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Tag: Community

  • Council of Canadians With Disabilities: Opportunities

    Council of Canadians With Disabilities: Opportunities

    I hope you are all getting out there to vote. As part of our ongoing work with the Advisory Group for Disability Issues at Elections Canada, we have been asked to document the experiences of our members while voting. There have been a lot of changes made, Elections Canada needs to know what they got right and what they must continue to improve! So please help us gather the experiences of Canadians with disabilities from among your members. We are looking to get up to 20 experiences from each of our member groups, with a mix of positive and negative experiences. Any assistance you can provide will help us to better advise Elections Canada in the period between this federal election and the next one.

    Please send any personal experiences you gather to James Hicks: james@ccdonline.ca prior to November 27, 2015. Thanks, in advance, for your assistance.

    James Hicks, National Coordinator Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) Conseil des Canadiens avec déficiences (CCD) 909-294 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0B9 204-947-0303 TTY/ATS: 204-943-4757 ccd@ccdonline.ca http://www.ccdonline.ca/en

    See more at: http://neads.ca/en/about/media/index.php?id=292#sthash.n7K4kjha.dpuf

  • I’m Afraid my Mental Illness will Hold Me Back…

    I’m Afraid my Mental Illness will Hold Me Back…

    I can’t stress enough how crippling it is to have a mental illness. The stigma surrounding it doesn’t help either, especially with admitting you have one or even seeking help to get better.

    When it came to my first year of university, I did not acknowledge that I had a mental illness. I went through the motions and got terrible grades, convincing myself it was all in my head and that I would make it on my own, which made things worse. I never told anyone why I needed to stay at home sometimes and couldn’t speak to anyone and I felt ashamed because I stayed at home to begin with.

    Second and third year hit and that was when things really started to get bad for me. I had to take a leave of absence, for reasons unknown to me at the time. When I finally got into therapy I realized that it was because I was depressed. Coupled with anxiety and OCD, I had to leave school and work through the rest of my year feeling like I had let everyone down.

    But everyone was very supportive. My professors told me there was nothing wrong with taking some time off, and some of them even told me that they had gone through depression themselves and understood completely my need to leave. My friends stood by my side and not one of them told me what I had feared they would: that I was a failure.

    Your mental illness will, if it hasn’t already, keep you from doing the things you want to do once in a while. You won’t feel like leaving the house or you’ll get very emotional or you’ll just feel like the pressures of keeping good grades and a social life going is too much to handle.

    I think something no one told me was that it was okay to leave school. So many of my friends told me how they wished they had taken a year off rather than continue and let their grades suffer or feel like their mental health was suffering.

    But, if your mental illness precludes you from doing certain things, that’s okay. If you can’t give a presentation because of your anxiety or you can’t write essays on time or you need someone to take notes for you, it’s okay. There are places on campus to help with accommodations for you and there’s nothing wrong with cashing them in.

    If you ever feel like your mental illness has stopped you from doing anything then you need to speak to someone so you can have someone to talk to, to dispel all the negativity that you’ve failed. If you need to take time off, do it. If you need more time to finish something, ask your professors. It’s normal to need some time for ourselves, especially if you have a mental illness, and there are so many people who are willing to accept that and help you with what you need; don’t be afraid.

  • How to Be Inclusive of Others

    How to Be Inclusive of Others

    We live in a world full of people of different genders, cultures, religions and economic backgrounds. Because of this, we all have a responsibility to make sure that any individual, regardless of who they are or where they come from, is included into everyday life.

    What does it mean to be inclusive?

    Sometimes, inclusivity takes the form of certain rights, which are granted to individuals who may not have those rights to begin with. For example, students who practice a religion (regardless of what religion it might be) can be given the right to take religious holidays off of school without penalty. Though it may seem like common sense to grant rights like these to others, the reality is that not everyone has access to them all the time.

    That being said, sometimes inclusivity means allowing for special circumstances in order to even the playing field. Individuals who belong to disadvantaged groups—groups that, throughout history, have been less privileged and continually oppressed compared to others—may receive extra attention because of their disadvantaged positions in society. For example, First Nations students may have special scholarships available to them, because they are statistically less likely to attend post-secondary education.

    Finally, inclusivity can mean a sense of fundamental respect for others. In other words, others are not judged by certain unchangeable traits, like their race or their gender. Instead, they are treated with respect because they are human beings. For example, students who were born in different countries can set their differences aside to work together within the classroom.

    Here are some ways you can be inclusive of others:

    • Don’t make assumptions. Assumptions about an individual based on things like their religion or gender are a form of prejudice, and they often result in that individual being treated unfairly.
    • Ask questions. Individuals who are different than you will probably have different perspectives and opinions about the world. Ask them not only about what they think, but about how they would like to be treated.
    • Embrace your differences. You don’t have to agree with everyone all the time, but you can often learn from others who are different than you. Try to be open-minded: your differences don’t have to lead to conflict.
    • Consider yourself. How are you different from those around you, and what makes you special? Are you proud of your heritage? Is religion important to you? Knowing the answers to these questions will familiarize you with your own values, and help others treat you with respect.
  • An Introduction to Finding Accommodations for Blind Students at College and University

    An Introduction to Finding Accommodations for Blind Students at College and University

    Choosing a college or university and going off to school for the first time is an exciting and important step. If you are an incoming student with a visual impairment, the accessibility options and academic accommodations schools can offer you can influence your choice. Many of the possible options for accommodation will be familiar to you from high school, but the specific offerings at each school may differ.

    When you are comparing schools, make an appointment with an Academic Counselor and with the Student Services department. They will be able to give you comprehensive information and details of the school’s academic supports, as well as the accessibility and other amenities available on campus and in residence. If you are accustomed to specific accommodations, be sure to ask if they are available at your prospective school.

    Service animals are always welcome on college and university campuses and in most student residences, if you choose to live on campus. Just be sure to confirm that the campus residence you are interested in is properly equipped for the service animal to live with you.

    Along with the usual accommodations and accessibility options, with every year there are more high-tech, mobile, and internet-connected tools available to students with visual and other impairments.

    There are options for whatever methods you prefer when studying, and they way you learn best with your level of visual impairment; digital recorders, both audio and video, are a great tool when attending lectures. In addition, many computer, smartphone, and tablet apps that can provide text-to-speech and speech-to-text functions to help you prepare notes and write assignments.

    Some schools also offer note-taking assistance from an aide or another student, but availability of this service will vary between schools, and should be inquired about specifically if this is a service you wish to use.

    For students taking STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs, there are talking standard and scientific calculators available, with various functions including a voice reading the buttons pressed, or the equations on screen.

    Whether you prefer to use audiobooks or Braille textbooks, your college or university can order these for you. As it may take a few weeks to a few months depending on the text, most schools will request that you submit your textbook order as soon as you have registered for your classes, to allow time for the books to arrive before the start of class.

    One thing to keep in mind is regarding accommodations for writing tests, midterms, and final exams. Unlike in high school, where your teacher is familiar with you and your Education Plan, and most likely makes the exam arrangements, in college and university the exams are scheduled by computer. It is up to students to contact their academic counsellor and request accommodations for date and time, separate rooms, verbal exam taking, having an aide to assist, or any other accommodation you require.

    Whatever college or university you choose, they will do their best to ensure you enjoy your educational experience with them. Once you’ve decided on your school, get ready for a great few years!

    Sources:

    University of Western Ontario Student Development – Services for Students with Disabilities

    http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/ssd/

    University of Western Ontario – Accessibility: Services for Students with Disabilities

    http://accessibility.uwo.ca/resources/support_services.html

     

     

  • Assessing Assistive Technology

    Assessing Assistive Technology

    Purchasing technology can crash your bank account but there are ways to cut the cost.

    Let’s face it: Apple is cool. Apple is cool for a variety of reasons, but mostly because they are innovative. Five years ago, who would have thought that a blind person could use a touch screen phone? (Apple, apparently.)

    I’m speaking of course of the iPhone 3GS, which has an assortment of accessibility features like VoiceOver and is probably the most easy to use voice activated software on the market. But the tech market is constantly being flooded with new hardware and software, most of which will cost a good chunk of your newly acquired pay cheque or your government funded education. Although far from universal, accessibility options on commercial software and hardware is certainly a step in the right direction when it comes to raising the minimum level of access.

    Uh, Where’s the Start Button?

    “The problem with going and buying something off the shelf,” says Ryan Vernon, faculty member and librarian at B.C. College and Institute Library Services, Langara College, “ is that it’s really expensive and if doesn’t work out for you, you’ve probably made a huge capital investment that can’t be recouped.” Vernon spends much of his time formatting print sources into alternative formats for disabled students. He recommends looking for programs that are free and programs that have trials, like Kurzweil, which offers free runs of some of their software. A Kurzweil license, however, can run close to two thousand dollars. Yikes.

    But with the recent popularity of open source software and a general push towards offering more free programs and information online, the time is ripe to start picking from the proverbial tech tree. Pack a lunch and spend a little time online. Adaptech (www.adaptech.dawsoncollege.qc.ca) has an extensive list of free and inexpensive software and the recently re-vamped NEADS website has links to all kinds of technology related sites.

    Many companies, like TD, have labs where employees with disabilities can test drive new hardware and programs. The employee will work with an expert, find out what works best, and then that particular piece of hardware or software will be ordered.

    “I think we’re going to see this with all big companies who do business in the states,” Vernon says. A law in the U.S., Section 508, requires that companies that do business with the federal government have certain accessibility standards built in, he says. “So for a company like Xerox who sell a lot of copiers to the government it’s a necessity to them.”

    Funding

    For students, much of the funding is done at the provincial level, through various grants and loans. You have to be eligible for a student loan, have to have persons with a disability status in addition to other requirements. If you don’t meet those requirements, chances are you won’t get hardware support. There are also numerous organizations that provide assistance. Check with your local disability services to see what’s out there. Your school may even have a research lab that specializes in assistive technology as much of the research going into this field is done at the academic level.

    Another good thing to keep in mind is that hardware can be re-purposed. Those old PC’s still have some miles left, so ask around. You may be able to find decent hardware that your friends, family and local businesses don’t need. And again, there are plenty of free software programs available that are just as good as the commercial ones.

    BY JASON RHYNO

    Via NEADS ( http://www.neads.ca/ )

  • Career Profile: Golf Caddy

    Career Profile: Golf Caddy

    Playing games can be fun and relaxing, but sometimes people need help. If you play any team sports, you know how important it is to work together with the others to get a goal or a touchdown. Golf is not normally a team game, but the players can often use help. Golf caddies used to be essential to the game. Even though fewer people work in this field than in the past, it can still be an interesting job to have for people who enjoy golf and spending time outdoors.

    Before the invention of golf carts, caddies were essential to every golf course. Golf clubs and other equipment can be very heavy, and caddies would carry everything so that the players could concentrate on the game. They would estimate distances between wherever the ball landed and advise the players on the best club to use and smooth out any part of the course that got disturbed so that it would be good for the next player. They would look at the weather, ground conditions, and other factors and try to help make the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.

    With motorized carts, most players no longer need caddies to carry their heavy bags around, and many of them prefer to make their own decisions about how to play the game. However, caddies are still necessary in some contexts. Elderly players, for example, might not have the strength to carry golf bags and might also appreciate having someone to help them decide about their next move. In addition, professional players normally have caddies who can tell them about the course and make sure that they can concentrate on the game. A good caddy can help a player win important tournaments and win large prizes.

    Becoming a golf caddy takes time and experience but no particular education. Basic math skills are important for keeping score, and knowledge of weather patterns can help. However, the most important requirements are to know about the game and to know the particular golf course where the people are playing. Caddies need to know where the player has to hit the ball next and what might cause problems along the way. Caddies also need to know the rules of golf and how to use all of the different equipment.

    Salaries for golf caddies can vary a lot. Some people in this field work for one or two golf courses and receive regular salaries. Others get paid according to each bag that they carry and can earn up to about $5000 in one summer. In professional tournaments, caddies often also receive a percentage of the prize money if the golfer wins. Sometimes this amount can be quite large, and caddies can earn a lot of money by doing their job well. If this idea is appealing to you, why not start practicing your golf skills?

    Bibliography:

    Answers.com. “How Much Do Caddies Earn.” http://www.answers.com/Q/How_much_do_caddies_earn.

    Careers.org. “Career Occupational Profile for: Golf Caddy.” http://www.careers.org/occupations/16812/golf-caddy

    Cameron, Patrick. “How Much Money Do Golf Caddies Make?” http://www.golflink.com/tips_5167_much-money-do-golf-caddies.html.

    Herrfeldt, Bill. “How to Be a Golf Caddy.” http://www.golflink.com/how_1185_be-golf-caddy.html.

    Payscale.com. “Average Salary for Industry: Golf Course.” http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Industry=Golf_Course/Salary.

    Roland, James. “How to Become a Professional Golf Caddy.” http://golftips.golfsmith.com/become-professional-golf-caddy-1888.html.

    Wikihow.com. “Be a Golf Caddy.” http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Golf-Caddy.

  • Career Profile: Farrier

    Career Profile: Farrier

    Imagine becoming a doctor who specializes in toenails. Do you think that you would get much work with something that specific? Farriers have the very special job of looking after horses’ hooves, trimming them and putting on shoes if necessary. If you like horses and can manage the demands of the work, this job might be right for you.

    How much time do you take every week to trim your toenails or fingernails? Depending on how quickly they grow, you might have to cut them every few days or maybe once every two or three weeks. Horses’ hooves are like nails, and they need to be trimmed regularly. Depending on where they live and what kinds of ground they walk on, horses also often need shoes on their hooves. Farriers work with every aspect of hoof care, including treating any diseases that might develop. They need to know all about cleaning dirt out of hooves, keeping them healthy, and anything else that might affect the horses’ ability to walk comfortably.

    Knowing a lot about horses is the first step in becoming a farrier. People who regularly ride horses know how the hooves can collect dirt and small stones which can cause a lot of pain for the horse. They know how to lift one foot up at a time and clean out anything that might cause problems.

    That is basically what farriers do. They work with horses to keep the hooves clean and healthy. If necessary, they replace horseshoes with new shoes that they have either bought or made themselves. Farriers need to be able to lift heavy objects and to be able to stand for many hours as they work. They have to be able to work with tools and sometimes also to be able to make horseshoes, nails, and anything else that they need.

    Learning to become a farrier involves a combination of education and experience. Many farriers learn through apprenticeships in which they work with other farriers for a year or two. Courses in animal care or blacksmithing can also be helpful, and anything else that might help with understanding horses. However, most of what farriers learn comes on the job in dealing with horses and discovering what works.

    Most farriers get paid by the horse instead of receiving an hourly wage. They can often receive $30 or $40 for each time they trim a horse’s hooves, which usually needs to be done about every six weeks. In parts of Canada, farriers earn between about $14,000 and $32,000, although some can earn more. However, they also need to pay for their equipment, insurance, vehicle, and anything else that they need to do their job. It helps to be able to get a job at a ranch or somewhere else with a large number of horses to provide a regular source of income.

    Do you love horses? Why not become a farrier?

    Bibliography:

    Careers.org. “Career Occupational Profile for: Farrier.” http://www.careers.org/occupations/16531/farrier

    Kramer, Mary Hope. “Farrier.” http://animalcareers.about.com/od/Careers/a/Farrier.htm.

    Legel, Ray. “How Much do you Really Make?” http://www.thefarrierguide.com/employment-guide/how-much-do-you-really-make/.

    Salary.com. “Farrier Job Description.” http://swz.salary.com/SalaryWizard/Farrier-Job-Description.aspx.

    Salary.com. “Farrier Salaries in Ontario, CA.” http://www1.salary.com/CA/Ontario/Farrier-salary.html.

    Young Rider.com. “Horse Care – Friends With the Farrier.” http://www.youngrider.com/horse-care/job-of-a-farrier-3392.aspx.

     

  • Addictions: Everyone and Everything

    Addictions: Everyone and Everything

    News and stories on addiction seem to be everywhere, on T.V, in the paper/magazines and in books- even you may have an addiction to something. Overall, addictive behaviour in humans is common, no matter what the medium. Now, an addiction can be bad or really bad, since having too much of one thing is never healthy. Most people do not even realize they have and addiction to something because they may not want to realize they are addicted to something. It is sometimes difficult for someone to admit they are addicted to something. This takes time and support from others in order for the person to realize how bad their addiction really is.

    When we hear about someone being addicted to something, 9 times out of 10 we assume the addiction is to drugs; cocaine, prescription drugs, heroin, etc. However, the addiction does not always need to be a drug in that instance. You can be addicted to anything; video games, TV, candy, even people. A person can become addicted to caffeine or painkillers that you buy over the counter just as easily, and can be hidden from others, also. So when you watch My Strange Addiction, the people on that show really do not have an abnormal addiction; they are just like the rest of us. Although eating chalk is not necessarily like a shopping addict, we all have something that we cannot stop doing. We just generally call people addicts when they are addicted to something that could seriously harm them or ruin their health for the long run, or possibly kill them.

    Drugs like PCP (Phencyclidine), Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine (Meth), are generally what a person will think of when you picture a drug addict; these are some of the most chemically addictive drugs in the world. You don’t tend to picture someone drinking coffee or playing video games all day and all night. Some serious general effects of addiction to drugs can be brain damage, liver damage, and damage to your nervous system, heart problems, depression, memory loss, anxiety/paranoia, and many more. A most prominent and terrifying side effect can be death- scary, no? If you know someone suffering from a drug addiction or otherwise, encourage them to get help. It is our job as friends, family and neighbours, to stand beside those in need. However, you can only do so much to help people, sometimes. Just let them know you love them, and check up on them regularly. If you feel like you are having trouble with an addiction, it is never too late to stop.

     

    Reference:

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/addiction

     

  • Toronto Highlights: July 2015

    Toronto Highlights: July 2015

    It’s finally summer, and weather permitting, you probably can’t wait to get out and have some fun. Toronto in particular has a ton to offer this month, including festivals, sporting events, and other exciting activities.

    If you’re in Toronto this July, be sure to take advantage of some of the following opportunities. What are you waiting for?

    Pan Am Games
    July 10-26
    You’ve probably seen the advertisements on the TTC—Toronto is very proud to host the 2015 Pan Am Games. Featuring nearly 7000 athletes from across North America, South America, Latin America, and the Caribbean, races, courses, and matches are being held all over the GTA. In Toronto, you can watch sports including basketball, swimming, and gymnastics (the full schedule can be found here: http://www.toronto2015.org/schedule). Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the opening ceremonies on July 10, as well as the Parapan Am games, happening August 7-15.

    Shakespeare in High Park
    July 2 – September 6
    If you’re a theatre buff, what better way to celebrate history’s greatest playwright? Every year, two Shakespeare plays are performed by a talented theatre troupe in High Park. This July, you can attend the Roman tragedy Julius Caesar (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) or the entertaining Comedy of Errors (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays). After enjoying the talent on stage, take a stroll through the park grounds on your way out! Plays are “pay what you can”, with a recommended donation of $20.

    Summerlicious
    July 3-26
    Toronto restaurants—especially those of high calibre—aren’t always the most affordable. Luckily, the Summerlicious food festival in July ensures that some of the city’s best cuisine is accessible and affordable for eager diners. Almost 200 restaurants are offering lunches and dinners and reduced rates, prix fixe. You can find a list of participating establishments and their mouthwatering menus on Summerlicious’s Facebook or Twitter accounts. Hungry yet?

    Beaches International Jazz Festival
    July 10-26
    This music festival is a free event for jazz enthusiasts and experts alike. The Beaches International Jazz Festival offers performances by artists, combos, and bands from around the world, in a lovely lakeshore setting. By popular demand, StreetFest is also returning from July 23-25, when performers will be found making music on street corners and rooftops on Queen East between Woodbine and Beech Avenues. Performances include exciting acts by Chris Thomas King, Kirby Sewell Band, and Bustamento. Come for the music, stay for the food—a variety of gourmet trucks will be parked nearby.

    Sources:</
    http://www.toronto.com/events/pan-am-games/
    http://www.toronto2015.org/schedule
    http://www.toronto.com/events/shakespeare-in-high-park/
    http://www.toronto.com/events/summerlicious/
    http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=4cc95f5923be1410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD&WT.rd_id=summerilcious
    http://www.seetorontonow.com/annual-events/beaches-international-jazz-festival/

  • Career Profile: Community Radio News Manager

    Career Profile: Community Radio News Manager

    Many people dream of someday being on the radio or television. They imagine how exciting life could be if they could be like the stars they see in movies, or at least the people they hear talking on the radio every week. Sometimes, the managers of community radio stations can give them that chance.

    Most radio stations have staff members who look after the technical aspects of the broadcasts, as well as the people who actually interview guests, play music, and give weather and news reports. They also have production managers who make sure that everything is working well, and who deal with hiring and firing people.

    A community radio station is a bit different. Most of the people working at these stations are volunteers who have ideas about what they would like to broadcast but who might have little or no formal training. They might stay for years, or they might try being on radio for a few months and then move on to something else.

    Managers in community radio stations have to make sure that they have enough people to cover all of the timeslots, or they have to find helpers who can do that work. Volunteers tend to come and go, but managers can help ease the process by finding one or two good employees who can help.

    Besides working with the day-to-day running of radio stations, managers have to make sure that the financial and business aspects are in place. In Canada, all radio stations need approval from the CRTC (Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission), which also sets guidelines for aspects of broadcasting such as the amount of Canadian content. Managers need to make sure that volunteers know and meet these standards.

    Another task is fundraising. Many community radio stations, especially in colleges and universities, have some funding from sources like student fees, but these fees normally cover only part of the money necessary to keep the station going. Many other people help with finding donations, but managers need to take responsibility for ensuring that enough fundraising happens to keep the station alive.

    Managers for commercial radio stations normally need at least a Bachelor’s degree, and they might earn close to $100,000 per year. At community radio stations, the pay is likely to be much lower, and the educational requirements might not be very high. However, getting a bachelor’s degree is still a good idea for learning about the various topics that hosts and guests might discuss and for working with people in the community.

    Because community radio stations normally run with only a few paid staff, managers might need to work in several different areas, such as hosting shows or conducting training. They need to be flexible and be willing to work at whatever needs to be done.

    Being a community radio station manager can be a lot of fun when the volunteers and staff work well together and find a good way to connect with their audience. However, you must be a well- rounded person that adapts well to change and real time problem solving. If you enjoy working with people and expressing your ideas on the radio, this job might be the one for you!

     Bibliography:

    Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission. “Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2010-499.”

    http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-499.htm.

    Community Radio Toolkit. “Staff Roles and Responsibilities.” http://www.communityradiotoolkit.net/the-toolkit-handbook/toolkit-chapter-five/staff-roles-and-responsibilities/.

    Power, Max. “How to Start a Radio Station in Canada.” http://www.ehow.com/how_7918278_start-radio-station-canada.html.

    Study.com. “Radio Station Manager Job Description, Duties and Salary.”

    http://study.com/articles/Radio_Station_Manager_Job_Description_Duties_and_Salary.html.