February 16th, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
The anxiously awaited report from economist Don Drummond makes a number of recommendations to the Ontario government regarding potential changes to spending that will assist the province in reducing its deficit.
Among the report's recommendations is a reallocation of spending in the healthcare sector to more strongly support community-based health service providers.
To read the Drummond Report, or its Executive Summary, click on the PDF links below!
February 10th, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
This morning's Waterloo Region Record tells the story of Philip Denison, a graduate of KidsAbility who has cerebral palsy, and has discovered the great fun inherent in activities like martial arts and swimming.
The great news for Philip is that these activities are also improving his coordination and muscle strength, as well as giving him added confidence. As recreation therapist Megan Shirley says in the article, kids like Philip are "just having fun. We sneak in the therapy."
To read the Waterloo Region Record article, Therapeutic Recreation is Fun and...
February 10th, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
This week, the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region received a letter from the Honourable James Flaherty, Canada's Minister of Finance, in regards to an earlier correspondence sent by Executive Director Bil Smith.
The document responds to ILCWR's earlier letter of support for the funding of library projects undertaken by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
By outlining the current government initiatives designed to benefit Canadians with disabilities, Mr. Flaherty provides a good summary of available financial options and tax benefits...
February 6th, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
This week marks the return of White Cane Week, the Canadian Council for the Blind's annual awareness campaign.
Today's Waterloo Region Record tells the story of Carrie and Gary Speers, both of whom use white canes as an assistive device to navigate their daily lives and alert those in their surroundings of their visual impairments.
To read the Waterloo Region Record article, White Canes are a Vital Aid for Visually Impaired, click here.
February 6th, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Eleven days ago at McMaster Hospital in Hamilton, Guelph resident Sandra Burton became a mother of twins. While a wonderful story on its own, the fact that Burton has quadriplegia makes it all the more amazing.
The Waterloo Region Record's report on the births is some of the best evidence we've seen that quadriplegia doesn't limit a full life.
To read the Waterloo Region Record article, Quadriplegic Guelph Mom Risks Life for Special Delivery, click here.
February 3rd, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
A Kitchener family is experiencing great difficulty finding accessible housing to which they can relocate now that their renovated, accessible home is being expropriated for a widening of Kitchener's Weber Street between Union and College streets.
While the family does not fault the Region for their decision, they do report numerous obstacles to finding appropriate housing, especially given the quality of their current home.
To read the Kitchener Post article, Special Needs Family Squeezed Out of Home, click here.
February 2nd, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
University of Alberta cell biology professor Dr. Vivian Mushahwar may save Canada's healthcare system $3.5 billion a year--not to mention many lives of wheelchair users--with her new assistive device: Smart-e-Pants.
Smart-e-Pants are designed to prevent pressure ulcers by stimulating the muscles and tissues that are most at risk for people with spinal cord injuries and other mobility impairments.
To read the Edmonton Journal article, Smart E Pants Take the Pressure Off, click here.
February 1st, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The front-page story in the Waterloo Region Record this morning told of the dangers that roundabouts, like the one at Homer Watson Boulevard, pose for individuals with visual impairments.
Testimonials from local citizens with low vision have prompted Kitchener Council to examine potential changes to the roundabouts. While discussions are ongoing, pedestrians who attended Tuesday evening's Council meeting suggested adjustments like raised crosswalks, noisy rumble strips to provide an auditory warning of approaching traffic, or crosswalks placed outside the...
February 1st, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The Province of Ontario has released a new Action Plan to address the both the growing health care needs of the province and the realities of the provincial deficit. The result is a plan that focuses on providing "the right care, at the right time, in the right place."
This statement implies a new focus on home- and community-based healthcare, and has the endorsement of the Ontario Community Support Association, of which the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region is a member.
All in all, the province's new strategy warmly welcomes programs like...
January 25th, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Autism Services Waterloo Region has partnered with Autism Ontario to present two sensory-friendly movie experiences for children with autism at Empire Theatres in Waterloo.
This past Saturday, almost 200 children and family members attended a showing of The Adventures of Tintin, shown with full theatre lighting and low-volume sound.
Another event has already been scheduled for February 18th.
To read the Waterloo Region Record article, Children with Autism Get Sensory-Friendly Movie Experience, click here.
