, Mary Jane spoke to me about the possibility of providing bookkeeping services to participants of the Self-Managed Attendant Services- Direct Funding Program. She then recommended me to her colleague, Anne Marie, Direct Funding Community Facilitator at NCIL. I now provide bookkeeping services for 10 Self-Managers and looking forward to working with more.

I have created a DF bookkeeping memo, which explains the duties and responsibilities of both the bookkeeper and the Self-Manager. More recently, I have shared a draft copy of my payroll program with DF staff for their review. Hopefully, with the improved efficiency the program affords (and with more efficiencies being constantly introduced), I will continue to receive new bookkeepers as they come online. I appreciate the favour that has been extended to me by Anne Marie, Mary Jane and NCIL for an opportunity to be of service to those in need.”

Dustin S., Bookkeeping Service Representative

“Last week our son Nicholas received the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network’s award for Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year...”

“Last week our son Nicholas received the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network’s award for Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. It’s a wonderful achievement. One of which he and we are very proud.

I think back to the day, twenty years ago, the cold October rain slapping against the window of the white, sterile psychologist’s office. “Yup, it’s Autism, and it’s never going to go away’ was how we were presented with his diagnosis.

Our beautiful son loved to sit on the living room floor with an open Birds of North America book in his lap. He would spend hours looking through it. And when he was outside, he would look up in the sky to birds flying overhead and say, ‘The birds are dancing.’ He carried a wooden heron around with him. Everywhere. He called her Vanna. (He also loves game shows.) But when asked to draw a bird, he didn’t do very well. At age twelve he was drawing at a primary grade level: large blobs with no detail. Then one day while he had the bird book open and was drawing, I pointed to the bird’s wings and said something simple like, ‘Look at all that detail in the bird’s wing.’ It was like a switch got flicked, like a key had unlocked a door. From that point on he drew the most lovely birds, with every feather defined. Not quite James Audubon, but unique, innocent and startling in their detail.

In addition to birds and game shows, Nicholas has the ability to remember the birthdays of every person he meets. It’s a little freaky. He loves to send birthday cards to relatives and friends.

Birds. Birthdays. We still didn’t hear what he was telling us. Then by chance he took a community art class where the instructor introduced the students to different mediums. One day they did block printing. We were impressed with the design Nicholas created. It was simple but the carving had life in it.

It was then that we got it. Birds. Birthdays. Block printing. And so Nic Notes was born. Bird themed greeting cards, individually hand made on recycled paper, and signed by the artist.

He put together ten designs and individually printed off enough cards to take to a crafter’s market in our community. It was risky as his sensory sensitivity to sound would make the environment very challenging for him. But he wanted to try.

He sold a LOT of cards that day. Then our local pharmacy wanted to carry them. And then other market opportunities presented themselves. Independent Living Nova Scotia holds an Art of Disability craft fair in the summer. He was invited to sell there and decided he wanted to try. He prepared. He practiced how to explain his card making process to people. He sold a LOT of cards that day, too. He was becoming confident. He was pleased that people responded to his work. Suddenly he was taking total responsibility for his till and all customer service. I was there for support but in fact all I did was put orders of five cards or more into a pretty bag. He was totally independent and proud of his achievements. He particularly loved counting the money at the end of the day. Then came other markets, including DiscoverAbilities. A prominent non profit ecology group bought them to give as gifts to their donors. Our MLA placed a large order. Then Entrepreneurs with Disabilities expressed interest in representing his cards and selling them at their online store, Uniquely Gifted. EDN has also taken his cards to trade fairs and as a result, Nic Notes are now carried in specialty stores across the country. And now this prestigious award.

What has this success story taught us? Really listen to your child. Never assume your child cannot achieve certain skills. Find the key and try different doors. One will open. Focus on ideas based on the individual’s strengths and interests. Embrace entrepreneurship as a valuable work model. In our case it allows a quiet work environment and a pace of work that is suitable for Nicholas.

Today he is working on his most ambitious design: an eagle. It is challenging for him to carve all those feathers. But if he succeeds, it will be spectacular. And the people who buy his cards to frame and hang on their walls will definitely want to purchase this one. Hopefully it will be ready to debut at Independent Living’s Art of Disability this summer!”

Nichola's mom and dad

“I was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly as MLA for Eastern Shore on October 8, 2013...”

“I was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly as MLA for Eastern Shore on October 8, 2013. Shortly thereafter, on October 28, 2013, I was elected the Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. I am the first Speaker of the House to hail from the riding of the Eastern Shore, and I embrace the responsibilities this role requires.

I am Chair of the Assembly Matters Committee, and Chair of the House of Assembly Management Commission. I am also the first Speaker in any Canadian jurisdiction to have a permanent long term physical disability. I am a spinal cord injured quadriplegic as a result of a hockey accident in 1985.

I grew up in Musquodoboit Harbour and graduated from Eastern Shore District High school in 1988. I went on to study at Saint Mary’s University where I obtained my Bachelor of Commerce in 1992. I have remained in the community of the Eastern Shore operating several successful small businesses over the past three decades.

I have also worked for five years for the Canadian Paraplegic Association in Nova Scotia as a Peer Counsellor, and seven years for the Rick Hansen Foundation as the National Solutions Coordinator. I have always been passionate about contributing to my community and have been involved with many community causes, service clubs and minor sports programs over the past 30 years.

Since my accident in 1985, I have been a strong advocate for all persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia and Canada, and I have contributed to several key pieces of disability related legislation. I have been married to Stephanie since 1999, and together we have two children, Rachael and Jackson.”

Kevin

“In October of 2013, my co worker went on Maternity Leave...”

“In October of 2013, my co worker went on Maternity Leave, and I did not have any choice but to go on the morning shift, I worked so hard, and on December 3, 2013 I injured my rotator cuff, and shoulder blade. I pushed through it, working so hard despite great pain. From December 2013 to February 2014 I was the only one working in a busy cafeteria with so many duties. Duties that could have easily been completed by 2 or maybe even 3 people. I tried my best to continue to work through the pain, frequently visiting my doctor for assistance with the pain. But things got worse for me, and as a result, I had to be given very strong medication. I felt dizzy, dozy, and out of sorts….I still worked, imagine that!

In 2014, I started therapy (physio) at my own expense in April of 2014, a doctor sent me for a MRI, and the results were grim, but I still was working through it all. Finally, in the summer of 2015 I got surgery on my shoulder, and from summer of that year onward I was unable to work. I was feeling very down, very heartbroken, but then…I saw an event on Facebook, and had the courage to step out of my comfort zone and attend, although I was having thoughts like…” I m not totally disabled” do I belong? etc.

I met with Chelsea Wisser, from EDP, and she has been so very helpful. So, has Lauren, they both have been lovely!

I thank God, Jesus, Lauren, and Chelsea, my life is richer because of them, and I can pursue my dreams because of them. I will share my love, my money and anything else the Lord has given me with those who need my help. I can’t take it with me when I go, right???

Thank you so much for everything.”

Monica

“Initially my contact with NCIL was primarily based on obtaining assistance with employment opportunities...”

“Initially my contact with NCIL was primarily based on obtaining assistance with employment opportunities. I met with Jeff Smith who was a very strong support for me. Working with Mr. Smith provided me with an opportunity to explore other avenues other than employment. During the period of time that I was involved with NCIL dating back to 2006 I was separated and in the process of finalizing my divorce. Mr. Smith and I discussed options regarding potentially returning to school. In 2007, through second career I returned to school and in 2009 graduated as a Legal Assistant.

Although, I was able to meet with Mr. Smith regularly, I also had the opportunity to become acquainted with the staff as well. I met with Mary Jane (Job Developer) Donna (Administrative Assistant) Kathy (Administrative Assistant) and Bev Chavers and Patricia (Advocacy) Patricia. These indivuals became an amazing support system for me.

It has been eleven years already, and during this time, l have accomplished many goals, however have also had my share of hardships. Throughout these difficult times these individuals have all been extremely supportive, understanding and always willing to assist in any way they were able to.

I have severe anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. I have had to cancel appointments due to my inability to attend a scheduled appointment and not once has this impacted how I was and have treated by these amazing individuals. In a society in which Mental Health is not necessarily seen for what it truly is , the staff at NCIL are definitely an exception to this.

I met Bev while I was experiencing difficulties in my personal life. The continuous encouragement , patience and belief in my ability to overcome many obstacles , one being believing in myself has been overwhelming. When dealing with Bev I have never felt less than. I had always been reassured that , I do matter and am important .

At present I am in counselling weekly and see Patricia for an hour every Thursday. I have lived with guilt for a great number of years – a life of self-inflictions along with sorrows and questions. I have battled with others as well with myself and have lost with both at times. I have feared my own shadow as it was bigger than I . I have been in counselling since the age of fourteen.

I look forward to my Thursday appointments with Patricia. In a short period of time I have built a relationship with her based on trust. Patricia is assisting me with care, compassion and patience. She provides me with an opportunity to see situations and circumstances for what they are. That although I have mental health issues, I am not at fault for all the hurtful circumstances and situations that I was involved in.

It will take work which I am prepared to do, to forgive myself first and foremost. To forgive myself for what I could not change, what I could not help and the decisions that I had no say in. I look forward to rising and putting all my failures and destruction behind me.

In closing, I embrace the opportunity to forgive myself and my wrong doings. Facing my fears and moving ahead with my head held high and indulging in what life truly has to offer me , and what I in turn can offer myself. I firmly believe that I have been given this opportunity to work with Patricia to face my fears and challenges with pride.

In time, I will become who I was meant to be.

One day at a time.”

Raffaela

« Né au Saguenay, le mouvement Scouts et Guides fut important dans ma vie... »

« Né au Saguenay, le mouvement Scouts et Guides fut important dans ma vie. Imaginatif et aventurier, ce mouvement m'a permis de développer mon sens de la débrouillardise, de la planification et de l'indépendance. Mon enfance m'a permis de découvrir la musique, spécifiquement le piano, grâce auquel j'ai développé un grand sens de l'autonomie. Les sports aquatiques m'ont permis de développer mes capacités physiques et de composer avec diverses situations intenses. Je suis devenu sauveteur aquatique et l'honneur de travailler à titre de surveillant de piscine et de plage me fut donné, jusqu'au jour où le diagnostic d'Ataxie récessive spastique autosomique de Charlevoix tomba en 1992.

À ce moment-là, j’étais à ma deuxième année d'université, au baccalauréat en administration des affaires - Finances. Aujourd'hui, je dois vivre avec une compréhension inappropriée de ma maladie orpheline évolutive. Heureusement, les personnes ayant traversé ma vie m'ont permis de développer mes capacités et mon sens de l'amour de la vie, à un niveau que des personnes d'exceptions seules réussissent à développer, par leurs efforts constants et incessants vers leurs objectifs personnels. La pleine autonomie et le fait d’assumer l'entière optimisation de mes capacités, malgré les nombreux obstacles, m'ont permis de découvrir le dynamisme qui anime mon être.

En 1997, j'ai eu l'honneur de rencontrer des joueurs de rugby en fauteuil roulant, vivant avec le même diagnostic. Ce fut le début de découvertes absolument fantastiques concernant les sports pour personnes vivant avec des capacités différentes. Ainsi, chaque jour, je développe de nouvelles manières d'accomplir les objectifs que je me suis fixés. Plusieurs personnes estiment que je suis une personne invalide, évaluant ma condition d'un point de vue qui exclut la totalité de mon potentiel. À celles-ci : mes voeux qu'un jour une compréhension adéquate de l'autonomie et du potentiel d'une personne vivant avec une maladie évolutive leur permettra de bénéficier de l'ensemble de l'humanité débordante et du potentiel incroyable qui nous habite chacun les accompagnent.»

Luc André

« Le positivisme, ma fleur intérieure... »

« Le positivisme, ma fleur intérieure. Ce qui rayonne le plus dans mon être intérieur, c’est la fleur de la vie; ce qui me motive et guide ma vie au quotidien, c’est le positivisme, car plus on rayonne, plus les gens se rapprochent de nous. J’ai besoin d’être positif car c’est ce qui me tient en vie. Je connais le CRVA-MM depuis l’année 2003 et je peux exprimer que cet organisme est essentiel et primordial pour les personnes handicapées et la société en général. Le CRVA-MM, son moteur essentiel, c’est l’autonomie. J’y crois beaucoup à l’autonomie car on apprend à développer des moyens pour résoudre des problèmes. C’est dans l’effort et une bonne hygiène de vie qu’on grandit! C’est le chemin d’une plus grande lucidité. L’autonomie, c’est avant tout être choyé et libre de sa pensée.»

Jean François

« Sur la photo : petite pause lecture à la Place du Commerce... »

« Sur la photo : petite pause lecture à la Place du Commerce avec ma visionneuse (loupe qui grossit les caractères d’imprimerie), me donnant ainsi accès à tout document écrit, malgré ma vue très basse, nommée amblyopie.

À l’adolescence, j’étais une fille studieuse qui aimait l’école. J’avais toujours le nez dans un livre. D’ailleurs, j’ai travaillé durant quinze années à la bibliothèque muni-cipale de ville d’Anjou. Quel bonheur! J’avais une multitude de documents biographiques, romans, documentaires de toute sorte à ma portée.

Quand mon handicap visuel est apparu, j’étais triste et abattue. Une intervenante de l’institut Nazareth et Louis-Braille m’a présenté des outils technologiques pouvant m’aider dans ma vie quotidienne au niveau de l’accès à l’imprimé, dont des aides à la lecture. J’ai retrouvé le goût de vivre et mon dynamisme. Je peux lire et demeurer active dans la société et partager mon savoir.

Pour moi, le fait d’apprendre et connaître est primordial. J’aime particulièrement l’actualité, l’histoire, la politique et la législation. Je me considère très chanceuse d’avoir eu accès à une bonne formation académique. Mon esprit d’analyse est très développé. Je comprends les systèmes et nos lois. Bref, la connaissance me permet d’être une femme futée, qui tire son épingle du jeu.

Actuellement, avec ma formation de travailleuse sociale, j’aide mes amis à remplir des formulaires et faire leurs demandes lorsqu’ils se sentent dépassés par les tâches à faire. Parallèlement, je m’implique à Ex Aequo, un organisme de défense des droits des personnes physiquement handicapées et au centre Radisson, où l’on fait de l’éducation populaire pour une participation citoyenne des adultes ayant une ou des déficiences graves. Je suis une personne engagée dans ma communauté, je n’ai pas une journée à moi! »

Dominique

« Au cœur du centre-ville, je trouve ma place.... »

« Au cœur du centre-ville, je trouve ma place. Passer incognito parmi une foule aussi éclectique, en mouvement, colorée, parfois froide, parfois chaleureuse. Cette ville me ressemble. Entourée de ma famille et de mes amis, j’ai toujours voulu prendre ma place, même si parfois je devais traverser quelques tempêtes, dès mon enfance, qui a été sans doute difficile. Une force innée en moi faisait en sorte que j’atterrissais sur mes deux pattes très rapidement. Avec la persévérance et le courage que mes parents et mes sœurs m’ont inculquées, je suis devenue la femme que vous regardez présentement. Avec mes défauts et mes qualités. Têtue. Dynamique. Boudeuse. Chaleureuse. Réservée. Ricaneuse. Sarcastique. Mais surtout, sensible. Je suis extrêmement chanceuse dans ma vie, j’ai une merveilleuse famille, de nombreux amis fidèles, j’occupe un emploi enrichissant, je voyage et je profite des petits et grands bonheurs de la vie. »

Rose-Marie

“ My name is Arlette M. ... ”

“ My name is Arlette M. I’ve been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 20 months old. I had a great deal of pain when I was a child, mostly in my legs, my arms and back. I still have pain today, but with the help of medication and the several surgeriesI underwent, it is under control.

I recently started to do exercices at Lucie-Bruneau Rehabilitation Centre’s Viomax because I wish to feel healthier.

I had extremely good support and love from my parents and my four brothers through most of my life. I have terrific friends that are very dear to me. I have been married to my husband Steve for 29 years. We own a duplex here in Montreal. We received two Programme d’aide à domicile offered by the city of Montreal, to transform our home so that it is accessible and adapted to our specific needs. Not only is it beautiful, but it is stress free living. It makes our daily chores much easier and we are independent.

I was lucky to have been able to work during fifteen years as a customer service agent. To be bilingual made it all that much easier. I liked the contact with the clients and the challenges of dealing with the complaints. Knowing that by the end of the conversation the customer was smiling again, it gave me great satisfaction.

I am a dynamic person, a people-person. My friends say that I am courageous and a tough cookie! I love to have a good time and to laugh. I am positive; this is not to say that I don’t have obstacles to deal with, but I try to make the best of it. I never get bored and always find things to do with my time. My favourite is shopping: I love it! Love it! I go with girlfriends. We have our preferred malls and shop all day, ‘til we drop.

Last but not least: I like to travel. My husband and I enjoyed two wonderful cruises to the Caribbean. I will be going on another cruise soon: this time to Europe with my friend Francine. I enjoy life. I want to live it up as much as I possibly can because who knows what will happen tomorrow? I take advantage of every moment in a day. Life is precious and a privilege. It is also short, so why not make the best of it and be happy!”

Arlette

“The wheelchair is only a device that aids me physically...”

“The wheelchair is only a device that aids me physically - it does not define me.

To those who know me – I am a loving, caring wife, mother and entrepreneur. But the most important thing is my guiding light: my faith. It has helped me throughout my life and continues to do so, in everything I do, as well as in dealing with people. I thank God that He has given me joy in the midst of life’s challenges. I believe that you need balance in everything you do.

Investment is a key word for me – as I believe that what you invest in today will give you wealth tomorrow – not just financially. For example, I would like to be there for my husband and daughter and future grand-children, so I invest in taking care of my health today by following a balanced diet, exercise and taking time for relaxation. In order to improve my relationships with loved ones, I invest in taking the time to be with friends and family today.

I am constantly learning new things. I have learned through experience that when you get out of your comfort zone, you grow, which leads to greater happiness.

In closing I would like to share this quote which pretty well sums up my view on life: Smooth roads never make good drivers. Smooth seas never make good sailors. Clear skies never make good pilots. A problem and hassle free life never makes a person strong. Be strong enough to accept the challenges of life Don’t ask life: Why me? Instead say: Try me!”

Sandy