The Times Advocate, 2006-09-06, Page 1010
Exeter Times–Advocate
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
ARC Advocates take strong message to community
By Nina Van Lieshout
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
EXETER — "In a perfect community everyone is
included," says ARC Advocates member Brendan
Walker.
The ARC Advocates, a group of self -advocates
from Community Living South Huron with develop-
mental and/or physical challenges are working to
promote ability awareness within the community.
A meeting held Aug. 24 at the Connect Centre at
South Huron Hospital gave the community an
opportunity to be educated on what an inclusive
community is and how important it is for people
with disabilities.
During the one-hour seminar members of the
ARC Advocates shared their stories and speeches
to a full room.
Walker spoke first of why it is always better to
be included.
"Being included is important because it makes
you feel better," says Walker.
He also said by not being included "it makes you
feel like you're missing out on activities, you feel
upset and I don't want to be that way."
"If someone doesn't let you be included they are
taking away your rights," Walker added.
Joeanne Durand shared her life story, saying she
has had to use a hearing
aid since she was nine
years old.
Durand explained how
important it is to make
children feel special and
let them know they are
loved even if they have a
disability.
Although Durand has
been through a lot she continues to have a positive
outlook.
"It's not fair but that's life," Durand says.
Crystal Marshall, another member of the ARC
Advocates, spoke of her dreams, explaining that
although she is legally blind and has cerebral palsy
she still has goals in life.
Marshall said if you have a dream or goal, that
you should go for it.
She also explained how important it is to have
family support.
"Everybody has dreams and goals. Your family
can help you with your dreams and goals," says
Marshall.
Members Alan Hyde and Ian Dejong spoke of
wheelchair accessibility.
They explained how frustrating and embarrass-
ing it is when a location is not wheelchair accessi-
ble.
They also explained it can be a health and safety
issue, too.
"Independence is important. I'm happy and
excited to do things without help," says Ian Dejong.
They also asked that people do not park in the
"Everybody has
dreams and goals.
Your family can help
you with your dreams
and goals:'
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The ARC Advocates held a community meeting Aug.
24 at the Connect Centre at South Huron Hospital.
They are a group of self -advocates educating South
Huron on ability awareness.Above front from left are
community co-ordinator for Community Living South
Huron Katie Fox, Ian Dejong, Eileen DeKort,Alan
Hyde and University of Western Ontario disabilities
commissioner Melissa Brideau. Back from left are
Crytyal Marshall, Richard Meir, Joeanne Durand, Brad
Shortreed,Anne Fydenchuk and Brendan Walker.
Below Durand gives Brideau flowers for speaking at
the meeting. (photos/Nina Van Lieshout)
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Bradley Shortreed read a story and Eileen
DeKort spoke about inclusion.
Guest speaker and University of Western Ontario
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talked of how important it is to educate the com-
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"There's something great going on tonight," said
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"If we can listen and learn from one another's
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She was wearing a shirt that read "Dare to be
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"I dare to be different, do you? Brideau asked.
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