Return to Newsletter Archives

SPIRIT NEWSLETTER - March 1997

Chairperson's Message

For this newsletter, my message is one with a sad note. On March 2, 1997, Larry Parker, the father of P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK passed away.

Larry was a native of Windsor, Ontario but moved to this area many years ago. He became a very active member of the disabled community in Kitchener-Waterloo, bringing with him his vast experience of being a leader among his peers in his home town. He worked at K-W Services for the Physically Disabled (as our Agency was then known), from March, 1985 until June, 1986. Larry and "Hewy" (as he dubbed our first computer, donated by Hewlett-Packard) were inseparable. Some of you may remember him from the days when our office was on the sixth floor of the office tower. He was my first tutor at P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK.

Larry was a very talented artist and was a member of Rehandart Mouth and Foot Artist Association. He taught art classes to aspiring artists, whether or not they had a disability. He could often be seen in the mall area of Waterloo Town Square, demonstrating his talent during such events as National Access Awareness Week.

Larry achieved a lot in his life. He was a friend, a mentor and an inspiration to those who crossed his path (as long as you stayed out of his way). He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. His passing makes me realize, more than ever, that we all have a lot of potential and we owe it to ourselves to use it. Let's not waste any time!

Joyce Nieuwesteeg Chairperson

IN MEMORIAM

LAWRENCE (LARRY) PARKER (1933 - 1997)

Executive Director's Address

K-W Access-Ability has experienced an incredible growth in personnel during the first two months of 1997.

Of course Wayne Campbell began his social work placement with us in early January. Wayne is providing a much needed service to our members as well as working on a number of community based projects.

Dubravka Metikos joined the agency in February, her mission, to bring order. Dubravka is learning the administrative duties within the agency. Her ultimate goal is to develop a computerized method of tracking programme statistics.

Rita Rudolph came on the scene in early January. Rita agreed to undertake the task of developing and implementing a long term fundraising strategy for agency. In addition she has agreed to serve as Director of Player Personnel for the National Electric Wheelchair Hockey League.

Rita was joined in February in her fund- raising efforts by William (Bill) Zebedee. Together Rita and Bill are researching the fundraising possibilities, developing a donor database, and in their spare time planning a number of fundraising activities.

The recent passing of Larry Parker, again gives us cause to reflect upon all those who have contributed to the growth of the agency. Larry was the first staff person and the father of P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK.

We have already begun to think about the Summer Programme. (where is everyone going to sit!) We would like this to be the best summer ever. If you would like to be a part of making this happen, please give me a call.

- Chris B. Hodnett

MEET OUR NEW STAFF MEMBERS

Hi, my name is Rita Rudolph. I have recently completed my General Mathematics Degree at the University of Waterloo. Since January 6 I have been working as your Fund Development Co-ordinator. Like most other organizations, K-W Access-Ability needs to do fund raising. Please pay close attention to our notices posted in newsletters and the office for information on upcoming projects and events.

I have already spoken to several of you, however I look forward to meeting everyone and hearing all of your ideas and suggestions about how the agency can raise money. We are very enthusiastic about working with you organizing new events and projects.

Enclosed in this issue of our newsletter you will find a members' survey! Please take the time to complete it and return it to the office. The survey will allow us to match your skills, talents, and interests with any assistance we will need to plan and prepare an event. We anticipate that you will become more involved and participate in our exciting upcoming activities.

We need your involvement! Do not hesitate to reach me anytime at the office, or you can email me at rrudolph@kwa.on.ca.

Sincerely,
Rita Rudolph

My name is William (Bill) Zebedee. On February 17, I was hired by K-W Access-Ability as your Fund Development Worker, through the Job Creation Programme offered by Canada Employment. I will be here until September 26 working for you, under the watchful eye of Rita Rudolph.

Why was I hired? Only Rita and Chris know that for sure, but I feel that it is because I have over 10 years of volunteer experience as a fundraiser for various organizations in both Ontario and Alberta.

Rita and I, in association with the Fundraising Committee, have spent the last month brainstorming potential ideas of raising funds which will be used to continue the excellent services that you have come to know and depend on at KWAA. We believe that we have several good possibilities that we are researching.

Of course, we are always interested in hearing your suggestions for potential fundraising events. You can reach Rita or I at the KWAA office or e-mail at wzebedee@kwa.on.ca

I look forward to hearing from and meeting you during my time here at K-W Access-Ability.

William Zebedee

Hello. My name is Dubravka Metikos, and I am happy to have joined K-W Access-Ability as the Administrative Assistant on February 10, 1997.
I am from Yugoslavia and I moved to Canada in 1993 with my husband. I finished University in Mathematics in Yugoslavia and Computer Applications for Business at Conestoga College, here in Kitchener.
I am very excited with my new job and with all the nice people I have met here in last few weeks. I hope to see all of you in the near future.

Dubravka Metikos

Allow me to formally introduce myself. My name really is Wayne Campbell. I am the resident social work intern from Wilfrid Laurier University. It was my pleasure to be welcomed aboard at the annual Christmas party in December of 1996 prior to my actual start date of January 13, 1997.

I think we all need a little fantasy to take the edge off the realities of life as we know it. Humour is a tool that I use to facilitate the release of our bodies natural ability to cope with the stress of life. Some of the most memorable moments in my life were the times I laughed so hard I cried. I am offering counselling sessions to members in good standing at no cost. If you would like to have someone to talk to please feel free to contact me.

One of the projects that I am most excited to be involved in is the beginning of a support group for people (including family members and friends) in our community and outlying areas who are dealing with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. For more information please feel free to contact me here at KWAA.

I am also in the process of facilitating a men's support & discussion group involving topics and activities chosen by the members. If there are male members who are interested but have not been contacted please let me know so we have a list of potential participants for future reference. Another event that I am happy to be involved with is National Access Awareness Week which runs from May 26th to June 2nd. I am looking forward to meeting, sharing and hearing from those members either in person, by telephone (885-6640) or via my e-mail (wcampbell@kwa.on.ca.).

Regards:

Wayne Campbell

Save your Zehrs receipts! We have a box to collect them in our office. For every $450 worth of sales at Zehrs, they give us $1. If you have any questions or comments, please call William or Rita.

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR WONDERFUL STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

ERIN CAMPBELL
ERIN DALEY
AMI DAVIE
HEATHER DILAMARTER
RYAN GOODALL
DEVON HAWTHORN
CHERYL JESSOP
PHI YEN (FAYE) LAC
LINDSAY SERVICE
MIKE SPERLINK

WE LOVE YOU!

PROJECT LIFT UPDATE

Project Lift is in the midst of many changes facing the municipalities in Ontario as the government reorganizes responsibilities. We are active partners in the Community Transportation Action Plan (CTAP) for Kitchener and Waterloo which is going to review existing transportation possibilities and recommend a strategy for new fiscal realities beyond 1998.
Part of our involvement will be the effective use of our new scheduling software. It has been a long time coming and is still not complete but we are confident that it will be the tool we need for the new administrative environment. We know that the implementation of the software has been disruptive for our riders and we wish to take this time to express our gratitude for everyone's patience and input into the process.
The arrival of the software has been complicated by the uncertainty of what will be expected of it. In the months since we entered into the agreement with the developers, the Ministry of Transportation's Public Transportation Office (the group responsible for both regular and special transit services) has undergone massive changes in structure and policy. We have done our best to work with the Ministry and the developers to ensure that the software will meet the expectations of our cities and municipalities elsewhere in the province.
The CTAP process is still in its early stages but is definitely under way. We anticipate good things to arise from this partnership. Your involvement as members and riders of Project Lift has helped keep the needs of the riders clearly in view during the process. Thanks again for your continued support and participation.

David Smith
General Manager

P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK News

As this newsletter goes to press, Spring is really just around the corner (I promise!), and soon new life will be bursting forth everywhere.

I like to watch things grow. No matter how involved in computer technology I am as P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK Manager, I think there is a beautiful simplicity about a flower breaking through the snow that touches something close to the heart in all of us.

This is the time of year that I like to remind myself, and others, that the real focus of P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK is on people and their personal growth and goals, and not on technology as such.

At KWA that growth is nurtured through the use of computer technology, in an environment of mutual respect, equality, cooperation and empowerment. We all learn from each other (students and teacher alike) and help each other grow.

Thanks to all of our friends and volunteers who have generously donated their time and services to the agency. Thanks as well to those members who have not only promptly paid the nominal membership fee for 1997, but who have helped us in many other ways as well. And to all those who have passed on the good news and referred people to P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK, a special thanks. It is one of the highest compliments that you can pay us.

Over the Winter, computer systems have been regularly maintained and updated, and new software has been installed.

For those who have never surfed cyber-space or cruised the information highway, using a picture interface, we now have new ethernet cards installed on two of our computers. I encourage you to make an appointment to come in and try them out.

As well, our multimedia machine now has a new CD ROM drive enabling members to access a multimedia encyclopedia and other data bases with sounds and pictures.

And when you come in, be sure to inquire about some of the other services that KWA has to offer, to nurture your own personal growth!
- Ronald Fleming

Message from the Webmaster:

Our web site on the Internet is currently being reorganized and hopefully improved on. New things are being added. Plans for the future include a "Creativity Corner" where members of K-W Access-Ability can display their poetry and other short writings. Members are welcome to submit their material any time they have something ready. Submissions are to be given directly to Kathryn Cowan or e-mail her at kcowan@kwa.on.ca. If you would like to learn more about the Internet and the World Wide Web, please contact Ron Fleming, Manager of P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK.

FOR SALE

Ricon Wheelchair Van Lift at a very affordable price ($25.00). Call Vern Meadows at 893-5667.

CHAT WITH HOCKEY LEGENDS

On Wednesday, February 12, 1997 Randy Barrett, Chris Hodnett and I had the opportunity to meet Guy LaFleur and Bobby Hull! Both former NHL stars were at Conestoga Mall to sign autographs before their evening all-star game. We spoke to each personally before their scheduled mall appearance.

Because of our wonderful winter weather, Bobby was delayed and we had the chance to spend over an hour with Guy. We spoke to Guy about his golf, his sons, and even his taxes. Chris and Randy were in awe speaking to one of their favourite hockey heroes. We had only brief minutes to spend with Bobby. He remembered previously meeting me casually at a restaurant in Owen Sound. We introduced ourselves and presented our Electric Wheelchair Hockey Team video to each player. Hopefully, Guy's and Bobby's enjoyment of the video will lead our hockey team to bigger, more exciting events.

That night the Hockey Legends All Stars played against the Law Enforcement Torch Team to raise funds for the Ontario Special Olympics. Of course, the All Stars won the game and provided fans with an entertaining evening of hockey.

Rita Rudolph
Director of Player Personnel

Desperately Seeking Bingo Volunteers

K-W Access-Ability is in need of volunteers to work our Bingos. If you have experience with Bingos or have family or friends you think may be interested in supporting the agency, please give us a call at 885-6640.

WHO'S NEWS

The Spinners B Team won at the Great Lakes Wheelchair Basketball Conference held on March 2 in Kitchener and will be participating in the CWBL finals at Humber College from April 11 to 13, 1997.

On February 22, 1997, an Information Forum was held to get ideas for and attract members to a new Provincial Cross-Disability Consumer Organization. If you were unable to attend and would still like to get involved, please contact Kathi Watts, Provincial Coordinator at 1-905-646-4368.

The federal government is providing nearly $52 million dollars for programmes to help low income, disabled and senior homeowners maintain their properties. Among the four separate initiatives being renewed are the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program and Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence. If you want to get your name on the list for financial assistance, call Wayne Pearce, City of Kitchener at 741-2429.

For information on disability issues click on K-W Access-Ability's WEB PAGE - www.kwa.on.ca

Have you checked out our extensive Video Library lately? Come in and browse. If you are a member of K-W Access-Ability, you can borrow a video from our library.

Touring Friends: If you would like to take a trip this summer, but do not want to travel alone or require assistance to travel, call Touring Friends at 519-836-6060.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Come to HOCKEY NIGHT AT CRA on Saturday, April 5, 1997. K-W Access-Ability's "Tri-City Storm" electric wheelchair ice hockey team will be playing against the Conestoga Rover's "Partners" at 7 pm. Then at 8 pm there will be game between the Conestoga Rovers "Beavers" vs. "The Crushers". This event will be held at the Albert McCormick Arena, East Rink, 500 Parkside Dr., Waterloo. Please call Rita at K-W Access-Ability (885-6640) for more details and to make a Project Lift booking.

CHANCE TO WIN UP TO A $1000

Conestoga Rovers & K-W Access-Ability 50/50 Draw. Tickets available at the Access-Ability office for $2 each or 3 for $5. Draw to take place on April 5, 1997. Winner will be contacted by phone. For tickets or further information, call William at 885-6640.

From April 17-20th, 1997, United Way and K-W Access-Ability will be hosting a golf event called "Rip It and Raise It" at Swingers Sports Bar & Video Golf (842 Victoria St. North, Kitchener). This event involves teams playing golf on a computerized video driving range for one hour. The distances will be totalled and our goal is to make it across the province of Ontario! Get a team together and come out, have fun and support KWAA! If you require more information or if you can volunteer some time, please call William at 885-6640.

Canadian Junior Wheelchair Basketball Championships will be held at Resurrection Catholic Secondary School in Kitchener on April 18, 19 & 20, 1997. Schedules are available at K-W Access-

Ability. The Spinners Junior team won this championship in '95 and '96, and are shooting for three in a row.

1997 Southwest Regional Games for Athletes with Disabilities takes place at Centennial Stadium in Kitchener on Saturday, May 24, 1997. This is a qualifying meet for the 1997 Ontario Games for the Physically Disabled in July in New Liskeard. Volunteers are needed for registration, timekeeping, officiating, etc. Call Deb at 741-2226. Training will be provided.

Spring Tune-Up for Your Wheels at Waterloo Town Square on Monday, May 26, 1997. To book appointments between 9:00 and 5:00, call Kathryn at 885-6640.

NATIONAL ACCESS AWARENESS WEEK 10TH ANNIVERSARY, MAY 26th TO JUNE 2nd 1997

Thursday, June 12, 1997 - Come out and join your friends at K-W Access-Ability's Annual General Meeting. Meeting begins at 7:30 pm.

OFCP's (Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy) 50th Anniversary Conference will be held at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel on November 7-9, 1997. For further information contact Scott McArthur at 416-244-9686 or fax 416-244-6543.

K-W Access-Ability's Spring Food Drive in support of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region is taking place from now until April 11/97. Please drop your donations off today!

Be environmentally conscious! Please save your 4 litre milk bags. A company will pay us 1 cent for every Beatrice/Maple Lane bag to recycle it.

Excerpt from the 1997 Federal Government Budget Announcement

The federal government is committed to helping persons with disabilities participate as fully as possible in Canadian society. A Federal Task Force on Disability Issues was established in 1996 with a mandate to conduct an in-depth review of measures for Canadians with disabilities. The 1997 budget proposes a number of measures that flow directly from the Task Force recommendations. Together, these tax measures and proposed creation of the Opportunities Fund will provide an additional $100 million a year in assistance for Canadians with disabilities and/or high medical costs and for the organizations that support them.

Increased tax assistance for people with disabilities

The new measures include: Other proposed measures for Canadians with disabilities include: Canadians with disabilities who enter the labour force often face not only additional costs, but also the potential loss of benefits provided by income security programs. In fact, people with disabilities are sometimes economically penalized for working. In response to this, the 1997 budget proposes to introduce a refundable medical expense credit for low-income working Canadians with high medical expenses. This tax credit will supplement assistance already provided through the medical expense tax credit.

The new credit will be 25 per cent of eligible medical expenses up to a maximum of $500. To qualify, individuals must have at least $2500 in earnings. To ensure that assistance is targeted to those with low incomes, the basic benefit will be reduced by 5 per cent of net family income that exceeds $16,069.This measure will provide additional support to about 280,000 Canadians.

Opportunities Fund

The government is introducing a $30 million a year over three years Opportunities Fund to generate innovative projects that can be shared across the country so that persons with disabilities may prepare for, find and keep jobs. The Fund will build on strong partnerships already in place with disability groups and the private sector. Projects will be developed by partners in conjunction with the provinces. Together with the Vocational Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons Program, this Fund will improve the prospects of the disabled who want to join the workforce and integrate more fully into the economic mainstream of Canadian society.

Return to Newsletter Archives