June 2009     INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Member's Story Thank You to Our Donors Grants Awarded Information, Services, Announcements CPAM Educational Events New Books Transition Planning - School, Workforce, Community Member Questions & Answers Communication Devices for Adults Scholarships 2009 Bike Races Member's Survey Results Government "Opening Doors for People with Disabilities" Items for Sale Events and Meetings         CPAM EVENTS Golf Tournament Friday, August 21 Annual BBQ Sunday, September 13 Walk for CP - Flin Flon Saturday, September 19 Annual General Meeting Tuesday, November 17         PLEASE RENEW YOUR 2010 MEMBERSHIP Renewal forms will be mailed in September. CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE www.cerebralpalsy.mb.ca         IN APPRECIATION CPAM would like to THANK everyone who donates their time and energy to our Association. Volunteers make a vital contribution and we acknowledge the countless ways in which each volunteer helps our members, our organization and our causes. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead         IN MEMORIAM The members and staff extend sincere sympathy to all who have lost a loved one. We thank you for designating CPAM as the charity of choice to receive In Memoriam gifts. All contributions are truly appreciated and acknowledged. Tax receipts are issued for gifts of $10 or more.

HAPPINESS

What makes people happy? The answer, whatever it is, is not obvious. Renowned psychologist Daniel Gilbert, in his book Stumbling on Happiness, points out that our human perceptions about what makes us happy or unhappy are often flawed. He cites research on a pair of twins, who live their individual lives joined to one another at the forehead, and insist they are happy. Most conjoined twins, he points out, have no wish to be separated, and yet many people insist that it is not possible for any person to be happy under such circumstances.

My 21 year old son David is one of the happiest people I know. His life is rich. He laughs, he sings in his own unique style, and he delights in relationships. I often marvel at the fact that David does not have the things people most desire – a body that does what he wants it to, a mind that learns easily, unusual achievements – and yet he is happy. I could never wish the disabilities, with their accompanying physical pain and mental frustration, upon him and do what I can to lessen their impact. Yet, would he be happier without them? I do not know.

People have said to me “I wouldn’t have the patience to parent a child with a disability. I couldn’t do what you do.” Of course you could, I tell them. Parents, whatever kids they are given, generally love their kids and grow in order to parent well. If they’re not willing to do this they are probably in the wrong business. It was not my ambition to be the mother of a son with disabilities. But would I be more proud of him if he were a sports star or academically brilliant? Would I love him more? Would I prefer another son? No, no and no. Am I better off for having him? Absolutely.

We are right to work to help children be born as healthy as possible, and we are right to work to lessen the impact of disabilities on people who live with them. The accompanying hardships are real. Yet the relationship between our hardships and our happiness is not straight forward.

Incidentally, Daniel Gilbert does not claim to know what makes people happy, he just cites lots of, often hilarious, research-based examples about how our minds play tricks on us when we imagine what those things might be.

Do I know what will make me happy? Today I feel quite confident that a warm and sunny summer would. Beyond that, I’ll try my best to figure it out, likely with mixed success. And I will therefore spare you from reading a prescription for happiness from me.

Do your own best to try to be happy.

Rebecca Ehnes – President

	Volunteerism by member Stephen Ward In January 2009, I began volunteering at a school in South St. Vital. It is a K-8 elementary school. My first duty was to speak to all the classrooms about Cerebral Palsy (CP). In these presentations, I describe what CP is and how it affects a person in terms of the variety of forms it takes on. No two people with CP are exactly alike. I also talk about going to University and attaining a BA in Psychology. I’ve discussed employment difficulties for personal reasons (physical exhaustion) and the attitudinal barriers in society. Sometimes people think being physically disabled means you are mentally disabled too but that is often not the case. I’ve gotten various reactions to my presentations from real interest to cool indifference. I find that children in grades 3-5 have the most questions for me and are really open to people who are different. The K-2 grades are more tentative and the grades 6-8 are generally indifferent. It is interesting to me because in grade 4 I was transferred from Lord Roberts school to General Vanier where I was the only student with CP and students were accepting of me. I have enjoyed my time at the school and have been working in the grade 3 classroom. I tutor the students one on one in reading and math. My position at the school has given me great joy and the principal gave me the positive comment that I have become an invaluable volunteer at the school. The impact made by our members who volunteer is valuable and important and CPAM acknowledges your dedication. Thank You. Stephen would also like to share the following experience. “I feel sorry for you.” Those words are like knives to my heart. As a person with a disability these words make me feel sick to my stomach because when you pity someone you make them seem so small. It’s not my fault or God’s fault I’m disabled. It was simply an accident medically speaking. When you pity someone you take away their control and place the power in the hands of something else. I don’t want to hear that you feel sorry for me. I want you to empathize or imagine yourself in my shoes. One of the beautiful remarks ever said to me by my English teacher was that I have courage in the face of a crucible or test. My test is Cerebral Palsy and I was empowered by that. I don’t feel sorry for myself. If you or I feel sorry for ourselves nothing would get accomplished and we would feel like we are stuck in quicksand. I prefer to move forward onto bigger and brighter things. I put a smile on my face. Everyone in life faces challenges at some point in their lives whether it be a disability, heart disease, stroke, cancer, old age, abuse, and on. There are lots of situations that can challenge people and cause emotional turmoil such as family breakdown, depression, and loneliness. Instead of feeling sorry for someone, notice one’s courage in the face of an obstacle and be inspired by it. We will all benefit from it. Stephen Ward is a valued member of the Cerebral Palsy Association and it’s Board of Directors. Stephen and all the Board members contribute to the success of our organization and their commitment is sincerely appreciated.

SPECIAL THANKS CPAM would like to thank the following for their generous financial contributions: Cerebral Palsy Association Members Great-West Life Standard Aero The Alfred E. Deacon Medical Research Foundation Inc. The Winnipeg Goldeyes Field of Dreams Foundation The BOM Employee Charitable Foundation The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba Government of MB. All Charities Campaign City of Winnipeg Employees-Retirees’ Charitable Fund United Way - Donor Direct Giving Rural United Way - Altona/Gretna & District, Carman & Community, Morden & District, Winkler & District WGI Westman Group Inc. Jeans Day - City of Brandon Gerry Hodson & Dorothy Penner

CPAM GRANT INFORMATION Criteria: membership with CPAM for one year or more. Objective: assist individuals affected by CP to obtain funding for communication, mobility and/or specialized equipment to enhance independence and quality of life. Process: obtain & complete an application form. Send it with support letters & information to the Grant Committees either in Winnipeg or in Westman c/o CPAM office. Non-equipment requests will also be considered. Contact CPAM at 982-4842 or 1-800-416-6166 for more information. GRANTS AWARDED TO MEMBERS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES AND IN WINNIPEG: Specialized bicycle $1000.00 Ramp to access home $1950.00 Wheelchair lift for van $2000.00 Scooter $2795.00 Freedom Concepts bicycle $1500.00 Laptop Computer $1500.00 Stair lift in a home $ 940.00 GRANTS AWARDED TO MEMBERS IN THE WESTMAN REGION: Seating items for a child $ 638.00 Hygiene seat & belt for an adult $ 850.00 Specialized bicycle $ 856.74 Computer & special programs $1400.00 Ramp to access home $1875.00 Special mattress & padding $1030.39 Communication device & cable $ 545.00 Two van seating systems each $5000.00 Funds for the above Grants are a direct result of pledges from the Stationary Bike Races held in Winnipeg & Brandon and from Foundations, Charitable Employee Funds and United Way contributions.

	INFORMATION - SERVICES - ANNOUNCEMENTS Help for Families! Individual Relationship Family Therapy Providing support and counseling to patients of the Rehabilitation Centre for Children & their families; including foster parents and grandparents. These services are free of charge. For more information call – 284-2048. St. Amant Family Care Program Support Group For families with an adult at any stage of the residential planning process. Call 256-4301 – ext. # 3203 or 3396. For information and to apply for services from the Community Support Program at St. Amant go to the website at www.stamant.mb.ca or call 256-4301. South Winnipeg Parent Support Group For parents of children with special needs to share stories, learn about resources, listen to speakers, explore solutions. Join parents at Meadowood United Church, 111 Dakota St. For dates and time contact Community Living Wpg. 953-5875. Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCC) - Family Support Network Parents of children with disabilities meet at RCC to share their experiences and knowledge, to gain valuable information from speakers, and to learn about supports and resources that will benefit their child. Contact 453-9821. Crisis Accommodation and Support Adults with disabilities who have experienced abuse or at risk of abuse and whose needs cannot be met by existing abuse/crisis services can contact: MB. Family Services Crisis Transition Worker 204–945-1335 PARENTAL ALIENATION AWARENESS ORGANIZATION Undermining and interfering with a normal child-parent bond. For more information on this organization and the work it is doing with parents please contact www.PAAwareness.org Massage Therapy - Children with Disabilities Radiance Massage Therapy - 547 St. Mary’s Road 233-3996 or www.magemassage.com Rehabilitation Centre for Children L.I.F.E. Leisure in Fun Environments For information on the following programs phone 204-452-4311 – ex 170 – or email trp@rccinc.ca Therapeutic Recreation & Wellness program - provides programming that gives children with physical disabilities or special needs more opportunities to engage in leisure and recreation, to make new friends and to have fun. Summer camp programs: Switched On Camp – ideal for children & youth who use wheelchairs & are looking to develop computer skills for learning or communication – 6 campers per session with individualized programming. Jump & Ride Camp – ideal for children & youth who are walking and need help with learning gross motor skills or developing gross motor skills (ride a bike) & those in a wheelchair & can participate in activities with adaptations. Active Living Centre – the goal is to promote active living & healthy lifestyles by making it easier for children with disabilities & their families to increase recreation & leisure activities at home, school, and in the community through adapted equipment loans. Equipment available for loan to families and therapists includes: Aquatic aids Balance equipment Scooters & racers Adapted gardening tools Balls, adapted bowling Adapted hockey equipment Specialty bikes (single & tandem) Other Programs Disabled Sail – 832-6088 MB. Riding for the Disabled – 925-5905 MB. Cerebral Palsy Sports (MCPSA) See the MCPSA flyer inserted in this newsletter. Send your questions to these email addresses: Swim program – mcpsa-swim@hotmail.com Boccia program – mcpsa-boccia@hotmail.com Please send us your email address. MOVING? Please advise CPAM of your new postal address.

Cerebral Palsy Association – Education & Information Events

The Cerebral Palsy Association held two events bringing valuable information to the adults and parents who were in attendance.

The first event was entitled Building Healthy Relationships & Sexuality Education. Social worker, Sandy Hyman, spoke to adults and parents about the importance of self care and healthy bodies. She discussed the need to foster good social relationships, how to navigate through difficult and awkward topics and moments and she reflected on attitudes about sexuality education. Print material and community resources were made available. Copies of some of the materials are available from the office.

The second event was entitled An Overview of Treatment for Cerebral Palsy. Andrew Skalsky, a new doctor to Winnipeg and also to the Rehabilitation Centre for Children and the Health Sciences Centre Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, spoke to parents and young adults about the treatment available to individuals diagnosed with CP. He gave a description of Cerebral Palsy and discussed treatment using medications like botox, baclofen and others that have a direct affect on tight muscles. He explained how posterior rhizotomy has been beneficial for some individuals and mentioned hyperbaric oxygen, therapeutic electrical stimulation and orthopedic surgery. He mentioned the importance of ongoing physical therapy and exercise and explained how adapted devices and mobility aids were beneficial. Dr. Skalsky did identify a new treatment, umbilical cord blood, and addressed the affects this treatment might have on brain cells. At this time this treatment is not widely supported by the medical community. If you have access to the Internet do a search for more info on these treatment options.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED THESE EVENTS.

NEW BOOK IN CPAM LIBRARY
EAGLE ON HIGH – author Richard Foster

This book mimics the video game world of fantasy and confrontation as Thomas, a regular hero, takes us through adventures great and small, joyful and sad, defying barriers of time and reality.

Richard is a member of the Cerebral Palsy Association and shares his story about becoming an author.

“I never thought I would become a writer. I enjoyed making up stories, but I didn’t take it seriously until my drama instructor suggested I apply for a grant from the Manitoba Arts Council (MAC). My experience as an author has been an amazing learning experience and I had a wonderful mentor thanks to the Mentorship grant from MAC. My mentor taught me how to use metaphors and gave me ideas on how to edit my work. After the Mentorship grant I applied for a second grant to self-publish my work.

I wrote the book by recording stories onto tape. It was fun and I just let my emotions spurt out onto the tapes. The recordings were transcribed word -for-word and then an editor helped me decide what to keep, scrap and to piece it all together. I worked very hard going through draft after draft with the editor but the book is all my creation. I did it, I wrote a book. It gave me purpose and hope that society too might benefit from my stories and give courage to others to write their own book.

If you want to become an author, this is the place to start, in Winnipeg, because here people are very supportive of the arts. Being an author really makes me feel proud of myself and even though some people have said it is a small milestone, I think it has been a big leap. I would say the over-all experience has been mind-blowing and I would encourage others to follow this path.”

Children’s Books

Sarah Leal of Cinnamon Freckles has written her first book entitled SO DON’T & SEE WHAT HAPPENS and her next book, available in September, is entitled SOUR PUSS. She writes fun stories about Madi, her daughter, who has Cerebral Palsy, but the focus is on Madi, not on the condition. Cost is $15.00 Canadian.

To order these books - www.cinnamonfreckles.com or borrow them from CPAM library.

New Guide Helps Travelers

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR TRAVEL is a guide for persons with disabilities who use airplanes, trains, passenger ferries and buses that cross a Canadian or provincial border. It provides ideas about how to take advantage of accessible services and features planning and conducting travel. Copies available on the website – www.cta.gc.ca.

TRANSITION PLANNING - from High School, into the Workforce & the Community as an adult.

Preparing for a Successful Transition – Top 10 Questions

1. Who makes the decision about which pathway to graduation my son/daughter will take? Initially, you as the legal guardian for your son or daughter can make those decisions. Once your son or daughter turns 18, they are legally entitled to make their own decisions about their pathways to graduation.
2. When should planning begin? Families of children with special needs should begin to consider options for post-secondary life when their son or daughter enters high school. Planning can include high school courses and option selection, program planning and the timing of graduation.
3. Who is responsible for planning the transition from school to the community? In general, the school takes on the role of leading the team and a resource teacher or guidance counsellor take on the ”case coordinator” role for the transition planning team.
4. Who should be involved? First & foremost, the student & their support network (parents, guardians, friends) are key members of the team. Other key members include resource and classroom teachers, in-house & outside clinicians and community service workers. As the student nears the age of majority and case workers change from children’s service to adult service workers, those new workers should assume a role in the process. This might include a Vocational Rehabilitation or Supportive Living Program case worker depending upon the student’s eligibility criteria for supports.
5. How can we support our son/daughter through this process & into adulthood? It is also important that your son or daughter learn to make decisions for themselves & to become effective self-advocates. Review the Vulnerable Person’s Act with them so that they have an understanding of their self-determination. Parents can also help their sons & daughters research & consider their options for life after graduation. In some cases, this might mean thinking “outside the box” when it comes to current models of support.
6. What do parents, caregivers and/or support networks need to do? Collaborative person-centered planning allows the student to be the focus of the process. Participate in the regular planning meetings that take place within the school setting. Keep in mind the timeline for transition planning as outlined in the “Bridging to Adulthood” protocol, available on the internet from the government of MB. at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/policy/transition/. Understand the supportive role that you play in the life of your son or daughter.
7. What are some of the options that are available for our consideration? (supportive living, job training & support, income support)? Depending upon your son or daughter’s diagnosis and functional abilities, there are a number of options for support in the community. These range from the Supportive Living Program to the Vocational Rehabilitation Programs. Both are offered through Family Services and Housing. Your child’s Children’s Special Services Worker or Community Service Worker can help direct you to the most appropriate option. Additional assistance may be available from various disability support offices at post-secondary educational institutions. Employment and Income Assistance, accessed through Family Services & Housing, and Mental Health support services and Home Care supports, both accessed through MB. Health & Healthy Living. There are also a number of agencies that deliver day service programming and job training opportunities dependant upon where your son or daughter will reside in Manitoba.
8. What support is my son/daughter eligible for from different service providers when they become an adult? Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) : age 18 years. EIA for persons with disabilities: age 18 with a documented mental, learning, physical, psychiatric or sensory disability. Supported Living program: Must have a documented significantly impaired intellectual functioning along with impaired adaptive behaviour existing before age 18. Day Services: eligibility as for supportive living program age 18. Vocational Rehabilitation : age 16 and over and not attending school.
9. How long can my son/daughter remain within the education system receiving their supports? Manitoba Education, Citizenship & Youth can provide funding for supports for eligible students until they graduate from high school or until the end of June of the calendar year that they turn 21.
10. How can we make sure that our son/daughter remains a part of their community once they graduate? When participating in planning sessions with the school, either at the person-centered planning session that looks towards what your child hopes to do after completion of their high school program or at each annual individual education planning (IEP) meeting, make sure that inclusion within the school and home community is prioritized as one of the goals to be maintained. Involve your son or daughter in extracurricular community programming whenever possible so that they become a visible, valued member of the community and both the community and they learn the importance of maintaining this contact after graduation.

Sometimes, the vocational training, supported independent living and day programming options are not funded until the maximum age available for attendance in the school system has been reached.

What is Person-Centered Planning – PCP? PCP works with the student to determine what their hopes and dreams for the future might be. It then calls upon members of the student’s support network and other key individuals to work together with the student to develop a plan that will meet the student’s needs, using available resources or advocating for new or enhanced services. Usually PCP addresses four areas of life including living in the community with independence, contributing to community life through volunteerism or paid employment, lifelong learning & recreational opportunities.

Effective practices in Transition Planning. Early coordinated planning; student, parent and support network involvement; team collaboration; inclusive, community-based approaches; developing a student’s self-advocacy skills; comprehensive and functional approaches.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS – For Our Members

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS is an opportunity for our members/readers to exchange information about their experiences in meeting the everyday events of life with their family member that has Cerebral Palsy or a disability. CPAM will publish your questions in the newsletter. We will also publish your answers. You can ask questions about equipment, services, personal concerns for your family member or you can share things like what equipment supplier is great to work with, where and how you receive good services and how you resolved some personal problems and who helped you.

For example, a member writes: My 11 year old son wants to go to camp. He is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair for mobility. We live in Northern Manitoba and I would like to transport him in our van. Are there any good camps in Northern or Central Manitoba that you would recommend? It is likely too late for this summer but we would like to know for next summer. I look forward to the information and hearing about your experience.

If you can help answer this question or want to share your experience write or email the office at
CPAM Unit 105-500 Portage Ave. Wpg. MB. R3C 3X1
or office@cerebrapalsy.mb.ca

COMMUNICATION DEVICES PROGRAM FOR ADULTS

The Communication Devices Program (CDP) will provide service to adult Manitobans (18 yrs & over) with severe communication limitations assessed as benefiting from a speech-generated device. The CDP will be part of Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Assistive Technology Products and Services found at Deer Lodge Centre. The new program will include speech-language, pathology, occupational therapy, support staff, and equipment. Future staff will include a technician to repair and maintain speech devices, and a rehab assistant to help with the programming. Clinical staff will be hired and available to provide assessment to those individuals without access to an assessment in their community or healthcare setting. The staff will provide consultation, support and education for people who use speech devices from the program and also to their caregivers. The devices will be available for free trial during the assessment process. A low rental fee will be required to continue using the device. The Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) program will cover the rental fees for participants. Equipment will remain property of the CDP. An alternate speech device can be borrowed while equipment is being repaired or if needs and abilities change. Contact: Shelley Irvine Day at 1-204-831-2579 or siday@deerlodge.mb.ca.

Accessible Suite For Rent – for a person with a disability needing attendant care supports and requiring resource support to live in the community. The Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC) Qu’Appelle Housing Project has available a suite in downtown Winnipeg for an individual to live independently while sharing staff resources. ILRC ensures individual direction and control over the daily decisions for tenants. If interested apply to: Lori Ross – Tenant Resource Coordinator – 956-0273 or Terry McIntosh – Staffing Coordinator – 942-6711

	HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR THE CODY ZANKOWSKI “LOVE OF SPORT” GOLF TOURNAMENT? PLEASE DO! Cody always smiled and laughed despite the difficulties often faced living with Cerebral Palsy. With great sadness Cody passed away in June 2007 at the young age of 15. Please support the first “LOVE OF SPORT” GOLF TOURNAMENT on Friday, August 21, 2009 at the Kingswood Golf and Country Club in LaSalle, MB. There is still space available. Registration is $150.00 per person, Texas scramble, fun and games to be had by all. Proceeds from this tournament will be designated to: Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba Children’s Hospital, St. Amant Centre and a scholarship for a student in a massage therapy program. Donations of prizes still gratefully accepted. Contact DONNA SPENCE – 979-9804 or dbspence@shaw.ca.

2007 MEMBER’S SURVEY REPORT

Have you ever wondered what happened to the surveys the association sent out to members?

We received 55 replies, about half from adult members and half from parents of children. Board members carefully read the replies, counted the responses to individual questions, and noted members’ comments. From the replies we drew up some long term goals and some more specific objectives.

When asked what they appreciated most about CPAM, the adult responders used words like help, care, support and being there. The parents used works like advice, referrals, information, support and answers. Members who applied for grants really appreciated them. There were many references to Laura Schnellert, the program and membership director, in the answers of both groups.

Many of our members – at least a third – live outside of Winnipeg. These members note that it is very difficult for them to come to the city to any events like the Retreat weekend, the adult Christmas party and the barbecue. However, for that portion of members, these events are very important.

Members, especially adults, identified huge needs in their life that they wished the association could help fill. Housing. Employment. Social needs. We also wished we could fill those needs. The reality is that most of what CPAM does to directly assist members is done by one person: our program and membership director, Laura Schnellert. Hiring more staff would mean either less money for equipment grants for members, or having staff spend a huge portion of their time on more fund raising. So when the board used the survey results to set goals and objectives we looked for the things that would make a positive difference and, given our resources, were actually achievable. If you are interested in looking at these goals please call Laura and ask her to send you a copy.

We have made progress towards achieving these goals: We haled two educational events this year. We improved our website. We’re gaining new board members. We had a summer student develop a resource package. Our research fund is increasing. And we’re continuing to do the things we were doing before. We’re granting our members funds for equipment to improve their quality of life. We held a Retreat weekend away and some social events. We work with other agencies to advocate on issues that affect our members.

Thank you for supporting CPAM. Many members participate in the Bike Race, as fundraisers or volunteers. Many people help Laura when she calls and asks. The more people from the association who get involved, the stronger our association will be, and the more we can achieve.

Here are some ideas, big and small, of things you might consider doing to help our association:

• If there is a piece of equipment, especially something related to mobility or communication, that would lessen the impact of your disability or improve your quality of life, fill out a grant application. You just might get it. People who support our association financially like to know that their support benefits our members in a concrete way.
• Ask Laura for some CPAM brochures to leave at places you visit (doctor’s offices, schools) that should have some but don’t.
• Pay attention to disability-related areas that need advocacy. Write a letter. If you’re a good letter writer, offer to write advocacy letters on behalf of the association.
• There are some organizations that invite CPAM to send a representative to a meeting on a one-time or ongoing basis. Laura doesn’t have enough hours to meet all these requests, and board members are often not available. If you might be able to represent CPAM at a meeting, let Laura know.
• Write something for the newsletter. Perhaps you’ve found a good resource. Perhaps you’ve had an experience (positive or negative) that you would like to share. Perhaps you would like to tell about your life. It’s a great way for members to share ideas and resources with each other.
• Consider the idea of volunteering on the board or on a committee. If there isn’t time in your life now, tuck the idea away as something you might consider in the future.

Hope to hear from you. Rebecca Ehnes, President

GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASE $30 MILLION STRATEGY – OPENING DOORS FOR MANITOBANS WITH DISABILITIES The Minister of Family Services and Housing and Persons with Disabilities announced recently that $30 million down payment which includes funds from the federal government will be allocated for the following: $5.4 million for HOMEworks for Manitobans with disabilities. This two-year federal-provincial initiative includes targeted construction of additional housing units and will focus on greater community living for people with intellectual disabilities, physical accessibility and housing that people with mobility restrictions can easily access (visitable housing). $11 million barrier-busting infrastructure plan. Eight initiatives will be funded to make public buildings more accessible in Winnipeg, Emerson, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Minnedosa and Morden. In addition, 15 schools will construct grooming rooms, specialized washrooms, chair lifts or elevators. Investments will also be made to enhance provincial campground accessibility and upgrades to 14 non-profit community facilities. $12.8 million in additional funding for disability services. This funding will largely help more people with intellectual disabilities live and participate in the community. There will be $2.7 million in additional funding for children with disabilities including therapy services for about 750 more children, 8.5 new preschool Applied Behavioural Analysis spots and respite services for 80 new families New marketAbilities employment initiatives. Five hundred Manitobans with disabilities will be enabled to get jobs through Reaching Equality Employment Services with $522,000 in new funding. A new comprehensive guide will serve as a valuable resource for Manitobans with disabilities who are seeking jobs or training, or want to start their own businesses. A child-care inclusion support program. The plan includes $400,000 in funding for enhanced access to specialized equipment and a regulatory requirement or annual personalized child plan and inclusive programming, as well as training and mentoring for child-care workers. A boost to Manitoba’s New Primary Caregiver Tax Credit. Now, rather than needing an in-depth homecare assessment, the caregiver of anyone in community living or children’s special services will automatically qualify, which will cut the time and effort required to receive a tax credit of up to $1020 each year. Comments are sought from the public by mail at the Disabilities Issues Office, 630-240 Graham Ave. Wpg. R3C 0J7 or openingdoors@gov.mb.ca. Consultation paper is posted at www.gov.mb.ca/dio.

MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT ITEMS FOR SALE, EXCHANGE OR GIVE AWAY. FOR SALE: Sit to stand hoyer lift, includes small & medium lifting vest. Used but in excellent condition. Asking $2500 – contact 747-2301 FOR SALE: New, never used, Bruno porch lift – will reach above 5 feet if needed – asking $4200 (cost $5200) - contact tomjr@mts.net or 888-9073.         COMFORT N CARE CLOTHING This company specializes in adaptive apparel. The goal is to encourage all people regardless of ability to express their unique personalities while wearing comfortable high quality adaptive clothing that promotes self esteem, personal expression, and social acceptance. There is also a Youth Adaptive line of clothing. Contact 204-981-5113.         Motivating Sounds Music Therapy Summer Program Information Music programs for children and youth. Contact – Tanya Loewen – 943-0848 motivatingsounds@mts.net         FAMILY BIKE & BOWLING DAY REHABILITATION CENTRE FOR CHILDREN DATES: July 5 & 26 TIME: 1-4 PM PLACE: 633 Wellington Crescent No cost to families. Bring your bikes or reserve a bike from RCC. To register contact Carol Kehler or Pam Becker 452-4311 – ext. 170         BETTER FATHERING A non-profit group run by men for men who want to be the best fathers that they can be. Fathering issues is a series being held Thursdays, September 17/09 to December 3/09 7-9 PM at Kateri Parish, 794 Ellice Ave. (Home St. entrance). This series is for men who are in a fathering role and are interested in becoming more nurturing and who wish to explore ways of increasing their parenting skills and involvement with their children. Childcare is provided for men who are in a fathering role. Contact: Paul – 782-7987 – better_fathering@mts.net Donovan – 204-801-8024 – dtomlinson@gov.mb.ca