Chairperson's Message

Once again, summer has come and gone. I hope you all had a great one! After our Annual General Meeting, I thought I was way ahead of myself thinking about things that needed to be done for fall. Well, here it is November and some of those things did not get done! Time just flew by!

This summer brought with it many changes. We hired four students to run our Summer Programme but, unfortunately, one of them had to leave suddenly for health reasons. She made a valuable contribution to the agency in the short time she was here. For me, personally, her early departure changed the tone of some of the activities for which she was the staff support person. Nancy, if you're out there, we thank you for sharing your energy and enthusiasm with us.

An even more dramatic change this summer was that Jane Carr left the Agency after eight years of hard work and dedication. The question now is, how will we ever find someone to "fill her shoes"? It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack! The bright side of this, though, is that Jane assured us that she will always be a member of the agency and therefore will always keep in touch. Thank you, Jane, for everything you have done for the agency and our members! I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that I hope your new job is everything you want it to be!

Although I have always been very appreciative of our staff, these changes I've mentioned, as well as some other things that happened over the summer, have only served to make me even more appreciative. We often take for granted the work that our staff members do and how

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well they do it. Yes, they get paid to do their jobs, but they all seem to do the work of at least two people. After losing one very valuable employee, I would like to think that we won't experience that again for a long time to come. So let's all try to show a lot more appreciation for our staff and a lot more understanding if they are not able to meet everyone's demands at the same time.

With that in mind, I think it is more important than ever for each of us to ask ourselves what we can give to the agency rather than what it can give to us. Access-Ability is our agency and it has helped many of us, including me, in many ways. Isn't it time we gave something back? Staff cannot be responsible for everything. We need to do more for our agency, ourselves, and one another.

Fall is here and with the new season comes new things for the agency. Although we will never forget the past and the people who are part of it, we must look to the future. We have hired Ron Fleming to fill Jane's position. We also now have an M.S.W. student doing a four-month placement with us as a counsellor. Welcome, Tuah & Ron! I'm sure you will be a great help to our members.

There are several other projects in the works so, as you can tell, neither time nor the agency can stand still. Although some of us may have difficulty dealing with change, new and exciting things can happen if we let them!

Joyce Nieuwesteeg

Chairperson

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The summer has flown by, the leaves have turned and fallen off the trees, and the first snow has fallen. It must be time for the Newsletter.

To bring you up to date, we had an extremely busy summer. Our summer programme staff lead by Sonja Erstic worked diligently to provide an exciting and educational summer. Highlights included a fitness group, a series of alternative health workshops by Brian Thomas and Faye Bender, our longest trip so far to Point Pelee and the annual variety show. Member involvement was high and reports I have received give the Summer programme an "A".

In August, long time P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK staffperson Jane Carr, left the agency and is working now as a lab instructor at Conestoga College. A surprise going away party was held for Jane and many of her students had the opportunity to say goodbye. Everyone misses Jane and we wish her well in her new job. She has promised to keep in touch and we hope to see her at the Christmas party.

Our new P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK staffperson, Ron Fleming began with us November 4th. Ron will be undergoing orientation and training for the next few months, but we are open for business and look forward to meeting new students and greeting returning students. Give some consideration to getting involved in our Internet project. It is a great opportunity to view the world and has very exciting possibilities for those who participate.

Fundraising is a subject that is on the

minds of most agencies today and K-W Access-Ability is no exception. I would ask

that anyone who has ideas in regards to fundraising or is willing to volunteer their time to support the efforts of the agency call me.

It is also time again to give thought to nominations for the Corene Hamill Spirit Award. If you would like to nominate someone, fill in the form and return it to the office or pick up a form from Kathryn.

We are also looking for volunteers to help out in the office. If you would interested in learning about the workings of an agency and developing new skills, please give me a call.

From all of us to all of you, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

- Chris B. Hodnett

MEET THE NEW MEMBERS OF YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1996/97

Nadia Baraghi: I've been living in Waterloo for the past three years, having moved here from a small town near Montreal.

I've known of K-W Access-Ability through the C.N.I.B. and being new to my disability, have found almost a second home there. Such is the degree of my trust and respect for these people ... they make a body feel welcome ...

I believed in their motto absolutely: "A community of Equal access and Equal opportunity"; long before my own trek down the road of disability began. I believe that we must not give in to the unfortunate popular image of a disabled person. It is

so counter-productive for the fabric of family life, the community and society as a whole. The advent of so many diverse methods and tools make it possible for many of us to feel and be busy and productive despite the fact that we move and live at different, and at times slower, time flows. I hope to be able to continue - in my own small way - to bring this attribute to the forefront of all my activities in life, especially through socializing with my friends and through dogged determination in my studies.

Randy Barrett: At the present time I am working on a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Waterloo. I have worked for non-profit agencies and have lived in Kitchener-Waterloo for the past six years. I also worked at K-W Access-Ability in the summer of '95 as a community recreation worker and got involved in Access-Ability's hockey team. I have been involved with the Independent Living Centre and K-W Access-Ability for the past two years.

I grew up in a small town outside of Barrie, where I went to a public school and high school and was actively involved in school sports and politics. I am looking forward to being on the Board of Directors for the 1996 - 1998 term.

I would like to start a Support Group for people with Glaucoma. I have had Glaucoma for thirty years and have collected volumes of information on this eye disease. I would like to share this information with others. Please contact Nancy Waschke in writing to

99 Willow St. or P.O. Box #393

Waterloo On Collingwood ON

N2J 1W3 L9Y 3Z7

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It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of two members of the K-W Rangers Electric Wheelchair Floor Hockey Team, one a player, the other a volunteer coach.

Andrew Bernhardt, 1969 - 1996

You could say, Andrew's great passion was hockey. Andrew was a founding member of the K-W Rangers and played on the team from 1984 until 1995. He recently played for the Falcons of the CEWHA (K-W Division). He played in the first Electric Wheelchair Hockey Game on Ice, against a bunch of NHL Oldtimers in Florida in January of 1990. He was the team statistician, faithfully recording the information on computer.

Andrew worked at Access-Ability from January, 1989 to June, 1990 organizing and implementing recreational programmes. Andrew is fondly remembered by members and staff.

Caulder Roach, 1938 - 1996

Caulder volunteered with many area organizations as well as with the Rangers in 1987 and 1988.

Caulder had recently retired from Family and Children Services after 28 years of dedicated service. He touched the lives of hundreds of people and made this world a better place.

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Greetings!

From the new P.H.I.R.S.T. Link Manager

Hello. My name is Ronald Fleming, and I'm thrilled to be joining the team at K-W Access-Ability as the new P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK manager.

For those of you who are also new, P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK stands for Physically Handicapped Information Resource Service on Technology.

It's my job to make computer information and technology (including the Internet) accessible to you, by overseeing the computer tutoring programme, and by keeping all of our computers in good working order.

As a new member of the P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK community, I have enjoyed a very active and exciting first couple of weeks. I hope to meet and get to know each of you.

If we have not already met, please drop by and introduce yourself. I look forward to working both with you, and for you, in the months and years ahead.

- Ronald Fleming

Hi. I am Tuah Peprah, a second year MSW student at Wilfrid Laurier University. This year, as part of my program, I have been doing my internship with K-W Access-Ability as a counsellor.

I have been meeting and discussing issues with members on an individual basis. I have enjoyed my time spent here. I have met many new people and hope to

continue to drop by the Agency on ocassion to say hello to everyone and find out what's happening.

IF I WAS A COMPUTER

If I was a computer I would not give anyone a hard time,

I would not lose someone's work that took days or weeks to do,

I would not clear the file if someone hit the wrong key by mistake,

I would not make people want to call me a piece of no good for nothing junk,

and want to throw me out the closest window, or even maybe the garbage bin,

I would not try to give anyone a headache,

As for the Printer, I will talk to it later about the fact that it has been acting up,

BUT MOST OF ALL, if my kind was good to a Teacher

LIKE YOU, there is no way this FRED would make you look like a FOOL.

To all those who get frustrated

with the computer.

- Angie Liddicoat

Vivian Brings Home Silver

Vivian Berkeley, a long time member of K-W Access-Ability, won a silver medal at the Paralympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia for Women's Lawnbowls, totally blind division. Congratulations, Vivian! We are very proud of you!

A New Grocery Shopping Service for the elderly, people with physical challenges, professionals and students has recently started up. It's called SIMPLY SHOPPING and the phone number is 744-7635. Pick-up & Delivery, C.O.D. orders for a minimal fee.

Congratulations to Perry Taron and his wife, Michelle on the birth of their second son. Jack was born on Monday, September 9, 1996. Big brother,

MacKenzie thinks he's just wonderful!

Skating for All Abilities: Kitchener City Hall Ice Rink has adapted equipment for individuals who have a disability: wheelchair skates (ski's which attach to a wheelchair) and sledges (where the person sits and is pushed or uses ice picks). Hours of operation for the rink are Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Please call 741-2225 (voice) or 741-2385 (TTY) Monday to Friday (8:30 am to 5:00 pm) to reserve equipment. Reservations are on a first call, first served basis. The attendant on duty at the rink will be happy to assist you.

The Kitchener Public Library announces the opening of their ACCESS CENTRE,

Main Library. It is an area created to meet

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the special needs of their customers and provide accessibility to the library's resources. Equipment includes adjustable tables, closed circuit television and an Arkenstone reading machine. Materials include closed captioned and descriptive videos, large print and talking books. Group tours can be arranged by contacting Community Programs at 579-2382.

On July 29, 1996, the Summer Programme Staff of K-W Access-Ability organized a trip to Point Pelee National Park. It was the highlight of my summer. The Park, which opened on May 29, 1918, is situated just south of Leamington, Ontario. It is considered to be the most southern point of Canada; as far south as Barcelona, Spain. (These facts, as well as others, are on signs throughout the Park.) Because of the time and costs involved, we didn't cover the entire Park but what I did see certainly made up for the long trip there and back.

Shortly after arriving we set up for a leisurely lunch. It was not crowded at all. It was quiet and peaceful. Black birds with red-tipped wings flitted and flew around us hoping for a morsel of food. I met a little pug dog named Henry. It was a nice way to begin our afternoon.

After lunch we walked along a boardwalk which ran through a marsh. It took about an hour. There were sections where the vegetation was so tall all I could see was the sky. There were lookout points along the way that allowed one to look all around you. What I remember about this part is

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the stillness with only the occasional sounds of frogs croaking or crickets chirping. At the end of the boardwalk was a display manned by Park personnel. Here she explained about the different types of animals and vegetation that could be found in the marsh during the different seasons.

We got back on the bus and travelled a short distance to the Pelee Park Centre. It was here we waited for the trolley to take us the 2 miles out to the "Point". (You can physically see the "Point" on a map.) I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly we boarded the trolley. It has the capacity to fit two people who use chairs in each compartment. This allowed us to travel out there together. The driver spoke to us about different points of interest along the route. It was a comfortable ride. "Peaceful" is how I can best describe how I felt as I drove along the path toward the Point, seeing he beautiful flowers (some I'd never seen before) and hearing the lapping of the waves of Lake Erie. To be surrounded by nature's grand simplicity is, for me, like a gift - a true wonder. Arnold, our bus driver, is a man who has a generous heart. He does what he can for others. We talked and we read about the history of the Park. Nancy ran along the beach in search of shells or stones to show us. My only disappointment was not being able to go very far onto the beach. My wheels just spun in the sand. As I looked out toward the horizon, I was awe-struck to think that, "Here I am at Canada's southern-most tip"!! It was beautiful. We had to run back to the trolley because it only came every 20 minutes. I was sad to leave but was grateful for the experience.

When we arrived back at the Centre, we took a quick tour of its displays and then saw a short film. (Because of the time of

day - 5:00 pm, some of us were a bit

weary and slept through part of the film.) The gift shop was tiny and it was difficult to manoeuvre around inside. Pearl, our expert shopper, made a few funny purchases.

The staff at the Park were all very friendly, courteous and accommodating. A quick note about the washrooms: they were better than some of the washrooms in the K-W area. What's a few spiders anyway?!

By 7:15 pm we were on our way home. We took a longer but more picturesque route home. For part of the way we drove along side Lake Erie. It was nice. Everyone made the trip enjoyable. I felt good to be among such fun-loving people.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to all those who worked on making this trip a reality. Also, for being so accommodating with pickup times, etc.

To all those who gave me and all the participants in the Summer Programme such unique experiences, this summer, from which we could create such nice memories, THANKS.

- Christine Wahl.

TESTIMONIAL TO SUMMER PROGRAMME

I've been involved with K-W Access-Ability's Summer Programme for many years and I think that this year (1996), I have enjoyed the activities more than any other year. I liked it because I always had help when I wanted it. Sonja, Agnes and Afzal all did a very good job - also Nancy and surprisingly, even Randy, when he came back.

I enjoyed going on the trips very much. I particularly enjoyed going shopping in Mississauga at Square One, going to Niagara Falls and going to the horse races, even though I lost (thanks to Chris). Too bad Randy wasn't there to help!

Arnold did a great job driving and was nice to talk to. Sonja and Chris were good drivers too.

Thank you very much.

Pearl Clarke

Thank you for a summer of enjoyable outings. I especially enjoyed the drive to Anna Mae's and the food we had when we were there. It is great to have the opportunity to get out to places that we wouldn't be able to get to if it wasn't for you. You all were a great help. Thanks again.

Sincerely

Helen Renaud

Submissions for An Anthology for and by Canadians with Disabilities are being requested from any interested creative writers. Contributors must be at least 18 years old, but not necessarily established authors. All entries, if accompanied by a self-addressed-stamped envelope, will be responded to. The following are the requirements for a submission:

Submission requirements:

-Creative pieces including: short stories, poetry, and short scripts

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-Fiction or non-fiction

-Submissions should be typed (taped versions will also be accepted)

-Include a short statement about yourself (50-100) in a covering letter

-Possible themes could include: Family Relationships, Friendships, Self-Identification(Who Am I?), Pride, or Touched with the Challenge (other ideas/themes will be accepted)

-Entries must be written by a person with a disability (or in collaboration with a person who has a disability)

-Submissions will be accepted between October 1, '96 and January 31, '97

Submissions will be accepted between October 1, 1996 and January 31, 1997, Mail to:

An Anthology For and By Canadians with Disabilities

c/o Selection Committee Chairperson

253 College St., Suite 377

Toronto, ON M5T 1R5

Deadline: Jan. 31, 1997

HELP WANTED

K-W Access-Ability is looking for volunteers to work in the office. If you would like to gain experience with reception and telephone work and gain an insight into the inner working of a service agency, please give us a call at

885-6640.

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. Fundraising is a new reality of 90's and we need your assistance.

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Spunky Ladies Women's Group: This group has been running since the middle of February. The group consists of women with physical disabilities. The focus of the group is on topics such as employment, housing, self-improvement, stress management, health care, finances and advocacy. The group has been having a lot of fun and has been learning many interesting things. For information on joining the group, call 885-6640.

K-W Access-Ability wishes to initiate an exciting new programme; THE MENTOR PROGRAMME. The purpose of this programme is to pair an adult with a physical disability and a younger person with a physical disability for a variety of activities or simply for information sharing. If you are interested in taking part or for more information, please call 885-6640 and leave your name.

CHRISTMAS PARTY: K-W Access-Ability's Annual Christmas Party and Dance will take place on Saturday, December 7, 1996 at the Subscribers' Lounge, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Cocktails at 6:30 pm, Dinner at 7:00 pm and Dancing from 9:00 pm until midnight. SUNDOG & Friends will provide the music for your listening and dancing pleasure. Tickets are $12.50 each. See you there!

WORKSHOPS '97

INTERNET WORKSHOP:Can't go south for a winter vacation? Start your New Year off right cruising the Information Highway, or surfing the Internet. K-W Access-Ability will be offering an Internet Workshop in

January. For more information, call Ronald Fleming, P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK manager, at 885-6640 (voice), 885-4526 (TTY). We look forward to guiding your tour through Cyberspace.

Coming in February is a workshop on "AGING & DISABILITY" - the aging process and how it relates to people with physical disabilities. Call Kathryn at 885-6640 for information.

TAX CLINICS: Starting on March 3, 1997, in cooperation with the Waterloo-Wellington Chartered Accountants Association, K-W Access-Ability is once again offering free tax preparation for those who meet the income criteria. We will begin taking appointments in February. Call for information - 885-6770.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU! To Pearl Clarke and Kathy Hamilton for representing K-W Access-Ability as part of the United Way contingent in the annual Santa Claus Parade on December 16th.

Beaver Creek Housing Coop, 590 Bearinger Rd., Waterloo, has a wheelchair accessible 2 bedroom maisonette with den renting for $721 per month + hydro. There is some limited subsidy available. Hookup in basement for washer/dryer - not accessible. To inquire, call 886-1081.

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There was a time I enjoyed life to the most,

Work all week and the weekend I would toast,

I never once thought, that life would be cut short.

When things happen to my body of different sort,

I could not handle, and things became a mess,

I was not as strong as I thought, I guess.

My head became mixed and I lost lots of stuff.

I lost everyone's LOVE and now things are rough.

I have four grandchildren, all of which are boys,

Not no more will I see play with their toys.

I always thought life, I deserved a little more,

So I was out to raise hell as I walk out the door.

I did not care who I hurt, or realize the mistake.

Or the LOVE of a family, that this would take.

It took a long time for me to become awake.

Everyday I awake with a new body twitch.

Being sick is not nice, it's a real bitch,

I am not looking for sympathy, oh. no.

But I will tell you GOD, I am not ready to go.

No one on earth will know what to do.

Till a drastic change of life happens to you.

All of your friends you thought you did know,

Have found somewhere else, they must go.

But that is okay RON for you will surly see,

That GOD in heaven's will be there for thee,

I am not sure when this will all take place.

But don't take life for granted, and make it a waste.

Appreciate your family, and all of their LOVE.

And they will be with you, here and in heaven above.

- Ron Sanderson

In order to meet the continually changing needs of our members and the community at large, K-W Access-Ability is involved in an ongoing evaluation. Your input is vital to this process. If you have any suggestions for improving our programmes and services, or you just wish to comment on some aspect of Access-Ability, please use the form below. You may return it by mail or drop it off at the office. Thank you for your contribution.

This form may be returned to:

K-W Access-Ability

Waterloo Town Square, Concourse #7

75 King Street South

Waterloo, Ontario N2J 1P2

COMMENTS

Name:_______________________ Telephone:___________________

Do you wish to be contacted for further discussion?

Yes___ No___

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I wish to nominate _________________________________________

In nominating this individual I believe he/she exemplifies the qualities that endeared Corene to everyone who knew her: a zest for living, a desire to experience new things, a taste for adventure, a genuine caring for and a willingness to help others, great commitment, loyalty and a sense of responsibility.

Describe briefly the nominee's involvement with Access-Ability

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Signed __________________________ Date ________________________

All nominations must be returned to the office of K-W Access-Ability by 5:00 pm on Friday, November 29^th, 1996.

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NOTICE

1997 MEMBERSHIP FEES DUE

The time is fast approaching to renew your memberships for 1997.

They are due January 1st, 1997. The cost is $10.00 per year.

A membership card allows you access to all the services of the

Agency and demonstrates your support for our goals and objectives.

Please complete the form below and bring it along to one of the

programmes, drop it off at the office or mail it to;

K-W Access-Ability

Waterloo Town Square

Concourse #7

75 King Street South

Waterloo, Ontario N2J 1P2

*** Please remember to enclose your $10.00 payment.

===============================================

NAME _________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________________

CITY ___________________________________ PROVINCE ___________________________

POSTAL CODE ________________________ PHONE ________________________________

STAFF

Executive Director - Chris B. Hodnett

Resource Information Person - Kathryn Cowan

P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK Manager - Ronald Fleming

P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK Tutor - Bonnie Rees

Bookkeeper - Wayne Kaiser

Recreation Worker - Bill Chang CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO NEWS PAGE