Independent Living and Innovative Programming

Responding to the unique needs of persons with disabilities at the community level is one key way that Independent Living Resource Centres (ILRCs) across Canada develop and deliver innovative programming.

A good example of this occurred recently in St. John’s. The ILRC there is the only one in Newfoundland and Labrador, and while it primarily serves residents of St. John’s, the organization is always looking for innovative ways to reach people with disabilities who live in remote rural communities scattered across the province. To this end, the ILRC received funding through the provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the Independent Living Internship Program, a project on accessing the Internet and adaptive technology supports.

For this project, 10 interns will be hired. What is innovative is that five of them will be based in communities outside St. John’s (including one in Labrador). One of their main activities will be to provide online learning opportunities through information sessions, workshops and Town Halls. Not only will this project provide skills building and employment experience for the interns, all of whom will be persons with disabilities, it will also promote understanding and greater awareness of disability and augment the existence of Independent Living throughout the province. To find out more, contact the Centre via their site at www.ilrc.nf.ca.

Also on the east coast, the Halifax ILRC is conducting a 10-month province-wide research project, called Aging with Disability and Dignity. Through this project, information will be gathered regarding people who are aging with disabilities. Previous research has shown that the medical and functional problems Canadians usually face in their early 70s occur 20-25 years earlier for persons with disabilities. This has serious implications in planning for services that will be needed in our communities within the next decade. Project co-ordinators will conduct focus groups, host an educational session and contact individuals across Nova Scotia to complete a survey.

In the short term, Aging with Disability and Dignity will facilitate engagement from both the disability and seniors’ communities, and will ensure that diverse voices are heard. In the long term, results from this research will provide policy-makers, service providers and voluntary agencies with information on which to base plans for services and supports so that persons with disability who are aging can live with independence and dignity as full participants in the community. This research is funded by the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program. To learn more, please call 902-453-0004 or 902-695- 6175, or email info@ilrc-halifax.ns.ca.

At the other end of the country and focusing on a different age group, the Disability Resource Centre in Richmond, British Columbia, has been conducting the Better Community Project for Youth Leadership, involving persons with disabilities aged 16 to 26. The program is now in its second year.

The curriculum consists of a series of workshops on topics such as First Aid Training, Emergency Preparedness, RCMP: Safety in the Community, Addiction and Healthy Life Style, Conflict Resolution, Martial Arts and Civil Responsibilities. This year, there will be an opportunity to participate in the BC Crime Prevention Symposium, providing the youth with insight regarding safety issues in the community. There is also a mentoring component with five mentors sharing their time and providing support and assistance to participants.

Concurrent with the workshop series, the group will be enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program — Young Canadians Challenge. This internationally recognized program engages youth in activities over a minimum of six months. Options include “Physical Recreation,” learning or developing a new “Skill” or interest, providing a “Service” within the community through volunteer opportunities, or going on an “Exploration Expedition.”

The program has three established levels of completion that are recognized with Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. This year’s goal for participants is to achieve the Bronze Award. To find out more, visit the Centre’s site at www.drc richmond.ca.

For more information about CAILC, please visit www.cailc.ca.