SARC Update Summer 2011

UPD TE Summer 2011 Edition

INSIDE: SARC NEWS

2 MEMBER NEWS

7 SARCAN NEWS

McGuire Awards Honour Achievements of Individuals with Disabilities Every year, the McGuire Awards are presented to individuals with disabilities who have shown the dedication and hard work necessary to make the improvements they want in their lives. The awards are made possible through a fund established to honour the late Al McGuire, who served on the SARC Board of Directors.

Each McGuire Award recipient was honoured with a personalized video that showcases his or her accomplishments at the Awards Ceremony Banquet, held on June 10, 2011, at the SARC Annual General Meeting and Conference.

Community Involvement

Lifeskills Enhancement

Kim Leonard West Central Abilities Kindersley

Leslie Pasloski Canadian Deafblind Association Saskatoon

Transition to Employment

Move to Independent Living

David Ree Wheatland Regional Centre Rosetown

Susan Shier Saskatchewan Abilities Council Saskatoon

11 AGM SPONSORS

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UPDATE SASKATCHEWAN ASSOCIATION OF REHABILITATION CENTRES 111 CARDINAL CRESCENT SASKATOON, SASK. S7L 6H5 is published by

Sydney Smith, Communications Officer (Editing, Layout and Design)

Congratulations!

Regina Resident is Volunteer of Distinction

SARC NEWS

On June 10, 2011, SARC presented its annual Volunteer of Distinction Award to Alice McKee of Regina for her dedication to supporting people with disabilities.

McKee has been volunteering her time with Camp Grizzly through Harvest Community Inc. for over ten years. Every summer, McKee goes to camp for five weeks to cook nutritious meals for campers. For the last six years, McKee has volunteered at a drop-in activity centre offered every Monday through the Saskatchewan Abilities Council Regina Branch, by preparing and serving homemade meals and desserts from scratch. She starts preparing meals from home about three days in advance and adapts her meal plans based on the dietary restrictions of the participants so everyone feels included. If there are leftovers, At the Awards Ceremony on June 10, 2011 she sends them home with the participants. McKee’s warm nature and Alice McKee (Middle) with Lynne Demeule service with a smile is very welcome at the drop-in centre. In addition to (L) and Jean-Paul Hickie (R) of the serving meals, McKee assists in organizing activities and special events Sask. Abilities Council, Regina Branch for the participants.

Each year, the award winner is honoured with a ceremony that features a personalized video to showcase the hard work and commitment displayed by the recipient. SARC appreciates the dedication and support received by volunteers like Alice McKee every day in Member Agencies all throughout the province, and would like to congratulate Alice McKee and all of the other nominees for their efforts in supporting individuals with disabilities to enjoy full citizenship in their communities.

North Battleford Artist’s Painting Chosen as Award Gift Mark Reimer, a participant at the Battlefords Trade & Education Centre (BTEC) day program, had a piece of his artwork selected by SARC as the gift for its annual Volnteer of Distinction Award.

Reimer, 47, grew up on a farm near Rush Lake – a small community east of Swift Current. He moved to the Battlefords as an adult and has been attending BTEC for nearly 20 years.

Reimer, a realism artist, says he enjoyed drawing and art as a child and young adult, but it was only in the past year that he rediscovered his passion through BTEC’s art program, which has benefitted the up and coming artist in many ways. Being a perfectionist when it comes to his art, Reimer finds painting both challenging and rewarding, and it instills a sense of pride.

Mark Reimer

Reimer’s artistic talents allow him to express himself through a non verbal medium, and it lets people see past his disability, and view him as an artist. Working mainly with acrylics, Reimer enjoys painting landscapes of all kinds.

His paintings, which are peaceful and calming, are a clear reflection of his personality.

Reimer’s piece, featuring a foggy sunset over a lake, was presented as a gift to the Volunteer of Distinction at the SARC Annual General Meeting Awards Ceremony this past June.

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SARC Establishes Focus Groups on Medication Administration and Complex Needs SARC recently established two focus groups on issues that are pressing concerns for SARC Member Agencies and the disability services sector: •

Employee Administration of Medication to Individuals with Disabilities The focus group is exploring issues surrounding policies and training programs for CBO employees to safely administer medication to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. SARC recently surveyed its Membership to get a better understanding of the scope of the issues, including the number and types of errors that have been made regarding medication administration.

•

Supports for Agencies Providing Services for Individuals with Complex Behavioural Needs

In the near future, SARC will be submitting position papers to the Ministry of Social Services on both of these issues and the role that the Ministry, SARC, and SARC Members can play in solutions.

The goal is to equip SARC Members with the resources and tools to effectively and positively support individuals with disabilities in a safe manner for both individuals and employees.

SARC NEWS

The focus group is looking at current supports in place for those organizations that are providing services to individuals with disabilities who have complex behavioural needs. The issues being explored include both proactive supports and processes in place to prevent situations where individuals go into crisis (creating a safety risk for both that individual and employees providing support) and supports for agencies when a crisis occurs.

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Bridging the Gap Pre-Employment Training Program Pilot In the last edition of the Update, SARC reported on its pilot pre-employment training program called Bridging the Gap, which was meant to address recruitment needs within SARC Member Agencies by tapping into our province’s underemployed demographics.

SARC NEWS

The pilot program, funded jointly by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, was 12 weeks of training to prepare individuals for a career as a Direct Support Professional supporting people with disabilities, and had an ultimate goal of those individuals obtaining employment in our sector.

The pilot, held in Saskatoon, had 14 students enrolled. These individuals received the equivalent of minimum wage for the 12 weeks of classroom training and practicum experience at a SARC Member Agency. The program focused on attitude and professionalism; essential workplace skills, such as oral and written communication, document use, numeracy, and computer skills; safety training such as Food Safe, CPR/First Aid, WHMIS, and Health and Safety issues in our sector; skills specific to a Direct Support Professional; workplace culture; and job search skills (résumé building, interview skills).

The training began on March 21 and finished on June 13 with all 14 students successfully completing the program. We are very happy to report that seven students have already received job offers in the disability services sector. Feedback from our Members that accepted a practicum student was very positive.

These individuals felt prepared coming in for their practicum experience, which speaks to the strength of the classroom training component and the students’ commitment to learning. SARC would like to congratulate all 14 individuals for successfully completing Bridging the Gap and thank the SARC Member Agencies that participated in the practicum.

SARC is now preparing final reports for both funders. Based on evaluation of the program, we hope to be able to discuss opportunities to extend Bridging the Gap throughout the province.

The Bridging the Gap Pilot Program Graduates Back Row (L to R): Steven Weyo, Alicia Moosomin, Tegan McKay, Michelle Tootoosis, Debbie Millar, Adam McDonald, Darren MacDonald. Front row (L to R): Karen Symak (Instructor) Sandra Dibb, Amritjit Ball, Amanda Van Der Auwera, Rheena Pana, Bertha Asapace, Portia De Asis, Lisa Malowany (Instructor).

Missing: Lee Ledoux 4 SARC UPDATE - Summer 2011 Edition

Supported Employment Transition Initiative (SETI) Update Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (SDHHS) is a provincial, non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to support the independence of Deaf, Deafened, and Hard of Hearing persons by providing services which enhance their quality of life.

SDHHS services include sign language interpreting; computerized note taking; education and employment counselling; community services assistance; advocacy; general information; accessibility technical aids, assistive and signalling devices; educational materials; and a discounted hearing aid battery program.

This is SDHHS’ 30th year of providing support services to Saskatchewan residents living with hearing loss. Individualized programs give step-by-step assistance to help people achieve their career or educational goals.

This is a very exciting opportunity for the Vocational Counselling department, as in the past it has had to reschedule and/or postpone interviews, training, and other opportunities for the Vocational Counselling consumers due to the shortage of support providers in the province. The Vocational Counselling workers will now be able to schedule support services for consumers with no hesitation, knowing that there is a person on staff. This will result in a higher job placement and success rate for our consumers throughout the province.

SARC NEWS

The Vocational Counselling department focuses on employment, education, and training. Additionally, free vocational assistance to people with any degree of hearing loss is offered. There is a current shortage of qualified Sign Language Interpreters and Signing Job Coaches in Saskatchewan. The funding provided by SETI has allowed for the Vocational Counselling department at SDHHS to hire an ASL Interpreter/Signing Job Coach specifically for providing services to consumers who need support in the areas of employment, education, and training. The ASL Interpreter/Signing Job Coach will allow for SDHHS to provide enhanced accessibility services.

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SARC Spring Conference 2011 Focuses on Support Plans for People with Complex Needs More than 150 SARC Member Agency front-line employees and supervisors attended this year’s Spring Conference Professional Development session which took place on April 12-13, 2011, at the Travelodge Hotel in Saskatoon.

SARC NEWS

Dr. Paul Malette, Director of CBI Consultants, provided an extensive two-day hands-on workshop that provided attendees with information on how to do a functional behaviour assessment, and build positive behavioural support plans to work with individuals with complex needs. Through lecture, group work, and video learning, attendees left feeling better equipped to help the individuals they serve. The focus was very much on proactive strategies in order to prevent situations where individuals and agencies go into crisis.

Helen Bzdel, the Canadian trainer for World Laughter Tour and a Certified Laughter Leader, closed the conference with laughter exercises and resources on how laughter can benefit overall health. The overall theme for the conference was “Think Positive”, and this was a great way to end the session.

The Functional Behaviour Assessment, as well as other tools, are available for staff at SARC Member Agencies in the Members Only section of the SARC website, in the Online Resource area.

New Initiatives Team Ready for Third Year Over the past two years, the New Initiatives Team has helped numerous SARC Member Agencies to build the capacity needed to be able to start new or expand existing programs for individuals through the Ministry of Social Services’ 440 Waitlist Initiative, addressing needs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The New Initiatives Team has been involved in the following areas: • • • • • • • •

Supporting 20 agencies to build new group homes; Supporting four agencies to expand day programs; Developing a building checklist; Developing a Realistic Job Preview Package; Assisting 14 agencies with human resources planning and concerns; Assisting ten agencies with a community consultation process; Facilitating a strategic planning process with 20 agencies; and, Providing program and policy support to 14 agencies.

In May 2011, a survey was sent to 39 SARC Member agencies who had received services from the New Initiatives Team to evaluate the team’s performance to date. We had an excellent response to the survey, with a 90% completion rate, and feedback was quite positive. Thank you to the Agencies that took the time to complete the survey.

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By the end of the 2011-2012 fiscal year, services for 373 people, or 85% of the waitlist, will be in place or in development with CBOs across Saskatchewan. The New Initiatives Team, together with the Ministry of Social Services, continues to move SARC’s vision forward: “People with disabilities enjoying full citizenship”.

SARC UPDATE - Summer 2011 Edition

Cosmopolitan Industries Celebrates 40 Years Submitted by: Peter Gerrard, Executive Director, Cosmopolitan Industries

Forty years ago, we moved into what we now call the Maunders McNeil Building and opened our doors. Thirtynine years ago, we had our first Open House and you would have seen 100 participants sorting magazines, packaging seeds, preparing wedding decorations and doing crafts. Thirty-eight years ago, we began packaging cutlery for KFC, had our first external job placement at Mercury Printers and started paying training allowances.

Thirty-seven years ago, we started making rubber mats that we sold from British Columbia to Thunder Bay, Ontario. Pierre Trudeau visited that year. Thirty-six years ago, we supported over 200 participants. This was the year we began our paper collection program; now, 40 years later, we have baled 300,000 tonnes!

Twenty-two years ago, the cafeteria was opened and the inaugural donation was made to start the Top of the Rock Trust Fund. Twenty-one years ago, the Seniors Program started. Twenty years ago, Len Howsam built our first conveyor sort line for the burgeoning newspaper program. The City then assumed responsibility for collecting paper from the depots.

Seventeen years ago, the Maunders McNeil Foundation enabled us to repurchase our original building to house our golf assembly operation. We also began providing day programming at Kinsmen Elmwood Manor and sharing newspaper revenues with the City. Sixteen years ago, we produced a video called “My Place” for our 25th anniversary. At that time we had 220 bins collecting paper at 110 locations and we started collecting paper from the schools. Fifteen years ago, we started cleaning plastic pots.

Fourteen years ago, the first annual summary of participant activities was prepared, and the massage therapy program was started. Family and Friends of Cosmo & Elmwood commenced this year, with an inaugural membership of 650! Thirteen years ago, we assembled 294,000 golf clubs and started preparing medi-pacs.

Twelve years ago, the dust collection system was installed in the paper area and automatic doors installed.

Ten years ago, we received a SABEX Strategic Alliance Award in conjunction with the Star Phoenix. Nine years ago, eight sky lights and the Riverside Golf mural were installed in the cafeteria. Nine years ago, we had our last all-inclusive Christmas dinner. Eight years ago, we were supporting over 400 participants, the Snoezelen Room was in use, and Pathways to Opportunity was our newest program.

MEMBER NEWS

Twenty-nine years ago, our office paper collection, shredding and golf assembly programs all began; we also purchased our first postage meter and started to sort mail. Twenty-eight years ago, we moved into our present location, hosted the inaugural Riverside Vipond Golf Classic and picnicked at the Forestry Farm. Twenty-seven years ago, we were supporting over 300 participants. Mayor Cliff Wright and City Council agreed to lease a compactor truck to us for $1 per month. Twenty-six years ago, the Kiwanis Rhythm Band played its first tune and we began our grounds keeping program.

Six years ago, we were struck hard by the Norwalk virus. I lost my office to the expanding Seniors program!

Five years ago, we started the satellite program at Sherbrooke and the Community Based Work Group program. The “Heart of Cosmo” wall became a reality. Four years ago, we upgraded the Personal Care area and completed a 12,000 square foot expansion to the paper sort area. Three years ago, Cosmo Golf Canada was sold after bringing $75 million of business to Saskatoon. The closure enabled renovations that expanded Life Skills Training, Pathways, Paper Sort, and Contracts areas. Fire fighters prevented an arsonist’s fire of cardboard bales from spreading to the building. Enriched Community Supports was added to our programs.

It has been an incredible 40 years!

Join us on Friday, September 9 and help us celebrate this Miracle on 34th Street!

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Wor-Kin Shop ‘Escape to Vegas’ Fundraiser a Success Submitted by: Andria Brady, Executive Director, Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp.

The Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp. would like to announce that our first fundraiser in 40 years was a fabulous success!

Performances by Roger Boucher (Watching Eye Magic), Mark LeBere (Elvis Impersonator), and The Bodyguards wowed those in attendance by making the audience feel like they truly had ‘escaped’ to Vegas!

MEMBER NEWS

Our Vegas Escape fundraiser, held on Saturday, May 7 at McKenna Hall, raised $14,000 towards our goal of raising $500,000 for the construction of a new Day Program building to support individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Some of the feedback received at the event: “Food, decorating, entertainment all were awesome!”

“This is the best fundraiser I have ever worked at!”

“Thanks for putting on such a great event.”

“Please do this again next year.”

“On behalf of the participants and families we serve now and in the future, our staff, and Board of Directors, we extend a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to the businesses and individuals not only in Weyburn, but in all of Southern Saskatchewan, who supported our very first fundraiser. The support was absolutely overwhelming and proves that this is a fabulous community; one that recognizes the importance of the services and programs that we provide for individuals with intellectual disabilities,” said Andria Brady, Executive Director.

Mark LeBere, an Elvis impersonater, entertains the audience.

“The recent announcement of a $1 million commitment by the Ministry of Social Services for this project guarantees that it will become a reality. We are moving ahead with the purchase of property and g p g g later this Fall or Spring p g 2012”,, said Brady. buildingg design plans with the ggoal of construction beginning

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Wor-Kin Shop Corp. Helps Flood Relief Efforts in Weyburn Submitted by: Andria Brady, Executive Director, Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp.

When it came time to step up to the call of duty in Weyburn to assist in flood relief efforts, the Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp. was there to help their community. The Wor-Kin Shop delivered nearly 800 pallets to the city to use with sandbags, and the staff and participants volunteered to deliver important flood information door-to-door for the residents of Weyburn.

Navou Trailer Park on the west edge of Weyburn; Residents were evacuated by boat on June 18, 2011.

MEMBER NEWS

Andria Brady and husband Kim, at the City Yards, assisting in sandbagging efforts throughout the night June 19, 2011.

Aerial view of Weyburn flooding from Highway 39.

Government Road Bridge looking west; the highyway is completely under water.

SARC UPDATE - Summer 2011 Edition

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Canadian DeafBlind Association Wins Strategic Alliance Award at SABEX Awards Gala Submitted by: Dana Heinrichs, Executive Director, CDBA SK Chapter MacDermid Lamarsh law firm and CDBA were awarded with the Saskatoon Community Foundations – Strategic Alliance Award at the SABEX Awards Gala on May 18, 2011.

MEMBER NEWS

This award is a direct result of the partnership the Canadian Deafblind Association and MacDermid Lamarsh have developed over the past six years, particularily in organizing the Lend A Hand Golf Classic charity golf tournament. This event has raised over $75,000 for CDBA and has allowed the agency to fund a portion of the newest accessible home, purchase vans, and enhance the recreation programs for the individuals the organizations serves.

The SABEX Awards Ceremony was a great opportunity for CDBA to get some well needed exposure for MacDermid Lamarsh and thank them for their commitment and support. Awareness for CDBA and the golf tournament also occurred, with the added bonus of receiving a grant of $5,000! Thank you to the Saskatoon Community Foundation and MacDermid Lamarsh for their continued support.

Al Love and Dana Heinrichs (left of picture) of the Canadian Deafblind Association Saskatchewan Chapter at the SABEX Awards Ceremony

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SWEEP it to SARCAN Celebrates Milestone The Saskatchewan Waste Electronic Equipment Program (SWEEP) recycled its 20 millionth pound of endof-life electronics on June 15, 2011 at the East Depot in Saskatoon.

“We are delighted that after just four years we have reached such a significant milestone and we want to thank the public for their support,” said SWEEP Executive Director Joan Meyer.

Saskatchewan continues to respond to the call to “SWEEP it to SARCAN”. Last month saw an all-time record for the amount of waste electronic equipment collected. SARCAN received over 650,000 pounds of material in May. In total, 20 million pounds of electronics have been collected since the program began in 2007. To put that in perspective, it is around the same weight as 100 fully loaded rail cars.

Kevin Acton, SARCAN’s Assistant Director of Operations, receives the ceremonial 20 millionth pound from Frances Edmonds, Chair of the SWEEP Board of Directors.

There are 71 SARCAN recycling depots in the province that collect the electronic equipment. Three disassembly centres operated by SARC Members in Saskatchewan receive the collected material and break it down into component parts.

Saskatchewan Recycles One Million Litres of Paint As of this spring, Saskatchewan residents can paint the town green. Since the program began five years ago, 1,000,000 litres of paint have been collected for recycling at SARCAN Depots across the province by Product Care’s Saskatchewan Paint Stewardship Program. “To put that in context, that would be enough to paint the outside of 30,000 (1,000 sq ft) homes,” said Mark Kurschner, President of Product Care.

SARCAN NEWS

Ten product categories have been introduced for collection: • Desktop computers; • Portable computers; • Desktop printers and fax machines; • Display devices (TVs and monitors); • Computer peripherals; • Personal/portable audio and video systems; • Home audio and video systems; • Home theatre in-a-box systems; • Vehicle audio and video systems; and • Non-cellular telephone and answering machines.

“Our success is due in part to our partnership with SARCAN,” stated Kurschner. Saskatchewan residents can take all their unwanted household paint or empty paint cans to any of SARCAN’s 71 Depots for recycling.

Reusable paint is available to customers to take home for free at every SARCAN depot. The remaining paint is either recycled in the manufacturing of Portland cement or used as an industrial fuel source. Paint containers get recycled into new steel and plastic products.

The success of the program is also thanks to retailers that make up the Stewardship program. As a nonprofit organization, the eco-fees collected on new paint pay for the collection and recycling of the leftover paint. Product Care promotes the BUD rule: Buy what you need, Use what you buy, and Dispose of your remaining paint and paint cans by recycling them. “Above all we have to thank the residents of Saskatchewan.

We are very pleased with the support the program has received since the program began five years ago,” added Kurschner. “We will continue to provide a comprehensive paint recycling program for Saskatchewan.”

SARC UPDATE - Summer 2011 Edition

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One Voice SARC’s AGM and Conference June 10-11, 2011 Regina, SK

AGM SPONSORS

Thank you to our AGM Sponsors:

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