INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR OAS?

2

UN DAY SK 3

NEW AREA CODE COMING TO SK

3

AMENDMENTS TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

4

THE GOOD FOOD BOX 4

HOLIDAY RECIPES AND GIFT IDEAS

5

ENTERTAINMENT 6

SK PLAN FOR GROWTH 7

CBO’s HONOURED IN SK 7

SASKATCHEWAN VOICE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

WINTER 2012

From the staff & board at SVOPD

Prairie Voice

“Christmas! The very word brings joy to our

hearts. No ma er how we may dread the

rush, the long Christmas lists for gi s and

cards to be bought and given‐‐when Christ‐

mas Day comes there is s ll the same warm

feeling we had as children, the same warmth

that enfolds our hearts and our homes.”

‐‐ Joan Winmill Brown

Most Canadians are aware the federal government has changed the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). People born after April 1st 1958 will now have to wait until they are 67 to be eligible for these benefits. The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) recognizes this change has been undertak-en for a variety of reasons and will be implemented over time.

However, we question whether policy makers have considered the impact this substantive change will have on Canadians with disabilities. CCD believes rising the age of eligibility for OAS will prolong the poverty of Canadians with disabilities.

Points to consider: 1. Canadians with disabilities disproportionately live in poverty. Between 45 and 60 percent of those living on social assistance (welfare) are people with disabilities and this number continues to increase. Many Canadians with disabilities have been, and will continue to be, excluded from the current labour market, unless significant new initiatives are created to remove barriers to employment. For some people with disabilities, employment in today’s competitive labour market is

not an option.

2. Old Age Security coupled with the Guaranteed Income Supplement benefit is better than any social assistance program in Canada. The exception is Alberta where there have been many recent improvements to AISH. Many Canadians with disabilities looked forward to turning 65 because they would have a better income benefit. Sadly, this income is now delayed another two years.

3. Increasing the age of entitlement for OAS will force people with disabilities to live in poverty longer.

4. OAS, while the foundation of Canada’s retirement policy, does not exist in isolation. In fact, many other benefits are designed to work in tandem with OAS.

-Will raising the entitlement trigger a change in the Old Age Exemption in the Income Tax Act?

-Will Long-Term Disability Insurance and Workers Compensation policies now extend benefits to age 67? Presently, LTD claims and Workers Compensation claims end when people become eligible for OAS. Will this change increase premiums?

-Will Canada Pension Plan benefits also change the age of eligibility? Will this apply to both

the early retirement and full ben-efit?

-How will provinces respond to people with disabilities and others remaining on social assistance for a longer period of time? Will it result in reducing those benefits or limiting future improvements?

Budget 2012 has raised the age of eligibility for OAS.

Does your Member of Parliament or your provincial Legislative Member know what impact this will have on people with disabilities who are living on social assistance? Will they commit to insuring there is no negative impact on Canadians with disabilities and that a disability analysis is undertaken in regard to all future reforms? We believe the points raised by CCD are worthy of study.

New policy initiatives should enhance the status of Canadians with disabilities, not create greater disadvantages for them.

The impact of OAS changes must be understood by decision-makers. Talk to your elected officials about this change. A way must be found to ensure this reform does not create further disadvantages for people with disabilities. (Re-printed from Transition The Magazine of BC Coalition of People with Disabilities)

PRAIRIE VOICE

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR OLD AGE SECURITY? BY LORRIE BEACHELL, CCD NATIONAL COORDINATOR

PAGE 2

December 3, 2012 has been proclaimed as Interna onal Day of Persons with Disabili es by the Government of Saskatchewan. The Interna onal Day of Persons with Disabili es has been observed around the world every year since 1981. This year's theme, as chosen by the United Na ons, is Removing Barriers to Create an Inclusive and Accessible Society for All.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to declare today as Interna onal Day of Persons with Disabili es," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "This is an opportunity to promote increased awareness of disability issues in our province, and to celebrate the important contribu ons that persons with disabili es make to the quality of life we enjoy in Saskatchewan."

The theme of the day is especially relevant in Saskatchewan this year, as the province has recently commi ed to developing a comprehensive disability strategy by working together with representa ves of the disability community and support workers.

The strategy will focus on the goals iden fied in the Plan for Growth and the 2012 Speech from the Throne, including:

Reducing barriers to accessible housing;

Making transporta on more accessible;

Increasing employment and educa on opportuni es;

Suppor ng community inclusion; and

Suppor ng caregivers. The United Na ons es mates that 15 per cent of the world's popula on, or more than one billion people, live with some form of disability.

"We are proud to work with our many partners in the disability community to ensure that persons with

disabili es are integrated fully into every aspect of our society here in Saskatchewan," Draude said.

"Working together, we will ensure Saskatchewan is the best place to live in Canada for people with

disabili es."

(Re‐posted from the Government of Saskatchewan’s website: www.gov.sk.ca/)

Don’t forget! In the New Year: New way to dial for local calls in Saskatchewan

PAGE 3 WINTER 2012

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES PROCLAIMED IN SASKATCHEWAN

The new transi on period to mandatory 10‐digit dialing begins February 25th, 2013.

Beginning May 11, 2013, it will be a requirement that SaskTel customers making a local call in Saskatchewan

dial 10‐digits, the area code plus the 7 digit local number. This change is a result of a decision by the

Canadian Radio‐television and Telecommunica ons commission (CRTC) to add a new Saskatchewan area

code, 639, in 2013 . For more informa on, please contact SaskTel at 1‐800‐SASKTEL (727‐5835) or www.sasktel.com

PAGE 4 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

Amendments that will improve access to mental health services in Saskatchewan were introduced in the Legislature today.

The Social Workers Amendment Act, 2012, is designed to grant qualified social workers the ability to diagnose addic ons and certain mental health disorders.

"These amendments will help our most vulnerable ci zens get the help they need when they need it the most," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "By allowing qualified social workers to include diagnosis within their prac ce, we can reduce wait mes for people needing mental health services, especially in rural and remote areas of our province."

Good Food Box provides affordable access to local and regional high quality produce for people within the local area. The Good Food Box program allows everyone to purchase boxes for pick up bi‐weekly at neighbourhood loca ons.

AMENDMENTS TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Different Boxes:

Small Box, $6.00, 5‐6 items, veggies & fruit

Medium Box, $12.00, 8‐10 items, veggies & fruit

Large Box, $18.00, 9‐12 items, veggies & fruit

Snacking Box, $10.00, 5‐7 items, veggies & fruit – all edible raw

Fruit Box, $15.00, 5‐8 items – all fruit

Organic Box, $18.00, 8‐12 items – all organic

"We are very pleased and challenged by the trust placed in Saskatchewan Associa on of Social Workers by Minister Draude by proposing the extension of diagnos c privilege to the profession of social work," Saskatchewan Associa on of Social Workers President Joanne Schenn said. "Saskatchewan Associa on of Social Workers is prepared to work in the public interest and by collabora on to refine requirements to be met by clinical social workers who will make applica on for inclusion of diagnosis within their prac ce." According to the Saskatchewan Associa on of Social Workers (SASW), there are up to 50 social workers who may currently qualify to perform diagnoses. Permi ng these individuals to diagnose could increase system capacity. In Mental Health, Child and Youth Services alone, 70 per cent of clients have behavioural disorders which could be diagnosed by qualified social workers if this privilege is granted. The advantages of these amendments include earlier access to treatment and greater flexibility in how provid‐ers can be used to diagnose treatment of mental health disorders. The amendments also make SASW fully accountable for the authoriza on and regula on of social work professionals who are authorized to diagnose.

Authorizing qualified, clinical social workers to make diagnoses of condi ons such as depression, Post‐

Trauma c Stress Disorder, ea ng disorders and anxiety disorders will help people access the mental health

services they need much faster. Proclama on of the Act will occur only a er all the required regulatory and

accredita on processes are developed. (Re‐posted from the Government of Saskatchewan’s website:

www.gov.sk.ca/)

THE GOOD FOOD BOX

To learn more about or order a

Good Food Box please visit

thegoodfoodbox.ca

PAGE 5 PRAIRIE VOICE

Ingredients: ‐1 large egg ‐1/4 cup fat‐free egg subs tute ‐1/4 cup sugar ‐2 cup fat‐free evapo‐rated milk ‐1 tsp vanilla extract ‐2 fl oz brandy, or rum, 80 proof (1/4 cup) ‐1 tsp ground nutmeg

Holiday Eggnog - Makes 4 servings (about ¾ cup per serving)

Instruc ons: 1. Beat together egg, egg subs tute and sugar. 2. Warm milk in a small saucepan un l it steams, but does not boil; very gradually beat milk into eggs. 3. Return mixture to stove and cook over low heat, s r‐ring constantly un l thickened slightly and very steamy. (Note: Do not let eggnog boil.) 4. S r in vanilla and chill thoroughly. 5. S r in brandy. 6. Pour into four glasses and sprinkle a touch of nutmeg on top of each serving.

RECIPES (THANKS TO ANNA G FOR THESE)

Instruc ons: 1. Cream shortening and sugar un l light and fluffy; add egg and beat well. 2. Add mincemeat, mixing well. 3. Combine flour, soda, and salt; mix well, and s r into creamed mix‐

ture.

4. Drop by teaspoonful's onto greased cookie sheets. 5. Bake at 350 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes.

Ingredients: ‐½ cup shortening ‐½ cup sugar ‐1 egg ‐1 cup mincemeat ‐ prepared ‐2 cups all‐purpose flour ‐½ teaspoon baking soda ‐½ teaspoon salt

Mincemeat Drop Cookie – Makes about 5 dozen

GREAT GIFT IDEAS! Find out how to make (or buy) these

great gi ideas, stocking stuffers ideas

and money saving ps through our

Pinterest! Just visit us at Pinterest.com/

svopdgirlpower/svopd‐gi ‐giving‐guide

ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 6

Soul Surfer (2011) - Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.

A Friend Like Ben: The cat that came home for Christmas by Julia Romp Nine year old George was severely autistic; quiet and withdrawn, he appeared lost in his own world most of the time. His mother Julia despaired, but try as she might she couldn't bring him out of his shell. Then one day a small, black-and-white stray cat appeared at the bottom of her garden and George's face lit up at the sight of him. Despite herself Julia agreed to adopt him as a pet.

A Christmas Home by Gregory Kincaid Todd McCray, hero of A Dog Named Christmas (posted in our November newsletter) is now twenty-four years old and working at a local animal shelter, where he meets and quickly becomes best friends with Laura, a young volunteer. Laura, like Todd, has disabilities of her own, but her struggles are more physical than developmental. Their friendship is sealed when Todd—with the help of his Labrador retriever named Christmas—trains a beautiful dog named Gracie to help Laura with the day-to-day life tasks that are difficult for her.

A Merry Little Christ-mas by Julia Williams Set in a village of Hope Christmas the story follows the leading characters Cat, Pippa and Marianne through one year of the high and lows of family life. Each of the women has a dilemma to overcome and they help each other through their problems. This is a warm-hearted novel perfect for the run up to Christmas

Christmas Is Here Again (2007) - Sophianna, a crippled orphan girl, sets out to find Santa's stolen toy sack, which is a magical source of toys since it was made from the baby Jesus' swaddling clothes. She is helped in her quest by one of Santa's elves, one of Santa's young reindeer, a fox and a po-lar bear.

A Christmas Carol - On Christmas Eve, a old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the spirit of his former partner, Jacob Marley, who tells him he will be visited by 3 ghosts. The Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Scrooge is shown the error of his ways and promises to change.

The Canadian Association for Disa-bled Skiing - http://disabledskiing.ca/

A volunteer based organization having as its main objective, assisting individuals with a disability to lead richer and fuller lives through active participation in recreational & competi-tive snow skiing & snowboarding.

Movies

Books

Websites Project Aspiro - www.projectaspiro.com/ Project Aspiro is a compre-hensive career planning and employment resource for individuals who are blind or partially sighted.

Learn about Registered Dis-ability Savings Plans on the Government of Canada web-site

www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/disability_issues/disability_savings/index.shtml

SVOPD is very excited by Premier Wall’s release of the “Saskatchewan Plan for Growth” in Saskatoon in early October of this year. This plan “outlines the government’s roadmap for getting there while emphasizing that improved quality of life in Saskatchewan is the purpose of growth.” In particular SVOPD is very excited about page 61 of this plan stating “The Government of Saskatchewan will undertake development of a new provincial disability strategy in consultation with members of the disability community and support workers with the goal of making Saskatchewan the best place in Canada for persons with disabilities”. SVOPD has expressed an interest in being one of members of the disability community to be involved in these consultations. We are very excited about what this plan could mean for all Saskatchewan's citizens, especially those with disabilities.

A copy of the news release, the Execu ve Summary and the full plan can be found at: h p://gov.sk.ca/saskplanforgrowth

On page 61 of the full version you can read about – Making Saskatchewan the Best Place in Canada for Persons with Disabili es.

COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS HONOURED IN SASKATCHEWAN

Do you have a story or suggestions?

PAGE 7 WINTER 2012

SASKATCHEWAN PLAN FOR GROWTH

Please include all copyright information for things you didn’t write yourself. If your article is too long or if we run out of space we can share it on our newly created blog on our website as well so don’t hesitate to send us anything of interest!

Is there a topic, article, question, movie, book, website, story, that you would like us to share with other subscribers? Please mail, fax or e-mail it to us and we’ll be happy to oblige!

Mail:

984 Albert St.

Regina, SK

S4R 2P7

Fax:

306‐569‐1889

E‐mail:

amber@saskvoice.com

In order to recognize and celebrate the valuable contribu ons of Community Based Organiza ons across this province, the Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed today as Community Based Organiza ons Apprecia on Day.

“These organiza ons and the people who work with them are making a real difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable ci zens,” Social Services Minister June Draude said. “I want to thank them for their dedica on to the people and communi es of this province.”

The Ministry of Social Services works in partnership with a large number of Community Based Organizations who provide services to some of Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable citizens, such as children, people living with disabilities, the homeless, those struggling with addictions, families in crisis and women experiencing abuse. (Re‐posted from the Government of Saskatchewan’s website: www.gov.sk.ca/)

SVOPD is proud to be a member of

DISC, working together with other

non-profits in the province and with the

government of Saskatchewan to create a

dignified and fair income support

program for persons with disabilities.

DISC is working hard to get this

Saskatchewan Assured Income for

Disabilities, SAID program in place and

we have already had many successes. In

the coming months please look for

DISC advertising around the province

and help support DISC’s efforts to get

an income support program in place!

For more information check out the

DISC website at www.saskdisc.ca

DISC -DISABILITY INCOME SUPPORT COALITION

984 Albert St Regina, SK

S4R 2P7

Phone: 306 569-3111 Fax: 306 569-1889

Email: info@saskvoice.com

"See the ability, not the disability"

Saskatchewan Voice of People with Disabilities

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Newsle er designed and edited by Doron Giroux & Amber‐Joy Boyd

Thanks to student volunteer Maggie Mannle

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