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SPIRIT NEWSLETTER - August 2001
K-W Access-Ability - A Community of Equal Access and Equal Opportunity
Staff Members
Executive Director - Chris Hodnett
Bookkeeper - Wayne Kaiser
P.H.I.R.S.T LINK Manager - Ronald Fleming
P.H.I.R.S.T LINK tutor - Joyce Nieuwesteeg
Self-Employment Case Manager - Ronald W Grant
Summer Staff - Jodie de Gonzague, Wendy Byers, Stephanie Schultz
Contributors:
Randy Barrett
Chris Hodnett
Ronald Fleming
Joyce Nieuwesteeg
Ronald W. Grant
Denis Henderson
Jodie de Gonzague
Stephanie Schultz
Wendy Byers
Contact Us
K-W Access-Ability
Waterloo Town Square
Lower Level
75 King St. South
Waterloo, Ontario
Phone (519) 885-6640
TTY (519) 885-4526
Fax (519) 885-4526
Hours Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM
email kwaa@kwa.on.ca
www.kwa.on.ca
Chairman's Message
Hello to all the K-W Access-Ability members and supporters. I hope everyone had a good summer. I know I did.
The year 2001 has been a busy and exciting year for everyone involved with K-W Access-Ability. The month of March saw the first of a series of strategic planning meetings with the board of directors, staff, volunteers, and members. The input provided by the members, volunteers, staff and board is invaluable to the organization because we are member driven and aim to provide the programmes and services that you, the members of the community, want and need. During the first half of this year, many of us took part in meetings to help the agency develop a strategic plan for our future. I would like to thank everyone who participated. Your input was invaluable in helping us to plan for the future and make improvements where we need them. Some of you may be called upon in the near future to help implement these new plans. And I look forward to working with you. When someone new asks me what K-W Access-Ability is, I tell them we are a community based, member driven organization who's members and volunteers live and work in the community, and I am proud to be part of this organization.
We also had some successful fund raising events this year. On Saturday, April 7th the Tri-City Rangers played our annual electric wheelchair ice hockey game with Conestoga Rovers & Associates at the Albert McCormick Arena. As usual this was an exciting robust game, especially with Frank Rovers playing forward. It was a close game, but ultimately the Rangers prevailed by a score of 4-3. We also held our second annual wheel/walk-a-thon. This event was initiated by Susan Shantz, Mike Hinschberger, Lynne Pearcey, Mary Ciszewski, David Perry and this year raised more than $700.00. Our thanks go out to the organizing committee for all their work and to all the participants.
With the end of summer comes the start of fall and the beginning of a new season of board meetings, and of course, our Annual General Meeting on September 13th. I can't put the topic of summer behind though, without thanking the summer recreation staff, the volunteers, and the Cambridge Capables for the use of their van and McPhails bike shop for getting our tandem bike club back on its wheels this summer.
I hope everyone has a great fall season, and it's never too early to start your Christmas shopping. I've already started!
Randy Barrett
Chairman
Executive Director's Address
Greetings to you all, it has been some time since our last newsletter and there has been much activity within K-W Access-Ability and the community at large; our strategic planning process, the continuing saga of Waterloo Town Square development, and the dissolution of Project Lift.
Let me quickly update you on these issues. Our strategic planning process is moving forward. Member involvement has been gratifying and we thank you for your support. As for our future in Waterloo Town Square, it appears as if we are safe where we are for a year or two, as the First Gulf Development plans have fallen apart.
In regards to transportation as most of you I'm sure know, the services provided by Project Lift have been taken over by the Region and Project Lift the non-profit corporation is in the process of being dissolved. K-W Access-Ability members made a proposal to the Board of Project Lift for it to continue to operate as a volunteer organization providing affordable out of town transportation for individuals and groups. In spite of this proposal, the Lift Board voted to dissolve the Corporation. A meeting was called where the membership of Project Lift were asked to vote upon the resolution to dissolve the Corporation. This resolution was passed in 32 to 8 vote. I feel unfortunately that our community was betrayed by closed mindedness, lack of vision and ignorance of the issues on the part of many of the members in attendance. It is a loss for all us.
Our Summer Programme has ended and it was a very interesting summer. We had three hard working summer staff, who I think everyone would agree, performed admirably. There has even been some discussion about continuing several of the programmes initiated during the summer; lawn bowling and Modern Dance/Martial Arts.
Over the summer, we have had to relearn the world of transportation, as new demands upon Mobility Plus as a result of changes in the Health Care system have redefined what is possible for group activities.
I would also like to echo our Chairman's kudos to the organizers of this year's wheel/walk-a-thon. They are to be commended for a job well done.
Finally I would like to encourage everyone to join us for our Annual General Meeting. In addition to the business portion of the meeting, and the chance to see old friends, I highly recommend hearing our guest speaker Fiona Sampson. She has some very interesting things to say concerning the Supreme Court of Canada and recent decisions regarding disability rights.
Chris Hodnett
P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK NEWS
Greetings once again from P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK We hope that you are enjoying the spring weather.
We have had a number of people from Freeport Hospital tour our facility and catch the computer bug. Some of these individuals are now full-time students in the spirit of lifelong learning. It just proves that it is never too late to learn.
The blocks of time available for computer lessons on our daily time-sheets are quickly becoming filled. If you have been procrastinating on computer training, now is the time to give us a call.
P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK would like to host another Saturday Web Page Construction workshop. If you are at all interested in creating your own Internet Web page, your billboard to the world, please give us a call. It's a service that one would pay extra for with a commercial Internet service providers, which is freely available to you as part of your membership.
COMPUTER CORNER: SPRING WINDOWS CLEANING
Some of you might recall the CD-ROM mobile I described, in an earlier article, as hanging in someone's window. Even if you don't recall it, you can picture its location if I tell you that it was hanging in a ground-floor bedroom window to your right when you face the front door. You understand what sort of window I mean, and where it was located. The same cannot always be said of the later editions of Microsoft Windows that have a Start Menu in the bottom left of their screen.
Most people, even with a new computer, have so many Windows folders branching off of their Start Menu that they can't find, remember, or maneuver to them all. And even if they can, who can say whether a program icon is to be found in Main, Programs, Utilities, or Accessories. It's all Greek to most of us.
Now imagine a Windows system with meaningful folders such as Internet, Writing, Games, or Tutorials that branch right off of the Start Menu, without confusing sub-branches. If you have a version of Windows with a Start Menu, that's the sort of spring cleaning that I suggest you undertake today on your personal Windows system.
Using your mouse, move your on-screen pointer to the Start button of your Windows screen, and click once by pressing your right mouse button. Now, click once on the word Open at the top of the pop-up menu, this time using your left mouse button. A special Start Menu Window will now be open on your screen.
Using your left mouse button, click once on the word File at the beginning of your menu bar; slide your mouse toward you a fraction to highlight the word New, then sweep to the right and left-click on the word Folder. Immediately type the word Internet (don't worry where the typing is going) and press the ENTER key. Then click once on the neutral white background of the Start Menu window. You have just created a new Start Menu Folder called Internet, though you might not be able to see it yet.
Repeat this process to create other folders such as Writing, Day timer, Accessibility, System Tools, Games, and File Management. You will see them all when you return to your Start Menu.
Now, it's time to move your program icons to these new Windows showcases. Find an Internet program such as Procomm, Dialer, or Terminal on one of your Start Menu branches. Highlight it with your mouse pointer, right-click once, then left-click on the word Cut in the middle of the pop-up menu. Immediately move your mouse pointer to highlight your new Internet Folder, right-click once, highlight the word paste in the middle of the pop-up menu, and left-click once to paste the program into your Internet Folder. (If you did not see the word paste, you will have to repeat the cut process.)
Once you have moved all your program shortcuts into their new folders, you can delete the old folders by right-clicking on them, and then left-clicking on the word delete.
It's a bit of work, but good practice. And when you are finished, you will have primary Folders branching from your Windows Start menu that are easy to access, and that actually means something to you. Who knew a mouse could be so useful for cleaning house and windows?
Ronald B. Fleming
P.H.I.R.S.T LINK Manager
COOKIES...NOT JUST FOR DESSERT ANYMORE
In our last newsletter, I talked about spam being more than just a luncheon meat. Now I want to talk about cookies, which are not just for dessert anymore.
Internet cookies are little chunks of data that web servers can store on your hard drive. They record information about your visit to a particular web site and they can only be read back by the site that created them. They can make your experience on the web more personal and convenient.
If you are visiting a web site that requires your user name and password, a cookie can record this information so that you do not have to type it every time you enter that particular site. If you are on a web site where you can choose the kind of information you wish to receive, such as weather updates, stock market news, or sports scores, a cookie can record your preferences so that the web site gives you only those items you select. It is similar to having a waiter or waitress remember your likes and dislikes when you visit the same restaurant all the time.
Cookies can remember your default settings at certain search engines. If you have to enter your language preference or the number of results you want and these bits of information are stored in a cookie, you only have to enter them once. The next time you visit that site, you will not have to enter that information again.
For people who shop online, your shopping list can be stored in a cookie so that if you log off halfway through your shopping spree, you will not need to start over when you return to that site. Some online shops can store your billing information in a cookie so that you do not have to re-type it when you place another order.
As stated earlier, cookies are chunks of data stored on your hard drive. The exact location of these files depends on your browser. A typical cookie file contains the name of the web site that created the cookie, an expiration date, and some relevant data pertaining to your visit to that site. Other bits of data that might be stored in a cookie are items such as your domain name (not your user name), the date and time of your visit, the type of computer you have, the type of web browser you are using, and a history of the pages you visit at that site.
It is important to remember that a cookie cannot store personal information about you unless you specifically provide that information on a form at the site creating the cookie. Safety features built into the cookies technology do not allow web site operators to access other information on your hard drive.
Some people are concerned that cookies are an invasion of privacy. There are ways to block, delete, or prevent cookies but do not try this unless you know what you are doing. Internet Explorer and Netscape Communicator will allow you to disable cookies or be asked if you want to allow cookies for each site you visit that uses them. However, this will make your web surfing experience much less user friendly.
There is a web site, www.anonymizer.com, that will allow you to surf the web anonymously on a trial-by-trial basis. The site also allows you to buy a program that will allow you to surf anonymously to your heart's content. You might want to do a search for e-privacy to find out if there are other anonymity programs that are free. As always, I hope this information is useful. If you would like information on a specific Internet-related topic, please let me know and perhaps I can write my next article on that topic. You can call me at the office or e-mail me at jn1@kwa.on.ca.
In the meantime, go ahead and try a cookie!
Joyce Nieuwesteeg
GREETINGS FROM YOUR SUMMER STAFF!
Hi everyone! My name is Jodie de Gonzague and I am this year's Summer Recreation Supervisor. I am 24 years old and a recent graduate from U of W with a degree in psychology. I am going to Orillia this fall to complete a diploma in Recreation Therapy at Georgian College. The summer recreation staff (Stephanie, Wendy and myself) have had a busy and fun filled summer. Some of the activities we have done so far include lawn bowling, modern dance, cook night, wheel chair derby and a trip to the tall ships in Toronto. Still to come is the tandem bike club, which is getting under way as well as cinema under the stars, buskers and a police presentation. We hope you have been enjoying this summer as much as we have and continue to take advantage of the opportunities that the summer programme has to offer. Your interest, ideas, participation and friendship have made my time here at Access-Ability a memorable one and my hope is that it has touched you the same way. Thanks for a great summer!
My name is Stephanie Schultz and I was one of your summer rec staff this year. I am currently a student at the University of Waterloo working toward my final credits for my BA in order to go on to the Ontario Provincial Police next spring. I have had past experience working with various organizations and have a background in fitness and dance. I thoroughly enjoyed the events in July and August, especially modern dance and lawn bowling. I will have great memories of those members I was fortunate enough to know. I wish you all the best!
My name is Wendy Byers. I graduated from the University of Waterloo with my BA and I am returning to U of W to complete the Honours Bachelor of Social Work program. I have been working in the field of special needs for the last five years, and once I complete the BSW program, I would like to continue working in this field. I enjoyed trying tandem biking, and the cook nights. I hope that you enjoyed having fun with us this summer!
Talk to me! My name is Ron
Let me introduce myself: My name is Ron W. Grant. I was hired as the Case Manager for an exciting new project; Self Employment - the New Frontier. We partnered with C.N.I.B. C.H.S. and Lutherwood-CODA to address the issue of employment inequities for persons with physical disabilities. This programme is an excellent opportunity for persons with physical disabilities to explore the possibility of becoming self-employed and to receive the training necessary to attain that goal. My function is to ensure that participants have the resources needed during the introduction, assessment and training stages. Your comments regarding your expectations will be very much appreciated and will enable the running of a successful programme. !
Ronald W Grant
Computer Guy
Having worked with Access-Ability for over a year now, I have been coerced into writing a little something for the newsletter. For everyone who doesn't know me, I suppose a brief introduction would be fitting.
My name is Denis Henderson, and I'm originally from Ireland. My first contact with Access-Ability was in the summer of '97 as a volunteer, when I was in Canada visiting my girlfriend Rachel. I returned to Canada in late '99 to be married to Rachel, and began working for this fine organization in January 2000. Since then, my role at Access-Ability has been twofold, providing technical support for those cursed with computer problems, and training on how to use those aforementioned cursed computers.
Having fixed everything from telephones to overhead projectors, I can certainly say that my technical abilities have been challenged. I think I have learned almost as much as I have taught, and I know I've learned much more about life from the great people who come into Access-Ability. As they say in the movie industry during Awards season, I'd like to thank everyone who has made this job so interesting (and my manager, my director).
In the past year, I've come to appreciate what a tremendous tool a computer can be on the desk of a person living with disability. From helping to write out shopping lists to reading aloud e-mails from a family member in Australia, computers can literally open up a whole world of possibilities. If you think that computers aren't for you, or that you'd never be able to use them, then you're just the person we're looking for at P.H.I.R.S.T Link, and I hope to see you soon.
If you're wondering why if I'm so busy at Access-Ability you haven't met me, it's because I'm only at Access-Ability two days a week. The other 3 days are spent working at Peaceworks, an organization providing affordable computing skills to charities and small businesses.
Denis Henderson
Good-bye to Deb
We were extremely fortunate to have had Deb Quinn do her M.S.W. Placement with us over the past year. Deb worked with a number of members providing them with support and encouragement in their personal lives, assisting a number of people in seeking housing, as well as developing our Employment Plan Programme.
Deb has agreed to keep in touch so it is likely that we have not seen the last of her. Thanks for everything Deb!
CLASSIFIED
One colour ink cartridge for a Lexmark Colour Jet printer 2070. Never used. Asking $30.00. Wooden sliding transfer board. Asking $25.00. Call 579-5358
Wheelchair And Walker bags for sale. $25.00. Phone 585-0539
Fundraising Fever
If you are interested in becoming involved with a new fundraising venture which involves sales of an exciting new Canadian magazine for animal lovers, please contact the office.
You are cordially invited
to the
TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL MEETING
of
K-W Access-Ability
Thursday, September 13, 2001
at the Viewing Lounge
Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex
7:00 P.M.
Keynote Speaker: Fiona Sampson
Fiona Sampson is a Human Rights lawyer from Toronto. She has worked for several years as counsel with the Ontario Human Rights Commission and with the Women's Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) She is also a member of the Equality Rights Committee of the DisAbled Women's Network (DAWN) Canada.
Fiona is currently teaching law at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto and working on the completion of her Doctorate of Jurisprudence. Fiona's Doctorate thesis is entitled "The Equality Rights of Women with Disabilities: Recognition and/or Redistribution".
Fiona will speak on the Supreme Court of Canada's recent treatment of disability equality in its decision making. She will discuss recent important Supreme Court of Canada decisions for persons with disabilities, such as the Granovsky case and the Latimer case, and what they mean for the future of disability equality. The need for the Supreme Court to develop an appreciation of the social construction of disability as it relates to disability equality will be central to the discussion.
Please RSVP to Chris Hodnett by September 7th, at 885-6640
NOMINATIONS FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF K-W ACCESS-ABILITY 2001 - 2002
Nominations are now being accepted for the Board of Directors of K-W Access-Ability. If you wish to serve on the Board or wish to nominate someone for the Board, please fill out the nomination form below. All nominations must be submitted in writing and must be received at our office no later than Friday, September 7th, 2001 at 5:00 p.m.. No nominations will be accepted after this time nor during the Annual General Meeting.
This form should be returned to:
K-W Access-Ability
Waterloo Town Square, Concourse #7
75 King Street South
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 1P2
................................................................
I ________________________________________
NAME
________________________________________
ADDRESS and PHONE #
wish to nominate:
________________________________________
NAME
_____________________________________
ADDRESS and PHONE #
to the Board of Directors of K-W Access-Ability
This nomination is seconded by:
_____________________________________
NAME
________________________________________
ADDRESS PHONE #
Nominations must be made and seconded by members of K-W Access-Ability. Each nomination form should be accompanied by a short biography of the nominee.
** Nominees should be in attendance at the Annual General Meeting, Thursday, September 13, 2001, 7:00 P.M. in the Viewing Lounge, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
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