Fall/Winter 2011 Disabilities & the Digital Divide
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FEATURE ARTICLES
Asking for Help: 13 Tips by Shelley Hourston
Letter to the Editor Stories of Success Through Technology by Paul Gauthier
Accessibility of Media Technology by the Council of Canadians with Disabilities Vancouver Company is an Accessibility Partner by Steven Berg
Resources Technology and You
Keeping Government Services Accessible by Robin Loxton
BC’s Online Anti-Poverty Community by Penny Goldsmith
OTHER
Exciting New BCCPD Project Funded by the Ontario Law Foundation by Jane Dyson
VocalEye Provides Access to the Arts by Geoff McMurchy Cheryl’s Kindness Story A Message from PLAN
Planned Giving: A New Way to Contribute
In Memoriam: Robert Keill
SPECIAL
Book Your Free Advocacy Access Workshop
The Art in Her Illness Workshop
by Mary-Doug Wright
I’ve always been an early adopter–somebody who’s willing to explore, experiment and work with technology that isn’t yet fully developed. However, I suspect that it’s my 20-year career as a consulting librarian combined with my love of gadgets that won my invitation to write the editorial for this issue of Transition.
Being a scientist and an artist at heart, I love toys that help me experience the world in new ways. Today, automation is a fact of life, whether it’s assistive technology, techno-toys or Internet access to services. The irony is that despite our obsession with technology, we can never replace human interaction in making it all work. In my mind, that’s a good thing. Technology can do wonderful things…if you can afford to buy it, learn how to use it, know when and how to upgrade it, and know how to use it safely! Myths abound and it’s easy to believe that “everything is available on the Internet,” that “everyone has access to the Internet–even if only through their local library,” or “everyone can read and understand the manual that comes with the new technology.”
As a professional researcher, I can assure you that you can’t find everything on the Internet. There is no law that requires everything be published and made freely available on the web, nor that it appear in an accessible format. While Internet access may seem as close as your public library, not everyone feels comfortable or is able to use a computer in a public space. And a well-written, comprehensive and understandable manual is a treasure, but sadly hard to find! As an eager technology user, I’ve developed some useful strategies that can be used by anyone who is looking for technology information that meets their needs.
Talk to people. Whether your technology question involves a new camera, cell phone or computer, talk to friends, family, neighbours–anyone who is knowledgeable and trustworthy. If you’re the one sharing information, don’t be preachy! That will help those of us who don’t have your experience.
If you’re online, try going to the manufacturer’s website and accessing their support. Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or a community forum to see if someone has already asked and received an answer to your question. If not, you can usually post it yourself.
Take advantage of free support chat sessions or toll-free phone support, if available. Next, you can key your question into a few of the major search engines and you’ll often find an answer or discussion of your question. Sometimes you’ll even find a video that is helpful.
When I’m considering new technology, I always read reviews (online or at the library), I talk to people I know, and I talk to people in stores. Visit technology stores and ask a lot of questions. Go at different times and talk to different people. Look for a person who is really knowledgeable–a user of the technology– and not just trying to sell a product.
Remember, asking a question is never stupid. You won’t get answers if you don’t ask questions, and you probably won’t be the first person to ask them. If possible, try before you buy. Find out what the return policy is and give the product a good test before the time is up. And finally, know yourself… if you’re not an early adopter, don’t be one! Waiting has benefits in lower prices and often a better product. Waiting will also give you more time to talk to people about your technology decision.
Mary-Doug Wright is a consulting librarian specializing in health and social sciences information research (http://www.apexinformation.com/) who loves playing with new technology gadgets. In her spare time, she hangs out with her dogs.
BACK TO TOP
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities is an expert in Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) advocacy. We provide:
CPP-D has several advantages over provincial disability benefits. And, recipients may receive provincial (PWD/PPMB) disability benefits in addition to CPP-D in the form of a top-up, if their CPP-D benefits fall below the provincial minimum.
See our CPP-D program page.
by Shelley Hourston
Here are some tips when you need help to understand technology–or any other area in your life!
Asking for help can be difficult for most of us. Sometimes we’re ashamed to let others know about things we can’t do or that we’re uncertain about our abilities. Asking for help sometimes feels like a sign of weakness or failure. We may also be afraid that our request will be refused or be an imposition.
Researchers have found, however, that people underestimate others’ willingness to help.* Here are some tips when you need help to understand technology–or any other area in your life!
Whether you’re asking for help or gathering information about products or services, you will run into unhelpful people. Often, they don’t realize they’re being unhelpful. Sometimes they have misunderstood your question. Or, their answer is filled with jargon or terminology that you can’t understand. Other times, you’ll meet people who are rude, dismissive or disinterested in your problem or question. Here are some tips for getting past unhelpful people to the information you need.
*Francis J. Flynn and Vanessa K.B. Lake. If You Need Help, Just Ask: Underestimating Compliance with Direct Requests for Help. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 95 (1) 2008;128-143. Available: http://tinyurl.com/yaynrr4
Jodi Glickman. Asking for a Favour: The Three Keys. Harvard Business Review blog. January 12, 2011. Available: http://blogs.hbr.org/glickman/2011/01/asking-for-a-favor-the.html Jodi Glickman. The Biggest Mistake People Make after Receiving a Favour. Harvard Business Review blog. January 19, 2011. Available:
http://blogs.hbr.org/glickman/2011/01/the-biggest-mistake-ppl-make-af.html
Dear Editor:
I recently spoke with one of your advocates, Ken Walker, about a man I’m working with who has a disability who needs some support to apply for Employment Insurance. Although I learned that this is not an area the advocates can work on, Ken researched any and all alternative possibilities that he could find for me to look into on behalf of this client.
It’s easy when we’re busy and have lots of work to do to answer with, “I’m sorry this is not an area we can assist with.” Ken did everything he could think of to assist me and his suggestions and positive helpful approach was very appreciated.
Thanks to Ken for doing a great job! Thank you,
All of our 15 Help Sheet self-help guides have now been updated for 2011 and we have added a new sheet, People with Disabilities on Reserve: The PWD Designation. We also have more Help Sheets available in Traditional Chinese and Punjabi.
The Help Sheets are available in our web library or can be mailed to you on request. Email us at feedback@bccpd.bc.ca or call 604-875-0188 and ask for Val.
Our sincere thanks to the Legal Services Society of BC, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the Health Sciences Association of British Columbia for making this update possible.
by Paul Gauthier
Perhaps no one knows better how technology can change lives than EATI clients.
With the people we’ve worked with so far, some have reached an employment goal quickly. Others have had a slower path starting with volunteering, learning skills and eventually finding some form of employment.
The “bad news” is EATI has also confirmed what many of us working in the community have known for years: there are too many people with disabilities who can’t afford equipment or assistive devices that could dramatically improve their lives. In recent months, we’ve accumulated a mountain of EATI applications from people wanting equipment. And, those who don’t qualify for EATI funding and support, just go without.
Part of the EATI mandate is to collect this information on “unmet needs” of people with disabilities living in BC. Our hope is that we’ll be able to find more funding in the future to meet at least some of these needs.
You may have read in the last edition of Transition (Summer 2011) about the new AT Co-op that’s starting out. The way EATI works now, if you need a screen reader, for example, you need to research screen readers, find one that would suit your needs, find sellers and prices, and so on.
Ideally, we envision the AT co-op as a one stop clearinghouse of information for its members. So, for example, the Co-op would tell you the five top screen readers, their pros and cons, and maybe even give you recommendations about where to buy.
Personally, I was very proud to receive one of the 2011 WOW!clbc Recognition Awards from Community Living BC. WOW, which stands for “Widening our World,” recognizes people who’ve made contributions toward community inclusion for people supported by the community living sector. The award was largely for the work we’ve been able to do through EATI, helping people with disabilities reach goals, do more and be involved.
Note: The names in the following have been changed.
Goal
To work part time as a program leader at a community centre.
EATI provided
Intel reader–transforms printed text to speech
Pen friend–a voice labeller which allows users to record information onto self adhesive labels, then “read” out the recorded information
Humanware Victora Reader Stream–an Audio book reader
Outcome
Nancy now has a part-time position as a program leader at a community centre.
To continue volunteering in the community through blogging, filmmaking and public speaking, eventually leading to a part-time business.
Barrier James is a quadriplegic who has neck, shoulder and wrist pain when typing. He can’t sit for long periods due to postural pain.
EATI provided Macbook Pro laptop Nuance MacSpeech voice to text software
Outcome James has now completed three contract jobs thanks to his new equipment.
To attain a high school diploma, in order to pursue certification from a culinary school and become a chef.
For more on the AT-Co-operative or EATI, please visit www.bcpsn.org or contact Paul at pgauthier@bcpsn.org or 1-877-333-7554.
BCCPD was very pleased to have the opportunity to speak at the recent Ministerial Roundtable on Labour Market Participation of People with Disabilities, hosted by the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors. Paul Gauthier represented BCCPD at the August 2011 event. He spoke about the Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative (EATI) and the importance of the Social Development Partnership Program to the community. EATI is a ground-breaking project, funded by the Province of British Columbia, through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.
Left to right:
Duane Geddes, Executive Director, Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation
Dr. Gary Birch, Executive Director, Neil Squire Society Jennifer Lee, Executive Director, IAM Cares Society
Hon. Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors Karen De Long, Director, British Columbia Association for Community Living
Paul Gauthier, BC Coalition of People with Disabilities
Jamie Millar-Dixon, Tourism Employment Specialist, WII-STEP Workforce Inclusion Initiative
by the Council of Canadians with Disabilities
The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics/Paralympics provided a wake-up call to the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) when people with disabilities contacted us about the inaccessibility of CTV’s coverage of the event. Deaf Canadians and people with vision impairment encountered barriers when they tried to tune-in to CTV’s coverage. A barrier for Deaf people was a lack of closed captions. The streaming video player on CTV’s Olympic/Paralympic site could only be operated by using a mouse which made it inaccessible to people who use screen readers.
Coincidentally, CCD’s newly constituted Access to Technology Committee was in its early stages. The Committee is co-chaired by John Rae, CCD First Vice Chair, and Gary Birch, Executive Director of the Neil Squire Society.
On behalf of CCD, National Coordinator Laurie Beachell made a complaint to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) about the barriers CTV’s coverage presented to members of the disability community. The CRTC said that it could not address these barriers because they were encountered on CTV’s website.
Not only are there barriers in the way that broadcasters make their services available to the Canadian public, the CRTC’s approach to broadcasting has also proven to be a barrier to access and inclusion. When the CCD Access to Technology Committee had its meeting in April 2011, it placed the CRTC high on its priority list.
CCD has asked the CRTC to follow a human rights model to regulate Canadian broadcasters on access for people with disabilities.
This year, a number of Canadian broadcasters are having their applications for license renewal reviewed by the CRTC. Members of our Committee appeared before the CRTC to deliver our human rights message to the CRTC. John Rae told the CRTC Commissioners that, “What we do need from this hearing, given that it may cover seven years of renewed licenses, is significant additional regulation by the Commission to accelerate the amount of original Canadian programming that is fully accessible in the area of new ways of broadcasting. We do believe the Commission needs to regulate the Internet.”
He spoke passionately against making any aspect of access a matter of voluntary compliance. “[I]t’s always been hard for me to understand that the Commission may regulate who gets licenses, what level of Canadian programming may be provided, but it doesn’t seem to regulate all the ways in which we as customers receive that programming. What we find is that any reliance on voluntarism has been a failure to the disabled community, not just in this area, but equally in the areas of transportation, in the areas of development of products, and so forth.”
Committee member Jim Roots focused on the barriers that the Deaf community are seeking to have remedied.
“There have been a lot of improvements in recent years. At least five channels now caption almost everything because one of our representatives, Henry Vlug, won human rights complaints to force them to do so,” Jim stated. “We want to applaud you on your new attitude towards captioning complaints. Now when we complain you take some action. Please keep it up. But do more than that. Make sure that the licensees keep the promises they make in response to these complaints.”
At the CRTC, there has been an evolving awareness of the need to address issues facing Canadians with disabilities. For example, the 2009 CRTC Policy which states, “…that wireless service providers, in consultation with people with disabilities, offer at least one type of wireless mobile handset to serve the needs of people who are blind and/or have moderate-to-severe mobility or cognitive disabilities, noting that it will consider imposing such a requirement in the future, if necessary.”
In discussions with people with disabilities, it seems that not all cell phone providers are offering cell phone products usable by the communities described in the CRTC policy.
CCD encourages Canadians with disabilities to make CRTC complaints when they encounter barriers in any of the areas regulated by the Commission. Complaints to the Commission help to bring down barriers in the television and telecommunications fields.
There is an online complaint process. For information about that process, go to http://www.crtc.gc.ca/RapidsCCM/Register.asp?lang=E. Complaints can also be mailed to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2 and by fax to 819-994-0218. You can also contact Martine Vallee, the CRTC’s Director of Social and Consumer Policy at 819-997-9254.
by Steven Berg, Simply Computing
Our goal since opening Simply Computing in the early 80’s has been to teach people how to make computer ownership a simple and great experience. We work with our clients to show how they can use technology to enrich and simplify their everyday experiences. This is especially true for our clients with disabilities.
Technology is helping to lower many of the barriers people with disabilities face every day, by providing solutions that empower people and give them more of the independence they need to pursue their professional and personal ambitions. We are thrilled to be able to offer the best technology on the market–Apple products–and work with our clients to find the best fit for their needs. Apple has been a leader in assistive technology for over 20 years. In fact, assistive technology is included in its products as standard features to assist with cognitive, visual, physical and motor impairments.
At Simply.ca we also go a step beyond offering the right Apple product. There are many retailers of Apple products, but we are unique in providing continuity in support, training, government program information and customization of Apple products with additional hardware and software to address our clients’ specific needs.
Breaking down any type of barrier in a person’s life involves some challenge and we pride ourselves on being able to personally support each and every relationship through this challenging, but exciting journey. Whether it is using an iPad to communicate or using the Apple computer to help you to learn and grow as an individual, staff like myself, in Vancouver, and Rob Conci, in Kelowna, are there to help you do it.
We have been working with the Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative (EATI) since 2010. EATI is a program designed to help people with disabilities with work-related goals (see page 6). Individuals who qualify for the program can choose the technology that would best work with their employment goals and we help by providing knowledge on the technology and support throughout the process.
Simply.ca has been involved since EATI’s infancy and together we have helped grow the program to what it is today. The number of EATI clients securing jobs or joining volunteer programs provides a measure of success for the program.
In fact, after meeting one EATI client, we hired him! Alex used his EATI funding to provide him with Apple technology to help him address his visual impairment. He’s now an Apple Voiceover trainer at Simply.ca.
When Apple introduced the iPad, the world of Autism and other disabilities that involve verbal impairments, changed. Other technological solutions that involved bulky, obtrusive, not to mention expensive ($8,000), solutions, made way for new technology.
The iPad and Apps developed to help people verbally communicate by using symbols and letters allowed people to become more independent at a fraction of the cost.
For example, one of our clients, Jake, who has Autism uses his iPad, Apple computer and Apps such as Proloquo2Go to communicate with his friends and co-workers. He also uses the Everyday Skills App and Social Skills App to learn about life skills. To help develop his writing skills, he uses his Apple computer’s Word Prediction feature. Jake currently volunteers part time and is well on his way to achieving his dream of working with computers as a full-time job.
Simply.ca is excited to be growing with support groups like EATI and others, in the field of assistive technology. We feel that we have been an integral part of helping many people achieve their goals of more independence.
We encourage people to get in touch with us and let us know what they would like to see and how we can better serve their needs. People can email me at steven.berg@simply.ca or call me directly at 604-714-1466. And visit us at http://simply.ca.
For over 25 years, the Neil Squire Foundation has empowered Canadians with physical disabilities through the use of computer-based assistive technologies, research and development, and various employment programs. Programs include: Employ-Ability; Computer Comfort; Job Focus; Literacy, and more
Programs take into consideration all aspects of the human being. Whether they need to improve only their computer skills or they require a more complex combination of services, they work with each client on an individual basis to identify their particular needs and create an individual action plan for them to succeed.
Programs offer a self-paced environment which allows clients to learn at their own rhythm.
The knowledge, dedication and professionalism of their staff and volunteers complete the equation.
Phone 1-877-673-4636 | Email info@neilsquire.ca | Web www.neilsquire.ca
BC Association for Individualized Technology and Supports for People with Disabilities (BCITS) works with people who have severe physical disabilities and helps them to live as well and as independently as possible. BCITS is the home of two main programs: The Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program (PROP) that provides equipment and a wide range of supports to people who use ventilators and other respiratory equipment.
The Technology for Independent Living Program (TIL) that provides technology to assist with communication and with managing devices in the home.
Phone 1-866-326-1245 (local and long distance) | Email info@bcits.org | Web www.bcits.org
CanAssist is a university-based organization dedicated to developing and delivering technologies, programs and services that improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. Located at the University of Victoria, they draw upon and bring together the exceptional resources on campus, as well as those in the wider community.
While many of their activities support individuals with disabilities and their families in Greater Victoria and throughout southern Vancouver Island, they also routinely receive and respond to requests from across British Columbia, Canada and internationally.
Here are highlights of the Transition survey “Technology, Communication and Connection.”
What do you regularly do online? Buy goods and services 37.9%
How do you learn about a new kind of technology and how to use it, for example, filling in a government form or learning how to download movies from an online service?
If there is a piece of technology you’d like to have, but can’t afford, what is it?
Top responses:
What is the piece of online technology/software/service that you just can’t do without?
If you have friends or family who use technology more–or less–than you do, how does it affect your communication or connection with them?
Do you think the ability to connect with people electronically, rather than in person, increases your feeling of connection with others or makes you feel more isolated?
Do you go online for information or services from government?
If you receive income supports (welfare, PWD or PPMB), what do you think of the fact that you’re asked to do more things online (such as completing application forms)?
Overall, do you think the move to all types of online services and activities is more positive or negative?
What else would you like to tell us about the pros and cons of online living?
Some responses
Editor’s note: Readers should be aware that the people who responded to this online survey are a certain group: people who are comfortable using a computer and the internet. To gather information that truly represents a cross-section of people with disabilities, information would need to be gathered through other means as well, such as interviews or written questionnaires.
Thanks to everyone who shared their opinions and experiences.
by Robin Loxton
It’s fine if you have the option of downloading a government form from a website, like an application form for Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits (CPP-D). But it becomes a barrier if that is the only way you can obtain the form.
Computers and the internet have opened a lot of doors for people with disabilities. To check your bank balance or pay a bill, you no longer need to take a trip to your bank. It can be as quick and easy as hitting a few keys. And, there are services, information, and social networking that can be accessed from your living room that 30 years ago wasn’t even thought of.
There is no doubt that computer technology has revolutionized the way we communicate and many other aspects of our daily lives. But not all these changes are necessarily a good thing. How so? As someone who is a front-line advocate for people with disabilities, I see a problem when the only way you can access a service or program is by using a computer. It’s fine if you have the option of downloading a government form from a website, like an application form for Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits (CPP-D). But it becomes a barrier if that is the only way you can obtain the form. Fortunately, the federal government still provides a phone service that allows you to talk to someone and ask them to mail you a CPP-D application form.
It’s also a problem when public services are changed because decision-makers assume that everyone has a computer, access to the internet and computer skills. Many people with disabilities on fixed income cannot afford a computer and internet fees, and have never learned how to use a computer. I have a particular concern about the provincial government’s move to computerize access to government services. A current example is the Ministry of Social Development’s “Self-Serve Assessment and Application–Part 1” that was recently introduced as an essential part of the application process for social assistance. Anyone who needs to apply for provincial income or disability assistance must answer over 60 questions on a computerized questionnaire. To do this, the applicant will need not only language literacy skills–and government websites are famous for not using plain language–but also computer literacy skills. If the applicant can’t manage this detailed, long computer questionnaire, they will need help.
So what happens if you need to apply for social assistance and you don’t have a computer and you don’t know how to use one? The Ministry has computers available to applicants at welfare offices or they will direct you to an agency that has computers available to the public. If you need help in using a computer, Ministry policy says that workers are supposed to provide assistance. Although this new computerized application process may work well for people who have computer knowledge and their own computer, advocates have expressed concerns about the complexity of the application questionnaire and that applicants do not always get help when they need it.
It has also been reported that some people discovered much later in the process that their application had not gone through because they had unknowingly made a computer error. Clearly, the Ministry of Social Development has more to learn about implementing user-friendly systems.
I am not opposed to government agencies introducing computerized web-based application programs. I am opposed to online services that may be difficult to use, becoming the only way to access a program. Social services involve people and require people to deal with people. Many people applying for social assistance have disabilities and other challenges that limit their ability to do things that most people can do. The last thing a new applicant needs to worry about is a computerized application process they cannot manage or understand. The Ministry of Social Development must make sure that they have sufficient staffing to provide the necessary in-person support and assistance to those that need the help and advice.
BCCPD, and other community organizations, are watching the situation closely. We’re letting the Ministry know when our clients report problems in accessing information or getting the help they need. Computers and the internet are important tools that can help us do things that we could not do before, but technology can never completely take the place of people. Government decision-makers should keep in mind that most people who walk into a Ministry of Social Development office would much rather deal with a person than being directed to a computer terminal.
by Penny Goldsmith
PovNet began in 1997 when a group of community advocates from across BC met in Vancouver to talk about this “internet” that they’d been hearing about, and to see if it could be of any use as a cheap communication network.
We field test our website and online courses to see that they are useable on public sites in libraries and community centres, and we have an ongoing commitment to making our resources accessible to people with disabilities. Our mandate is to expand the technological resources of PovNet, so as many users as possible can interact with each other online, both to share insights about case work and to engage in strategies to effect systemic change.
The resources that are available in rural parts of the community differ from those that are available in larger cities. So in Vancouver, for example, a community organizer recently said to me, “I’m getting a bit lazy using email. I need to start talking to people and having more in-person meetings.” This is because they’re local. But somebody who’s in Massett can’t have that in-person meeting with somebody who’s in Kamloops. So it’s not laziness at all in that case—they have to talk online. PovNet is not about “this is fantastic new technology and this is what we can do with it.” PovNet is a way for us to be able to find the technological resources for front line workers to use to continue to network with each other and do their work more easily.
“Well, the best training I had was being a single mom on welfare myself. You never make assumptions about people, once you’ve been there. Have you got a stamp for that thing we are going to send in or have you got a quarter to phone? You know how it feels to be on the other side of the desk.” –Advocate, Vancouver Island
PovNetU provides training and education to anti-poverty advocates, community, settlement and other front line workers who might not have easy access to support and resources. These learners include rural advocates, advocates working with immigrant and refugee clients, advocates from First Nations and Aboriginal communities and community workers who do advocacy as a part of their job, but have other responsibilities as well (for example, transition house workers, community centre workers). The two most commonly reported barriers faced by advocates who want ongoing training are geographic and financial. Advocates from rural communities do not have access to courses in their own communities. Front line workers who live in urban communities often do not have the ability to take the time off work to be able to take advantage of courses offered locally.
Because PovNetU courses do not require learners to log on at a specific time every day, this allows advocates to do the work when it fits into their busy schedules, without travel or cost requirements. Learners “talk” to each other and to the facilitators of the courses via discussion boards and personal assignments that they complete. Materials and online resources that are used in the courses continue to be available to learners after the courses have finished. When a learner successfully completes a course, she or he receives a certificate of completion from PovNet.
PovNet provides online tools that facilitate communication, community and access to information around poverty-related issues in BC and Canada. Anyone can use our website to find information and community resources or connect with an advocate. Our online courses, through PovNetU, are for front-line advocates: people who are helping other people in the community. Here are just some of PovNet’s key services and resources.
The website is a clearinghouse of links to current legal information on poverty law subjects, as well as hundreds of helpful organizations and essential resources. PovNet’s website hosts thousands of up-to-date links and resources that are organized and described to help you find the info you need. Get links to applications and forms, government info, FAQs, directories, guides and more.
Online courses for advocates, community and settlement workers are facilitated by experienced advocates and offer rich opportunities for learning and collaboration.
PovNet works to ensure that its community stays connected and informed via newsfeeds, popular social networking tools, collected feedback, and several multimedia projects.
PovNet hosts an up-to-date and widely-used directory of advocates in BC and Canada. Visitors can find advocates in their own communities to help with their legal or poverty-related issues.
PovNet: www.povnet.org
povnetu@povnet.org
Recycling computers, laptops and electronics is very important for the environment. The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) works with government-approved recyclers to ensure all end-of-life computers are safely recycled. ERA provides donation and recycling programs for the following equipment and more:
ERA provides specialty recycling programs for offices, schools, and organizations for cell phones and toners. ERA will ship your boxes and you can start your own recycling program.
End-of-Life items are recycled with government-approved recyclers in Canada.
by Jane Dyson
In September, we began working with our community partners, PovNet and the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS), on a one-year project–thanks to funding from the Ontario Law Foundation’s Access to Justice Fund.
We’re very excited about this project that will allow us to produce an online training course for community advocates on Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) applications, Reconsiderations and appealing to the CPP-D Review Tribunal (you can read about PovNet’s online courses on page 16). The online format is particularly suited to people in rural or more remote areas, and we will be focusing our outreach work on these communities.
Part One of the CPP-D course will focus on applications; Part Two will focus on Reconsiderations and appeals to the Review Tribunal. Under the supervision of a CLAS lawyer, we’ll develop the course content, and we’ll work with PovNet to design the online materials. PovNet will train our CPP-D advocate to facilitate the course and assignments, and moderate online discussions.
The course will be offered once during the project and will be a win-win for all of us: PovNet has the infrastructure for the course and BCCPD will have a trained facilitator able to offer the training at any time to advocates across Canada.
While the manual will be designed as a self-help tool, it will also be a useful resource for community advocates and will review relevant case law.
It will be available on the BCCPD website (in English, Traditional Chinese and Punjabi), through the Law Foundation of BC’s Clicklaw portal and will be mailed to community groups and individuals across Canada upon request. In September, we began working with our community partners, PovNet and the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS), on a one-year project–thanks to funding from the Ontario Law Foundation’s Access to Justice Fund.
The manual will include case examples and will invite users to respond to questions based on these examples and on their own personal situation. This interactive style will help users understand what is needed for a successful Tribunal appeal.
While the manual will be designed as a self-help tool, it will also be a useful resource for community advocates and will review relevant case law. It will be available on the BCCPD website (in English, Traditional Chinese and Punjabi), through the Law Foundation of BC’s Clicklaw portal and will be mailed to community groups and individuals across Canada upon request.
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by Geoff McMurchy
“...A fantastic opportunity for those of us who are blind to continue going to the theatre!” – Lisa West
Those are the words of blind theatregoers talking about VocalEye, a live Audio Description (AD) service offered by Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture.
Live Audio Description has been offered in the US for more than 20 years and the national AD service in the UK serves more than 100 theatres across the country. In Canada, however, the service was almost unheard of until Kickstart’s initiative. Acting on its mandate “to promote practices that will make the arts more accessible to all members of the Canadian public,” Kickstart brought trainer Deborah Lewis up from the US in 2009 to train a team of describers in Vancouver–and “kickstarted” the first live Audio Description service in Canada!
Live AD is sometimes confused with Hearing Assistance which just amplifies existing sounds or with Described Video which is scripted, recorded and edited to fit, as the video or film is produced. Live AD is done, as the name implies, in real time, with physical actions, reactions, sight gags and other pertinent visual information provided by the describer, between the actors’ lines, through a wireless transmitter to an earpiece worn by the recipient. It’s quite an art in itself, to convey the necessary information, without any personal interpretations and without stepping on the actors’ lines! Kickstart’s AD program debuted on Oct 27, 2009 when their newly trained team described “The Miracle Worker” for the Vancouver Playhouse. They were then invited to participate in the 2010 Vancouver Cultural Olympics, describing Robert LePage’s “Blue Dragon”, Realwheels’ “Spine” and a selection of alternative performances at “Hive3.” In September 2010, Kickstart launched their first full season of live Audio Described theatre in Canada, describing 15 productions at five venues in Vancouver, Richmond and North Vancouver.
“It was a very exciting first season for us here in Vancouver, with demand for our service doubling since March,” says VocalEye Coordinator Steph Kirkland. “We’ve had patrons coming from Surrey, White Rock and New West and, thanks to some of them, we’ll be describing our first production (Don Quixote) at the Surrey Arts Centre next season.” VocalEye will be back for another full season at the Vancouver Playhouse and Arts Club Stanley Theatres, with other venues in Vancouver to be confirmed.
“When we first approached the theatres about live Audio Description, they said, ‘Blind people don’t go to the theatre.’ Well, they do now,” says Kickstart Board Chairperson Linda Chernoff. “And in this climate of massive funding cuts to the arts, the participating theatres–Vancouver Playhouse, Arts Club, Richmond Gateway, Presentation House and Touchstone Theatre–are to be commended for taking the risk and making arts accessibility a priority.”
Personal Network Development: Weaving the Ties that Bind Our wish for security and a loving community for our loved ones and friends with disabilities, illness or old age is a shared desire that exists in our community. As friends, family members or those who are in isolation, we are already connected by strong ties of understanding and experience.
At the heart of Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) is the belief that in creating a caring community, a person in isolation can have an active social network, playing an important role in bringing resilience, purpose and joy to an otherwise solitary life. Building on over 20 years of experience in facilitating hundreds of personal support networks for people living in isolation, Weaving the Ties that Bind is an online course of study using PLAN’s proven approach to provide family and friends with the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate a social support network. With the knowledge of how to facilitate a social support network, you will have the tools to re-chart a life of isolation towards a life at the centre of an active and caring social network.
Cheryl became a Pay It Forward BC (PIFBC) member after seeing the movie, Pay It Forward (Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt http://tinyurl.com/e74wj). After asking for a new supply of PIFBC kindness cards, she called me to share a story about one of her acts of kindness. Last Christmas, she made little bags and filled them with food, gloves, toques, a lottery ticket, a Christmas card and a PIFBC kindness card. She gave the bags to homeless people in her neighbourhood. Cheryl notes that one woman called her an “earth angel” and made her “feel so good inside!” Another recipient asked for her phone number so that she could share her lottery winnings if her bag contained a lucky ticket. Cheryl told her that if she won she should keep it all.
If you call 9-1-1, will emergency personnel understand your needs? The BCCPD has worked with the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) to help you be prepared. Now, people with disabilities and seniors can voluntarily and confidentially provide BCAS with information that will help them respond better to your needs, if you ever have to make an emergency 9-1-1 call from your home. Here’s how:
You fill in a form, outlining your “functional needs”. For example, if you have difficulty speaking and use a wheelchair, you would check off both the Communication and Independence boxes.
Download a copy of the form from: www.bccpd.ca/projects/emergency.htm.
The BCCPD has a new Planned Giving program. Planned Giving is the opportunity to think ahead about causes or organizations that you may want to financially support beyond your lifetime.
By planning ahead, you can research charities, or have someone research charities for you, that fit your values. You won’t feel rushed or pressured to make a decision and you can ensure that your money is spent in the way that you want.
Through Planned Giving, you can provide a significant future donation without reducing your income today.
You can realize significant tax savings with Planned Giving. For example, stocks, bonds and mutual funds that you may have in a trust can be transferred in your will to a charity and a tax receipt will be issued. A bequest from your estate of cash or RRSPs will reduce the taxes that your estate will be required to pay. Other ways of donating give twofold value: by naming the BCCPD as the beneficiary in a life insurance policy, you do not incur any costs now and a tax receipt is issued when the estate is settled.
Our donors are important to us and we’ll work with you to be recognized in the way that you’d prefer. If you would like more information about Planned Giving, please contact Mr. Sam Bradd at the BCCPD at sam@bccpd.bc.ca or 604-875-0188. He will send you BCCPD Planned Giving information for you to review with your financial planner or lawyer, family and friends.
You can also download our Planned Giving brochure and Information Sheet here.
by Mildred de Haan and Shirley Birtwistle
We lost a strong and passionate advocate for people with disabilities when Robert Keill passed away on August 8.
Bob was a great friend of the BCCPD and he had the pleasure of living next door to BCCPD president, Johanna Johnston. He enjoyed many long talks, visits and meals with her and her family.
When Woodlands School closed, Bob read about a man who was being placed in Squamish. During the man’s time at Woodlands, he had not had one visitor. Bob was appalled and took it upon himself to “adopt” him. For over 20 years, he drove to Squamish two or three times each month to take him out and ensure he was being well cared for. Catherine’s staff became Bob’s second family. For every special occasion, he was invited for a meal with them. He was not only Catherine’s Dad, he was their Dad also.
Is your organization interested in learning more about provincial and federal (Canada Pension Plan) disability income supports and health benefits?
Please contact Jane Dyson at jwd@bccpd.bc.ca to arrange a workshop. Our advocates would be happy to come to your office or we can host a workshop at the BCCPD.
Our workshops are free of charge and can be tailored to your needs.
Facilitated by two women artists living with chronic illness, this four-session workshop will provide the opportunity for women living with chronic illness to come together to consider the interplay between illness and creative expression.
Drawing on examples of other artists’ work, we will use visual and literary exercises and group discussion to explore the value of doing creative work about illness.
Prerequisites: some experience in the arts, regardless of medium: literary, visual, performance, film or other. Registration required. Space limited to 10 participants.
$10-20 sliding scale, for the series. No one will be turned away. Supplies provided. Coffee, tea and light refreshments included. Please contact: shetorethepage@gmail.com for more information and/or to register.
Our 2012 CPP Series guides are now available in English, Punjabi and Traditional Chinese.
See our multilingual publications .
9-1-1 and You
Be Prepared
George Pearson Centre, gardens, orchards....find out about a wonderful new project here.
See our Disability Benefits Help Sheets , including new Chinese and Punjabi translations.
And, give us your feedback on our Help Sheets by July 31, 2012, and you'll be eligible to win a $20 gift certificate to Starbucks or London Drugs. Follow the link above and click on 'BC Disability Benefits | Help Sheets.'
BCCPD Online
Open an RDSP
The Registered Disability Savings Plan can benefit people regardless of their income. Learn more.