ABSPD 2007 Annual Report Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities

To contact us:Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities 8th Floor, CN Tower, 10004 – 104 Avenue PO Box 2359 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0K1

Telephone: (780) 496-5822 TTY: 944-5555 keyword DISBOARD Fax: (780) 577-3525 disability@edmonton.ca www.edmonton.ca/disability

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Report from the Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Communication Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Accessibility Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Housing Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Transportation Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Certificates of Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Senior Management Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

City Council Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Mayor’s Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Universal Design in Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Paid Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Volunteer Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Outstanding Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Ewen Nelson Self Advocacy Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Focus on the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

International Day of Disabled Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Distribution of board member volunteer hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Graphical Representation of Telephone Referrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

ABSPD Mission and Mandate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Table of Contents

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Report from the Chair

There were many issues impacting people with disabilities living in Edmonton during the past year, from the lack of accessible and affordable housing to the need for trained health care workers to support individuals with disabilities living in the community . In response, the Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities was busy keeping up to date on a variety of happenings in city departments and the community .

A Health Care Task Group was struck by the Board to advocate for increased wages and training of workers who support people with disabilities living in the community . A report was sent to Council regarding the need for advocacy in this area at the municipal level . Members of the Board were involved with other groups meeting about the issue and examining ways in which the Board could advocate for needed changes . The Board will return to Council in the new year with a report on its activities .

The Board also participated in the following consultations, focus groups and stakeholder meetings:

Alberta Regional Plan

Supportive Living Consultation

Interpreter services for the Deaf

EMS Long Term Service Plan

Edmonton Urban Aboriginal Disability Association Forum

North LRT Stakeholders Advisory Group

Trails, Paths and Routes Advisory Committee

DATS focus groups

Seniors Transportation Round Table

Transportation Master Plan

South West Recreation Centre

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There has been an increase in requests for Advisory Board involvement by city departments and the community regarding issues and projects that will impact people with disabilities . The Advisory Board is pleased to be able to participate and ensure that the issues of people with disabilities are heard .

Late in 2006 the Board hired a consultant to research current best practice in North America regarding municipal services to persons with disabilities . In early 2007, Gary Gordon and Associates provided the Board with a summary report and articles of interest regarding the best practices researched . This work has provided a resource of information that the Board will be using in its future work .

The Board met with Sheila Hallett, Executive Director of the Seniors Coordinating Council and has become an Associate Member . The Council membership includes many local organizations that support seniors . The issues faced by seniors and people with disabilities are very similar and often overlap . For example, as people age they may experience a loss of vision and/or mobility and as a result, have difficulty crossing the street . These seniors benefit from curb cuts, countdown crossing signals and audible signals designed for persons with disabilities . The Board and the Seniors Coordinating Council are exploring ways to work together to advocate for services that will meet the needs of both groups .

In addition, the Board continues to accomplish its goals through its four committees as well as involvement in events held in the City of the Edmonton . These committees are Transportation, Accessibility, Communications and Housing . The work of these committees is outlined in the report that follows .

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This year the Board hosted the following events:

• Certificates of Recognition tohonourtheworkofCityemployeesinprovidingqualityservicetopeoplewithdisabilitiesanddevelopinginnovativeprogramstomeettheneedsofpeoplewithdisabilities

• Mayor’s Awardstorecognizetheworkofcommunitymembersinprovidingqualityservicetopeoplewithdisabilitiesanddevelopinginnovativeprogramstomeettheneedsofpeoplewithdisabilities,aswellasrecognitionforaccessiblearchitecture

• Focus on the FutureprovidestheopportunityforpeoplewithdisabilitiestoprovidefeedbacktotheBoardontheservicesandissuesthattheyface

• Disabled Parking Awareness Week toincreaseawarenessregardingtheissuessurroundingdisabledparking;

• International Day of Disabled Persons (inconjunctionwithrepresentativesfromnon-profitgroups)torecognizetheUnitedNationsdeclaredday.

As we put a close to 2007, many of the issues that the Board has been involved in will continue into 2008 . We look forward to the upcoming year and the challenges it will bring .

Sincerely, Brenda Reitsma

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2007 Advisory Board MembersBrenda Reitsma (Chair; Chair, Housing Committee)

Gail Faulkner (Vice-Chair; Chair, Accessibility Committee)

Renai Rahier (Chair, Transportation Committee)

Janice Smith (Chair, Communications Committee)

Ken Thomas (Chair, Transportation Committee)

Eileen McEwan

Norma Kinsmen

Marie Byggdin

Mark Edey

Cindy Gordon

Andrea Laurie

Charlotte Sabourin

Contessa Abbott

Ralph Leibo

Lana Phillips

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Janice Smith (Chair), Eileen McEwan, Ken Thomas, and Marie Byggdin were the Communications Committee members in 2007 . After leaving the Board in 2006, Bobbi Junior continued to serve as an external member . Bobbi made a significant contribution in the development and continued success of the Barrier Free Press (BFP) .

Five issues of the E-Newsletter were published . As well, the committee published and mailed out one hard copy edition of the BFP for those readers without access to e-mail . Archived copies of the BFP since 2006 are available on the City of Edmonton web site at www .edmonton .ca/disability .

A logo for the Board, developed in 2006 by design students from the University of Alberta, was chosen from a small group of finalists . The logo was incorporated into Board materials over 2007, and now features prominently on our letterhead and posters, as well as in the header of the Barrier Free Press .

The committee rolled out a Power Point presentation at the September Board meeting . The presentation provides the history, structure and activities of the Board, and will be used by Board members and office staff for speaking engagements and conferences .

Communications Committee

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The Accessibility Committee is the largest of the ABSPD committees . The Board was represented in 2007 by Gail Faulkner (Chair), Cindy Gordon, Renai Rahier, Mark Edey, and Ken Thomas . We also had the privilege of having 3 external members sit on the committee, each with a great deal of expertise in the area of accessibility: Bob Spenrath (LRT Station Project Coordinator), Cindy Smith (past ABSPD Board member) and Ron Wickman (architect/accessibility consultant) .

Part of the mandate of the ABSPD is to consult with City departments to promote City services and facilities which meet the needs of persons with Disabilities . We also review, monitor and make recommendations regarding accessibility of existing and proposed City facilities . These functions are fulfilled by the Accessibility Committee .

In 2007 the Accessibility Committee continued to circulate the Checklist for Accessibility and Universal Design in Architecture, which is based on the Barrier Free Design Guide . This document has been forwarded to all City departments and architects in the City, and can also be found on the ABSPD website . From this document, a Power Point presentation was developed and will be ready for educational purposes in 2008 .

The committee continues to review City projects using the accessibility audit process when necessary (e .g . Southgate LRT Project) . This year, the committee developed an Accessibility Checklist for Outdoor Events which used by both the City and public when planning and organizing public events on City of Edmonton property . The checklist is available on the City website, along with the application for holding a public event .

Accessibility Committee

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In conjunction with the Executive Committee, the Accessibility Committee judged, hosted and presented the 2007 Mayor’s Awards . The Universal Design in Architecture Awards were awarded as follows:

• Non-residentialAwardtothePCL Centennial Learning Centre

• ResidentialorNon-residentialFacilitySpecificallyDesignedfor Persons with Disabilities AwardtotheElves Adult and Youth Centre

Unfortunately, there were no qualified nominations for the Residential Award this year .

The committee was actively involved in the Focus on the Future Forum hosted by the ABSPD . Citizens with disabilities were invited to share concerns and/or successes regarding accessibility in the City of Edmonton . While all accessibility issues are of paramount importance, the concern over affordable and accessible housing continues to be at the forefront for our citizens . Many suggestions were shared with the Board, ranging from leisure centre access and programming to audible and countdown traffic signals . While accessibility in the City is seen to be improving by our citizens with disabilities, it is clear that there is opportunity for growth . Feedback from this forum directly impacts the committee’s strategic planning session as we set goals for the next year .

Members of the Accessibility Committee also participate on the City’s Trails, Paths and Routes Advisory Committee and on the Barrier Free Committee of the Safety Codes Council, which is currently revising the Barrier Free Design Guide. As well, our external members continue to work tirelessly on a professional basis to make Accessibility and Universal Design a priority for the City of Edmonton .

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As we move into 2008, the Accessibility Committee will focus on the following goals:

• Hosta“LunchandLearn”educationalopportunityutilizingourAccessibilityPowerPointPresentationforCityDepartments

• ContinuetoworkwithCityDepartmentsontheimplementationoftheUniversalDesignGuidelines

• ContinuewithaccessibilityauditsforCityownedandoperatedsites

• RevisetheAccessibilityChecklistwhentheBarrier Free Design GuideisupdatedandtocontinuedisseminatingtheinformationthroughouttheCityanditsdepartments

• MonitorCityrunevents,publications,andwebsitesforaccessibility(i.e.physicalaccessibilityaswellasalternateformats.interpreters,captioning)

• AdvocateforimprovingaccesstotemporaryandongoingeventsheldintheCity(e.g.GrandPrix),and

• RecognizeexcellenceinUniversalDesignwithintheCityofEdmonton,throughtheMayorsAwards

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In 2007, the Housing Committee was represented by ABSPD Members Ralph Leibo, Contessa Abbott, Marie Byggdin and Brenda Reitsma (Committee Chair) . Charlotte Sabourin joined the committee as a new Board member in March of 2007 . Denis St . Onge continued as an external member of the committee representing the City of Edmonton Housing Department .

The committee continued to advocate with the Safety Codes Council for better communication between City of Edmonton Safety Code Officers and the province regarding projects that receive provincial funding and must therefore meet the provincial accessibility requirements .

Affordable housing was a major issue for people living in Edmonton during 2007, including people with disabilities . Although budgets and projects were announced by the City, the committee was concerned regarding the visitability and accessibility of these projects . There continues to be resistance to requiring accessibility and visitability in projects due to the perceived additional costs .

The committee reviewed its current position paper regarding accessible housing in Edmonton . The committee decided to re-work its position to include affordability . One of the first steps taken was to spend time researching definitions . It was discovered that terminology related to accessibility and visitability was not defined consistently between departments in the City and the Advisory Board . A list of terms was delineated and defined and the position paper will recommend the acceptance by the City of these definitions .

The revised position paper addressing affordability and accessibility needs of Edmontonians with disabilities will be presented to Council in 2008 .

Charlotte Sabourin represented the Advisory Board at the Visitability Conference in Winnipeg in May . The Conference included discussions regarding visitable cities, policies and visits to 2 homes in Winnipeg that were visitable .

Housing Committee

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Several guest speakers were invited to committee meetings in 2007 to discuss affordable and accessible housing needs for people with disabilities in the City of Edmonton . Larry Pempeit of the Canadian Paraplegic Association attended a meeting to discuss the development of an apartment complex with supports for young adults that includes office space for non-profit organizations . A letter of support for the project was sent to the Mayor and City Council .

Mary Sullivan of the Capital Region Housing Corporation shared information with the committee on the various programs offered by the CRHC for low income Edmontonians . CRHC continues to have a two year wait list for its affordable housing programs . CRHC has limited options available for people who require accessible housing .

Architect Ron Wickman attended a meeting to discuss adding housing requirements to the Accessibility Checklist . The committee is reviewing these requirements and the existing checklist to determine the appropriate additions and format .

Debi Anderson of the City of Edmonton met with the Housing Committee regarding the City of Edmonton’s First time Home Buyers Program . This program involved the identification of 70 sites of surplus land originally intended for schools . Twenty of these have been identified for multi-family housing . The program is in the process of starting the first two projects — one in Millwoods and one in Clareview .

The program is exploring the possibility of including accessible suites but is unsure of the need and how many units to include . The Housing Committee suggested that 100% of units be made visitable and 10% of the units adaptable, as per the recommendations made to Council in the 2005 position paper . The recommendation from the meeting was sent in writing to the First-time Home Buyer Program for consideration by the developers .

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Representatives from the Housing Committee met with Brant Mohr of the City of Edmonton, who was the architect from the Home Ed project in North Edmonton . The project will involve 31 affordable housing units, five of which will be accessible . The proposed plans for the project were reviewed with recommendations for changes . Building will start in the spring of 2008 .

The committee will continue to work with the Housing Department to ensure that affordable, accessible housing remains a priority for the City of Edmonton .

The Housing Committee Goals for the upcoming year are:

• FinalizetheAdvisoryBoardonServicesforPersonswithDisabilities’positionregardingaccessiblehousing

• Researchand/orobtaininformationregardingissues/trendsimpactingaccessible&affordablehousing

• Link/networkwithcitydepartments,CityCouncilandcommunityagenciesinvolvedinhousing

• DevelopaninsertfortheAccessibilityChecklistrelatedspecificallytoHousingforpeoplewithdisabilities

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Transportation Committee

The ABSPD Transportation Committee consisted of five Board members and three external members in 2007 . Renai Rahier (Chair), Ken Thomas, Norma Kinsman, Andrea Laurie and Lana Phillips represented the ABSPD, while Bob Macklon and Iris Dykes represented the DATS Advisory Group and Trish Halverson represented external non-profit organizations .

The Transportation Committee held ten meetings over the care of the year . In May, Renai Rahier resigned as Chair of the Transportation Committee due to professional commitments and Ken Thomas stepped in to chair the committee .

Committee members attended DATS focus groups to provide input on the implementation of a new service: Interactive Voice Response (IVR) computer software allows DATS drivers to send a computer message to the client by phone ten minutes before the driver arrives, stating that DATS is on its way . The implementation of the IVR has gone smoothly and clients have expressed satisfaction with the service . The committee will continue to monitor DATS and their services .

Margaret Dorey of ETS spoke to the committee regarding a pilot project for customer communication cards . The project explored the use of communication cards that specify the needs of the rider to the driver as a means of promoting better communication on ETS . The focus of the pilot project was to track the effectiveness of the cards in order to determine if the system would be a useful tool for future riders . The committee will continue to work closely with ETS and DATS in order to ensure optimal service for all users .

Committee members have also been attending the North LRT stakeholders’ group meetings . The group provides feedback to the City and consultants developing the LRT extension from Churchill Square to NAIT . Participation at these meetings will be continuing in 2008 .

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Disabled Parking Awareness Day was expanded in 2007 to one week . During the week of November 24th to the 28th members of the Transportation Committee promoted awareness for disabled parking stalls through a number of small initiatives, including manning a booth at West Edmonton Mall . The purpose of the booth was to increase awareness regarding parking for people with disabilities and the importance of leaving the designated spots for those individuals who need them the most . In conjunction with Bylaw Enforcement and with endorsement from the Edmonton Police Service, a flyer highlighting the “Lazy is Not a Disability” slogan was produced as an additional tool to educate on the need and importance of designated disabled parking stalls .

The committee also celebrated the advent of accessible taxis in Edmonton . After numerous years of advocating for accessible taxis with Council and the taxi commission, over 30 licenses were awarded to various taxi providers . To celebrate this accomplishment, The International Day of Disabled Persons included the presence of 3 accessible taxis for those in attendance to view .

The Transportation Committee will be working on the following goals for the upcoming year:

• Educateonimportanceandadvocateforimprovedenforcementorsnowremovalandclearroutesoftravel

• Advocateforaffordablepublictransportation

• Advocateforaccessibleconstructionsites

• WorkwithETStooptimizetheirservices

• Advocateforbetterdesignandimplementationofaccessibleparkingstalls

• Promoteawarenessandeducatepublicaboutaccessibleparkingissues

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Certificates of RecognitionThe Certificates of Recognition event is held annually and is hosted by the ABSPD to recognize the efforts of City of Edmonton staff in serving persons with disabilities . The event was held at City Hall on January 30th and was attended by Mayor Mandel, several members of City Council, and many other City staff who came out to support their colleagues . The following staff members were recognized for their outstanding work over the previous year:

• Ian Newel (DATS/ETS): DevelopingandpresentingDATScurrenttrainingcurriculum

• Margaret Dorey (DATS/ETS): Creationof“MobilityChoicesTravelTrainingProgram”

• Mary Sopka, Tarek Ammar, Richard Simpson (DATS/ETS): ComputerizedwaitlistforDATS

• Jason Baxter (ETS/LRT): Priorityboardareaforcustomersusingmobilityaids

• Bob Marvin, Social Planner (Community Services): InstrumentalininitiatingFlavourBudzzCatering,whichtrainspeoplewithchronicmentalhealthissues

• Derek Sutherland, Ian Hosler, Mike Kuntz, Karina Ma, Sarah Ridley, Karen Whitehead, John Kerby, John Dammann (Community Services):AccessiblefishingandcanoeingdockatHermitagePark

Events

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Senior Management LuncheonThe City Management Team and members of the Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities met at the CN Tower on March 26, 2007 for an afternoon social . Brenda Reitsma, Board Chair, gave a presentation on the current activities of the Board . The Chairs of each Committee also presented a detailed report on the activities of their committees . The event was well attended and positive comments were received . The Board welcomes the support of Senior Management and enjoys the opportunity to share information during this yearly event . The Board members would like to take this opportunity to thank Community Services and Senior Management for their continued support .

City Council LuncheonOn Tuesday, April 10, 2007 the City of Edmonton Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities invited City Council to lunch to introduce new board members and present the goals of the Board for 2007 .

The formal presentation by Brenda Reitsma, Board and Housing Chair, as well as Committee Chairs Janice Smith (Communications), Renai Rahier (Transportation) and Gail Faulkner (Accessibility) gave all in attendance a glimpse of work plans for each committee for the remainder of the year . The Executive committee also shared plans for changes to the Focus on the Future event that will be held in October of this year .

Despite it being a City Council meeting day, the luncheon was well attended by six Council members and four delegates . The exchange of information regarding the future was very rewarding for both the Council and Board members in attendance .

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Mayor’s AwardsOn Thursday, May 17, 2007 the Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities presented the annual Mayor’s Awards . Greetings and remarks were given by Brenda Reitsma, Chairperson for the Board, and Mayor Stephen Mandel . Awards were given out in the following categories:

• UniversalDesigninArchitecture

• Employment(PaidandVolunteer)

• OutstandingService

• EwenNelsonSelf-AdvocacyAward.

Universal Design in ArchitectureThe award for Non Residential Facility went to the PCL Learning Centre, designed by Cohos Evamy Partners Architecture, is an infill building designed to offer a positive pathway for all employees and visitors, including people with limited mobility .

The second award for Residential or Non-Residential Facility Specifically Designed for Persons with Disabilities went to Elves Adult and Youth Centre . The design is functionally based and attention to detail has been guided by an experienced staff and group of caregivers who are very knowledgeable about safety and personal care of their clients . The architects were Chris Idenouye and Douglas Sollows .

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Paid EmploymentThe award for Paid Employment was shared by two winners . TD Canada Trust is committed to diversity and strives to build a culture that respects the unique talents and perspectives that each employee brings to the organization . TD Canada Trust also has a “Workplace Accommodation Policy” which is designed to eliminate all workplace barriers . Accommodations such as job mentors, accessible ramps and modified work stations promote positive work experiences . Employees are given choices because the company wants them to be successful .

The second award was given to the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club . For the past 22 years the Club has been very visible in the promotion of people with disabilities in the workforce . They hired Joey Moss, an individual with Down syndrome, to assist in the day to day operations of the dressing room . Joey has become so entrenched in the fabric of the team that they have named the trophy for the winner of the pre-season intra-squad tournament, “the Joey Moss Cup” . The NHL has also recognized Joey as the “Seventh Man” award winner in 2003 for making a difference in the lives of those in the NHL . The Edmonton Oilers have had Joey around for so long, they no longer think of him in terms of his disability, but as a member of their team .

Volunteer PositionThe award for Volunteer Employment went to the Salvation Army Warehouse . This organization is volunteer based and recognizes the value of hiring persons with disabilities . It is important to them that all volunteers have a purpose, no matter how large or small, and all contributions are valued equally .

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Outstanding ServiceThe award was given to the Fantasyland Hotel, the location of “Take Action,” the 25th Anniversary conference of the National Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association . The management and staff were instrumental in the success of this conference; the took the time to understand the needs of the individuals attending this conference and ensured that these needs were met . They went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly .

Ewen Nelson Self Advocacy AwardLarry Pempeit is the first recipient of this new award . Larry is a tireless advocate for persons with disabilities, working to improve services in many areas including housing, homecare, transportation, employment and recreation . Larry spends countless hours on an individual, volunteer and work-related basis advocating for services that will make Edmonton more inclusive for persons with disabilities . Larry is humble in his approach to sharing his success with others and is an exceptional role model . With insight, wit, charm and wisdom, Larry is a mentor and inspiration to countless individuals, particularly those with disabilities .

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Focus on the FutureThe Focus on the Future Forum is an annual event sponsored by the Advisory Board, and serves to generate discussion on how services for persons with disabilities can be improved in our city . Last year, the forum was held on October 20th at City Hall . There were 21 guests in attendance, which included 6 members of the Advisory Board, as well as members of the community and various agencies in Edmonton .

There were 3 questions posed to the group:

• WhatservicesareofferedbytheCityofEdmontonforpeoplewithdisabilities?

• HowdoestheBoardhelptheCitytoimproveservices?

• WhatdoesthegroupseeasmajorissuesthattheBoardneedstoaddress?

From these questions, a list of issues and concerns regarding various city services was compiled by the attendees . The Advisory Board is using this list to generate its new set of goals for 2008 .

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International Day of Disabled PersonsThe International Day of Disabled Persons was held on December 3, 2007 at Edmonton City Hall, where approximately 250 people attended . A proclamation and greetings from the City were given by Elaine Betchinski, Director of Citywide Communities of Interest . The day is observed annually to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities .

This year’s theme was “Nothing about us without us, it’s time to employ us .” The keynote speaker was Dr . Austin Mardon, a recipient of the Order of Canada for work as a self-advocate for people with schizophrenia . The event included an art show, information booths, a trade fair and refreshments, as well as entertainment provided by the Brail Tone Choir and Marilyn Rose . Also included this year was Our Stories, a theatrical production performed by persons with brain injuries .

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Distribution of board member volunteer hours

The members of the Advisory Board are volunteers and all board-related work including meetings, events, and all related planning is done on their own time . In 2007, members spent in excess of 1250 hours doing work on behalf of the Board . Below is a graphical representation of how much time was spent in each area of the Board’s work .

Preparation for Board and

Committee meeting 7%

Events planning 3%

Events attendance 3%

Committee-related work 12%

Response to public 1%

Meeting (off-Board) 5%

Meetings (Board and Committees)

43%

Research 8%

Emails/phone calls 9%

Other (ie. presentation)

9%

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Graphical Representation of Telephone Referrals

Along with the work of the Board’s committees, the office receives inquiries from community members on a variety of issues . Below is an illustration of the types of calls addressed by the Advisory Board Staff .

Support 17%

Recreation 1%

Housing 8%

Fianance 8%

Employment 3%

Transportation 7%

Other 36%

Accessibility 20%

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Mission:

To promote the recognition of the entitlements and service needs of Edmontonians with disabilities through awareness, advocacy and facilitating changes in City policy and practice .

Mandate:

The City of Edmonton Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities is a resource group reporting directly to City Council on issues, needs and services related to persons with disabilities . The Advisory Board is also a source of information and advice to City Council, City departments and citizens .

ABSPD Mission and Mandate

*Available in alternate formats

To contact us:Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities PO Box 2359 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0K1

Telephone: (780) 496-5822 TTY: 944-5555 keyword DISBOARD Fax: (780) 577-3525 disability@edmonton.ca www.edmonton.ca/disability