Disabilities and the Digital Divide

BC Coalition of People with Disabilities | Transition FALL/WINTER 2011 | page 2

helpsheetsbc disabil it y benefits

a d v o c a c y a c c e s s

Download our Help Sheets for free from our web library or ask us to mail them to you.

Help Sheets marked with an * are now available in English, Traditional Chi-nese and Punjabi. Help Sheet 12 is available in English and Punjabi.

Get CopiesOnline: www.bccpd.bc.ca/library.htm

Email: [email protected]

Phone: Call Val at 604-875-0188

Our sincere thanks to the Legal Services Society of BC, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the Health Sci-ences Association of British Columbia for making our 2011 updates to this series possible.

2* The Persons with Disabilities Benefit Application

3* Checklist for the Persons with Disabilities Benefit

5A Appealing Denial of the PWD benefit: The Reconsideration

5B Appealing Denial of the PWD Benefit: The Appeal Tribunal

6 Persons with Persistent and Multiple Barriers (PPMB) to Employment Application

7* Health Supplements for People with Disabilities

8 Trusts for Persons with Disabilities (PWD)

9 Employment and People with Disabilities

10 Employment, Education and Training Supplements for People with Disabilities

11A Appealing Denial of PPMB: The Request for Reconsideration

11B Appealing Denial of the PPMB Benefit: The Appeal Tribunal

12 Income Assistance Application Process for People with Disabilities

13 Rate Amounts for PWD and PPMB Benefits

14* Registered Disability Savings Plan and the Disability Tax Credit

15 People with Disabilities on Reserve: The PWD Designation

BC Coalition of People with Disabilities | Transition page 1 | FALL/WINTER 2011

Contents

Transition is published four times a year by BC Coalition of People with Disabilities. Subscriptions are $15/year.

We welcome articles, graphics and creative writing for consideration. The editors reserve the right to edit and/or withhold material from publication.

Transition material may be reprinted without prior permission, as long as the material is published in its entirety, along with this citation: “From Transition magazine, BC Coalition of People with Disabilities, [edition date].” Thank you.

BC Coalition of People with Disabilities204-456 W. Broadway,Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R3Tel:604-875-0188•Fax:604-875-9227Transition only: [email protected]: [email protected]

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No.40051676

20 | VocalEye Provides Access to the Arts by Geoff McMurchy

21 | Cheryl’s Kindness Story

21 | A Message from PLAN

22 | How to Recycle Your Technology

22 | Help Emergency Services to Help you

23 | Planned Giving: A New Way to Contribute

24 | In Memoriam: Robert Keill

2 | Editorial by Mary-Doug Wright

4 | Asking for Help: 13 Tips by Shelley Hourston

5 | Letter to the Editor

6 | Stories of Success Through Technology by Paul Gauthier

8 | Accessibility of Media Technology by the Council of Canadians with Disabilities

10 | Vancouver Company is an Accessibility Partner by Steven Berg

11 | Resources

12 | Technology and You

14 | Keeping Government Services Accessible by Robin Loxton

14 | Book Your Free Advocacy Access Workshop

15 | Exciting New BCCPD Project Funded by the Ontario Law Foundation by Jane Dyson

16 | BC’s Online Anti-Poverty Community by Penny Goldsmith

Special18 | The Art in Her Illness Workshop

19 | A Terrible Poem for Wonderful People by Sam Bradd


Editorial BY Mary-Doug Wright

I’ve always been an early adopt-er–somebody who’s willing to

explore,experimentandworkwith technology that isn’t yet fully developed. However, I suspect that it’s my 20-year career as a con-sulting 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 experiencetheworldinnewways.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 interac-tion 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 “every-thing 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 li-brary, not everyone feels comfort-able or is able to use a computer in a public space. And a well-writ-ten, comprehensive and under-standable manual is a treasure, but sadly hard to find!

As an eager technology user, I’ve developed some useful strate-gies that can be used by anyone who is looking for technology in-formation that meets their needs.

Talk to people. Whether your technology question involves a new camera, cell phone or com-puter, talk to friends, family, neigh-bours–anyone who is knowledge-able and trustworthy. If you’re the one sharing information, don’t be preachy! That will help those of us whodon’thaveyourexperience.

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 sup-port chat sessions or toll-free phonesupport,ifavailable.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. Some-times you’ll even find a video that is helpful.

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.


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 differ-ent people. Look for a person who is really knowledgeable–a user of the technology– and not just try-ing to sell a product.

Remember, asking a ques-tion 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 pos-sible, 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.apexin-formation.com/) who loves playing with new technology gadgets. In her spare time, she hangs out with her dogs. n

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.

CANADA PENSION PLAN DISABILITYWere you previously working and now have a •disability?

Do you need help to apply for CPP Disability or •appeal a denial of benefits?

BCCoalitionofPeoplewithDisabilitiesisanexpertin

Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) advocacy.

We provide:

in person, one-to-one assistance•

assistance by phone•

free self-help publications on what CPP is, how to •

apply and how to appeal a denial (available in Tradi-

tional Chinese and Punjabi in 2011/12)

What do I need to know about CPP-D?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.

Please contact us to learn more.

CPP-D Advocacy Program

Telephone: 604-872-1278

Toll-Free: 1-800-663-1278

Website: www.bccpd.bc.ca

Program information: under OurWork/Advocacy Access

Self-help guides: under Library/Advocacy

Funded by The Law Foundation of BC


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, how-ever, 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!

Don’t assume that you should 1. know how to do something or be able to do everything. We allhavedifferentexperience,skills and strengths.

Recognize when you need 2. help. Most of us will occa-sionally feel awkward, silly or embarrassed about asking for help. Remember: we all need help sometimes.

Don’t wait until the last min-3. ute to ask for help. Often prob-lemsareeasiertofixbeforethey have a chance to become more complicated.

Time your request well–don’t 4. ask for assistance when it’s obvious that the person you’re asking is busy, preoccupied or not feeling well.

Learn as much about the 5. problem as you can–and keep a record of sources of infor-mation you’ve consulted and

what you have learned. This will help you to clarify the problem or problems in your mind and to describe what you already know or have tried.

Think about how to phrase 6. your request. Be specific about what you need help with and be direct when asking for assistance. Instead of hinting about your need for help, state yourrequestandexplainwhyit’s important to you or what the person’s help will enable you to do. Maybe your first call for help is to identify and plan how to ask for help on a specific topic.

Make the task as easy as pos-7. sible for the helper–ensure all materials or details are gath-ered in advance, provide clear instructions and, if it’s a large project, break the work into shifts or activities for different helpers to do.

Make a list of people you 8. know who may be able and willing to help, and spread the requests around. Don’t ask the same one or two people repeat-edly for help without tapping other resources.

Don’t wait until you need help 9.before offering to help others. Become known as a person willing to help out when you can and you’ll build a network of people happy to help you too.

If asking for information or 10. feedback, don’t reject or dis-miss what is offered to you. Be gracious.

Make it easy for a potential 11. helper to say no to your re-quest. Don’t put people on the spot. It may be uncomfortable for both of you if they’re un-able to help at this time.

Say thank you. 12.

Follow-up–let the helper know 13. the outcome.

Asking for Help: 13 Tips by Shelley Hourston

Here are some tips when you need help to understand technology–or any other area in your life!

continued on opposite page


Questions and unhelpful peopleWhether 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.

Be well organized. Plan your questions carefully. What words could be used to describe your problem or need? What do you already know and what do you want to know? Make notes and refer to them when you need to.Be persistent. Sometimes timing and connections are everything. You may have to phone or visit a number of stores/organizations or talk to several people before you find one who can or will help. Be polite. We are all more inclinedtogotheextramile

Are you 18-25 years old with a neurological diagnosis?Do you want to:

Discover the right job for ✔

you?Learn the skills you need? ✔

Contact us for:Information and Resources ✔

Referrals ✔

Services at ✔ no cost

The SEGWAYEProgram

604-630-3034www.centreforability.bc.ca

Are you 18-25 years old with a neurological diagnosis?

Do you want to:Discover the right job for you? ✔

Learn the skills you need? ✔

Contact us for:Information and Resources ✔

Referrals ✔

Services at ✔ no cost

The SEGWAYE Program

604-630-3034www.centreforability.bc.ca

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 sup-port 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,Cynthia abbott, rCSSCaSe Manager, MinDWorkSbC

for people who treat us with respect. And you may need theextramile!Be creative. You may encounter people who are just having a bad day. Don’t get frustrated or give up. If you believe that someone in their store/organization has the answer you need, be patient, polite and persistent. Call again later when you can speak to someone else. Ask your friends, family and acquaintances if they know someone with the information you’re seeking.Look for people who share your interest. The photography enthusiast who works in a camera store may be more willing to share knowledge than someone who is simply putting in hours to sell a product.

*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. January19,2011.Available:http://blogs.hbr.org/glickman/2011/01/the-biggest-mistake-ppl-make-af.html n

Letter to the Editor


by Paul Gauthier

Perhaps no one knows better how technology can change lives than EATI clients.

Our project, the Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative (EATI), has been up and running for about 2 years and we’re really beginning to see the fruits of our labour.We’reexcitedabouthowpeople are fulfilling their dreams and goals, and participating more in their communities because of their new technology.

EATI provides a source of fund-ing for equipment and assistive devices that relate directly to your disability needs and will help you reach your employment-related goals.

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 work-ing in the community have known for years: there are too many people with disabilities who can’t afford equipment or assistive de-vices that could dramatically im-prove 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.

New Assistive Technology (AT) Co-operativeYou may have read in the last edi-tion 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, forexample,youneedtoresearchscreen 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, forexample,theCo-opwouldtellyou the five top screen readers, their pros and cons, and maybe even give you recommendations about where to buy.

Some of Our SuccessesHere’s a look at just a few of our EATI clients. You can find many more at our website, including short videos on some clients’ suc-cess stories.

Personally, I was very proud to receive one of the 2011 WOW!clbc Recognition Awards from Com-munity 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 disabili-ties reach goals, do more and be involved.

Note: The names in the following have been changed.

NancyGoalTo work part time as a program leader at a community centre.

BarrierNancy is blind and unable to read printed material or distinguish colours.

EATI provided Intel reader–transforms printed texttospeechPen friend–a voice labeller which allows users to record information onto self adhesive labels, then “read” out the recorded informationHumanware Victora Reader Stream–an Audio book reader

OutcomeNancy now has a part-time posi-tion as a program leader at a com-munity centre.

We’re excited about how people are fulfilling their dreams and goals, and participating more in their communities because of their new technology.

Stories of Success Through Technology


JamesGoalTo continue volunteering in the community through blogging, filmmaking and public speaking, eventually leading to a part-time business.

BarrierJames 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 laptopNuanceMacSpeech–voicetotextsoftware

OutcomeJames has now completed three contract jobs thanks to his new equipment.

LillianGoalTo attain a high school diploma, in order to pursue certification from a culinary school and become a chef.

BarrierLillian is Deaf, so cannot hear in-structors in a class environment.

EATI provided Two hearing aids

OutcomeLillian got a part-time job in a restaurant and has recently been promoted to sous chef full time.

For more on the AT-Co-operative or EATI, please visit www.bcpsn.org or contact Paul at [email protected] or 1-877-333-7554. n

BCCPD and EATI at Ministerial RoundtableBCCPD 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 Prov-ince of British Columbia, through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.

Left to right:Duane Geddes,ExecutiveDirector,SamSullivanDisabilityFoundation

Dr. Gary Birch,ExecutiveDirector,NeilSquireSociety

Jennifer Lee,ExecutiveDirector,IAMCaresSociety

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


The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics/Paralympics provided a wake-up call to the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) when people with disabilities con-tacted us about the inaccessibility of CTV’s coverage of the event.

Deaf Canadians and people with vision impairment encoun-tered 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 GaryBirch,ExecutiveDirectorofthe Neil Squire Society.

On behalf of CCD, National Co-ordinator Laurie Beachell made a complaint to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunica-tions Commission (CRTC) about the barriers CTV’s coverage pre-sented to members of the disabil-ity community. The CRTC said that it could not address these barriers because they were encountered on CTV’s website.

Improving Access to MediaNot 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 inclu-sion. 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 disabili-ties.

This year, a number of Cana-dian 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 Com-missioners 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 origi-nal 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 program-ming 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 vol-untarism 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.”

For the Deaf CommunityCommittee 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 com-plain you take some action. Please keep it up. But do more than that. Make sure that the licensees keep the promises they make in re-sponse to these complaints.”

Accessibility of Media Technology


BC Association for Individualized Technology and Supports for People with Disabilities

BC Hydro Employees Community Services Fund

BC Rehab Foundation

Canadian Co-operative Association

City of Vancouver

Council of Canadians with Disabilities

Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnership Program-Disability Component

Health Sciences Association of BC

Homelessness Partnership Strategy–Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

The Law Foundation of British Columbia

The Law Foundation of Ontario

Legal Services Society of British Columbia

Notary Foundation of BC

Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network

Provincial Health Services Authority

TELUS Employees Charitable Giving Program

United Way of the Lower Mainland

Vancouver Coastal Health

Vancouver Foundation

We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

We couldn’t do it without youThank you to these organizations, companies and government departments who support BCCPD’s work on behalf of people with disabilities.

Lack of Cell Phone OptionsAt the CRTC, there has been an evolving awareness of the need to address issues facing Canadians withdisabilities.Forexample,the2009CRTCPolicywhichstates,“…that wireless service providers, in consultation with people with dis-abilities, 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 impos-ing such a requirement in the future, if necessary.”

In discussions with people with disabilities, it seems that not all cell phone providers are offer-ing cell phone products usable by the communities described in the CRTC policy.

Add Your VoiceCCD encourages Canadians with disabilities to make CRTC com-plaints when they encounter barri-ers 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 Gener-al, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2 andbyfaxto819-994-0218.

You can also contact Martine Vallee, the CRTC’s Director of So-cial and Consumer Policy at 819-997-9254.n


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 simpleandgreatexperience.Wework with our clients to show how they can use technology to enrich andsimplifytheireverydayexperi-ences. 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 pur-sue their professional and person-al 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 technol-ogy is included in its products as standard features to assist with cognitive, visual, physical and mo-tor impairments.

At Simply.ca we also go a step beyond offering the right Apple product. There are many retail-ers of Apple products, but we are unique in providing continuity in support, training, government program information and cus-tomization 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 per-sonally support each and every relationship through this challeng-ing,butexcitingjourney.Whetherit 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 Van-couver, 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 technolo-gy that would best work with their employment goals and we help by providing knowledge on the technology and support through-out 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 join-ing volunteer programs provides a measure of success for the pro-gram.

In fact, after meeting one EATI client,wehiredhim!AlexusedhisEATI funding to provide him with Apple technology to help him address his visual impairment. He’s now an Apple Voiceover trainer at Simply.ca.

Steve (left)and Alex

Vancouver Company is an Accessibility Partner

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.


resourcesNeil Squire FoundationFor over 25 years, the Neil Squire Foundation has empowered Canadians with physical disabili-ties through the use of computer-based assistive technologies, research and development, and various employment programs. Programsinclude:Employ-Ability;ComputerComfort;JobFocus;Literacy, and more

The programs they offer have a few characteristics that make them unique.

A Holistic ApproachPrograms take into consideration all aspects of the human being. Whether they need to improve only their computer skills or they requireamorecomplexcombina-tion 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.

Self-paced EnvironmentPrograms offer a self-paced envi-ronment which allows clients to learn at their own rhythm.

Professional StaffThe knowledge, dedication and professionalism of their staff and volunteers complete the equation. Phone 1-877-673-4636Email [email protected] Web www.neilsquire.ca

BCITSBC Association for Individualized Technology and Supports for People with Disabilities (BCITS) works with people who have se-

vere physical disabilities and helps them to live as well and as inde-pendently 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 respira-tory equipment.

The Technology for Indepen-dent Living Program (TIL) that provides technology to assist with communication and with manag-ing devices in the home.Phone 1-866-326-1245 (local and long distance)Email [email protected] www.bcits.org

CanAssistCanAssist is a university-based organization dedicated to devel-oping and delivering technologies, programs and services that im-prove the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Located at the University of Victoria, they draw upon and bring togethertheexceptionalresourc-es on campus, as well as those in the wider community.

While many of their activities support individuals with disabili-ties and their families in Greater Victoria and throughout southern Vancouver Island, they also rou-tinely receive and respond to re-quests from across British Colum-bia, Canada and internationally.Phone (250) 721-7300Email [email protected] http://www.canassist.ca/ n

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 mentionexpensive($8,000),solu-tions, made way for new technol-ogy.

The iPad and Apps developed to help people verbally communi-cate by using symbols and letters allowed people to become more independent at a fraction of the cost.

Forexample,oneofourclients,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 cur-rently volunteers part time and is well on his way to achieving his dream of working with computers as a full-time job.

Simply.caisexcitedtobegrowing with support groups like EATI and others, in the field of as-sistive technology. We feel that we have been an integral part of help-ing 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 [email protected] or call me directly at 604-714-1466. n


1 What do you regularly do online?

Buy goods and services __ 37.9%Access government programs and services _______________ 65.5%

Work/volunteer related activities 34.5%

Look for information ____ 93.1%

Download/watch/listen to music or movies _____________ 55.2%

Use Facebook, Twitter or other social media ___________ 69.0%

2 How do you learn about a new kind of technology and

how to use it, for example, filling in a government form or learn-ing how to download movies from an online service?

Figure it out yourself ____ 75.9%

Ask a friend ____________ 48.3%

Use the provider’s technical support _______________ 34.5%

3 If there is a piece of technol-ogy you’d like to have, but

can’t afford, what is it?Top responses:

Smart phone (2)

Iphone (3)

Ipad (4)

Newer computer (3)

4 What is the piece of online technology/software/service

that you just can’t do without? Top responses:

Email (4)

Laptop computer (5)

Facebook (4)

Smart Phone (3)

5 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?Some responses:

I barely talk to people who aren’t online.

It has no bearing on my contacts, as I see them in person regularly.

There’s less communication.

Does not really affect me–everyone I know is online–family, friends and co-workers.

I am frustrated watching my partner be totally tuned in to the computer for hours.

I tend to stay in touch more with friends who use it, with one exception,afriendwhohasnointernet/technologyexperience.

My family is technologically literate and I have easy access to communicate when I want.

Sometimes my partner is online too often and our communication ends up being fragmented. All my friends are online and this helps communication and event planning. Facebook helps me feel in the loop and, conversely, it can make me feel quite envious of the things I am missing. Facebook can be a double-edged sword.

Facebook helps me keep in touch without the cost of long distance. Skype and Gmail phone also helps a lot.

6 Do you think the ability to connect with people elec-

tronically, rather than in person, increases your feeling of con-nection with others or makes you feel more isolated?

Connected ____________ 27.6%

Isolated ________________ 6.9%

It’s a balance ___________ 65.5%

Here are highlights of the Transition survey “Technology, Communication and Connection.”

Technology and You


7 Do you go online for infor-mation or services from

government?

Yes ___________________ 96.6%

No ____________________ 3.4%

8 If you receive income sup-ports (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)?

It’s much more convenient and makes services/information more accessible _______________48%

It’s more convenient _______28%

It’s about the same ________16%

It’s less convenient _________4%

It’s much less convenient and harder to get the help I need _4%

9 Overall, do you think the move to all types of online

services and activities is more positive or negative?

Positive _______________ 86.2%

Negative ______________ 13.8%

10 What else would you like to tell us about the pros

and cons of online living?Some responses:

More should be available online than what is. I have to go down to the Ministry office (I’m on PWD) to drop off forms in person that could easily be processed online. Some friends are less likely to visit because of social networking and they don’t seem to have the same need to connect in person. Another con is the cost of my internet service. It is very hard to be able to afford to have it at all, the prices are incredibly high.

Living in poverty and on disability assistance, it’s harder to get things done online. I cannot afford ink for my printer. I cannot afford a new electric scooter, and it’s getting harder than ever to try and get one from the social service system.

Online services are great for helping to manage my activities, but I think it increases isolation because there’s less actual human contact.

For those of us whose social lives are limited by their disability, the internet can provide a certain amount of social connection and it can also make it easier to arrange social events when possible.

It is de-humanizing.

To purchase accessible tickets online through Ticketmaster, buyers with disabilities must call.

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We cannot use the online option.

For people with mobility problems like myself, online “living” opens up the world in a big way.

I am concerned that some people can’t afford computers, adaptive devices or a monthly internet bill required to access these services.

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 com-puter and the internet. To gather information that truly represents a cross-section of people with dis-abilities, information would need to be gathered through other means as well, such as interviews or written questionnaires.

Thanks to everyone who shared their opin-ions and experiences. n


Keeping Government Services Accessible by Robin Loxton

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 ac-cessed from your living room that 30 years ago wasn’t even thought of.

There is no doubt that com-puter technology has revolution-ized 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 disabili-ties, 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 applica-tion 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 govern-ment 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 pub-lic services are changed because decision-makers assume that everyone has a computer, access to the internet and computer skills. Many people with disabili-tiesonfixedincomecannotafforda 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 exampleistheMinistryofSocialDevelopment’s “Self-Serve As-sessment 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 disabil-ity 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 com-puter 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 sup-posed to provide assistance.

Although this new computer-ized application process may work well for people who have comput-er knowledge and their own com-puter,advocateshaveexpressedconcernsaboutthecomplexityofthe 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 ap-plication had not gone through because they had unknowingly made a computer error. Clearly, the Ministry of Social Development

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.

Book Your Free Advocacy Access Workshop If your organization is interested in learning more about provincial and federal (Canada Pension Plan) disability income supports and health benefits, please contact Jane Dyson at [email protected] 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.


has more to learn about imple-menting user-friendly systems.

I am not opposed to govern-ment agencies introducing com-puterized web-based application programs. I am opposed to online services that may be difficult to use, becoming the only way to ac-cess 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 applica-tion process they cannot manage or understand. The Ministry of So-cial 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 peo-ple. 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. n

Solid Black

In September, we began working with our community partners, PovNet and the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS), on a one-year project–thanks to fund-ing from the Ontario Law Founda-tion’s Access to Justice Fund.

We’reveryexcitedaboutthisproject that will allow us to pro-duce 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 Pov-Net’s online courses on page 16).

The online format is particu-larly 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 willfocusonapplications;PartTwowill 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 the BC-CPD’s 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 will have the infrastructure for course and BCCPD will have a trained facilitator able to offer the training at any time to advocates across Canada.

We will also produce a plain language self-help manual or workbook on appealing to the CPP-D Review Tribunal. The publi-cationwillincludecaseexamplesand will invite users to respond to questionsbasedontheseex-amples 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 com-munity advocates and will review relevant case law.

It will be available on the BCCPD website (in English, Tra-ditional 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. n

Exciting New BCCPD Project Funded by the Ontario Law Foundation by Jane Dyson


PovNetbeganin1997whenagroup 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.

PovNet’s commitment to being accessible to anyone who wants to use its tools is an integral part of creating an online com-mons. When the PovNet website first went live, we made sure that allofourlinkshadtextalterna-tives for users who did not have high-end computers or who had disabilities which made it difficult or impossible for them to see or read graphics. We still do.

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 acces-sible to people with disabilities. Ourmandateistoexpandthetechnological 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 avail-able in rural parts of the com-munity differ from those that are available in larger cities. So in Vancouver,forexample,acommu-nity 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 con-tinue to network with each other and do their work more easily.

PovNetU“Well, the best training I had was be-ing 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 sup-port and resources. These learners include rural advocates, advocates working with immigrant and refugee clients, advocates from First Nations and Aboriginal com-munities and community workers who do advocacy as a part of their

BC’s Online Anti-Poverty Communityby Penny Goldsmith

“It just seems it was so long ago that most advocates didn’t have computers, never mind internet access, and would spend hours on the telephone to get information needed to help people. Sometimes it would take days to get the necessary information.

Although there were anti-poverty communities back then and provincial organizations, dialogue and information sharing among individual advocates and activists was cumbersome.

PovNet has become more than a virtual community, in my view it is flesh and bones with a real heart, it is organic and if the internet failed tomorrow, connections that have been made provincially and nation-wide would endure.”

–Alayne Keough, PovNet founding member


job, but have other responsibili-tiesaswell(forexample,transitionhouse workers, community centre workers).

The two most commonly re-ported barriers faced by advocates who want ongoing training are geographic and financial. Advo-cates from rural communities do not have access to courses in their own communities. Front line work-ers 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 of-fered 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 require-ments. 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 success-fully completes a course, she or he receives a certificate of comple-tion from PovNet.

Courses are free and anyone doing advocacy or referral work in their community is welcome to join PovNetU. Course topics include: “Introduction to Advo-cacy,” “Residential Tenancy levels 1 and 2,” “Welfare levels 1 and 2,” “Employment Insurance,” “Se-niors Residential Care Advocacy,” “Dealing with Debt,” and “PWD Appeals.”n

What is PovNet?PovNet provides online tools

that facilitate communication,

community and access to in-

formation around poverty-re-

lated issues in BC and Canada.

Anyone can use our website

to find information and com-

munity 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.

WebsiteThe website is a clearing-

house 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 de-

scribed to help you find the

info you need. Get links to ap-

plications and forms, govern-

ment info, FAQs, directories,

guides and more.

PovNetUOnline courses for advocates,

community and settlement

workersarefacilitatedbyex-

perienced advocates and offer

rich opportunities for learning

and collaboration.

Outreach and NetworkingPovNet works to ensure that its

community stays connected

and informed via newsfeeds,

popular social networking tools,

collected feedback, and several

multimedia projects.

Find an AdvocatePovNet hosts an up-to-date and

widely-used directory of advo-

cates in BC and Canada. Visitors

can find advocates in their own

communities to help with their

legal or poverty-related issues.

Learn More PovNet: www.povnet.org

PovNetU: http://povnetu.povnet.org

[email protected]


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I accept your invitation to join the BC Coalition of People with Disabil- i-ties and enclose my membership fee of $15 (groups and individuals). I am also sending along a tax-deductible donation of $__________.

your voice counts | become a member of bccpd

Please return your payment/donation with this form, to BCCPD, 204 - 456 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R3. You can also become a member or donate online at http://www.bccpd.bc.ca/supportdonate.htm.

Thank you for your invaluable support.

Name ______________________________________________

Organization ________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________

City/Prov_______________________ Postal Code ____________

Phone _______________ Email ____________________________

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The Art In Her Illness Workshop

November 3, 10, 17 and 24 1-4 pm

At the BCCPD Office

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: [email protected] for more information and/or to register.


Do you have time for a tour?If so, come with me.It’s a great coalition,BCCPD.

We’re in it together For disability rightsIf the heat doesn’t kill youThe coffee just might.

This is Val’s areaAll the supplies you can find.She has lots of friendsOf the 4-legged kind.

Turning the corner,I hear something crunch.I think Robin is eatingA peanutty lunch.

The bike parking’s fullThat’s Ken’s, let me see- And Nancy is here To help with part 3.

Bibhas supervises AALike paperwork for tribunalsAshley mutters her caneLikes to trip the wrong-doers.

Peter works hard On CPPD,Lillian has a big heart And gives generously.

Here comes Transition–Elena, Andrew, AV:withmailoutexpertsKamDavid, Marie, Flo + Audrey.

Robert has radio Back in his nookAnd Shelley is writingSurrounded by books.

Annette wins appealsAnd makes it look easy:I found out the secret- Extrafreshcheezies.

Joyce and Dorthe wishThat we’d have a sink madeThank you to Nancy Who keeps us all paid.

Chloe speaks with the Board And arranges big meetingsMonthly Liz bakes us Great birthday greetings.

“Hello, Coalition!” It’s George on the line.On weekends, who else hears Phones ring all the time?

To Navi, Violet, Carol, Amanda and Dan,Thank you for doing what very few can.Kam, Pendra and Dierdre are part of that teamReception is tough but you make it a dream.

The community kitchen cooksSarah, Shannon, Erin and MelanieWhere a meal without garlicIs almost a felony.

Brian brings his daughter and Raseel’s baby sleeps,Each year Jen and Aimee’s FarmExpandsafewfeet.

Karen builds safety and non-profit capacity,Christine chips away with unending tenacity.

Janis is our glue And keeps us in lineBut the jokes and the riddles,Oh her puns are a crime!

Audrey and FloAre a pod of two peasAnd supervise office partiesWiththeirexpertise.

And of course this place Would not be the sameBut for the leadershipOf steadfast Jane.

We know there’s pressureFrom so many to pleaseAnd she juggles the problemsWith the greatest of ease.

Our Boards’ campaignsHavepavedtheway;After 30- plus years,We’re here to stay. n

Our man of so many talents, Sam Bradd, is leaving as our

Administrative Director to return to school.

Sam has been our social media expert, resident cartoonist, lunchtime organizer–on top of his actual job description.

We’re happy to say Sam will still be doing occasional work with us.

Here’s the poem Sam wrote for us as a parting gift. You’ll see why we’ll miss him.

A Terrible Poem for Wonderful People by Sam Bradd


“...A fantastic opportunity for those of us who are blind to continue go-ing to the theatre!” – Lisa West

“AD allows me the independence and choice to attend a live theatre production without having to rely on a sighted companion to provide the description.”– Linda Weber

Those are the words of blind the-atregoers 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 Debo-rahLewisupfromtheUSin2009to train a team of describers in Vancouver–and “kickstarted” the first live Audio Description service in Canada!

Live AD is sometimes con-fused with Hearing Assistance whichjustamplifiesexistingsounds 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 de-scriber, 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, with-out any personal interpretations and without stepping on the ac-tors’ lines!

Kickstart’s AD program de-butedonOct27,2009whentheirnewly 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 perfor-mances 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.

“Itwasaveryexcitingfirstsea-son for us here in Vancouver, with demand for our service doubling since March,” says VocalEye Coor-dinator Steph Kirkland. “We’ve had

patrons coming from Surrey, White Rock and New West and, thanks to some of them, we’ll be describing ourfirstproduction(DonQuixote)attheSurreyArtsCentrenextseason.”

VocalEye will be back for an-other 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 De-scription, 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, Pre-sentation House and Touchstone Theatre–are to be commended for taking the risk and making arts accessibility a priority.”

www.vocaleye.org | facebook.com/vocaleye n

VocalEye Provides Access to the Arts

VocalEye Audio Description Team: Steph Kirkland, Rick Waines, trainer Deborah Lewis, Khaira Ledeyo and Teri Snelgrove

BY GEOFF MCMURCHY


transition subscription formYes, I would like to receive Transition magazine 4 times per year. Please add me to your mail-inglist;Iamenclosingmy$15annual subscription fee.

Name

_____________________________

Organization

_____________________________

_____________________________

Address

____________________________

_____________________________

City/Prov _____________________

Postal Code ___________________

Phone _______________________

Email ________________________

_____________________________

Please check one: I’d like to receive Transition in the following format:

PDF (by email) ❒

I’ll read it online ❒

Paper (by mail) ❒

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Please make cheques payable to “BCCPD” and send to us at Transition, c/o BCCPD, 204 - 456 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R3.

For information on BCCPD’s privacy policy, see the Privacy Statement in this Transition.

Personal Network Development: Weaving the Ties that BindOur wish for security and a loving community for our loved ones and friends with disabilities, illness or oldageisashareddesirethatex-ists in our community. As friends, family members or those who are in isolation, we are already con-nected by strong ties of under-standingandexperience.

At the heart of Planned Life-time 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 bring-ing resilience, purpose and joy to an otherwise solitary life. Building onover20yearsofexperienceinfacilitating 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 neces-sary 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.

Course Date: Oct. 24-Dec 4Register two seats and receive the second seat at half price. Promo-tion Code: weavingfortwoPLAN.

Contact PLAN at 604.439.9566 or www.plan.ca. n

A MESSAGE FROM

Cheryl’s Kindness StoryCheryl 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.

Join our ever-growing troupe of kindness ambassadors across BC. Contact Shelley at 604-875-0188 (toll-free 1-877-232-7400) or email [email protected].


Help Emergency Services to Help YouIfyoucall9-1-1,willemer-gency personnel understand your needs? The BCCPD has worked with the BC Ambu-lance Service (BCAS) to help you be prepared.

Now, people with dis-abilities and seniors can voluntarily and confidentially provide BCAS with infor-mation that will help them respond better to your needs, if you ever have to make an emergency9-1-1callfromyour home. Here’s how:

You fill in a form, outlining •your “functional needs”. For example,ifyouhavedif-ficulty speaking and use a wheelchair, you would check off both the Com-munication and Indepen-denceboxes.Emailorfaxthecomplet-•ed form to BC Ambulance Service.BCAS will enter the infor-•mation for your address into their dispatch com-puter database.

Ifyouhavetocall9-1-1fromyour home address, your information will appear on the BCAS computer, so they know what functional limitations you have in order torespondtoyour911callbetter.

Download a copy of the form from: www.bccpd.ca/projects/emergency.htm. n

How to Recycle Your TechnologyRecycling 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:

desktop computers•laptops•printers •peripherals•monitors•servers•phone systems •

ERA provides specialty recycling programs for offices, schools, and orga-nizationsforcellphonesandtoners.ERAwillshipyourboxesandyoucan start your own recycling program.

How it worksThe ERA collects computers, laptops, and electronics for donation •and recycling.Once items come to the ERA warehouses, they are tested and sorted •by age and quality.Reusable items are refurbished, donated or resold.•End-of-Life items are recycled with government-approved recyclers •in Canada.

Learn more at http://www.era.ca/orcallTollFree1-877-9-EWASTE.n

Dr. Lee A. Cowley, D.C., LL.B.

300-13805 104 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3T 1W7P: 604-583-3000 F: 604-583-3045W: cowleylawcorp.ca

Cowley & CompanyCar Accident Lawyers

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Cowley & CompanyCar Accident Lawyers

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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 sup-port beyond your lifetime.

You can take the time now to gather information and leave instructions in your will.

By planning ahead, you can research charities, or have some-one 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.

BenefitsThere are many benefits to Planned Giving. By writing down your wishes, you will have in-creased peace of mind and control over your finances.

Through Planned Giving, you can provide a significant future donation without reducing your income today.

A gift in your will to a reg-isteredCanadiancharityistax-deductible. And, your Planned Gift helps the BCCPD to be here in the future for those who need us.

Tax savingsYoucanrealizesignificanttaxsavings with Planned Giving. For example,stocks,bondsandmu-tual funds that you may have in a trust can be transferred in your willtoacharityandataxreceiptwill be issued. A bequest from your estate of cash or RRSPs will reducethetaxesthatyourestatewill be required to pay. Other ways of donating give twofold value: by naming the BCCPD as the benefi-ciary in a life insurance policy, you do not incur any costs now and ataxreceiptisissuedwhentheestate is settled.

To learn moreOur 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 Jane Dyson at the BCCPD at [email protected] or 604-875-0188. She will send you BCCPD Planned Giving informa-tion for you to review with your financial planner or lawyer, family and friends. n

Planned Giving A New Way to Contribute

You’ve always been there for others. It’s part of who you are. Now, you can continue to give beyond your lifetime with Planned Giving.

Your bequest to BC Coalition of People with Disabilities will promote and protect the dignity and independence of people living with a disability.

Find and follow BCCPD at www.bccpd.bc.ca/links.htm.


n effective and holistic method provides an individu-alized approach with emphasis on awakening the body’s innate potential to heal itself.

IEH treatment helps in reducing pain and anxiety, relieving stress and depression, providing support during chemo-therapy, strengthening the immune system, reducing effects of trauma, accelerating wound healing and post spinal cord injury, detoxifying from substance misuse and reconnecting with the body.

It is designed to complement, rather than replace, conven-tional approaches to health care.

sanare Awaken Your Healing Potential with Integrative Energy Healing

www.sanare.caTel: 604.727.4186

Marija Djordjevic #103-853 Richards St. Vancouver

SanareAd February 3, 2011 2:20 PM Transition magazine

An effective and holistic method provides an individualized approach with emphasis on awakening the body’s innate po-tential to heal itself.






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transitionFounding EditorRichard A. Watson

Editor/LayoutAnn Vrlak

Cover DesignFiona Gamiet

Contributors Jane Dyson, Shelley Hourston

ProofreadersAmanda Schuldt • Andrew Quinn

Alternate FormatsVal Stapleton • Elena Kubaseck-Berry

Admin AssistantElena Kubaseck-Berry

Mailout CoordinatorJanis Walsh

Editorial Statement The views and opinions expressed within the pages of Transition are not necessarily those held by the total membership or Board of Directors. The material presented herein is meant to be thought-provoking and to promote dialogue. Transition is a forum to share information within the disability community, and with government and the general public. It is also an opportunity for people with disabilities to display creative talent.

Disclaimer Any firm or company advertising in Transition is for our readers’ benefit and does not constitute an endorse-ment by the BCCPD.

We lost a strong and passionate advocate for people with dis-abilities when Robert Keill passed away on August 8.

Mr. Keill’s driving force in ad-vocacy was his youngest beloved daughter, Catherine. At each of his countless meetings, the first thing he did was carefully place a pic-ture of Catherine in front of him and say, “This is why I’m here.”

Bob was always available to families needing advice, comfort or support. He never gave up and said the things that needed to be said, whether to politicians or the public.

Bob was a great friend of the BCCPD and he had the plea-sureoflivingnextdoortoBCCPDpresident, 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 Wood-lands, he had not had one visi-tor. 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 Cath-erine’s Dad, he was their Dad also.

Rest in peace, Bob, for a life well lived and a job well done. You will be sorely missed. n

In Memoriam: Robert Keill by Mildred de Haan and Shirley Birtwistle


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INSIDE POSITIONS

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Contact usFor information or bookings, please contact Transition at 604-875-0188 or [email protected]

n effective and holistic method provides an individu-alized approach with emphasis on awakening the body’s innate potential to heal itself.






SanareAd February 3, 2011 2:20 PM Transition magazine

An effective and holistic method provides an individualized approach with emphasis on awakening the body’s innate po-tential to heal itself.






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Disabilities and the Digital Divide