December 3, 2010 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The day aims to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities.
The Saskatchewan Abilities Council works with people of varying abilities to enhance their independence and participation in the community through vocational, rehabilitation and recreational services. Many meaningful programs are offered by the Yorkton Branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council to support community members with varying abilities.
The Yorkton Branch also undertook a very large renovation. On June 4, 2010 the official Re-Grand Opening was celebrated. The investment made by the Tillman Family and the Ministry of Social Services will provide immeasurable benefits for the people we serve. The extensive renovation included door-less entry washrooms, wheelchair accessible kitchen, up-to-date audio visual systems throughout the facility, cleaner, quieter, warmer and smaller Training Centre and the Activity Centre increased to 4000 square feet from 2000 square feet.
The Yorkton Branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council has 6 divisions.
They are Employment Services, Immigration Settlement Services, Quality of Life Services, Community Relations/Fundraising Opportunities, Products and Commercial Services, and Recycling Services.
The following services are specific to individuals with varying abilities.
Employment Services are offered through our Partners in Employment office. We offer a range of services designed to assist individuals train for, obtain and support employment. We also assist employers find employees by recommending job accommodations and supports.
MYTH:
People with disabilities cannot maintain or obtain employment.
REALITY:
In Yorkton approximately 100 individuals were assisted in 2010 to obtain employment and 80 individuals maintained employment long term.
Justin is a young man diagnosed with an acquired brain injury which has caused many other impairments and limitations. He walks with the aid of crutches or a walker.
Justin graduated from high school in Rocanville in 2008. With the support of Partners In Employment Justin began working for Goodman Steel in September 2009. Initially Justin was hired to stuff envelopes and complete a few other tasks in the office. His position grew quickly as it was noticed he was capable of more. His duties increased to filing, stuffing envelopes, sorting counter sales binders, laminating, proofing the cheque run, shredding and photocopying. Justin has proven his ability to work hard and get his job done!
A Goodman Steel staff member commented on working with Justin, "He is very punctual, reliable and focused. It is hard to leave Justin's office without smiling, he loves to tease and we miss him dearly on the days that he is not here. We are so fortunate that Justin has chosen Goodman Steel as his employer."
Quality of Life Services are offered out of the Tillman Quality of Life Centre at the Parkland Ability Centre where we offer a variety of facility and community based activities designed to enhance the quality of life for participants. Individuals can be found enjoying bowling, the walking track, swimming, baking, music and a variety of crafts and woodworking projects. The service is also able to provide behavioural supports and case management services.
MYTH:
People with disabilities do not give back to the community.
REALITY:
Saskatchewan Abilities Council Client's hosted weekly barbeques at Sobey's for eight consecutive Thursdays during the summer months and raised $2400.00 for the Spirit of Success Fund. The July 8th barbeque raised $600.00 that was donated to the Red Cross and Salvation Army for the Yorkton Flood Relief Fund.
Clients also participated in Operation Christmas Child where they assembled 20 Shoe Boxes to be donated to Samaritan's Purse Charity. The boxes are used as Christmas gifts and sent to under privileged countries for the less fortunate children to enjoy.
Clients also enjoy volunteering in the community. They can be seen at several organizations such as the SPCA, Salvation Army, Yorkton Exhibition and the Yorkton Terriers Hockey Team.
MYTH:
The lives of people with disabilities differ greatly from the lives of non-disabled people.
REALITY:
Individuals with varying abilities enjoy the same quality of life as non-disabled people. They can live independently, maintain employment, and enjoy volunteering at organizations. They also take part in many recreation and leisure activities such as swimming, dances, bowling, movies, the walking track, curling, music, Nintendo Wii games and tournaments, computers and going out for coffee with friends and family.
For over 40 years our Training Centres have played an important role in providing vocational training and support for people with disabilities. Through the Products and Commercial Services we offer a range of Assembly Services, Confidential Paper Shredding and manufacturing of Sewing items such as aprons and specialty bags. Our philosophy is Client-centred, Customer-focused.
Through our Recycling Centre which also includes a SARCAN Depot we are able to accept a variety of recyclable products thereby avoiding overuse of our landfills. Individuals with varying abilities are employed at the Recycling Centres and supports are available to ensure the maintenance of long term employment.
Access Transit is a wheelchair accessible service operated by the Saskatchewan Abilities Council and funded by the City of Yorkton and Government of Saskatchewan. The Access Transit bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift, handrails, wheelchair anchoring devices, and shoulder/lap seat belts for the safety of passengers. Individuals who have a permanent disability which requires the use of a wheelchair or other mechanical aid are eligible to use the service. We also offer a Parking Program for People with Disabilities. Permits are available for people to provide access to designated parking areas. The Application can be accessed through the Saskatchewan Abilities Council and eligibility can be confirmed by a health professional.
Special Needs Equipment sells and lends mobility equipment, environmental equipment and daily living aids at a reasonable cost. Meeting the needs of people with disabilities is the goal of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council. Special Needs Equipment is just one of the programs that meets this goal. A wide variety of items are available to meet the ambulatory, environmental and daily living needs of Saskatchewan residents with varying abilities.
The Saskatchewan Abilities Council is a registered charity of Saskatchewan. It is dedicated to providing programs and services to people with disabilities in Saskatchewan. The Council is also the franchisee for Easter Seals. Easter Seals Saskatchewan provides opportunities for businesses and individuals to fundraise and participate in community events such as Easter Seals Snowarama held in Yorkton on February 19 , 2011.
In 1950, families of children with cerebral palsy believed there could be a better education, treatment and services for their children and others like them; they did something about it and started the Saskatchewan Council for Crippled Children. Within a year, the Council found itself providing services to both children and adults, disabled by the effects of polio. To reflect this expansion of services the name was changed to the Saskatchewan Council for Crippled Children and Adults.
In 1984, a desire to emphasize abilities rather than disabilities led to a second name change for the agency. It became the Saskatchewan Abilities Council Inc.
Today, the Saskatchewan Abilities Council is proud to celebrate 60 years of success delivering recreational, rehabilitation, and vocational programs to more than 35,000 people with disabilities throughout the province.
If you would like more information about the programs and services provided by the Yorkton Branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council please call 782-2463 or visit out website at www.abilitiescouncil.
sk.ca.
The Saskatchewan Abilities Council
"Working together to enrich lives through abilities."
