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IN THE BEGINNINGOnce upon a time in 1967 or 68, I had a deep personal concern over the quality of care being given to a close friend. While the details of this concern are personal, the results are not and indeed were the beginning of that which you are now about to celebrate. My search for a solution to my concern lead me to a Masters of Psychology student, Ron Walsh, who has become one of my closest and dearest friends. Ron needed a topic for a thesis, and I needed support and answers. At this time three other friends took an interest, namely Paul Hagarty, Bruce Lumdsen and Paul Wagner, and a committee was created. Ron's research, which in itself could fill a book, (and it did) as well as a pail of tears, was sponsored in part by the fledgling Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo and revealed that if you were physically disabled, over 19 years old and unable to produce 50% normal work, as defined by the Ontario March of DImes Workshop, there was nothing for you to do. I still remember the response to the report by the Social Planning Council, "Fine, fine report - Now carry on and implement the findings". Paul, Bruce, Paul, Ron and I set forth to work on creating recreational, vocational and residential programmes. Soon we had programmes for the first two areas. A socio-recreational programme was started at Zion United Church; the facilities and help were given by Fred Bender, a good friend from Mutual Life. A craft programme was started at the old YWCA building at King and Allen Streets now the Red Cross offices. The residential programme was a committee which eventually after many years was realized in Participation House. For a while my living room and my phone was K-W Services for the Physically Disabled. As others became involved and programmes grew and I decided to go back to school for a Masters degree in Social Work, the load became too heavy for me. I finally, like any parent reluctantly gave my control to Connie Cruickshank. Well, thanks Connie for getting it through Childhood. Thanks to Chris you have survived rebellious adolescence and even a name change. Thanks to all who turned a concern into a response. Happy 20th! You are now an adult, but don't stop growing and being concern for others. Sincerely, Ric Woods FOUNDING FATHERS P. Wagner B. Lumsden P. Hagarty R. Walsh R. Woods D. Efron 1969 - Formation of the Social Planning Council Committee DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED K-W Services for the Physically Disabled was established in 1969 following a survey to determine the needs of adults with physical disabilities. At that time very little was available in the community and it was determined that there was a need for employment, housing and social-recreation. Committees were set up in these areas and in the summer of 1969 a twice weekly Craft Workshop was started for people who had use of their hands to do handicrafts. Later that fall an evening social-recreation programme (held bi-weekly) was started which was called the Ricochet Club. Programmes were planned and run by the members, assisted by volunteers. In time the president of the Club also served on the Board of Directors. It soon became apparent that not all persons could participate in the Craft Workshop, so an interest group, The Happy Rebels, was started. This group was held weekly and at the same time the Craft Workshop also changed to a weekly programme. The Happy Rebels was a varied programme with guest speakers, picnics, bowling, and became very popular. The twice-weekly swims were also very popular. Other programmes offered over the years were Education, Life Skills, Seminars (discussion groups) and Bliss Symbols. These regular programmes discontinued for the summer but the Agency was successful in applying for and receiving government grants to hire students to run a summer programme. Interesting and enjoyable summers were had by all who participated. Volunteers were always a big part of the Agency and important to the success of the programmes. We were fortunate to have many dedicated people. In 1972 the Agency was incorporated as a charitable organization and the Board of Directors was increased to include more disabled perrsons and people from the community. The Residence Committee met regularly to investigate posibilities for a residence and in 1977 incorporated as a separate group - "The Participation House Project". An apartment project was opened by this group in 1981. The community was generous in providing facillities to hold the various Agency programmes. The office duties and co-ordinating were carried out from my home. Althogh employment placement did not become a function of the Agency, assistance was given to people to make contact with community agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Canada Manpower. The agency was also called upon to provide informaton concerning disabled persons and was in close contact with other community agencies. When the agency first provided programmes, the biggest obstacle was lack of transportation. Taxis were paid for by the agency for people to attend programmes. This was not always satisfactory and was costly and comprised a large part of the budget. Fortunately the Waterloo County Cerebral Palsy Council shared the expense. On recommendation of the agency, a group of young people applying for a Local Initiative Programme grant, applied for money to provide transportation for disabled persons. In January 1973 Project Lift started operation with one van and five staff persons. From the beggining, K-W Services was funded by the Federated Appeal which gave credibility in the community. In 1981 a decision was made by the Board of Directors to rent an office in Waterloo Square and to increase staff. Changes were taking place both in the agency and in the community. People were living independently in their own apartments, the community was becomming more accessible, and there was more awareness and opportunity for disabled persons. Looking back I feel K-W Services for the Physically Disabled provided a great service and many lasting friendships were formed. This history would not be complete without mentioning Ric Woods, who started it all. Ric was responsible for having the original survey done and establishing the agency. He served as Executive Secretary from 1969-1970 and served on the board of directors for several years. He remains everyone's friend. Respectfully submitted by Connie Cruickshank Executive Secretary 1970 - 1983 1970 - Promotion of Independence: Agency becomes independent and joins the K-W Federated Appeal. SUMMER DAZE I graduated form the University of Waterloo in May of 1976 with a Honours Degree in Kinesiology and a burning desire to go to Teacher's College with my true love, Jane, and conquer the world as the "greatest phys ed teacher this side of the Rockies". However Teacher's College was four months away and it was getting too warm to ski. I contemplated the U.I.C. Ski Team idea for the summer until my next door neighbour, Carol McGiffen, asked if I would like to help her run the Summer Programme for K-W Services. Well before I knew it I was having an interview with Dr. Joseph Levy from the University of Waterloo Recreation Department (who was on the Board of K-W Services at that time) and I guess somehow I managed to impress him enough to get the job. Carol and I became co-directors of the Summer Programme and were soon introduced to Connie Crukshank, who was at the time, the only staff person at K-W Services. I had my "baptism of fire" about a week later when Connie asked if Carol and I could drive a group in a school bus to a picnic in Guelph. That turned out to be quite the adventure (my first experience in transit for the physically disabled*). Well the summer came and went with further adventures to Ontario Place, Bronte Creek, the Stratford Festival and I'm sure many more that time has clouded in my mind. In town adventures to Hidden Vally Riding Stables, bowling, swimming, shopping at Fairview Park Mall and I think we even did the "bar scene" a few times. Carol and I drove the drivers and office staff of Project Lift crazy by being late and always changing our pick up times and locations. The participants involved that summer where (in no particular order): Ron Grant, Noreen Lichty, Lorraine Bauman, Dorothy McTague, Chris Whal, Sandy Burry, Mary Ciszewski, John Nevard, Nellie Delaney, Mike Hinschberger, Marilyn Sykes, Rheta Austin, Anne Peppler, Pearl Clark, Greg Chris, Jane Harris, Gilbert Fast, Peter Queiser and if I've missed anybody I apologize but that was, dare I say it, thirteen years ago. When it was all over I didn't go to Teacher's College with my true love, Jane (as a matter of fact I haven't heard or seen of her since) but I did go on to become a ski instructor that winter and was all set to do the summer programme again, but Carol moved to Calgary and the rest is history. Carol still lives in Calgary and I make a point of seeing her every spring when I go skiing in the mountains. She is married to a great guy named Steve (who incidently once went with the aforementioned Jane); they have two wonderful kids and she teaches special education for the Calgary School Board. K-W Services for the Physically Disabled or K-W Access-Ability as you are now known started me into a long career of service to our disabled community over a decade ago. You are now entering your third decade; Project Lift is not far behind. I now have a commitment to Project Lift and I will endeavour to help to keep K-W Access-Ability rolling now and far into the future. Yours sincerely, David W. Smith Co-ordinator, Summer Programme 1976 * Dave is now the General Manager of Project Lift. Excerpts from Summer Report '76 by David Smith "The services rendered by Project Lift are deeply appreciated by all. They provided transportation to all local activities and their personal concern for our group made the programme more meaningful." "Last but not least, we would like to thank our financial sponsors. Fifteen hundred dollars was donated to the programme by the Ontario March of Dimes ...." "Finally we would like to say that we hace really enjoyed working with everyone involved in the programme this summer and we are looking forward to meeting with everyone again in the near future." NOTE: The preceeding is only one of the many highlights from all the Summer Programmes. Unfortunately time and space do not allow for mention of all the summer events of years passed, or of all the wonderful staff and volunteers who gave unselfishly of their time and who devoted so much effort to making summer a special time for members. TWENTY YEAR REFLECTIONS BY PAST CHAIRS Bruce A. Lumsden May 1972 - June 1977 I was asked to write a few words of reflection on the twentieth anniversary of K-W Access-Ability. I must admit that I still think of the agency as K-W Services for the Physically Disabled. However it is a sign of a healthy organization when they can adapt to change. I was associated with the agency for thirteen years both as a member of the Board and as Chairperson. One of the most frequently asked questions I had to deal with was, "How did you become involved with disabled people and the agency?" Well, like a lot of volunteers I had my arm gently twisted; in this case by Rick Woods. I knew Rick through the University of Waterloo where he was a student and I was responsible for a number of areas in the Registar's office, including arranging examinations. My memory of those years was a bit faded, particularly so, because I gave all my files and notes to the Agency for safe keeping! (A great task for someone who is interested in archived and history and has the time to browse thru' minutes and handwritten scribbles.) Like any other organization, this one too, had its teething problems - what to concern itself with and how to do it. A smaller concern but just as important was to get others to be involved. One of the characteristics of this community is the willingness of volunteers to help out. Among the disabled people, parents, and people in the community we established a Board, struck committees, found facilities and twisted more arms. The early concerns centred around the programmes and the need for housing/residence facilities. The craft programme was a starting point and from that other programmes blossomed. The swimming programme under Bob Cruickshank was one in particular I remember. Every summer we seemed to find another government funding programme that would allow us to hire students to develop and operate programmes in the community. I like to think that it was the Agency and its programmes that pointed out the need for "service providers", particulary to the three levels of government, to improve and upgrade their services. The other effect the programmes had was to raise the awareness in the community that the disabled people were an integral part of our society and that their needs could no longer be ignored. The other concern that took up our time was trying to address the housing needs. This discussion and the interminable meetings centred around the idea of building a residential facility, trial residence weekends at the University of Waterloo, trips to Toronto to government officials, briefs and more briefs, developing a relationship with the Rotary, buying land, becoming involved with the Ontario Federation for the Cerebral Palsied and the Meyers brothers, all night telethons, the establishment of Participation House Project -- the memories go on and on. One of the memories that is very clear is when one of the first residents of the P.H. Apartments opened her door and invited me into her apartment. A first for her and lasting memory for me! I have always counted myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of the Agency and to have the chance in some small way to be part of the changing awareness of our society that recognises people with disabilities as individuals. Best wishes for the next twenty. Board of Directors 1972\73 B.A. Lumsden W.R. Woods P.T. Hagarty R.H. Mckeown C.H. Spry C.Armstrong R.E. Brown H. Pyne R.J. Walsh A.Peppler C.Callfas J.Levy J.J.Fedy M. Sykes Board of Directors 1973\74 B.A. Lumsden C.Armstrong P.T Hagarty H.Pyne C.H. Spry A.Peppler R.E Brown J.Levy J.J Fedy G.Fast R.J. Walsh R.Woods C. Callfas C.Bilyea R.H. Mckeown Board of Directors 1974 - 1975 B.A. Lumsden R.H. McKeown P.T. Hagarty H. Pyne C.H. Spry A. Peppler R.E. Brown J. Levy J.J. Fedy C. Karcza C. Callfas B. Krueger M. Sykes Board of Directors 1975 - 1976 B.A. Lumsden R.J. Walsh P.T. Hagarty R.E. Brown C.H. Spry A. Peppler R.H. Mckeown H. Pyne D. Farwell B. Kruger N. Delaney J. Levy D. Zeller J.J. Fedy G.F. Gustar C. Callfas Board of Directors 1976 - 1977 B.A. Lumsden R.E. Brown P.T. Hagarty R.J. Walsh D. Zeller A. Peppler D. Farwell J.J. Fedy C. G. O'Brian C. Callfas B. Krueger N. Delaney G.F. Gustar N. Pyne G. Fast J. Levy Y. Moore Staff Connie Cruickshank Landmarks 1972 - Agency re-structures to handle increased demand on programmes. - Rotary Club commits $ 50,000 toward a proposed residence. 1973 - First Board of Directors - Incorporation as a Charitable Non-profit Organization 1977 - Residence committee incorporates as "The Participation House Project - Waterloo Region". Programmes Educational:"SELF EXPRESSION" "BASIC MATH" & "SOCIAL SKILL" Summer Programmes Colin O'Brian 1977 - 1979 K-W Services for the Physically Disabled was at its inception, a unique organization. Certainly other communities had volunteer groups dedicated to assisting disabled people. However I do not recall ever seeing or hearing of any other organization that offered the scope of activities on an ongoing daily basis from fall until spring. Swimming programmes, crafts, pub nights, you name it, K-W Services did it all. The budget was almost non-existent and what there was camme from Federated Appeal. As with all sucessful ideas, a variety of people made it possible, working together to provide an outlet for fun, companionship and development. In the beginning key figures such as Ric Woods, Connie Cruickshank, Marg Muir and so many others gave form and meaning to a group made up initially of families having children with cerebral palsy. Progressing through the Rotary Centre programme, they found that after reaching their midteens and the end of the Rotary programme, there was no where to go. So it all began, and as positive meaningful things will, under enthusiastic guidance, it grew and succeeded. Volunteers, helping hands ... these are the keys to succcess. The agency had them in spades. I'm sure they still do. No words can even express the gratitude of so many to all the wonderful people who gave and gave of themselves to help others grow, develop and taste a bite of life they otherwise would have missed. During my ten year as Co-Chairman of the Agency, assisted throughtout by my wonderful friend, Ric Woods, the Agency went through one of those growing pain periods that are so necessary for any group to succed. At that time the group was concentrating all of its efforts in the development of a residential facility in the K-W area under the direction of Participation House. While this concept had great appeal and has worked well in other communities such as Brantford, we here in K-W, try as we would, couldn't make all the pieces come together. In the process of trying, too much of our thoughts and resources were being taken away from expanding already successful progeammes or starting new ones. After much discussion, Bruce Lumsden, the immediate past Chairman and one of the main towers of strenght in the Agency, established a seperate Participation House Group. This took the concept out of the Agnecy's mandate, so it could be dealt with on an exclusive basis by the new group. At that time, this move was very traumatic and caused a considerable amount of stress. It appeared I am sure, to some members, that we had lost our cause and course. It was not an easy time for the Board or the members. The regular programmes continued and since we were K-W Services for the Physically Disabled we expanded the word "Disabled" to encompass any and all who would benefit from our activities. This included the blind and people recovering from strokes. We started a teen programme for those young people who recently ended their involvement with the Rotary and who had no where else to go. Again with where else to go. Again with help of many volunteers this programme got off to good start. As in all things, change created further change. As we expanded our scope of programmes, so the need for staff changed. Connie Cruickshank, that warm and wonderful tower of strength for all of us, had been running the day to day business operation out of her home, but could no longer carry the everyday load by herself (even with her housband, Bob). Help was needed, and so began our full time staff or should I say part time/full time staff due to budget restraints. Somehow money, which was always in short supply, appeared. Now we have an office, a new name, computers, full time staff, and as always (and I hope forever) volunteers. Need I say more. They have always been the key people helping people acheive dignity, fulfilment and happiness. That's what the Agency has always meant to me. I am proud to have had the opportunity of playing a small part in its growth and development and I thank all those people who have, through their friendship given me back such rich, rewarding memories. Good luck to you all on this the 20th anniversary of our Agency. My thoughts are with you always. Board of Directors 1977 - 1978 C.G. O'Brian M. Sykes W.R. Woods C. Callfas D. Farwell D. Zeller G. Fast B. Krueger C.B. Hodnett J. Stuart B. Evans A. Peppler E. Muir B.A. Lumsden J. Levy Board of Diorectors 1978 - 1979 C.G. O'Brain J. Nevard W. R. Woods M. Pallot B.A. Lumsden C. Anderson B. Evans J. Brunker J. Farina L.Burke G. Fast M. Sykes D. Harris S. Meadows F. McIntosh E. Muir Staff Connie Cruickshank Programmes "DESTINATION" - Youth Programme "OUTREACH" - To Community agencies and the media Barbara Evans Chairperson 1979 - 1982 I still have a vivid memory of being approached in 1974 to see if I would be willing to act as a Board Member for the then K-W Services. I suprised myself by immediatley saying yes. I had no premonition that I would be an active, sometimes distracted member for the following eight years, the last three as Chairperson. We were, in the early seventies, a respected community agency staffed by volunteers and our well-loved Executive Secretary, Connie Crushank. Our office was a room in the Cruishank home. Able, long term volunteers planned and ran the programmes. I especially remember Mae Hicks who gave ten years service to the weekly afternoon club, The Happy Rebels, and Bob Cruikshank who ran the swimming programme, two days a week for many years. They were but two of many remarkable volunteers. Our basic philosophy was, although many of us didn't really realize it, a "doing for." Nearly all early social services were basically oriented to a parental authority position. We didn't really question that there was anything wrong with that position. But the winds of change were sweeping across the nation and many pioneering people were asking questions and demanding change. We were very fortunate to have Dr. John Lord move to our Board. He had studied the many issues of improved opportunities for disabled people. He was commissioned by the Board to write a position paper outlining the possible future direction we might take in the Eighties. The membership worked with him on the report. The Board accepted the recommendations, the gist of which was to change the philosophy to one of working "with." Members were given every opportunity to develop and implement their own programmes and take a full share in the operation of the Agency. Looking back I wonder about the hardships of the change. It was disturbing and upsetting to Board members and to the membership. Some, having worked all their lives in the "doing for" and "being done for" position which brought the Agency into being in the first place and had accomplished many wonderful gains, could see no reason for change. But, in the end, slowly and sometimes painful we did change. Well the good news, as you know, is that this new position brought about enormous benefits. The office was moved to Waterloo Town Square and an Executive Director was hired. I look back on the hiring of a full-time Director as the best of many good moves the Board made during that period. When I saw, that with the staff and others at the helm, the Agency was about to jet into the 21st Century, I decided my turn as Chairperson was over. I experienced those years as the worst of times and best of times - 1974-1981. Thanks for the memories. Board of Directors 1979 - 1980 Barbara Evans J. Lord C.G. O'Brian B.A. Lumsden C. Anderson F. McIntosh R. Austin S. Meadows R. Basso J. Nevard J. Brunker M. Pallot L. Burke C. Widmeyer Board of Directors 1980 - 1981 Barbara Evans D. McLeod C. Anderson S. Meadows R. Austin E.M. Myers R. Basso J. Nevard B. Brown C. Widmeyer J. Lord M. Wilson B.A. Lumsden C. Cawley D. Mayer Board of Directors 1981 - 1982 Barbara Evans E.M. Myers R. Basso C. O'Brian B. Brown S. Parker C. Cawley L. Osbrone-Way P. Chatterson M. Wilson T. Hinschberger F. McIntosh S. Lomaszewycz S. Meadows D. McLeod J. Lord R. Austin Board of Directors 1982 - 1983 Barbara Evans S. Lomaszewycz R. Austin D. McLeod R. Basso C. O'Brain B. Brown E.M. Myers C. Cawley L. Osborne-Way P. Chatterson S. Parker D. Deverall M. Wilson T. Hinschberger A. Peppler Staff 1979 - 1980 C. Cruickshank Staff 1980 - 1981 C. Cruickshank M. McGeown Staff 1981 - 1982 C. Hodnett C. Cruckshank N.J. Bridge L. Osborne-Way Staff 1982 - 1983 C. Hodnett C. Cruickshank S. Dodd N. Taylor Landmarks 1979 - "Process for Change" - Objective=INTERGRATION - Hoyer Lift installed at Forest Heights pool - 10th Anniversary Report - W.L.U. Danceathon $2000 1980 - Mission Statement: "CHANGING OURSELVES, OUR AGENCY AND OUR COMMUNITY" - Employment Canada Grant 1981 - New Office, Waterloo Town Square, Suite 606 - Employment Development Grant: COMMUNITY INTEGRATION PROGRAMME 1982 - Apr 17-first OPEN HOUSE Programmes 1979 - "TEEN PROGRAMME" Lynn Osborne - Way Chairperson 1983 - 1984 In 1983/84 I served as Chairperson of the Board for what was then "K-W Services for the Physically Disabled". Previous to that time I served as a Board member and very briefly as a staff person. A number of significant changes took place during those years both in the community and K-W Services. In the Community, Participation House had just created some supported apartment units, across from the Fairview Mall, enabling numerous members of the agency to live more independently. As well, K-W Services experienced a move from an office in the home of long time staff person, Connie Cruikshank to a suite on the 6th floor of Waterloo Town Square. Fundraising took up a great deal of energy during this time period, with the Board getting involved in Bingo, Oktoberfest tickets and a Magic Show. Due to financial limitations, it was deemed necessary to cut back on staff hours, leading to Connie's resignation after many years of caring and dedicated work. This was a time of growth for the agency but there were also growing pains. Public awareness regarding independence for disabled people was high as a result of the International Year of Disabled Persons. It was at this time that the agency came of age, in a sense, with a new Executive Director, an office in a high profile public location, a flier advertising the agency and even some initial discussions about changing the Agency name someday. It was definitely a challenging year for everyone involved. Board of Directors 1983 - 1984
Lynn Osborne-Way
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| K-W Access-Ability - 105 University Avenue East, Waterloo, Ontario - N2J 2W1 Phone:(519)-885-6640 - TDD:(519)-885-4526 - FAX:(519)-885-4526 For further information contact Chris Hodnett - Executive Director Monday to Friday 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. Developed by Valeri Kim & Friends of K-W Access-Ability, 2006. Please report any inaccurate or out of date information in these web pages to the Web Master. Internet Services and Consulting Donated by Thinkage Ltd. |