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COMMUNITY
CONNECTIONS 2008

A complete Resource Guide
for Waterloo Region

ACCESSIBILITY

Access 2 EntertainmentTM card provides persons with a disability to receive either free admission or a significant discount for their support person at member movie theatres across Canada - www.access2.ca/english_default.html

Accessibility Plan for the Region of Waterloo according to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 - www.region.waterloo.on.ca/accessibility

Accessibility Plan for the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, and the townships of Woolwich, Wellesley and North Dumfries according to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 - http://www.city.kitchener.on.ca/pdf/2003JointAccessibilityPlan.pdf

Accessibility Plan for the city of Cambridge according to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2001 - http://www.city.cambridge.on.ca/relatedDocs/2003%20Accessibility%20Plan.pdf

Browsealoud is a subscription-based application that reads website content aloud for visitors - www.Browsealoud.com

 

 

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ADVOCACY

NEW Active Living Resource Centre for Ontarions with a Disability (ALRC) - is a one-stop shop for facts on active living, practical resources, programs in your community and "how to" materials that enable individuals with disabilities, families and caregivers, and professionals within the field to access information. Visit the resource section at www.getactivenow.ca or call 1-800-311-9565 for more information.

ARCH is a specialty legal aid clinic (and is a part of Legal Aid Ontario) dedicated to defending and advancing the equality-rights of persons with disabilities - www.archlegalclinic.ca/index.asp

Canadians Making a Difference- Exceptional Canadians is a new book being written to celebrate ordinary Canadians doing extraordinary things to help others. A unique book to support HIV/Aids work in Africa - www.canadiansmakingadifference.com

Contact Point Bulletin is a quarterly publication - www.contactpoint.ca/bulletins/v8-n4/v8-n4.html

Council of Canadians with Disabilities advocates at the federal level to improve the lives of men and women with disabilities in Canada, by eliminating inequality and discrimination - www.ccdonline.ca

DAWN Canada is a national, feminist organization working to end the poverty, isolation, discrimination and violence experienced by women with disAbilities - www.dawncanada.net

Disabled Person's International promotes Human Rights of people with disabilities through full participation, equalization and development in over 160 countries - www.dpi.org

ENABLELINK is Canadian Abilities Foundation's monthly electronic newsletter on disability issues. Become a subscriber at http://www.abilities.ca/

Independent Living Institute offers resources for persons with extensive disabilities and develops consumer-driven policies for self-determination, self-respect and dignity - www.independentliving.org/indexen.html

Kids on the Block is an educational puppet program which enlightens children on issues of disability awareness, medical-educational differences and social concerns - www.kotb.com

Ontarians with Disabilities Act - The Ontario government is introducing a new Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2004. Links to the announcement and backgrounder are www.premier.gov.on.ca/english/news/ODA101204_bd1.asp

Philia is a group of Canadians who believe in challenging communities to welcome and encourage the contributions of people who have traditionally been marginalized - www.philia.ca

Power Advocates - A new live radio show broadcasting from Buffalo, New York is hoping to help bring more awareness for people with disabilities. DisABILITY News and Views, hosted by Monica Moshenko, airs every Sunday from 5pm-6pm on WXRL Radio 1300 AM and reaches listeners in western New York and Toronto - www.poweradvocates.org/radioshow.html

Social Development Canada Consultation on Persons With Disabilities

Social Development Canada is offering online consultations on the topic of persons with disabilities. The consultations, which are on the department’s website, will give Canadians an opportunity to share their stories and provide feedback to future policy and program work efforts.

The Government of Canada recognizes that Canadians with disabilities continue to face barriers and experience exclusion in learning, work and community life. The Government is committed to strengthening the country’s social foundations and ensuring the full social inclusion of all Canadians

Click here for a direct link to the consultation page

 

 

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

AccessCambridge is a website dedicated to providing information on accessibility in Cambridge - www.accesscambridge.org

Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability os a "one-stop shop" on-line database of active living information, as well as sports, recreation and health care professionals - www.ala.on.ca

C- Health Support Database can be found at www.chealth.canoe.ca/community_categories.asp?province=ON

Central Ontario Developmental Riding Program (C.O.D.R.P.)/Pride Stables offers therapeutic horseback riding lessons to people with disabilities - www.codrp.com

Community Connections produces a resource guide on support services for individuals of all ages with special needs in Waterloo Region - www.wcdsb.edu.on.ca/ss/spec-ed/publications-cc.html

2006 Community Connections - Information for People with Disabilities - Tuesday April 4th, 2006, St Mary’s High School in Kitchener. Come on out and meet some great organizations from the community! Contact Val Millen at 519-578-3660 ext. 2325.

Community Links is a virtual resource centre providing easy access to online mental health databases and related services in Waterloo Region, Dufferin and Wellington Counties - http://www.communitylinks.ca/

Guelph Services for Persons with Disabilities promotes the independence, inlcusion, participation and personal choice for adults with physical disabilities in our community through the provision responsive services and reports - www.gspd.org

Information Cambridge provides information and referral to individuals, agencies and businesses regarding social services, recreation, government, housing, child care and other related community services - www.cvbinfocam.on.ca

K-W Access-Ability exists to serve people with disabilities by providing an environment that supports self-determination based upon choice, equality, cooperation and mutual respect - www.kwa.on.ca

K-W Counselling is committed to strengthening the social fabric of our community by ensuring that all citizens with emotional and relationship problems have access to meaningful solutions - www.kwcounselling.com

Kitchener Public Library is both a resource and a gateway, connecting our community with the sources of information and works of imagination it needs and enjoys - www.kpl.org

Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (PIR) website links you to current information on the Places to Grow initiative; Building a Better Tomorrow, the government's new framework for public infrastructure investments; and Ontario's Affordable Housing program - www.pir.gov.on.ca

Nucleus Housing (Toronto) provides adults with physical disabilities, the opportunity to live independently and to participate in as many aspects of community life as is possible - www.nucleushousing.org

Ontario March of Dimes delivers a wide range of services and programs that enrich lives of men and women with physical disabilities in communities across Ontario - www.dimes.on.ca

Persons with Disabilities Online - Government of Canada information source for disability related programs and services - www.pwd-online.ca

Project READ Literacy Network develops, in collaboration with the local Literacy & Basic Skills (LBS) agencies, training solutions to meet the literacy needs of the community - www.projectread.ca

Senior's Housing and Care is an Ontario guide to senior's housing and care services - www.thecareguide.com

Social Planning Council/Community Information Centre links services and people for the well-being of the community - www.waterlooregion.org

Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries actively participates in building and strengthening our community through research, analysis, facilitation, and education - www.socialplanningcouncil-cnd.org

Waterloo Catholic District School Board - http://www.wcdsb.edu.on.ca

Waterloo Region District School Board - www.wrdsb.on.ca/specialed.php

 

 

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DISABILITY

Acquired Brain Injury - Persons who have brain injuries from auto accidents (MVAs) may have access to rehabilitation services. This website summarizes key points regarding the current auto insurance in Ontario - www.abipn.waterloo.on.ca/documents/ontarioAutoInsurance.asp

Aids Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo & Area mobilizes their community to respond effectively and with compassion through education, support and advocacy to individuals infected with and affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV. ACCKWA provides free and confidential services to residents of Waterloo Region - www.acckwa.com

Canadian Hearing Society provides a wide range of services to meet the needs of deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people - www.chs.ca

Canadian Mental Health Association exists to promote the mental health of all people and to serve mental health consumers, their families and friends - www.cmha.ca

Canadian Paraplegic Association assists people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence, self-reliance and full community participation - www.cpaont.org

Canadian Spinal Research Organization is dedicated to the improvement of the physical quality of life for persons with a spinal cord injury and those with related neurological deficits, through targeted medical and scientific research - www.csro.com

Conestoga College Special Needs is committed to providing equal access to educational resources and facilities for students with special needs - www.conestogac.on.ca/spneeds/index.htm

Epilepsy Waterloo-Wellington strives to improve quality of life for people affected by epilepsy - http://www.epilepsyontario.org/client/EO/EOWeb.nsf/web/Waterloo-Wellington

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario site has information on heart disease, stroke and healthy living - www.heartandstroke.ca

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Association provides support group meetings and information for those affected by M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - http://ca.geocities.com/wwmea/

Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy - www.ofcp.on.ca

Parkinson Society Canada is a not for profit, national charitable organization whose mission is finding the cause and cure for Parkinson's disease - www.parkinson.ca

SCI Pilot (Spinal Cord Injury) Peer Information Library is a resource describing the assistive technology experiences of individuals with quadriplegia from their own perspective - www.scipilot.com

 

 

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EMPLOYMENT

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work facilitates communication and provides resources and information to enhance the equitable and meaningful employment of people with disabilities - www.workink.com

Diversity World enriches workplaces and reduces employment barriers - www.diversityworld.com

NEW Equitek Employment Equity Solutions provides outreach solutions and Strategic Diversity Sourcing - www.equitek.ca.

Gateway to Diversity and the Gateway to Accessibility website with resources for business and service providers that will help them create inclusive workplaces and to remove the barriers which prevent full independence and opportunity for people with disabilities - Government of Ontario Pathways to Equal Opportunity

Working Centre is a non-profit, community-based organization providing job search resources, career counselling and community development projects in Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas - www.theworkingcentre.org

 

 

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ONTARIO HEALTH CARE TRANSFORMATION
 

The Ontario government is transforming the health care system by making fundamental changes to the planning, funding and accountability functions. Other areas of development include family health teams and a wait time strategy. ILCWR is sitting at the table to continue to have persons with disabilities considered. http://www.health.gov.on.ca/transformation/

Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) - A key piece in the transformation is the development of fourteen Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) across the province.

The legislation that will provide for these LHINs is the Local Health System Integration Act, 2005 which has passed second reading:

Minister Smitherman’s speech announcing the legislation: LHIN UPDATE
A summary of the legislation (19 pages): COMPENDIUM
The full bill, Act 36 (91 pages):
LEGISLATION

The Ontario LHIN website gives additional information including the location of LHINs, board recruitment and frequently asked questions.
http://lhins.on.ca/english/main/Home.asp

The Waterloo-Wellington LHIN website provides information on our local network. http://lhins.on.ca/english/WaterlooWellington/WaterlooWellington.asp

 

 

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INDEPENDENT LIVING

Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC) - the national umbrella organizations, representing and coordinating the network of Independent Living Resource Centres (ILRCs) at the national level. www.cailc.ca

 

Independent Living Service Providers (ILSP) - is a collective voice of executive directors of community agencies within Ontario who wish to effect a positive change in their capacity to provide services, and to network through peer support and professional development - www.ilsp.org

 

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PEER SUPPORT/NETWORKING

Canadian Abilities Foundation is presenting a series of online workshops for people with disabilities who are interested in the writing life - www.abilities.ca/

Disabilities R Us - an Internet chat site - www.disabilities-r-us.com

Disabled Women's Network - an information network for women - http://dawn.thot.net/main.html

Disability World Net Magazine - a simple means to browse the net for information for people with disabilities - www.disabilityworld.com

Moving On sets lights and cameras on people with disabilities bringing their relationships, opinions, successes, tools for independence and stories into focus - www.tv.cbc.ca/movingon/

National Film Board has a fully accessible site that begins by telling the story of the Jordan family, but hopes to inspire you to tell your own story, share your opinions, and find events in your neighbourhood - ww.nfb.ca/tiesthatbind

Tell Us Your Story Discussion Forum for people with disabilities as well as their parents, friends, spouses, caregivers and coworkers - www.tell-us-your-story.com

 

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RESEARCH AND FOUNDATIONS

Canadian Centre for Philanthropy is a national charitable organization dedicated to advancing the roles and interests of the charitable sector for the benefit of Canadian communities - www.ccp.ca

Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons brings public attention to the needs and accomplishments of people with disabilities - www3.sympatico.ca/whynot/

Centre for Research and Education offers community research, program evaluation, needs assessments and planning expertise, using a participatory, action-oriented approach - www.crehs.on.ca

Centre for Research on Women with Disabilities (CROWD) is a research centre that focusses on issues related to health, aging, civil rights, abuse and independent living - www.bcm.tmc.edu/crowd/

Disability in Canada: A 2001 Profile highlights selected findings from Statistics Canada's 2001 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS) - www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

Statistics Canada is an official source for Canadian social and economical statistics and products - www.statscan.ca

 

 

 

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TECHNOLOGY

Active Home Rehab is a community-based company providing physiotherapy and occupational therapy in Kitchener Waterloo and surrounding areas - www.activehomerehab.com

The Adaptive Technology Resource Centre empowers individuals by providing access to the tools and knowledge needed to meet personal goals. The aim of the service program is to provide information, support and training which will allow individuals to make informed decisions and build the skills required to optimally employ technical tools - www.utoronto.ca/atrc

Binkle Home Health - Your Partner in Achieving Independence - wheelchairs, aids for daily living, bathroom safety and supplies - Call 744-3495.

Kino Mobility has accessible transportation solutions for seniors and people with disabilities from simple driving controls to full van conversions - www.kinomobility.com

Neil Squire Foundation is a Canadian national non-profit organization committed to providing education, technology and career development for people with physical disabilities - www.neilsquire.ca

Sparrowhawk Industries modifies vehicles for people with disabilities - www.sparrowhawk.ca

Speak Up will give people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) the words and pictures they need in order to communicate about and express their sexuality - www.aacsafeguarding.ca

Wilder Mobility has hand-operated accelerator and brake controls - www.wildermobility.com

 

 

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TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION

Canadian Transportation Agency has a Code of Practice for removing communication barriers for travellers with disabilities - www.cta.gc.ca/access/codes/index_e.html

Grand River Transit - Mobility Plus provides specialized transit services in the urban service area of the Region of Waterloo - www.grt.ca

Vacation Home Exchange - Swapping homes with other persons with similar needs, in other parts of the world, is a low-cost and practical alternative - www.independentliving.org/vacaswap.html

 

 

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VOLUNTEERISM

Energize Inc is an e-magazine for volunteer managers - www.energizeinc.com

Volunteer Action Centre KW & Area believes in a community enhanced by volunteers who share their time, resources and talents. VAC encourages and enables participants in volunteering, serving people in Kitchener Waterloo, and the Waterloo Region. For a complete list of potential volunteer job opportunities and more visit their NEW INTERACTIVE WEBSITE at www.volunteerkw.ca.

Cambridge Volunteer Bureau encourages volunteer activity and recognition and promotes the concept of volunteerism in the communities of Cambridge and North Dumfries - www.cvbinfocam.on.ca

 

 

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