dialect spring 2014

Dialect Newsmagazine of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living

Kincaid is inclusionpage 16

Taylor’s Recycling

Pick-Up Inspires

Community page 18

Inclusion is...

Brodie’s Jobpage 7

Inclusionis

bridgingthe gappage 9

RDACL’sNextChapterBook Clubpage 12

Dreamsare

realistic page 20

Spring 2014

Dialect

Dialect is owned and published by the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL). The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights in regards to copyright of their work. All articles, stories, interviews and other materials in Dialect are the copyright of Dialect, or are reproduced with permission from other copyright owners. All rights are reserved. No articles, stories, interviews and other materials may otherwise be copied, modified, published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written permission of the SACL. No person, organization or party should rely or on any way act upon any part of the contents of this publication whether that information is sourced from a website, magazine or related product without first obtaining the advice of a fully qualified person. The publisher, editors, contributors and related parties shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by any other contributor, consultant, editor or related party. The information published in the magazine is believed to be true and accurate but the SACL cannot accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may occur or make any warranty for the published materials.

WinnerBronze Media AwardCanadian Association for Community LivingMemorial Award,The Media Club of Canada

Certificates of Excellence for Outstanding MediaU.S. Down Syndrome Congress

Dialect is published three times a year by the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL). The Dialect is funded in part by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association.

Comments, questions and story ideas are encouraged and welcomed. The views expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the SACL. Dialect is sent to members of the SACL and other stakeholders.

Cover Photo: Sharie GrossEditing and Layout: Bonnie Cherewyk Printing and Distribution: PrintWest/Mister Print

SACL Provincial Office:3031 Louise StreetSaskatoon, SK S7J 3L1Telephone: 306-955-3344E-mail: [email protected]: www.sacl.org

The Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL) is a non-profit organization that offers support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Funding for Dialect is provided in part by a grant from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. SACL Vision

All individuals are valued, supported and included in all aspects of life.

SACL Mission

Is to ensure that citizens of Saskatchewan who have intellectual disabilities are valued, supported and included members of society and have opportunities and choices in all aspects of life.

SACL Board of Directors

June Avivi Cindy Bartok Juanita BuyakiBluesette CampbellDianne Christianson Doug Conn Jamie EllisNytosha Kober/Sharon Bourdeau Matt Leisle Gloria Mahussier Mike Mahussier Stuart Mason/Greg Plosz Dorothea PehlSusan Quiring Janice RutherfordKim SandagerTed & Loretta SchugmannTami SmithHeather TetzlaffWilda WallaceMargaret Woods

Brodie’s Job - page 7

3DIALECT | SPRING 2014

Inclusion is bridging the gap - page 9

RDACL’s Next Chapter Book Club - page 12 Kincaid is inclusion - page 16

Taylor’s Recycling Pick-Up Inspires Community - page 18

Dreams are realistic - page 20

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ALSO INSIDE

4 Message from the SACL President 5 Message from the SACL Executive Director 6 Message from CACL10 Locally made11 Regina & District Association for Community Living 13 New Beginnings14 Sharing Smiles Day 15 Inclusion is being a member of your local camera club22 SACL’s Annual Family Conference23 SACL Partners

Message from the SACL President BY GLORIA MAHUSSIERSACL PRESIDENT

Our membership and volunteers choose to be involved with the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL) because we believe in inclusion. We are passionate and see every day the barriers that still exist for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The SACL exists to guide families and to be the voice of

individuals – bringing a disability context to the forefront of policy development, education and our community.

I became involved with the SACL because I believe in inclusion and needed advocacy support to ensure my son was fully included - living the life he chose. Through my involvement I have seen our society evolve, embrace and create options that will make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.

An important milestone for community was made in 2010 when Canada ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This is an advocacy tool I highly recommend to parents and individuals to ensure access to the same choice and opportunity as anyone else living in our community.

Our Premier, the Honourable Brad Wall publicly stated his goal to make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to live for persons with disabilities. This is a powerful statement and I am touched to see his commitment towards our sons and daughters.

The Government of Saskatchewan is working with community to improve services and supports. Last August, the Government of Saskatchewan accepted all 14 recommendations developed in partnership with the SACL, the Valley View Centre Family Group and the Ministry of Social Services. The recommendations were created to guide transition planning for individuals living at Valley View Centre to new homes in communities of their choice. This document will create more options and strengthen service delivery for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The Government of Saskatchewan is also undertaking public consultations to develop a Disability Strategy that will make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to live for persons with disabilities. This is an opportunity for us to share our ideas and solutions in how we can make inclusion real for every individual with an intellectual disability.

No one understands disability better than the parents and individuals who live it every day. You see the small things that matter and know what will make the largest impact for your son or daughter. I encourage you to share your knowledge to create better policy.

We can make Saskatchewan the best place to live for our sons and daughters, but we have to do it together.

Being included, for some, is part of everyday living - belonging, being included in life. Inclusion should not have to be defined. Maybe one day the term inclusion can be removed from our vocabulary.

4 DIALECT | SPRING 2014

WE CAN MAKE SASKATCHEWAN THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE FOR OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS, BUT WE HAVE TO DO IT TOGETHER.

Photo courtesy of Marcia Vogt.

BY KEVIN MCTAVISHSACL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Inclusion means different things to different people. Ultimately, what inclusion means is that no one is excluded from participating, and everyone is given the opportunity to participate.

My experience as the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL) teaches me invaluable knowledge of inclusion every day, and has made me aware of assumptions and attitudes that previously, I was not aware of.

Before I started working at the SACL I assumed individuals with intellectual disabilities were supported. The thought never once crossed my mind that an individual or their family would have to advocate to be included in the classroom, a field trip, or the workforce.

I can honestly admit I didn’t understand inclusion the way I do now. Now I am much more aware of what inclusion is, the benefits of inclusion, and how successful an individual is, given the opportunity and support.

Before writing this, I asked my wife how I have changed since I began

working at the SACL. She tells me I have become even more accepting and emphatic to everyone’s needs - overall I have become a better person.

I agree with her. Working at the SACL has made me a better person and more conscientious of how I include others.

Today I see both the challenges and opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Advocating and standing up for what you believe in isn’t always easy, but seeing the result of it is extremely rewarding.

I came into the Executive Director position with a corporate/business background; focusing on professionalism, efficiency and strategy. While those three aspects are still essential, I find my focus has shifted to include an individualized focus of advocating and making a difference in people’s lives. When I watch how we change lives it makes me realize how important the work we do is.

I am fortunate to be working alongside dedicated and passionate board members and staff. The professionalism and collaboration they have shown working with government, business and other non-government organizations, has made the SACL successful in

working together to make inclusion the norm.

I have to give credit and appreciation to the Disability Income Support Coalition (DISC). DISC has been a role model and leader in validating that community and government can both work together, and develop policy together. DISC and the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program clearly demonstrate the benefits of working together.

I am inspired by the individuals and families I meet each day. Brodie, Lauren, Nicole, Jack, Eric, David, Alex, and Taylor are some of the individuals you will meet in this edition. They are successful. They are setting the stage and motivating our society to be more inclusive.

My drive is to share this knowledge with government, business, other non-government organizations and fellow citizens. We are stronger when we choose to work together.

Message from the SACL Executive Director


I AM INSPIRED BY THE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES I MEET EACH DAY.

Philip McNeill PhotographyHome Green Home2011Pike Lake Honourable Mention


Message from CACLBY DON GALLANT CACL NATIONAL DIRECTOR, READY WILLING AND ABLE

Greetings to all readers of Dialect from the Canadian Association for Community Living. We are always most pleased to be asked to provide an update on the activities of CACL. For this edition I will provide an update on recent activities related to our national Ready Willing and Able (RWA) initiative.

To begin however, and on behalf of the entire CACL federation, I wish to

commend SACL for its ongoing efforts as related to the planning process for individuals currently living at Valley View Centre. The fact that the Government of Saskatchewan adopted all the recommendations of the Valley View Centre Transition Steering Committee is most reassuring. We certainly anticipate many positive outcomes as a result of this highly individualized planning process, and as people begin to move back into community during the coming year. A very sincere thank-you to Gloria Mahussier, President and Kevin McTavish, Executive Director, of SACL for their unwavering leadership throughout this process.

The past several months have been very exciting for CACL and our Provincial and Territorial ACLs as the 2014 Federal budget witnessed the announcement of a significant investment in our Ready Willing and Able Initiative.

As many of you may know, the Ready, Willing and Able is a national initiative designed to increase labour force participation of people with developmental disabilities. In the 2014 federal budget the government of Canada announced investment into

the initiative of $15M over 3 years. This project is being delivered in partnership with the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance (CASDA) and our provincial and territorial Associations for Community Living.

The development of the Ready, Willing and Able initiative (RWA) has been part of a long-term strategy to deliver on CACL’s priority objective of achieving employment equality for people with intellectual disabilities. Efforts toward developing and securing investment for RWA have been ongoing for several

years, and we are most excited that these efforts have finally come to fruition in the form of funding from the federal government via Employment and Skills Development Canada. SACL played a significant role in these efforts – meetings with Members of Parliament, letter writing, providing stories and examples of successful employment, and other related awareness and information sharing efforts – and we thank you.

We are now beginning detailed negotiations with officials of Employment and Skills Development Canada and anticipate having RWA active in all provinces and territories by mid to late summer. Certainly over the next several months you will be hearing more about RWA and its implementation in Saskatchewan.

We also have a Ready, Willing & Able website (www.readywillingandable.c a ) f e a t u r i n g information on RWA, stories from throughout Canada and examples of community-based

initiatives active in all provinces and territories. In particular we hope you will read the “Ready, Willing and Able: Stories of Successful Employment” booklets that are featured on the web site.

Concurrent to our efforts to secure federal government funding, we also designed and delivered a RWA Pilot project in the Toronto area in partnership with Community Living Ontario, Costco Wholesale and local Toronto area ACLs. This pilot project saw Costco make a commitment to hire at least one person with an intellectual disability in each of

its 16 stores in the Toronto area. This very successful pilot led to the hiring of 23 people and indeed was so successful that we are now exploring opportunities to expand to stores in other regions.

In closing, I also wish to acknowledge the recent announcement by the government of Saskatchewan in its 2014-15 Budget of an increased investment of $84.3 million in funding for people with disabilities. This level of investment will undoubtedly lead to enhanced supports and services for people with disabilities. I am sure that the priority given by your government to supports to persons with intellectual disabilities is in no small way a direct reflection of the ongoing efforts of SACL, and certainly positions Saskatchewan well to “becoming the best place in Canada for people with disabilities to live.”

I WISH TO COMMEND SACL FOR ITS ONGOING EFFORTS AS RELATED TO THE PLANNING PROCESS FOR INDIVIDUALS CURRENTLY LIVING AT VALLEY VIEW CENTRE.

Philip McNeill PhotographyAfrican Violets

2014Theresa McNeill’s violets

Brodie’s Job

BY BONNIE CHEREWYKSACL COMMUNICATIONS AND RESEARCH ADVOCATE

When Brodie Patterson was 17 he wanted a job just like any teenager would. Tracy Patterson expected no less from her son. She saw a job posting on kijiji and thought there was no reason why Brodie couldn’t do the job. Tracy decided to phone, ask what the job requirements were, and tell them about Brodie. After Tracy’s conversation, Claysmore Water

decided they did want to meet Brodie.

Brodie went in to his interview independently and was hired on the spot. This was a great employment opportunity

for Brodie for the rest of summer and into the fall. Claysmore Water was very happy with Brodie’s performance, but decided that they required a full-time employee and couldn’t afford to have both Brodie and a full-time person.

Knowing Brodie’s skills and work experience, Claysmore Water called Robbie Kaschl, co-owner of Water World to recommend Brodie and see if they were looking to hire someone.

Brodie went to meet Robbie at Water World and was hired on the spot. Robbie admits at first he had no idea what to expect, but knows it was one the best decisions he has ever made.

Robbie tells me, “I like to think we stole one of the best employees from Claysmore Water.”

On the Lloydminster Water World’s website the team reaffirms “we pride ourselves on being a friendly close-knit team that is always willing to work together and help each other out to get the job done while still having fun. There is nothing worse than resenting your job.”

That statement is very clear after I am

done interviewing Robbie and Brodie.

Brodie is an invaluable employee to Water World. “He has helped the company be successful,” explains Robbie. “The


BRODIE IS AN EMPLOYEE ROBBIE CAN RELY ON AND WHO CHOOSES TO COME TO WORK EVERY DAY WITH A SMILE.

Inclusion is meaningful work for equal pay.

Brodie Patterson (left) with Water World co-owner Robbie Kaschl (right).


tasks Brodie is doing has allowed other employees to complete different tasks, improving our productivity.”

When Brodie started working at Water World he did have support from his Educational Assistant, Ms. Birch. Through time though, Brodie began to work more independently, as Ms. Birch lessened the amount of time she spent supporting Brodie at Water World.

“He is more capable of doing things on his own,” says Robbie. “You give him tasks and he is able to do them with less and less supervision. He has his work list. He

is responsible to make sure he gets it done and marked off.”

“Brodie does all the decapping and cleaning around the shop with the equipment. He also empties the garbage and sweeps the floors,” says Robbie. “When he is finished all his work he goes to help the guys at the bottling machine. He also helps us load the trucks. Like everyone else he does his part.”

Robbie absolutely agrees that individuals with disabilities

make great employees. Brodie is an employee Robbie can rely on and who chooses to come to work every day with a smile. Brodie has benefited the company through his positive attitude. “His smile and energy is contagious,” says Robbie. “Brodie makes everyone better.”

Brodie has changed Robbie’s perspective and has helped Robbie create a great work balance. “For me it is more personal. Brodie brings human nature to the company. When I first come in it is all about work for me, then Brodie comes in and says ‘Good morning Robbie’ and gives me a big hug or a high five. He

just puts things in perspective. This is important for my beliefs. It is good to have checks and balances at work. Brodie is that personally for me.”

Brodie has started a new trend at Water World. “He purposely has started calling our two bottlers by their opposite names,” explains Robbie. “Everybody else does it now too. He knows, but he does it on purpose just to poke the bear.”

“He is always fun,” says Robbie.

Robbie is looking forward to attending the Fireman’s Ball in Marshall with Brodie. Robbie likes lobster and Brodie likes steak. “We always trade,” says Robbie. “So I get extra lobster and Brodie gets extra steak.”

When I ask Brodie if he enjoys working at Water World, he tells me, “Oh yeah!”

Like any employee though, Brodie tells me he enjoys weekends and sleeping in. He also likes receiving a pay cheque.

After our interview Brodie takes me out for lunch.

Inclusion is an outhouse race in your community.

BY JENNIFER KIMBALLSACL ASSISTANT YOUTH COORDINATOR

For Best Buddies Members Lauren Hampton (Buddy Advocate) and Jaclyn Kozan (U of S student), inclusion means bridging the gap between people with and without disabilities.

Best Buddies Canada is an international charitable organization where students are paired up with peers who have intellectual disabilities according to their mutual interests. They get together twice a month and do things you would do with a friend; go for coffee, see a movie, or just hang out. Lauren still sees old Buddies that are no longer in the program, and has even gone to two of their weddings. There are also monthly group events where all of the Buddy pairs can get together and have fun. A Best Buddy friendship helps to break down barriers to inclusion and provide opportunities for shared experience, laughter and support.

When asked how Best Buddies had changed her perspective on people with intellectual disabilities, Jaclyn admits it “helped me see that I have been judgemental, but I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned to be kind and accepting.” She describes the Best Buddies program as a way to ‘bridge the gap’ that exists between people with disabilities and people without disabilities.

The University of Saskatchewan’s chapter

has approximately one hundred members that believe in the spirit of inclusion and friendship. It is a student run group; with two Buddy Advocates on the executive. A Buddy Advocate is an individual with an intellectual disability that takes on a leadership role in planning and running events. Lauren Hampton is one of these Buddy Advocates. Before Best Buddies, Lauren did not get out of the house

very often, and did not enjoy talking to strangers. Now, she is very outgoing and leads a very busy life. When asked how it makes her feel, she comments that it “makes me feel awesome. Better.”

This year, Best Buddies has had some

of it highest turnouts at events. Some of these events include the Winter Ball, a Blades game and the Regina Trip. The Regina trip is an especially exciting trip as it involves taking a bus down to Regina to spend the day with the University of Regina’s (U of R) Best Buddies chapter. This year they visited the Science Center, went bowling, and then had a dance party! Next year, the U of R chapter will travel up to Saskatoon. Lauren and Jaclyn both listed the Regina trip as one of their favourite events. Lauren enjoyed making new friends, while Jaclyn liked that it was a whole day for her and her buddy Marli to build their friendship. “We had a sleepover the night before and really bonded…she is a really good friend.”

The U of S chapter is always accepting donations to help fund their events. They also do two major fundraisers throughout the year. The first is their Annual Steak Night. Held in November, it includes a silent auction and 50/50. The second fundraiser is A Toast to Friendship. It is held throughout the month of March to coincide with Best Buddies Awareness Month. There are 8 participating restaurants that donate their proceeds from wine sales during the month of March. This year, the


Inclusion is bridging the gap

BEING SOCIALLY ACCEPTED IS A MAJOR PART OF BEING FULLY INCLUDED IN ONE’S

COMMUNITY.

University of Saskatchewan Best Buddies Chapter visiting the University of Regina Best Buddies Chapter.

Jaclyn (left) and Marli (right).


Locally MadeBY BONNIE CHEREWYKSACL COMMUNICATIONS AND RESEARCH ADVOCATE

In La Ronge, Educator Pam Sanderson has successfully worked with her students to create a student run business – a business that makes rags to sell to local businesses.

“We surveyed the students for ideas, and identified their abilities and what they

were interested in doing,” explains Pam.

Through this business the students are able to learn and develop a range of skills including fine motor skills, social skills, organizational skills, understanding weight and measurements, creating invoices and receipts, managing money, conducting bank transactions, managing inventory, improving literacy, and understanding competitive pricing.

“It’s not only a student run business, it’s

also about showing the business you run is as real as you make it in life,” explains Pam. “Being able to take those skills and use them in a place of business. We also work to transfer skills from the classroom to a work environment, or a recreation environment. It is important that they are able to utilize those skills amongst many people.”

Tyler and Wapun are two students who are actively involved in the rag business. Although they are working and learning

participating restaurants were the Spadina Freehouse, 6Twelve, Flint Saloon, Prairie Harvest Café, Yard and Flagon Pub, The Rook and Raven, Rembrandt’s Fine Dining and Wine Bar, and Bliss Fine Food. Best Buddies members have even been on CTV News and Global news to advertise the group and the fundraiser.

Best Buddies is a great program because it provides social opportunities for individuals. Having a social life is vital for overall health. Knowing that you have friends that accept you and want

to be with you is important for one’s self-esteem and confidence. Being socially accepted is a major part of being fully included in one’s community.

For Lauren, inclusion means being able to meet new friends and being able to work where she wants. For Jaclyn, it means “being aware of pre-judgements and making a choice to join together in love and friendship. After a while it doesn’t become a choice, it becomes a part of who you are.”

They both believe that Best Buddies is such an important program as it helps promote inclusion in the community. “When people see the pairs hanging out, it can become a natural thing,” says Jaclyn. “You just see friends, you don’t see the differences. You just see people.”

For more information on Best Buddies, or to sign up, contact Andrea Young at 1.306.955.3344 ext 125 or email at [email protected].

Tyler (left), Pam (centre) and Wapun (right) tearing cloth for rags.


new skills, it is a job they both enjoy.

As Wapun and Tyler are operating the

business there are huge amounts of laughter as they joke, “Rag it and bag it! Wahoo, this is the way we roll!”

When I ask Pam how successful the rag business has been she replies, “We can’t keep the rags on the shelf! We are always looking for cotton clothing, flannel sheets and towels to make the rags.”

This business has been great in engaging individuals with the community and local

businesses. Currently in La Ronge: NAPA Autobody, Rona, and MacGiver’s Pine Auto are selling the locally made rags.

The money earned through the business goes to support community events, initiatives and transition supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The students have also grown Northern Wild plants for the First Nation University’s urban medicine wheels. “It was really an esteeming activity that our students worked through with other people in the community,” says Pam.

Another innovative activity Pam did with her students was to make paper from shredded recycled paper. They took

that skill and taught it to students at an elementary school.

Currently Pam and her students are making mobile gardens and flower pots with recycled bolt pails from the steel workers who built the school.

Pam, Tyler and Wapun are continually engaging with community –learning new skills, selling their product and sharing their expertise.

Regina and District Association for Community Living BY BONNIE CHEREWYKSACL COMMUNICATIONS AND RESEARCH ADVOCATE

The Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL) is made up of 11 branches in communities throughout the province. For this issue of Dialect, the SACL would like to recognize our Regina Branch, the Regina and District Association for Community Living (RDACL) for their support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Tarina Mayer recently became RDACL’s new Executive Director in January 2014. Tarina brings with her a passion of supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. “I took the opportunity with excitement, knowing this was something I wanted to build my career on,” says Tarina.

RDACL has initiated a number of successful programs in Regina. RDACL partnered with People First Regina and the University of Regina (Faculty of Education and Registrar’s Office) to create an inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program, Campus for All.

According to the University of Regina website this initiative provides opportunities for individuals to audit classes, improve literacy and establish social connections with fellow students. Students attend classes, participate in campus activities, make friends, prepare

for the work world, and enjoy the same opportunities as their post-secondary peers. Campus for All was so successful, the University of Regina decided to take over leadership and management of the program.

RDACL also coordinates a successful Best Buddies Chapter at the University of Regina. Best Buddies foster friendships between a young adult with an intellectual disability and a University of Regina student. This program gives individuals the chance to have experiences most people take for granted – going for coffee, out to a movie, or simply enjoying the company of a good friend. Best Buddies has been so successful in Regina that both high schools and elementary schools have also adopted the program. “Our current University of Regina Chapter President has been involved with Best Buddies for 7 years because she had the opportunity to get involved in high school,” says Brenda McMullen, RDACL Program Coordinator.

RDACL is a member affiliate of the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN). PLAN exists to assist families in planning with their loved ones with a disability now and in the future. As listed on the RDACL website, RDACL provides the following services:

• Future planning consultations

• Monitor quality of programs and services

• Advocate on behalf of people with a disability with government and non-government agencies

• Create awareness of the contribution that can be made by people with a disability

• Organize training and information for families on issues, alternatives to guardianship, wills and estate planning, the Disabilities Savings Plan, etc.

Currently, RDACL is in the planning stages of launching a new initiative, Let’s Connect. “We are just finishing our trial sessions of the Let’s Connect program,” explains Tarina. “Let’s Connect will be a 6 week program, that people can come and learn how to use an iPad. Some of the sessions will include safety, and some will include exploring apps to meet different needs and help individuals get connected. The best part is that at the end of the sessions you can keep the iPad!”

Let’s Connect will be a provincial initiative and Tarina encourages anyone who is interested to look for upcoming information in their community.

If you are interested in learning more about the services and supports RDACL provides please visit their website at rdacl.ca or phone them at 306-790-5680.

THIS BUSINESS HAS BEEN GREAT IN ENGAGING INDIVIDUALS WITH THE COMMUNITY AND LOCAL BUSINESSES.



Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) is a community group that encourages reading, learning, and discussion in a fun interactive social environment.

Regina and District Association for Community Living (RDACL) created a Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) in 2011 after a previous employee learned about this initiative, which originated through the Ohio State University Nisonger Center.

“I became involved in the book club right when it started in July 2011 because I really loved reading books and I always wanted to be in a book club,” says Nicole Behr a member of NCBC.

RDACL started the program with 1 book club, 2 volunteer facilitators and 7 members. Now it has grown to include 6 book clubs, 13 volunteer facilitators and 35 members.

“NCBC is a community inclusion program targeted towards people who are looking for something to do and are interested in being a member of a book club,” explains Eve Reed NCBC Coordinator. “The same reasons anyone would like to join a book club.”

NCBC is an opportunity for individuals with varying reading levels to improve their literacy abilities and enjoy reading. “NCBC has three main goals we work to achieve: social interaction, community inclusion and literacy,” says Eve.

“NCBC is different from other book clubs because you actually practice reading while you are meeting,” explains Eve.

“We go around the circle, taking turns reading. If you don’t want to, that is okay – you go at your own pace. If there is vocabulary that we are not sure of we look it up as a group.”

“Many things surprised us from the program that

we hadn’t anticipated,” explains Brenda McMullen Program Coordinator with RDACL. “One of our members was not an enthusiastic reader, but when we had a new member begin who was also shy and self-conscious about reading, the individual welcomed him and said, ‘I’ll read, then I’ll help you read.’ We were excited to see that person to person mentorship develop.”

NCBC works towards social engagement through their members and volunteers. “We always start our meetings by asking everyone how their week was, what they have coming up, or if there is anything anyone is looking forward to,” says Eve. “Relationships are built between members, volunteers and other community members who also use the coffee shop.”

“The best part of the book club is meeting new friends,” says Nicole.

Eve and Brenda also share with me an example of one of the book clubs

deciding to read the Hunger Games. After they finished the book, they decided to go and watch the movie together.

The NCBC fosters volunteerism in the Regina community. “University students in Education become involved to earn their volunteer hours, but because the students fall in love with NCBC and see how worthwhile it is they choose to continue on as a volunteer,” says Brenda.

When NCBC member Nicole Behr learned of the Chapters Ahead conference in Chicago she decided she wanted to present.

“I decided to go to the conference in Chicago because I was curious about other book clubs and I wanted to meet the people who started it,” explains Nicole.

Eve worked with Nicole on producing a video they would show at the conference. Developing the video was one project,

but Nicole and Eve also worked together to develop a fundraising campaign to raise money to attend the conference.

Nicole is a talented writer who has always enjoyed writing stories. “I started writing

short stories when I was in grade four and chapter stories when I was in high school,” says Nicole.

Eve asked her to choose her favourite story to publish and share with anyone who wanted to support NCBC. The story Nicole chose was “The Next Chapter,” a tale of fantasy and adventure.

“Nothing really inspired me to write the book,” says Nicole. “I usually just come up with an idea for a story and my fingers start working on their own.”

Local artist Annette Marie Nedilenka volunteered to draw illustrations for Nicole’s story, and Impact Printers supported the printing of the book. From this local support Eve and Nicole had a great tool they could use in their fundraising endeavour.

Eve also had t-shirts developed for them to sell that included a graphic of the main character in the book.

RDACL’s Next Chapter Book Club

NCBC IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH VARYING READING LEVELS TO IMPROVE THEIR LITERACY ABILITIES AND ENJOY READING.

Eve (left) and Nicole (right).


Eve along with 2 facilitators and 3 members attended the conference last October. Nicole’s video was very well received!

“The conference overall was really great. There was something for everyone,” says Eve. “One really inspiring session was on self-determination and decision-making. It reminded us all of questions we should be asking ourselves before making a

decision: Do I have all the information needed to make this decision? Am I comfortable making this decision? Do I need something said in a different way?

“My favourite part of the conference was when they talked about a theater group and a writing group that included people with disabilities,” says Nicole.

“Our dream for the program is to bring

NCBC more into the community of Regina as well as the province,” says Brenda. “We hope as more people learn about this there will be interest. We can bring our information, our experiences and our success stories to other groups so they too can start a successful book club in their community.”

BY MICHELE FITZPATRICK AND WANDA JONASSACL TRANSITION PLAN ADVOCATES

In the last few months we have been holding PATH meetings for the people who are currently living at Valley View Centre (VVC). During these meetings individuals get to discuss, dream and talk about their wishes for their lives as they move into their chosen communities.

Jack, Eric and David all chose to stay in Moose Jaw. They are very involved in community activities through Special Olympics, going to Moose Jaw Warrior games, and being involved in the community choir. They have formed friendships in Moose Jaw over the years that they would like to continue as they move into their new homes.

On January 30, 2014, Citizens All in Moose Jaw brought staff and board members to meet with them, the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL), the Community Service Workers (CSWs) and a current VVC staff member. We had an informal meeting so everyone could get to know each other better. It was a great meeting with Jack, David and Eric. They were more than happy to share their desires, wishes and hopes with everyone involved.

The absolute true excitement came on February 21, 2014 when they each received a letter from the Executive Director of Citizens All. The letter let them know how happy Citizens All was to meet them, and that they would love for them to come live in one of their homes. Their home is in the planning stages, but Citizens All will work hard to ensure this can happen as soon as possible.

We asked the guys to tell us what they are looking forward to most when they move.

Jack said “I’ll be very comfortable and very happy.”

David informed us that he “can’t wait to have tea there.”

And Eric with a huge smile on his face told us “being able to live with friends I choose.”

They were all very excited to get the letter and they proudly carried it around for days, telling everybody they talked to in their daily travels!

Congratulations Eric, David and Jack. We are very excited for you and can’t wait to come over for coffee in your new house!

New Beginnings

Inclusion is choosing who you live with.Eric holding his letter.David (left) and Jack (right) holding their letters.


BY JENNIFER KIMBALL AND MEGAN WELLSSACL ASSISTANT YOUTH COORDINATOR AND SACL SELF-ADVOCACY COORDINATOR

Oral Health, Total Health (OHTH) is a non-profit organization that has several chapters across Canada. The Saskatoon Chapter was established by Richard Andrews and is led by the Faculty of the College of Dentistry and dental students. OHTH Saskatoon Chapter held their first annual Sharing Smiles Day on Saturday, March 15. The purpose of this day was to raise awareness for special needs dentistry and the barriers that exist for people with disabilities in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL) believes that it is important for professionals to know how vital oral care access is, as for far too long it has seemed to be a second priority for health. When we are talking about the health of an individual, we can’t separate the head from the body. When people

are able to have healthy teeth and gums, they can feel more confident, and can engage socially, without pain and without the stigma that poor dental hygiene can entail. Several people we support have reported to us that they have been turned away from accessing oral care because there is a perceived disability that may prevent the dentist from working on a patient. We want to help educate the public that people are just people, and to encourage professionals to remove the barriers for people to access dental options in Saskatchewan! Sharing Smiles Day was an excellent way for people to gain awareness of this and learn more about oral health care.

The day started out with fun activities for all participants, including face painting, bowling and a photo booth. There were also several Roughriders present for autographs, and a Canadian bobsleigh athlete from the Sochi Olympics. Dental student volunteers helped facilitate the day and made sure everyone had a great time. Entertainment was provided by

Jordan Vassell, who played guitar and sang some of his favourite songs.

During a pizza lunch that was provided by OHTH, participants were able have an information session on providing proper oral care for individuals with disabilities. They also covered the different kinds of barriers that exist for those individuals. Afterwards, there were live demonstrations for caregivers and dental students on providing proper flossing and brushing. Participants were able to ask questions about oral health and accessing dental care.

Self-advocate and member of Best Buddies Diane Dolan says that she “thought Sharing Smiles Day was a lot of fun and I hope that it gets bigger next year.” The speaker was very helpful and she was able to come away with the names of a couple of dentists that will be able to help her.

Sharing Smiles Day 2014

Inclusion is equal access to oral health care.

Best Buddies members Lauren and Nancy met 3 SK Roughrider players and a SK Bobsleigh Athlete.


Inclusion is being a member of your local camera club.


Philip McNeill is passionate about photography. He joined the Saskatoon Camera Club 4 years ago to grow his skills and meet other passionate photographers.

Ken Greenhorn met Philip through the camera club. Ken has been a member for 7 years and has become Philip’s mentor.

The Saskatoon Camera Club has 130-140 paid members, and on any given night there are 60 or 70 who attend the meetings.

“The camera club meets every Tuesday night” says Ken. “We have clinics on certain topics that we shoot for and are judged on. There is a learning aspect to it. One example is when we invite individuals to come in and teach us about lighting, and lighting techniques we can use as photographers.”

The club meets every Tuesday from September to May. In the summer the club plans activities, where members meet and take photos together. “It’s just a fun club,” says Ken.

“I have taken Philip under my wing,” says Ken. “When he needs help, I help him out as much as possible, particularly with accessing photos on a computer.”

“I am the prints person and I look after all the prints that are submitted,” says Ken. “Philip helps me showcase the prints for each clinic to be judged and critiqued on judging night. I help him out and he helps me out.”

“Philip has grown in his photography,” says Ken. “No one can tell which photos are Philips when he submits them. They fit right in with everyone else’s in the club.”

“Inclusion is when everyone is accepted and joins in,” says Ken. “That is how the whole club welcomes Philip. He has a sharp sense of humour. We all enjoy that. ”

Philip McNeill Photography Iron WorksWestern Development Museum’s Pioneer Days 2013Honourable Mention

Philip McNeill Photography D Fence 2013Philip’s backyard

Philip McNeill PhotographyThe Pianist

2013Philip’s Niece

Honourable Mention


Kincaid is inclusionBY BONNIE CHEREWYKSACL COMMUNICATIONS AND RESEARCH ADVOCATE

Approximately 5 years ago, Alex James Gavin moved to Kincaid, a small village in southern Saskatchewan. Not having been to Kincaid before I was excited to meet Alex and learn how the community has supported him to be successful.

When I meet Alex I can’t help but smile. Anyone who meets Alex can instantly see how his smile is contagious.

Alex recently graduated high school in 2012. He tells me of the various jobs he did while he was in school. “I was their coke man, the recycling man, and the flower man,” says Alex. “I love helping everyone.”

In addition to helping people Alex loves bowling, swimming, hiking, family reunions, and watching some hockey games.

Rhonda Pilgrim, a student support teacher with the Kincaid Central School has been a key support in Alex’s transition from high school. “My role is to build those bridges from our school to living

in the community,” explains Rhonda.

Alex received a number of work experience opportunities in school including the postal office and the local grocery store. “The community got to know him,” says Rhonda.

“Our vision for Alex when he left this building was that one day he would be working with people because he is a

people person,” says Rhonda. “Alex’s strength is that he is always so happy.”

Rhonda invited Marci Down, the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL)’s Employment, Education and Transition Facilitator to be a part of Alex’s transition planning. “I supported Alex by accessing employment supports for him such as a training allowance and

job coach support,” says Marci.

“When SACL got involved it was really like passing a baton from the school to community living - they really built a bridge to community,” says Rhonda.

Rhonda and Marci approached Nina Bouffard with the Kincaid rink to be a mentor and coach for Alex. They believed the rink would be a great opportunity for

WHEN HE IS AT THE RINK HE IS TYING SKATES FOR LITTLE KIDS, HE IS CONNECTING WITH ADULTS, HE IS PART OF THE COMMUNITY.

Alex Gavin. Photo courtesy of Sharie Gross.


Inclusion is coaching a baseball team.comes around because he just has the smile. The community just accepts him. This is a super community.”

I was very touched by Alex’s response to what it means to be a part of the community.

“I like helping other people, if someone was stuck in the snow I would help them. I would ask them how their day is and how the weather is,” says Alex.

To Alex being a part of the community is about communicating and helping each other.

Alex to work with people and connect even more with the community.

Working at the rink was an opportunity for Alex to obtain more work experience and build his skill set. The rink is 100% volunteer driven, but Nina, with the support of the SACL worked to carve a position and make Alex their first employee.

Marci hosted a workshop with the volunteers at the rink so they would know how to best support Alex. “She did an incredible job,” says Rhonda.

With the support of Nina and the Kincaid District Community Service Club board, the community, and the SACL, Alex started working at the rink in the Fall of 2012. His job title was Manager in Training.

When Alex first started working the SACL provided job coach support. Marci worked with Alex’s job coaches on their role in helping Alex succeed. “During this process we had some really good discussion and questions came up that you didn’t realize would be a concern,” says Rhonda. “This was invaluable.”

“My role was to guide Alex to his next job and answer any questions he had with what he was being asked,” explains Holly Ross, Alex’s job coach. “And to tell him how fabulous he was doing in a supportive way.”

“Alex was so easy to support because he was so eager to do things properly and thoroughly,” says Sharie Gross, Alex’s other job coach. “I guided him for the first little while, but very quickly, he was able to check all the things that he thought might need doing on his own.”

“My job coaches supported me very well,” says Alex. “When I needed help they showed me which jobs needed to be done.”

“The community as a whole was so excited to have such great help,” says Holly.

“I do the dishes, cardboards, garbage, mopping, sweeping, and I butter a lot of buns,” says Alex.

When I ask Alex if he enjoys working at the rink he replies, “I love it.”

“When he is at the rink he is tying skates for little kids, he is connecting with adults, he is part of the community,” says Rhonda. The general message is that this community has been phenomenal in supporting what Alex has needed.”

From previous work experiences, access to job coaches and being given the opportunity Alex now is able to work independently. This is Alex’s second year at the rink and he no longer needs job coach support to successfully complete his job.

“Alex has grown the most in his confidence - in his ability to do his job, to work with others and in himself,” says Marci. “Alex is very hard working and willing to give everything he has. He has proven how he can be an important employee and work in the community of Kincaid.”

“Alex is an exceptional young man,” says Nina. “He has taught us quite a bit and he always comes in happy. He is very independent, he loves people and if you give him his list he just gets right at it.”

Alex has lots of dreams and goals he wants to accomplish. “I want to stay in the Kincaid area and I would definitely like to go to college,” says Alex. “I would like to take a youth program to be a youth leader and help kids with different disabilities - to make them feel happy and to teach them to do fun stuff. I would also like to be a foster parent or a social worker.”

Alex also tells me of his ford mustang – which he is very proud of owning.

“Alex is just a fantastic young man,” says Theresa Weiterman, Alex’s foster mom. “We were blessed when he came into our home. We will be very sad if he ever leaves. He is tremendous. Everybody in the community just smiles when he

Nina (left) and Alex (right) at the Kincaid rink.


Taylor’s Recycling Pick-Up Inspires Community BY BONNIE CHEREWYKSACL COMMUNICATIONS AND RESEARCH ADVOCATE

Taylor Layton is a young entrepreneur in Outlook, Saskatchewan that has recently taken her business to the next level.

Taylor’s Recycling Pick-Up began with Eloise, Taylor’s mom. Eloise wanted her

daughter to have both a job she enjoyed doing and one that allowed her to stay in her home community of Outlook.

Taylor and Eloise created a recycling business that was not only needed in Outlook, but that Taylor could successfully run.

Taylor and Eloise decided to submit a video to the Just Watch Me Video Contest, which recognizes successful rural entrepreneurs with disabilities. Their goal was to attract more customers. You can watch Taylor’s contest video here: http://www.justwatchmecontest.

ca/winners/

Once Taylor’s video was chosen as one of the top 4 videos, the contest entered a round of public voting. Taylor received 3,374 votes or 48% of the total vote. “When she made the finals that was exciting,” says Eloise. “When she won, that was over the top!”

For winning first place Taylor was presented with:

• $1,000 cash from Community Futures Manitoba

• Collection of must read business books from Women’s Enterprise Center Manitoba

• One hour of consulting and mentoring from a Business Development Bank of Canada Business Specialist

• A Facebook management service package from Digital Relay

• An Olympus Digital Camera from Canadian Youth Business Foundation

• 3 Hours of consultation with marketing and sales expert: Mike Klein owner and CEO of Meshy Communications

• One year subscription to smallbusinessolver.com

• One year associate membership from Women’s Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan

• $500 cheque from Mid-Sask Community Futures

Winning the contest made the community much more aware of Taylor and her business, providing inspiration to those who watched the video. Global News, Flaman, and lia sophia worked together to plan a surprise for Taylor.

On the day of Taylor’s surprise, Taylor thought she was coming in to Saskatoon

“TAYLOR IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE,” SAYS ELOISE. “SHE IS RAISING THE BAR.”

The day of Taylor’s surprise. Photo courtesy of Lindsay Sanderson.

Inclusion is being a community role model.


to buy rubber boots. Instead she was surprised with a trailer and table full of jewelley!

“Flaman got involved with Taylor’s story through a friend who contacted us and told us a little bit about it,” explains Mitch Flaman. “Taylor’s drive, ambition and entrepreneurship runs deep within this company, which was started by my grandpa 55 years ago.”

“When we saw that she was in need of a trailer to help her grow her business that was something we were more than willing to help her with,” says Mitch. “The trailer we are giving her is a custom built trailer that caters to her needs. It has higher sides and it has expanded metal so nothing can blow out of it. It also has a retractable tarp on the top. We are painting it green to match her tagline: Working on a greener Outlook.”

After Mitch presents Taylor with her trailer he tells me, “It is overwhelming. This was a lot cooler than I expected it to be. To see how much it meant to Taylor, makes it mean a lot more to us. To her we are giving her the next step in her business - a dream come true.”

Local lia sophia consultant, Kathryn Wall learned of Taylor’s contest video through facebook. “I watched it and was like wow, that girl is awesome,” says Kathryn.

After Taylor won the contest Kathryn saw Taylor on Global News, and heard her comment, “I need some new jewellery… don’t tell mom!” After Kathryn heard this she decided to get Taylor some lia sophia

jewellery. You can watch that video here: http://globalnews.ca/video/1175434/overcoming-challenges-a-young-entrepreneur-celebrates-success

Kathryn shared Taylor’s video with her lia sophia team on facebook, asking if anyone else wanted to donate jewellery with her. “Right away we had a bunch of people saying I am in!”

Kathryn’s team leader, Shauntelle Cox contacted Marcia Cota, Managing Director of lia sophia. “Within 2 hours we knew Marcia was going to be getting involved from head office,” says Kathryn. “We knew it went from something really little to really big in about 2 hours.”

“Marcia contacted me herself, telling me she was really excited and asked me to pick out 25 pieces for Taylor in the catalogue,” says Eloise. “There ended up being a lot more jewellery than the 25 items I picked out!”

“The night before I didn’t sleep at all because I was so excited,” says Kathryn. “I was like a kid on Christmas. The day of I was walking around with butterflies in my stomach, both nervous and excited.”

Marcia came to Saskatoon to surprise

Taylor with the jewellery. She also surprised Taylor and her mom with an invitation to speak at a lia sophia Conference in Toronto this July. Taylor is very excited about going to Toronto!

“It was an incredible experience to be a part of,” says Kathryn. “Something as simple as wanting to help someone in the smallest way can turn into something so huge.”

“I feel great!” says Taylor. “I just love lia sophia and my trailer! It is a dream come true!”

A year ago Taylor had 33 customers. Today she has 78!

“I think we’ve been successful because it’s a good service,” says Eloise. “It’s also

The day of Taylor’s surprise. Photo courtesy of Lindsay Sanderson.

Taylor hugging Mitch Flaman after he told her Flaman will be giving her a custom built trailer. Photo courtesy of Lindsay Sanderson.

Taylor’s Trailer



Bronson Christianson’s future goals are to live in an apartment with his girlfriend of 13 years and his pet dog, Frankie.

He would also like to work and have a job. “If I didn’t have a disability I would want to be a RCMP Officer,” says Bronson.

Bronson requires some support to live independently. Dianne Christianson, Bronson’s mom would want some type of support network close by to stop in and see how Bronson is doing, and someone Bronson could contact if he needed help.

“I want a safe, healthy home for Bronson that is comfortable,” says Dianne.

Previously Bronson worked during the winter months at the Creighton Sportex Arena for 7 years. Both the Gary Tinker Federation and the town of Creighton sponsored Bronson in this employment opportunity. “He really enjoyed working there,” explains Dianne. “He gets along well with people, and he was an excellent employee - very punctual and never left until the job was done.” Bronson was last employed over 4 years ago.

Working in the community and living in an apartment are not unrealistic goals for persons with disabilities, but Bronson, now 33 is still waiting to make his dreams a reality. “People take for granted working, having a job and living where they choose,” says Dianne.

“Families in Creighton and Northern Saskatchewan in general

don’t have supports,” says Dianne. “There is a continued lack of resources.”

“I just think that people in general should be able to reside where they want to,” says Dianne. “If they want to remain in their home community they should. If they want to move and experience something else they should do it. If they want to try something they should try it.”

Creighton is unique both in its geographical distance from Saskatchewan supports, services and resources, and its close proximity to the Manitoba border. “Geographically, Creighton neighbours the Manitoba border, right beside our sister community of Flin Flon,” explains Dianne. “We could marry so many facilities and programs, but we don’t because there is the division of the provincial line. No one wants to give in first and provide funding.”

One example Dianne shares is that both residents of Creighton and Flin Flon used to pay the same fees at the Aqua Centre in Flin Flon. This has changed. Creighton residents now pay 42% more in fees for the same service.

The Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL) provides support to individuals and families throughout

the province, but there is a void in support and access to information for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in northern communities. The geographical area and number of individuals the Prince Albert and Region Advocate supports has not allowed the SACL the ability to fill this void.

To address this need the SACL is working towards securing resources to implement a Northern Partnerships for Inclusion (NPI) program. If funding is secured the NPI initiative would

Dreams are realistic

Bronson Christianson

been successful because of Taylor. People want to support her.”

“Community support has been much more than I anticipated,” says Eloise. “The town just got right behind her and our phone has been ringing with all these new customers.”

“I have so much to thank Jeannine Harlton for,” says Eloise.

Jeannine was an Employment, Education and Transition Facilitator with the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL) and a key support for Taylor’s plan after high school.

“Taylor is making a difference,” says Eloise. “She is raising the bar.”

You can watch Taylor’s surprise here: http://globalnews.ca/news/1216262/dreams-come-true-for-local-entrepreneur-with-a-disability/


Creating Inclusive Communities

saskatchewan.ca/disabilitystrategy | Toll Free 1-877-915-7468 | TTY 306-787-7283

Together, we can make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada for people with disabilities to live! To make this a reality, the Government of Saskatchewan and our community partners are developing a disability strategy and we need your input. If you have a disability, are a friend or family member of someone with a disability, or are a supporter with something to say, bring your voice to one of our forums. Everyone is welcome!

Public Consultation Forums:

Swift Current • First United Church Gym 223 – 3rd Avenue North East Monday, April 28 • 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Yorkton • St. Gerard’s Parish, Hall A and B 125 – 3rd Avenue North Thursday, May 1 • 1:30 – 4:30 pm

Regina • Queensbury Convention Centre, Salon 3 1700 Elphinstone Street Tuesday, May 6 • 1:30 – 4:30 pm

Saskatoon • Prairieland Exhibition 503 Ruth Street West Wednesday, May 7 • 1:30 – 4:30 pm, 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Moose Jaw • Heritage Inn, Jubilee Room 1590 Main Street North Monday, May 12 • 1:30 – 4:30 pm

Estevan • Souris Valley Leisure Centre Over 60 Club Room, 701 Souris Avenue Tuesday, May 13 • 1:30 – 4:30 pm

Regina • Core Ritchie Centre 445 – 14th Avenue Wednesday, May 15 • 1:30 – 4:30 pm, 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Prince Albert • Art Hauser Centre Ches Leach Lounge, 690B 32nd Street East Tuesday, May 20 • 1:30 – 4:30 pm

La Ronge • La Ronge Motor Inn Hotel and Suites 1120 La Ronge Avenue Wednesday, May 21 • 1:30 – 4:30 pm

Melfort • Kerry Vickar Centre 206 Bemister Avenue East Thursday, May 22 • 1:30 – 4:30 pm

North Battleford • North Battleford Western Development Museum, Museum Theatre Room Highways 16 & 40 Tuesday, May 27 • 1:30 – 4:30 pm

Meadow Lake • Meadow Lake Alliance Church Fellowship Hall, 805 – 5th Street West Wednesday, May 28 • 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Saskatoon • CNIB 1705 McKercher Drive Thursday, May 29 • 1:30 – 4:30 pm

Please RSVP by completing the registration form on our website or by calling the appropriate number below. Please let us know if you require any disability-related accommodations.

For more information, visit:

work to build community capacity, educate and provide awareness, and work with both the federal and provincial governments to develop new services and supports designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities in northern Saskatchewan.

To ensure the success of the initiative the SACL has identified three strategic geographic areas to concentrate support: Creighton, La Ronge and Pinehouse. The SACL wants to ensure families like Bronson and Dianne are supported, and Bronson is able to realize his dreams. Bronson should have the opportunity to explore employment opportunities with the RCMP.

“With the SACL’s I CAN initiative, we are also working to develop a strategy to empower people and bring a greater sense of community across the province through connecting people socially,” says Megan Wells, SACL Self-Advocacy Coordinator. “We all know that when people are doing well in all areas of their life, they have a better quality of life, and this includes strong social connections. We need to find creative ways to bring people together, and this is especially true for the remote areas of the province. Every community is different, so when we host an event in Creighton, we know it will look different than one in Swift Current. We want to help build a formula for what will work there, so that it can be led by the self-advocates and maintain that direction. I’m looking forward to working on this with Bronson, and anyone else who would like to be a part of it.”

“The SACL’s Northern Partnerships for Inclusion Initiative could mean Bronson realizing his dreams,” says Dianne. “We need someone to guide the families and be the voice of individuals like Bronson.”


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