HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1993-12-01, Page 6Page 6 — Lucknow Sentinel, Wednesday, December 1, 1993
This program enhances community living aspect
by Pat Livingston
The concept of 'community
living' is being enhanced for
several area clients of the Wingham
and District Community Living
Association (WDCLA). Several
businesses, organizations and in-
dividuals in Lucknow have been
instrumental in the idea being suc-
cessful. The Association is a non-
profit organization that supports and
assists adults labelled with having a
developmental disability.
Joan Chamney, the Employment
Support Co-ordinator at the
WDCLA, said that a part of their
day program has been to instil in
their clients the confidence to do
commonplace chores - banking,
shopping, going to the post office -
that others take for grained.
Another avenue the Association
pursued was to find paid or volun-
teer employment for those same
clients. This aspect of teaching has
been carried out in Wingham,
where the Association is located.
Chamney said it became apparent
that although the idea was
flourishing in Wingham, clients,
who actually lived in other com-
munities, were unable to utilize
those skills in their own
hometowns.
Thus the idea of blending clients
into their own communities was
born. The Association believes that
"everyone, regardless of disability,
should have the same opportunities
to feel community belonging."
During the past year Nellie and
Diny Veldhorst, Billy MacMillan,
Robert Kugler, and Frank Hayden
have been slowly integrated into
Lucknow, through various com-
munity jobs, volunteer placements,
Robert Kugler is shown at his placement, Armstrong Bakery,
Lucknow. Co-owner Eldon Grist stops to chat with Robert as he
gives this piece of equipment a good cleaning. (Pat Livingston
photo)
and social/recreational activities.
Chamney said, "Thane is more to
being in the community than just
working." The community is a
network whereby these residents
have been able to expand their
social circle as well.
The benefits are numerous, said
Chamney. "The program gives a
feeling of self-satisfaction and in-
dependence to these clients. They
are able to contribute, which is
something others take for granted.
They have status in their com-
munity, and increase their
friendships." All of this makes
these adults realize, "Yes, I can do
things others do."
During the summer, Billy Mac-
Millan worked with the Lucknow
Recreation Board, cleaning the
dressing' rooms and the windows
surrounding the ice surface, He will
soon start a new position with Har-
ry Brindley at the Lucknow Com-
munity Sales barn. Billy, who is a
real history buff, said, "I like
meeting the people."
Other Lucknow businesses and
organizations involved in the
program are Lloya's Dolls Plus,
Puddleducks, The Lucknow Sen-
tinel, Armstrong's Bakery, Dee
Vee's Fashions, Pinecrest Nursing
Home, the Lucknow Kinsmen, the
Lucknow Library and Coffee Break
Bible Study.
Julie Kuik, a vocational assistant
with the WDCLA, acts as a "job
• coach" for those placed in
employment positions. Kuik said
their clients are matched to
positions made available in the
community. "Their placement is
based on their personal choice,"
said Kuik.
When a client is placed in a paid
employment or volunteer position,
Kuik accompanies him/her for a
period of time to make sure the
individual is suited to the job and
understands the duties involved.
Once the employer and client are
comfortable with each other, the
client proceeds on his or her own.
However, Kuik is las close as the
phone, if needed and drops by
regularly to make sure everything is
proceeding smoothly.
Kuik said, "We believe strongly
that everyone has the right to be a
part of the community. and feel that
sense of belonging." The As-
sociation is very pleased with the
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reception and support"Lucknow has
given in employing and/or including
these individuals in aspects of com-
munity living.
The WDCLA is in the process of
surveying area businesses, or-
ganizations and community mem-
bers to determine possible future
employment, volunteer and social
avenues. Copies of the survey are
available at The Lucknow Sentinel
if someone is interested in
becoming involved. Areas of
employment opportunity include
paid, seasonal, training or volunteer
placement. Various jobs that can be
performed are domestic cleaning,
maintenance, clerical, store help and
miscellaneous. Those who would
like more information are welcome
to call the Association at 357-3562.
Guest speakers are available for
meetings.
One social outing the adults enjoy
locally is '6owling on Tuesdays
from 1:30 to 3 p.m. They would
welcome members of the com-
munity to join them.
It is through communities such as
Lucknow, Wingham, Teeswater and
Blyth that adults with a develop-
mental disability will be removed
from a "labelling environment" said
Kuik.
Community participation will
assist the WDCLA to fulfill its
Mission Statement "That all per-
sons live in a state of dignity, share
in all elements of living in their
community, and have the oppor-
tunit to artici'ate effectivel ."
Nellie Veidhorst works at Lloya's Dolls Plus, In Lucknow, one
morning a week. Here, Lioya Nicholson gives Nellie instructions
on how to price Items for the store. (Pat Livingston photo)
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