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ODSP News
The Provincial
Government has announced change in the Ontario Disabilities Support
Program. The changes being made will help persons with disabilities
gain greater financial independence and increase their standard of
living. These changes to ODSP are to help individuals:
- Find work
- Keep more of what is earned
- Move toward financial independence
“It’s time our
social assistance system did a better job of supporting people with
disabilities who want and are able to work, and rewarding those who
are trying,” said Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Community and
Social Services.
For more information:
contact GSPD or visit
www.mcss.gov.on.ca
Disability
Resource Guide Now
Available!
GSPD has developed and is now
distributing a Community Resource Guide for Persons with a Physical
Disability. This publication provides community and government
contacts for services and supports that are most commonly needed by
persons with physical disabilities who live independently in the
community.
Anne Waller, Executive Director of
GSPD believes this guide will provide easier and improved access to
community supports and services, enabling independent living in the
Guelph community.
“GSPD is dedicated to promoting the
independence, inclusion, participation and personal choice of adults
with a physical disability. I truly believe this resource guide is a
great tool to open doors for those looking for assistance. Whether
they are looking for a way to get around the city or for a volunteer
to join them at the pool, this is an exceptional resource.” Anne
stated.
The publication of this brochure was
funded with proceeds from the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion event
held in Guelph in 2004. Copies are available throughout the
community and by calling GSPD at 836-1812 ext. 21.
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Willow
Place Laundry Facility Accessible and Energy
Efficient |
GSPD made the news on
January 19th in collaboration with the City of Guelph,
and Guelph Hydro. GSPD, Willow Place is taking part in a
pilot project by monitoring hydro and water use of
energy efficient washers and dryers. This project will
provide the city with results of hydro levels and water
use for these fully accessible appliances.
To introduce the new
appliances, GSPD, Willow Place hosted a Laundry Party.
The City of Guelph, County of Wellington, Guelph Hydro,
Ontario Housing Corporation and local media were all
invited to kick off the project.
“Willow Place is
excited to take part in such a unique, and environmental
friendly project,” said Joan Koob, Property Manager.
The pilot project
strategy will be to measure and monitor hydro and water
levels using a unique meter. The tenants of 238 Willow
Road are sure to
enjoy the new laundry
appliances as the front load washers are proven to clean
clothes better, and spin clothes dryer. GSPD consumers
who reside at Willow Place certainly agree the new front
loaders are much easier to access. Not only do the
machines load from the front, they also have been raised
from the floor to provide a more accessible reach.
As a thank you to tenants
for their patience while the laundry room was ‘under
construction’, each tenant received a free bottle of
laundry detergent and an energy saving light bulb.
GSPD would like to thank
all those who participated in the laundry party and
especially the partners of this project - the City of
Guelph and Guelph Hydro. This truly is a project GSPD is
thrilled to take part in.
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Volunteers
Wanted
The
Barrier Free Transportation Committee and the Barrier
Free Education Committee are looking for volunteers who
would take an active role in developing strategies to identify
barriers, recommend solutions, raise awareness and effectively
build healthy barrier-free communities.
To become a member of this committee call: 837-5618 ext. 230
or e-mail: accessibility@guelph.ca
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New
Bookmobile Fully Accessible!
The
Guelph Public Library’s bookmobile is now fully accessible
and is headed your way! The metal and fiberglass vehicle, with
an oak-grained birch interior is fully accessible with
hydraulic ramps for wheelchairs.
The bookmobile carries about
2000 items, including paperbacks, hard covers, large print,
board books, picture books, DVD’s and CD’s.
Requests for items in
circulation at other library branches can also be placed at
the bookmobile. There will be a total of 19 stops for the
bookmobile, and these stops will soon be listed on the
library’s website.
Visit www.library.guelph.on.ca
for updates!
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Assistive
Devices Funding Program
The
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy continues to fund
assistive devices for those in need. This financial assistance
program is available to persons of all ages with cerebral
palsy in the province of Ontario who hold a valid Ontario
Health Card.
For
child and adult requests, you can contact OFCP at:
(416) 244-9686 ext. 234
Toll free 1-877-244-9686
adfp@ofcp.on.ca
Application
forms are also available online at:
www.ofcp.on.ca |
In the spotlight...
It isn’t uncommon to
see Susan ‘in the spotlight’. Susan is an active member
of the Guelph Concert Band. Not only does she play in the band, but
she works with the band to ensure incoming funds and community
involvement. She is an excellent example of true dedication and hard
work. Despite her disability, Susan continues to be active with the
band as she follows her enthusiasm for music.
“It is still a tremendous challenge, but one which allows me to
continue to fulfill my passion for music. My connection with the
concert band is just that, I’m an active member and have been for
3 years now.”
Currently, Susan is working on a fundraising project with hopes of
providing tickets to the Guelph Concert Band for those with a
physical disability. The idea of inclusion and community involvement
is something that Susan takes to heart. Her experience with the
Guelph Concert Band has been exceptional, and this is something she
would like to share with others.
“The Guelph Concert Band has welcomed me into their fold without
concern as to my personal disabilities, and would now like to open
its audience in the same way – promoting inclusion throughout the
community… there shouldn’t be a barrier to any activities based
upon financial, physical or mental capabilities.”
GSPD shares a similar mission with Susan - to promote independence,
inclusion, participation and personal choice of adults with physical
disabilities. GSPD wishes Susan and the Guelph Concert Band
continued success.
For more
information on the Guelph Concert Band:
visit www.guelphconcertband.org
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GREAT
OPPORTUNITY
Free
Online Computer Courses Now Available!
The Canadian
Society for Social Development (CSSD), based out
of British Columbia, has recently received a
federal grant for online computer courses, for
persons with permanent disabilities, or chronic
health problems. Offered are courses in web
design, and business.
Web design:
The award
winning, Internet Business Development for
Entrepreneurs with Disabilties (IBDE) will
provide individuals with the opportunity to
enhance their work and employability skills in a
self paced and supported work and learning
environment. To
learn more about this course, visit www.ibde.ca or
email kay@ibde.ca
Business:
An
increasing number of persons living with a
disability or chronic health issues are looking at
self-employment as a viable career option. The Business
Abilities course will provide the tools
needed to research business ideas and prepare a
business plan. To
learn more about this course, visit
www.businessabilities.ca or email cweir@businessabilities.ca
Each course offers
one-on-one support by instant text messaging,
telephone, email and the Conversation Café. The
tuition for these courses is fully paid by The
Canadian Society for Social Development.
For
more information contact:
Kay Ryan,
Executive Director
Krayn@cssd-web.org (250) 825-9433
www.cssd-web.org |
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GSPD
Christmas Party a Success! |
How can you tell where GSPD is
hosting their Christmas Celebration? Just follow the holiday
cheer! Everyone who attended the GSPD Christmas Party, at the
West End Community Centre would agree it was a success. It was
a wonderful opportunity for everyone to share their Christmas
spirit with friends, festive music and good food.
Once again, Sharon Van Manen
provided the entertainment for the afternoon. The music was a
wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. Thank you again
to Sharon for sharing your musical talent with GSPD.
Having the Christmas Party at
the West End Community Centre allowed
everyone to explore the facility. A tour of the facility was
arranged, outlining how
accessible the Centre is for persons with a physical
disability.
This was also an afternoon to
say goodbye and good luck to a friend and co-worker
of GSPD, Leanne Warren. Leanne has accepted position of
Administrator of Disability Services with the City of Guelph.
Congratulations Leanne and best wishes from all of us at GSPD.
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Free Action Aero
Electric
Wheelchair
- working condition
- may need new batteries
Call Tom (519) 822-3559 |
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