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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1979-01-11, Page 18PAGE 2A—THE GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 1979 Spunk makes them special. • from page 1 raise families. "That's why groups like ALPHA Huron are important," she explains. The easier it is for the physically handicapped to get around in public, the rhore they will go out in public and eventually they will receive ac- ceptance and integration into their communities. Mary says that the non handicapped do not in- tentionally neglect the handicapped. Most people.just don't consider those others in wheelchairs not being able to use stairs or get through narrow door- ways or up curbs. They don't think of people like Mary not being able to reach pay phones or people like Elaine not beii.g able to reach high shelves and door handles in public buildings and facilities. "People in the -com- munity just aren't aware of these things. Nobody knows better than the handicapped themselves. It's up to us to promote and be responsible for these things," says Elaine. Both Mary and Elaine agree that awareness is the key. They must first bring the problems of the handicapped to the public's attention and then work on . effective solutions. APPROACH ARENA BOARDS ALPHA Huron was formed at about the same time that many of the county's arenas were being condemned. So the ALPHA Huron group took on the arenas as their first project. They ap- proached 19 arena boards requesting that when the • new arenas were con- structed, accessibility for --.--the- handicapped -lie–kept in mind, perhaps with the installation of ramps and elevators for' those in wheelchairs. They were pleased with • the co-operation they received from the various arena boards and in fact, the Goderich arena could have an elevator installed by mid summer or next hockey season, according. to manager Chuck Jewell. The Goderich Recreation Boardhas set up a committee to look Into the whole project and a government grant has been applied for. The Goderich arena, says Jewell, was definitely designed with – the handicapped in mind. There is a ramp at the main entrance and seating and window space in a warm area. The arena in 13russels already has an elevator and the 'ALPHA Huron group often meets there. President Pat . Watson, who is in a wheelchair, lives in Brussels. CURB"CUTS The second big issue tackled by the ALPHA Huron group and the one which Elaine feels has been the most "suc- cessfully met, is curbs. Curbs on most of the county's streets make it impossible for those in wheelchairs to get around independently in public. However, Goderich's new streets have curb cuts which make the streets more accessible to those in wheelchairs and easier to handle for some senior citizens too. Wingham also has curb cut's and Clinton has a few also, reports Elaine. They are included in Exeterts town plans too, she has heard. There is another side to the curb problem too, (explains Elaine. From those in the ALPHA Huron' group who are 'handicapped by vision problems, other group members learned that curb cuts are not such a good idea for the blind because without curbs, it is difficult for them to detect whether they are walking on the street or the road. ' So, when the ALPHA Huron group began a.d'- vdcating curb cuts in the various towns, they also suggested placing a small lip or corrugated surface at the edge otthe streets, something which could be detected by the blind. Elaine says that by having a variety of handicaps within the ALPHA Huron group, members can learn from each other. For instance, the members with visual problems brought the curb problem . to the others' attention. They also" told the other members that if stairs are uniform in height, it is of great help to the blind. Many .4 different landings in a flight of stairs is confusing to a .,blind person. Steps, especially those leading into a doctor's office, should therefore be constructed with these ideas in mind. These are ideas which the sighted people in the group might never have considered Not all of ALPHA Huron's members are physically handicapped and Elaine would em- phasize that the group is for both the handicapped and non handicapped. "Everyone is welcome to attend the meetings. A lot of people think the group is just for the handicapped. And sometimes the non handicapped people, get the impressioh that if they come out to the meetings they will get stuck. _ pushing..... wheelchairs or something. But - what we're really looking for is new ideas and en- thusiasm," says Elaine. AN THE LOOK OUT The ALPHA Huron group is always listening and on the look out to see where improvements can be made for the han- • dicapped.. in. their' com- munities. For tance, when Mary Howell heard that Goderich was planning some new senior citizens' housing, she contacted– some of the people in charge to ask if it would be made ac- cessible' to handicapped seniors as well. And she plans to follow up the idea. The pysically han- dicapped in wheelchairs can attend the Park Theatre in Goderich now simply by phoning ahead to make arrangements. The exit doors can be opened to admit them (the exit area has a sloped floor, no stairs) and they can be seated in an area where some seats have been removed to make room, for wheelchairs. There may be hope for the handicapped in the area who have wanted to attend church but in the past were unable to do so because of steep and numerous stairs. A United Church in Seaforth has a chair fift or a seat which runs on a track up the side of a stair case for those who can't walk. ALPHA Huron can't take credit for this though, says Elaine, since the lift was there before the group was formed. North Street United Church in Goderich is. now considering a chair lift as atop priority for its Capital Funds F: oject. The Reverend, Ralph King ` says two lifts, one into the church and one into-- the church basement, would be ideal and thoseworking on the project are looking into the possibility of getting a grant for the one leading into the basement. Elaine is happy about the chairlifts but says there is a slight problem. "What do you do with your wheelchair when you're at the top and its still at the bottom,” she asks. "You're still "'not completely independent because you have to get someone to bring the wheelchair _up for you," she explains. • TURNING AROUND Elaine feels that one of the most positive points about the ALPHA Huron group is that it is becoming well enough known, that it is now evolving to Lie point >? where outsiders are coming ,to the group for advice instead of the group having to contact them. "Before we always had to be listening but this is turning around a bit now," says Elaine. Blyth Memorial Hall is • an example. An extension is planned for the hall and those in charge went to an ALPHA Huron meeting to ask advice on ramps and accessible ' washroom facilities for the han- dicapped. The Vanastra Recreation Centre did the same since an accessible extension is planned for it. "We don't want to set ourselves up as experts on architecture and design or anything," says Mary. "But we can give advice on ,what kinds of things the handicapped want in a public building." At ALPHA Huron meetings, the members discuss problems, what needs to be done and what • • is being done. The group doesn't try to bring pressure on anyone, says Mary. It just approaches and makes suggestions. Usually a few members will check back to see if a suggestion has been carried through' or not. The group is trying to find out exactly how many physically handicapped people there the county, so up their people are they suggestions and in can back to with facts figures. "Sometimes it seems ,as if we're at a stand- still," says Elaine. While accessibility and awareness are the main things presently being tackled by ALPHA Huron, something also needs to be ..done about housing, employment and transportation for the physically handicapped:; Elaine sees tran- sportation as the biggest problem for the physically handicapped in the rural areas. Elainesays she is "quite fortunate" herself because she has mobility. Elaine received her driver's licence after passing all the safety regulations and regular tests in a car modified for her by a Clinton mechanic. The steering wheel is about eight in- ches off the floor. She steers with her left foot and uses her right foot to DISCOUNT DAVE'S BIG JANUARY brake and accelerate. •- Mary too learned to drive with the aid of a box and cushion to help her reach the pedals. In fact, she learned to drive in a Model T. But, at. 75 she has given up her driver's 'licence and is now dependent on taxis and friends for " tran- sportation. ' PEOPLE CONSIDERATE Mary feels' that, on the whole, people are quite considerate towards the handicapped and have shown a greater awareness towards them in the last few years. ,Sonne people stare at her and she hasheard children say, "Mom, look at the little lady." But, says Mary, there is no , point being sen- sitive. Most of the stares and comments are not malicious. People are Turn to page 3A • Most items for this big January Sale were bought in TRUCKLOAD quantities. A few items were bought in less than truckload quantities but nevertheless they were purchased in great numbers. We bought in volume ,so we could set for less. WITH A HOST OF SPECIAL PURCHASE VALUES Here's a patterned carpet that will brighten„any room... 40 rir by 71111A A100 % nylon level loop, treated with Du Pont's famous ZE PEL carpet protector so it resists soil; cleans easier and looks bright and new longer. sr,< Our Usual c'&c 32.99 Cash'And Carry IN DESERT_FLOWER BEIGE, AZALEA RUST, MARIGOLD, MAYFLOWER GREEN AND POPPY RED. s, Here's'everything you could want in a beautiful carpet: a soft, durable nylon - loop in a choice of exciting colors with a foam rubber cushioned back that -saves you the cost of buying expensive underpadding, And it's priced now at less than 6.50 a square yard! CUSTOM INS,a7ALLATION byTRAINED INSTALLERS AVAILABLE AT EXTRA COST Shines Without Waxing! r 21:EIF=Off LJ _ W[2, 12" x 12" The Solarian floor you've always wanted...in convenient self -stick 12" x 12" tilles. Our usual cash & carry 99' each. SAFE FOR USE IN METAL FIREPLACES OR FRANKLIN STOVES NIGHT TABLE - #100 82 Our Usual C.&C: 28.69 IN HARVEST HOME GOLD, HARVEST HOME BEIGE, ESSEX FAIR GREEN AND ESSEX FAIR BEIGE. Northland 11 Firelogs 5 -DRAWER CHEST NO. 105 34 Take it from Discount Dave: "If you don't have adequate insulation here, you're losing heat and wasting money. Burns 2-3 hours with multi -color flame. less than 554 each (When Purchased In Canon Lotsl Save 5.45 off our usual cash & carry price on the single wardroabe and 5.15 on the chest. LOGS PER CARTON - ONLY .. Spruce St'wppi4tj We bought 5 full truckloads to bring you extra value. FLINTKOTE DECORATIVE STUCCO Now you can give a deep - textured bold look to drab Cracked walls. Just add water and it's ready to use. Our Usual Cash & Carry 12.99 FRICTION FIT Comes in standard 15" x 48" size. Our usual cash and carry price 18!/sq. ft. R-20, FRICTION FIT 6" thick, enough to cut your fuel bills sub- stantially this winter. Our usual cash & carry 29'/sq. ft. - All Are 8 -ft. Length's! Here's a quality ladder at a truly exceptional pricel All Prices Are Cash And Carry DELIVERY AND • CREDIT TERMS AVAILABLE AT EXTRA COST COUNTRY RUSTIC 4 Different Patterns From Which To Choose Delivery And Credit Terms Available At Extra Cost 16 BRANCHES: AMHERSTBURG 736.2151 OWENSOLND EXETER 235.1422 RIDGETOWN GODERICH 524-8321 SOUTHAMPTON GAANDBEND 238-2374 THEDFORO HARROW 738.2221 WEST LORNE KINCARDINE 396.3403 WINDSOR EAST KINGSVILLE 733.2341 WINDSOR WEST KITCHENER 744.6371 MATTHEWS Kitchener Out-of-town call free 1.800.265.8990 3763181 674.5465 7973245 296-4991 768.1520 727-6001 734.1221 254.1143 HOME CENTRES And what a tremendous sale price! Our usual cash & car'y is 8,95 'REL RUFF Per Carton (30 Bricks) Covers Up To 6 Sq. Ft. i�`.cl LIL1 lis L� L AI ,.^" i- _-__ ,. CZ, Or :Mein a=r l _'T I" HARBOR GRAY SMOKE Your Visa and Master" Charge cards are as good as cash at all 16 o1 our branches. CHARGER - MEMO V/SA LOTS OF FREE PARKING PLEASE NOTE: - Because mnny 01 the 'terns for this sale have been specially purchased, we,reserve the right to limit quantities Not all item% are necessarily available al all branches All prices are cash & carry although delivery and credit terms are available at extra cost STORE HOURS MATTHEWS MON -THU'RS 8AM•6PM FRIDAY 8AM-9 P M SATURDAYS till 5 30 P M KITCHENER ' MONDAY thru THURSDAY WINDSOR EAST 8AM-530PM WINDSOR WEST FRIDAY till 9'P M SATURDAY till 5 30 P M KJNCARDINE open Mon. thru Sat. 8:00 am' to • 5"SO p.m • Amherstburg, Goderich, Kingsville, Owen Sound, West Lorne, Harrow, Rldgelov'rn, Southampton MON -FRI B a m• 5 30 p m; SATURDAY till 4 p !n Exeter, Thedford and Grand Bend open Mon Fri 8 a m., • 5:30 p.m Saturdaytili 1 ern A DIVISION OF 46444- • LUMBER CO LTD SALE ENDS SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 1979 ti Ju r.tr., y me.d kitt ISMER 1 1 lF 589 Fairway Road South nee the Mall. Pheh6:44.6371 OWEN SOUND creAr On Highway 21 a1 Springmounl Corner. Phone 376-3181 •KINEARDINE Hwy 21 North opposite the Sutton P eh Inn. Phone 396.3403