“WithinREACH”
www.reach.ca
www.crystalcyrlaw.com
The Law Firm of Crystal Cyr Barristers presents the 2nd Annual
Reach Lawyer’s Comedy Night
Tuesday, February 1st, 2011
National Library and Archives Canada
395 Wellington Street Ottawa
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
FROM THE BENCH:
•
•
•
Mr. Justice Colin D. McKinnon – Master of Ceremonies, preceded by a short film produced by:
Graham Murray (Foord Davies Murray)
Mr. Justice Robert Beaudoin – a surprise chorus by local judges, with Mezzo Soprano, Karine Langley
and fellow performer Jodie Primeau
The Hon. John D. Richard, former Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Appeal and Honourary Chair of
Reach Canada- Welcoming Remarks
FROM THE BAR:
Michael Crystal of Crystal Cyr Barristers
James Foord of Foord Davies Murray
Paul Francis of Francis / Loubert LLP
Kevin Phillips, Crown Attorney
HEADLINER: Darryl Lenox
www.darryllenox.com
Tickets are $75 each, with a $30 tax receipt.
Please contact the Reach Canada office at 613-236-6636 for tickets and sponsorship or purchase your
tickets online at www.reach.ca and receive your tax receipt right away.
Please view www.reach.ca for program overview
Winter 2011
Index:
Page 1 … Reach Lawyers Comedy Night
Page 2 … Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Page 3 … Minto Run For Reach
Page 4 … 30th Anniversary Conference
Page 5 … 30th Anniversary Dinner
Page 5 … 30th Annual Auction Update
Page 6 … A Critical Look at Homelessness
Page 8… Paul Menton Centre Celebrates 20th Anniversary at Carleton University School Environment
Page 9 … Crime Prevention Tips for People with Disabilities
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
A story that will move you, make you laugh, shed a few tears and cheer. A story about
one man’s journey through his diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and his
experience dealing with the reality that he may not walk again. Eugene Meehan
shares his thoughts and feelings about the people he has met during his stay in the
hospital and the lessons he has learnt about himself and the world around him.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part
of the peripheral nervous system. GBS effects 1 in 100 000 people, because such a
small amount of people are affected, research is limited and a cure has not yet been
found. For Eugene Meehan he is one of one hundred thousand, which is why his
writing entitled “Is Screaming Allowed?” will help others see how life is through the
eyes of a GBS survivor. Meehan’s story is written in a unique fashion, he writes each
section in alphabetical order to express that on the surface everything is regulated
within hospitals and Rehab facilities, yet underneath the surface there is chaos.
Screams Part One
(http://www.reach.ca/_uploads/_media/newsletter_pdfs/2011/screams1.pdf)
Screams Part Two
(http://www.reach.ca/_uploads/_media/newsletter_pdfs/2011/screams2.pdf)
If you want to contact Eugene Meehan, his e-mail: emeehan@langmichener.ca
2
Winter 2011
26th Annual Minto Run for Reach
Date: Sunday, April 10, 2010
The 26th annual Minto Run for Reach is now
taking registrations online for the next run Sunday April 10, 2011. Register now and get the
Early Bird rate until March 14.
Events:
Vittoria Trattoria Half Marathon 21.1km
10km Run
Enbridge 5km Run
5km Wheelchair Race
5km Youth Challenge
Tim Hortons 3km Individual or Family Walk/Run
Nitro IT Business Solutions 5km Team Challenge
(teams who register by April 2 will receive customized Navy Tech
T-shirts with their team name printed on the back)
To Register:
Please go to the Running Room website http://www.runningroom.com/hm/
or go to www.reach.ca to download forms.
3
Winter 2011
30th Anniversary Conference
Date: Thursday, June 16th, 2011
The Evolution of Disability Rights:
A Retrospective and Perspectives for the Future
Hampton Inn, 200 Coventry Road
Ottawa, Ontario
Celebrate our 30th Anniversary, by attending our Conference. There will be many
dynamic and interesting speakers who will discuss to the evolution of disability rights
and where they see this going in the future. Speakers will provide a variety of
perspectives, either as policy makers, advocates, or those with disabilities or who have
a family member with a disability. This conference will allow an opportunity for
dialogue with the speakers and other attendees.
Speakers:
David Lepofsky – Chair of the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities)
Alliance and lawyer with the Crown Law Office in Toronto
Michael Gottheil - Executive Chair of Environment and Land Tribunals, Ontario,
former Chairperson of the Human Rights Tribunal, Ontario
John W. McDonald - Former American Ambassador to United Nations Affairs, and
co-founder of the International Year of Disabled Persons, 1981
Jennifer Stoddart – Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Alyse Schacter - Youth advocate and Award winning Speaker
Margaret Trudeau - Member of the Executive Advisory Board of the UBC Mental
Health Institute as a consumer advocate
Ian Brown - Author and Journalist
The Honourable Dr. Carolyn Bennett - Member of Parliament for St. Paul’s
Scholarships available for people with disabilities.
Please visit www.reach.ca and watch for registration details.
4
Winter 2011
30th Anniversary Dinner
Date: Thursday, June 16th, 2011
Hampton Inn, 200 Coventry Road
Ottawa, Ontario
Join us in celebrating Reach Canada’s 30th Anniversary. Celebrate our Past
Presidents since 1981.
Our guest speaker is John W. McDonald, former American Ambassador to the United
Nations and co-founder of the International Year of Disabled Persons, 1981 and a
musical performance by the Tamir choir.
Toast 30th Anniversary Award Presentation – Stacey, Domenic, and Cesare
Santaguida, Vittoria Trattoria
Reach Canada 30th Annual Auction presented by TD
Bank Financial Group
Reach Canada’s 30th Annual Auction was a magnificent and successful event, due to
the support of our sponsors, donors, committee and those who attended. A thank you
to: TD Bank Financial Group (title sponsor), Urbandale Corporation, The Ottawa
Citizen, The Printing House, and Allegro168.
Reach thanks e18hteen for the wonderful reception appetizers. A very special thank
you to Vittoria Trattoria, and the Santaguida family who have been longtime
supporters of Reach for over 20 years, for the delicious dinner. Thank you to
Pillitteri Estates Winery for their donation of wine for the tables, and West-Way Taxi
for their donation of rides home at the end of the night. We cannot forget to thank Erin
Carmichael at Full Bloom Floral Design for the breathtaking centrepieces and Cindy
Langill at Cinfully Delicious for the beautiful and tasty cookies at everyone’s plate.
We would also like to thank the tireless co-chairs of the auction committee, Tara-Marie
Andronek and Rebecca Hollingsworth and their committee members who worked very
hard to bring in donations and the planning of the evening. A thank you goes out to the
volunteers that helped at the event and in the office to make this event such a success.
We would also like to extend a thank you to every business, corporation and individual
who donated items for the auction. With the support of all of these people mentioned,
Reach Canada was able to raise over $122,000 for education services and programs.
Please Reserve the 2011 Auction Date: Thursday, October 27th, 2011
Pls. visit our website at www.reach.ca to learn more.
5
Winter 2011
A Critical Look at Homelessness
By Social Work Student Rochelle Mathurin
As winter fast approaches, many Ottawa residents are bracing themselves for the cold winter months ahead.
Simple things such as purchasing additional clothing and increasing the heating in one’s home are just small actions
taken to make a huge impact against the cold. However, for many people in the Ottawa area this is not the case.
There are many people who are homeless or living in poverty, and are confronted with obstacles that restrict their
ability to feel safe and comfortable in the winter months. Homelessness and poverty throughout Canada is a huge
crisis that must be addressed by politicians and government officials, if not, the number of people living in poverty
will only continue to grow.
Housing is a human right, yet “…on any given night in Canada, for every one person sleeping in a shelter, there are
23 more people living with housing vulnerability”1. Some people do not receive the housing rights they are entitled
to, based on factors such as race, disability, sex, economic status, marital status, among other things2. When
discrimination occurs within housing practices, people are left vulnerable and are at an increased risk of poverty
and homelessness. There are two types of homelessness, the first is absolute homelessness in which an individual
or family has no housing3. The second type is relative homelessness, where people’s homes do not meet the United
Nation’s (UN) basic housing standards4. People’s perception of homelessness is what they see on the streets, when
in reality the homeless people on the streets represents 20% of the actual homeless population5.
Researchers have identified various factors that may increase the likelihood of homelessness; these factors include,
but are not limited to: economic conditions, affordability, transition out of institutionalized care, marital break
down/abusive relationship, mental illness and substance abuse6. Mental illness and substance abuse is prevalent
amongst the Canadian homeless population, the most common being schizophrenia, depression and illicit drug
use7. The Canadian Mental Health Association “…reports that one-third of all homeless people lives with mental
illness”; while other studies argue that this number is much higher8. Researchers emphasize that each individuals
path to homelessness will be varied and complex. It is important to recognize that homelessness is a
multidimensional phenomenon that can happen to anyone, yet certain groups of people are at a higher risk than
others.
The continuously increasing rates of homeless people across the country can be explained as a result of
interrelated factors, such as: the lack of affordable and adequate housing, lack of government initiative, low social
assistance and minimum rates and discriminatory practices by some housing providers9. Canada’s homeless crisis
has been recognized on an international scope, in 2006, the UN referred to the homelessness in Canada as a
1
The Homeless Hub Report Series, Report 2. (2010). Housing Vulnerability and Health: Canada’s Hidden Emergency. Retrieved online
November 18, 2010, from: <http://intraspec.ca/housing-vulnerability-and-health.pdf>
2
Ontario Human Rights Commission. (2009). Policy and Human Rights and Rental Housing. Retrieved online November 18, 2010,
from: <http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/resources/Policies/housing/pdf>
3
Hick, Steven. (2004). Social Welfare in Canada: Understanding Income Security. Toronto, Canada: Thompson Educational
Publishing, INC.
4
ibid
5
ibid
6
Echenber, Havi and Jensen, Hilary. (20098). Risk Factors for Homelessness. Retrieved online November 19, 2010, from:
<http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Content/LOP/ResearchPublications/prb0851-e.htm>
7
ibid
8
ibid
9
Ontario Human Rights Commission.(2009). Policy and Human Rights and Rental Housing. Retrieved online November 18, 2010,
from: <http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/resources/Policies/housing/pdf>
6
Winter 2011
‘national emergency’10. In Ottawa alone there were over 9 692 households on the waiting list for social housing in
the year 2008, with the average wait being 5-8 years11. It is evident that Canada has a crisis to overcome.
As the cost for basic necessities have increased steadily, government has been lagging behind in providing
sufficient minimum wages and income support programs to keep pace with the cost of food, transportation and
clothing. To measure the level of poverty in Canada, Statistics Canada uses the low income cut off (LICO). The LICO
is an approach that measures the average income families and individuals spend on the basic necessities, those
who fall below this average line live in poverty12.
Due to the rise in the cost of basic needs there has been a greater demand placed on food banks and shelters.
These are some statistics gathered by the Ottawa Food Bank:
There was a 9% increase in visits from March 2007 to March 2009, an average of 43 000 people per month
requested assistance from Food Banks throughout Ottawa13.
In 2009, one in five people with disabilities in Ottawa lived in poverty14
Between 2008 to 2009, 17% of people requesting assistance from Ottawa food bank agencies were
employed15
In May 2009, the Poverty Reduction Steering Committee was made as a means of action to reduce poverty in the
Ottawa area. The intent of the Ottawa Poverty Reeducation Strategy (PRS) is a call for leaders to take an active role
in the reduction of poverty, investment in social infrastructures and the collaboration of various sectors and
organizations16. The PRS has three main strategic priorities, they are: ensure a service system is working in the
benefit of people’s needs, build a community of inclusion, break down the myths of poverty and promote poverty
reduction17.
The newly elected Ottawa mayor, Jim Watson is promising to spend $14 million a year for four years on
different social housing issues18. Perhaps with the PRS in place and a mayor who is prepared to take an active role
in the fight against poverty, the amount of people living in poverty and homelessness in the Ottawa area will finally
begin to decrease. In order for Canada to eliminate poverty and combat homelessness there needs to be more
conscious raising and better support from all levels of government.
10
ibid
The City of Ottawa. (2008) Ottawa’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Retrieved November 18, from:
<http://www.communityfoundationottawa.ca/documents/PovertyReductionStrategy-eng.pdf>
12
Hick, Steven. (2004). Social Welfare in Canada: Understanding Income Security. Toronto, Canada: Thompson Educational
Publishing, INC.
13
The City of Ottawa. (2008) Ottawa’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Retrieved November 18, from:
<http://www.communityfoundationottawa.ca/documents/PovertyReductionStrategy-eng.pdf>
14
ibid
15
ibid
16
ibid
17
ibid
18
Denley, Randall. (2010). “Watson trying hard to please everyone: suddenly, housing becomes a big-ticket item in election”.
Retrieved November 19, 2010, from:
<http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Watson+trying+hard+please+everyone/3683560/story.html#ixzz15kQ4q3jd>
11
7
Winter 2011
Paul Menton Centre Celebrates 20th Anniversary at
Carleton University School Environment
BY LIN MOODY
On September 7, the Paul Menton Centre (PMC) for students with disabilities at Carleton University celebrated
its 20th anniversary. In speaking about the centre, Larry McCloskey, director and founder noted that “My
vision has always been to create a home away from home for students who come to the centre.”
Will Parkinson, who is starting a master’s degree in geography and environmental studies, credits the PMC
with helping him get to where he is today. “Without the support of a centre for students with disabilities, my
post-secondary experience would have turned out very differently. The centre played a crucial role in helping
me realize my potential in university. The staff members guided me when I first started at Carleton, and not
only helped me establish my goals but also provided me with the tools and encouragement required to reach
those goals.”
University Affairs magazine once said that the PMC is “the gold standard” for this kind of centre in Canada. The
centre was established “to foster equal access to the university experience for students with disabilities while
maintaining academic standards through provision of academic accommodations and support services, in
partnership with the Carleton community.” It is named after the late Paul Menton, the first coordinator of the
PMC. The centre has grown from a one-person office with approximately 100 students, to a professional
disability service centre annually serving 1,500 students with disabilities.
The Paul Menton Centre is responsible for the coordination of academic accommodations in the classroom.
Students can access several adaptive workstations and specialized software. The staff has developed a
comprehensive program for students with learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD), including a mentorship program for existing students and a transition program for high school
students called Make The Cut. This latter program is offered jointly with Algonquin College’s Centre for
Students with Disabilities, and more than 1,700 Grade 12 students have gone through that program. “The
visionary leadership of Larry Mc-Closkey was not only critical in the initial establishment of the PMC, but for its
continued growth over the last 20 years,” says Somei Tam, learning specialist and disability adviser with the
centre.
Carleton was the first university to offer 24-hour, seven-day-a-week attendant services and responds to over
1,300 service requests a month. The program expanded to Ottawa’s Algonquin College in 2001, and Algonquin
remains the only college to offer 24-hour attendant services. “This is the only program of its kind,” says
Matthew Cole, director of Attendant Services. “Larry McCloskey came up with the original concept and started
the program. Now, students from around the world from such places as Switzerland and Botswana are coming
to Carleton, specifically to take advantage of this and other services offered by the PMC.”
Lin Moody works at Carleton University
Courtesy of this article goes to the Glebe Report, retrieved from
http://www.glebereport.ca/Issues/2010/September.pdf
8
Winter 2011
Crime Prevention Tips for People with Disabilities
By Common Law Student Kaitlin Johnston
Many people were shocked and disgusted to read about a recent robbery that occurred on the University of Ottawa
campus. A visually impaired student was sitting alone in the cafeteria when her iPhone was snatched right out of her
hands. The loss was especially devastating because the stolen item was an iPhone 3GS equipped with speech software
that enabled her to hear what was written on the screen.1 Unfortunately, people with disabilities are often more
vulnerable to criminals. The good news is that there are easy, affordable steps that people with disabilities can take to
protect themselves against becoming victims of crime.
There are general tips for personal safety that everyone should follow:
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Be cautious about who you let into your home. Never allow a stranger into your house. If sales or service
people come to your door, ask for employee identification and call the company to see if they sent a
representative. If someone asks to use your phone, offer to make the call for them.
Out and about? Always try to travel with a friend – when this is not possible, leave a travel plan with someone
you trust. Plan your route ahead of time so you can avoid parks, deserted places or unlit areas.
Taking the elevator? Avoid getting in an elevator with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. If a
confrontation occurs in an elevator, push all the floor buttons and the emergency button. Don’t push the stop
button – this may trap you in between floors.2
Using public transportation? Try to sit near the driver. If it is after 9 p.m., OC Transpo drivers will let you off at a
spot on the route that is closer to your destination, or they will call a taxi for you.3
There is an abundance of safety advice tailored to meet the needs of people with disabilities:
•
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•
•
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Install deadbolt locks on all your doors and make sure you are able to easily operate the locks you install.
Install peepholes on doors at your eye level.
If speaking is a challenge, have a friend record a message for you to use in emergencies. The message should
include your name, address and the nature of your disability. Keep the recorded message close to your phone
so you can easily access it.
Call your local police department and ask them to conduct a home security inspection to help identify your
unique safety needs.
If you use a wheelchair, make sure your handbag or knapsack is firmly secured to your chair.4
If you are speaking to a stranger on the phone or on the Internet, do not tell them you are alone or disabled.
If you have difficulty speaking or hearing, it is a good idea to always carry a card with communication symbols.5
In addition to these safety tips, there are a few other important things to keep in mind. Project confidence and a sense
of purpose – this will make you seem less vulnerable. Always be alert, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid placing
yourself in potentially dangerous situations. With caution and common sense, people with disabilities can reduce their
chances of becoming victims of crime. For more helpful safety tips or to request a home safety inspection in the
Ottawa area, please visit www.ottawapolice.ca.
1
Sneh Duggal, “Brazen thief robs blind University of Ottawa student of iPhone” Ottawa Citizen (30 November 2010), online: Ottawa
Citizen <http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Brazen+thief+robs+blind+University+Ottawa+student+iPhone/3908182/story.html>.
2
“Personal Safety” online: Crime Reduction Canada
<http://www.crimereductioncanada.com/Documents/Personal_Security/Personal_Safety.pdf>.
3
“Travel Tips and Safety” online: OC Transpo <http://www.octranspo1.com/traveltips>.
4
“Crime Prevention: For People With Physical Disabilities” online: New York State Police
<http://www.troopers.state.ny.us/crime_prevention/General_Safety/People_With_Disabilities>.
5
“Crime Prevention Tips” online: Plymouth Township Police Department
<http://www.plymouthtwp.org/departments/PoliceDept/CrimePreventionTips.htm#Top>.
9