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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1995-03-29, Page 6Walk in these shoes As part of an integration workshop at The Ark young people were asked to simulate a disability for part of an afternoon. A glove helps Tyler Seeds, kneeling, understand how difficult a fine motor disability might make tying a shoe, while Philip Graber copes with a visual disability. A sling puts Leslie Stretton in a different situation as she simulates a gross motor disability. PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1995. Workshop put kids in different shoes By Bonnie Gropp A workshop in Brussels last week gave some local youths an opportunity to wear some different shoes and for most the fit was less than ideal. Walk a Day in My Shoes was planned to provide teen volunteers with the understanding and infor- mation needed to help integrate challenged youth into The Ark, a popular youth drop-in centre in the village. Facilitator Brenda Moorehouse said that the idea came about when it was realized that some chal- lenged youths had visited The Ark and felt it wasn't the place. for them. "Unfortunately, there were a few of the other teens who made things difficult for them by teasing or jok- ing about them," she said. "Some- where along the line, the board said they had to do something to change this. It became important that 'regu- lar' kids be taught to give those kids a chance, to show them that a per- son with a limp or another disabili- ty can't help it. It isn't their fault." To that end, Ms Moorehouse was appointed for a 22-week period as integration facilitator through a government contract. "During this time I am heading a steering com- mittee whose task it will be to establish a plan of action for the integration of challenged young people into the regular social recre- ational program offered at The Ark," she said. Also on the team are Annette Poechman from the Huron County Board of Education and Communi- ty Living, NancyAnstett of Com- munity Support for Families and The Ark's People Resource Pro- gram Developer Miriam Kelly. "I will also be co-ordinating with other agencies, establishing a sup- port team of buddies to assist with the challenged participants, train regular staff to take over the estab- lished program, work with regular drop in youths and evaluate the program and its potential to expand the inclusion of older age groups." Wednesday's 'buddy' training workshop was geared to the 10-14- year-olds as, Ms Moorehouse said, they seem to be more open. "They seem less inclined to see someone for a disability but rather as a per- son with a heart, soul and mind." For part of the workshop the 10 adolescents were required to work while simulating a disability. Jen Gowing, who was to spend the time. as if she were verbally challenged said she felt "really strange, really isolated. I could only use gestures and there were lots of things I tried to say that there really weren't any gestures for so I had to write my thoughts down. It wasn't nice." An adult volunteer present for the workshop, Cord Hutchinson said he felt the program was a really beneficial learning experience for the youths. "They had the chance to find out what a disability would do to their life. I think it opened up a lot of kids' eyes." Many of the youths said they were frustrated and restricted by dealing with a disability for a short time and grateful that they didn't have to walk in those shoes all the time. "I understand a bit better what it's like now," said Jen. "I would really listen and watch to see what I could do to help (a challenged person) feel more comfortable." On April 1 the integrated pro- gram will officially get underway with an open house from 2-5 p.m. at The Ark. All interested children and parents are invited to come and meet the staff and see what the facility has to offer. "Social inte- gration for children with special needs has many advantages for all children involved," says Ms Moorehouse. "It allows them to experience new things, meet new people, develop self-confidence and a sense of belonging in their community." "The 'buddies' who will be here for them will accept and understand the individual differences." "All children are unique and spe- cial. They have a lot to offer and this program promises to be a won- derful fun experience for everyone involved," she said. Ms Moorehouse says she has already received-response from families of challenged youths who are planning to come to the Open House to "check things out" and she hopes the general public will also attend to find out more about this exciting project. Mtcroman. The Ultimate Computer Store Full selection of computers, accessories and stationery supplies. 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As Ontario's population grows older, more and more people will rely on in-home services. Services like nursing, meal programs, physio- therapy and homemaking. Seniors, people with physical disabilities and others want the choice of staying in their own homes. But our current system simply won't meet the demand. What could be more comforting than being cared for in familiar surroundings? On a street you know. Around people you love. Surrounded by those things that are so much part of your life. We need to make sure today that in-home services will be available tomorrow. That's why we're introducing Neighbours. Neighbours is a community approach to home and health services for independent living. For the first time, a full range of services will be available with one phone call in communities NEIGHBOURS HOME AND HEALTH SERVICES FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING. all all across the province. Neighbours is planned and managed by elected volunteers from your own community. They are people who live in the community and understand it. There are no government appointees on the board. Whether you're someone who relies on in-home services, a concerned relative or friend, a caregiver or someone who would simply like to help, we want you to know all about Neighbours. Or if you would simply like to get involved in Ontario's community approach to long-term care, call one of the telephone numbers below I-800-268-1154. IN TORONTO (416) 314-5518, TTY 1-800-387-5559.