Volume 4 Issue 3                                                  
September 2002

 

Please welcome Poopalasingham Sureshwaran (Suresh) to CILT. Suresh has been volunteering at CILT for about one month and we are very glad to have him with us.

We would also like to extend a warm welcome to CILT’s newest Board members: Jane Staub and John Suchon. Also, welcome back to Beverley Elliott who has re-joined CILT’s Board of Directors.

 

A Fond Farewell to...

 

Autumn has fallen upon us once again, and for many people it means a fresh new start. Some of our volunteers have moved on to new and exciting opportunities. While they will be missed, we wish them every success that life can bring. Farewell and good luck to Lorraine Blackmore, Yvonne Kwan and Sarah Son.

 

          Among our volunteers to whom we bid farewell are a few of CILT’s dedicated board members including Maragret Lenoch, Richard Quan and  Cathy Steele. On behalf of CILT staff we would like to thank them very much for all of the hours of hard work and dedication they have given to our organization.

 

 

Reprinted with permission from Volunteer Canada. “Is Mandatory Volunteering a Contradiction in Terms? ,written by Kelly Crowe,  taken from The Volunteer Beat, published by Volunteer Canada. May 2002.

 

For those of us who believe that volunteering is a freely given activity, mandated community service can be a contradiction in terms -- one that compromises the very heart of what it means to volunteer.

 

According to David Welch, Professor of Social Policy at the University of Ottawa, mandated community service "takes away from the whole spirit of volunteerism."

 

"We become volunteers for different reasons. We do it for social solidarity or social justice; we do it because we want to," he says.

With the rise of mandated community service (the 2000 National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (NSGVP) showed that over seven percent of Canada’s volunteers were required to participate), "people are volunteering because they have to," he says. "This cheapens it."

 

For Welch, a critical part of the exchange between the volunteer and the recipient of that volunteer’s efforts is lost when the volunteer’s hand is forced. It’s the human touch that goes with freely giving up something and graciously accepting the gift of time.

 

"[Mandated community service] turns society into a merit badge society," he says. "You are [volunteering] partly because of what it means to you, not because [of what it means to] me -- it’s short-term opportunism."

 

While abstract arguments are one thing, critics of mandated service also look to concrete examples to point out flaws in the system. According to the website of the Halton Social Planning Council and Volunteer Centre in Burlington, Ontario, workfare is "the term used to describe any program that requires people to participate in mandatory activities in exchange for receiving social assistance. These requirements can take the form of job search, training, basic education, skills upgrading and unpaid community service." In other words, under workfare social assistance recipients must volunteer time with an organization in order to receive financial assistance.

 

Advocates of workfare claim it gives people the opportunity to gain work experience or even a job through a volunteer placement in the workforce. Opponents of the system say that it is degrading both to the person who is forced to work and to the notion of volunteerism itself.

 

"It’s political bloodlust and anti-welfare sentiment," says Andrew Mitchell, Program Director at the Community Social Planning Council of Toronto and Coordinator of the Workfare Watch project. "If [the Ontario Provincial Government] truly care that people get skills and build networks, they would create a program to make sure that happens."

 

One of the reasons that workfare does not measure up, says Mitchell, is because employers are not obliged to train participants in the program. Without adequate training many recipients have to settle for drudge jobs that do not amount to any valid work experience.

 

Moreover, organizations that do take on recipients are forced to act as policing agents -- they have to inform program officers if the ‘volunteer’ did not show up or did not do an adequate job. This, too, has an adverse effect on the spirit of volunteering.

 

"All social planning councils refuse workfare for that reason," says Welsh, who is also the President of the Social Planning Council of Ottawa. "We feel [that workfare] is insulting and demeaning to people."

 

Schools are also struggling with the issue of mandated community service. In Ontario, high school students must perform 40 hours of community service in order to graduate while in British Columbia, this number stands at 30 hours. Although the idea is to foster a sense of community among students and to provide them with employment experience, many of the problems that critics have noticed with workfare seem to be present here. Namely, the fact that many ‘volunteer’ positions don’t actually give students valuable work experience.

 

So why do provincial governments continue to support mandated community service programs? Welch says that the reason has more to do with funding than it does with community spirit.

"[The government has] been cutting back millions of dollars and expects volunteers to fill in the gap," he explains. "Take the example of home care: we’re looking at kicking people out of the hospital and asking volunteers to fill in the gap. It’s an attack on the helping professions."

 

Welch knows that between 33 and 38 per cent of Ottawa’s residents volunteer – and he says those are pretty good numbers. With rates like that, and a national figure of 6.5 million volunteers, who needs mandated community service?

 

"Volunteering allows us to have a sense of belonging and solidarity," says Welch, "and that’s what keeps things going, keeps our society decent."

 

The World According to Volunteer Experience

Written by Susan J. Ellis. Excerpted from “Energize Inc.”, www.energizeinc.com,  March 2002.

 

As I reflect on my work in volunteerism, I realize that devotion to this field brings with it a world view that this is quite special, particularly within a culture so focused on economic gain. So I hereby offer a list of truisms that I believe are fundamental to success in volunteer leadership. The funny thing is that these same philosophies are totally applicable to just about anything. So maybe this is my version of "Everything I Needed to Know in Life, I learned from Working with Volunteers."

Here's to the future....

 

 

Article excerpted from NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases~National Resource Center (ORBD~NRC)
and the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation. National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. Washington, DC. 

 

osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by bones that break easily, often from little or no apparent cause. There are at least four recognized forms of the disorder, representing extreme variation in severity from one individual to another. For example, a person may have just a few or as many as several hundred fractures in a lifetime. While the number of people affected with OI is unknown, the best estimate suggests a minimum of 20,000 and possibly as many as 50,000.

 

OI is caused by a genetic defect that affects the body's production of collagen. Collagen is the major protein of the body's connective tissue and can be likened to the framework around which a building is constructed. In OI, a person has either less collagen than normal, or a poorer quality of collagen than normal--leading to weak bones that fracture easily.

 

It is often, though not always, possible to diagnose OI based solely on clinical features. Clinical geneticists can also perform biochemical (collagen) or molecular (DNA) tests that can help confirm a diagnosis of OI in some situations. These tests generally require several weeks before results are known, and approximately 10 to 15 percent of individuals with mild OI who have collagen testing, and approximately 5 percent of those who have genetic testing, test negative for OI despite having the disorder.

 

The characteristic features of OI vary greatly from person to person--even among people with the same type of OI, and even within the same family--and not all characteristics are evident in each case. The general features of the four recognized types of OI, which vary in characteristics and severity, are as follows:

 

 Most cases of OI are caused by a dominant genetic defect. Some children with OI inherit the disorder from a parent. Other children are born with OI even though there is no family history of the disorder. In these children, the genetic defect occurred as a spontaneous mutation.

 

Because the defect--whether inherited or due to a spontaneous mutation--is usually dominant, a person with OI has a 50 percent chance of passing on the disorder to each of his or her children. Genetic counselors can help people with OI and their family members further understand OI genetics and the possibility of recurrence, and assist in prenatal diagnosis for those who wish to exercise that option.

 

 

There is not yet a cure for OI. Treatment is directed toward preventing or controlling the symptoms, maximizing independent mobility, and developing optimal bone mass and muscle strength. Care of fractures, extensive surgical and dental procedures, and physical therapy are often recommended for people with OI. Use of wheelchairs, braces, and other mobility aids is common, particularly (although not exclusively) among people with more severe types of OI. A surgical procedure called "rodding" is frequently considered for individuals with OI. This treatment involves inserting metal rods through the length of the long bones to strengthen them and prevent and/or correct deformities.

 

Several medications and other treatments are being explored for their potential use to treat OI. The OI Foundation can provide current information on research studies and experimental treatments for OI, as well as information to help individuals decide whether to participate in clinical trials.

 

People with OI are encouraged to exercise as much as possible to promote muscle and bone strength, which can help prevent fractures. Swimming and water therapy are common exercise choices for people with OI, as water allows independent movement with little risk of fracture. For those who are able, walking (with or without mobility aids) is excellent exercise. Individuals with OI should consult their physician and/or physical therapist to discuss appropriate and safe exercise.

 

Children and adults with OI will also benefit from maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, and avoiding activities such as smoking, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, and taking steroid medications--all of which may deplete bone and exacerbate bone fragility.

 

 

The prognosis for an individual with OI varies greatly depending on the number and severity of symptoms. Despite numerous fractures, restricted activity, and short stature, most adults and children with OI lead productive and successful lives.

 

The National Resource Centre is supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases with contributions from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH Office of Research on Women's Health, Office of Women's Health, PHS, and the National Institute on Aging. The Resource Center is operated by the National Osteoporosis Foundation, in collaboration with the Paget Foundation and the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation.

 

 

Variety Village is set to host the 2002 edition of its annual Sports Festival, from November 1-10. All junior athletes around the world are encouraged to attend its celebration of sports for people with and without disabilities.

 

Recreational and competitive events will include wheelchair basketball, electric wheelchair hockey, fencing, aquatics/games for everyone, competitive swimming and the Lieutenant Governor's Games.

 

Anyone interested in participating or donating to this event can contact Variety Village at sbialowas@varietyvillage.on.ca or
416-699-7167 x226.

 

 

 

The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada (MDAC) and the Ontario Trillium Foundation is hosting "Let's Get Together", a day where young people living with a neuromuscular disorder, and their families and friends can meet and partake in a variety of activities. These activities include workshops and information sessions on subjects including dating, employment and Internet resources, attendant care and emotional issues. The event will take place at Variety Village on Saturday, October 5 from 12:30-5:30 PM. Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 25, 2002 to Alison Quinton at 416-488-2699 x180 or pspa@mdac.ca. 

 

The Nature of Change is a five-session workshop for adults with a physical disability hosted by the Gage Transition to Independent Living.

Experience change through:

Dates:   Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2002

Time:     6:45-9 PM

Place:    North Toronto Memorial Community Centre, 200 Eglinton Avenue West (Eglinton & Lascelles)

To register for this free workshop, please phone Joan Creelman or Ginette Grewal at 416-481-0868.

 

Refreshments and attendant services will be provided.

Diversity in the Workplace. Some budding businessfolk with disabilities or their able-bodied allies may be interested to know that there is a Diversity in the Workplace convention set for Nov. 20, 21 & 22 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. One of the subject areas will focus on how to make your workplace welcoming when hiring and retaining "disabled" workers. 

 

For more information, please call Federated Press at 416-665-6868 or 1-800-363-0722.

Their email address is info@federatedpress.com.

 

More info is also available online at http://www.federatedpress.com/pdf/FPress_Diversity_112002.pdf  (Adobe Acrobat required).

 

 

Our 2002 United Way Fundraising Campaign is unofficially underway. Plans are being made as we speak by this year’s fundraising committee: Don Barrie (Chair), Nancy Barry, Sandra Carpenter, Susan DeLaurier, Kimberly McKennitt and Victoria Pica. This year’s fundraising campaign will be officially launched in early November. Stay tuned for further details!

 

I am pleased to announce the addition of a new social group to the Peer Support Program. Introducing the “Prime Timers”, a social group for adults over the age of 35 years. Due to popular demand, the Prime Timers was created after a focus group was held last spring. Ten consumers attended the focus group and some great ideas came out of a very successful brainstorming session.

 

As many of you are well aware, CILT has a few peer support groups that already meet on a regular basis such as the Diner’s Club, the Peer Drop-in, and the Adult Inter-Active (formerly known as the Adult Social Drop-in), a partnership activity that we share with other organizations including the Anne Johnston Health Station, the Ontario March of Dimes, Tobias House Resource Centre and the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association. These activities are open to all adults with physical disabilities, however the age range of consumers who attend are usually between the ages of 20 and 30. As a result, consumers in the higher age bracket have been feeling excluded as they would prefer to socialize with others who are of similar age. Thus, the Prime Timers was created.

 

The Prime Timers kicked off their first event in a collaborative effort the Parenting with a Disability Resource and Support Network. We felt that this was a great way to introduce the Prime Timers as an up and coming social group. The event took place on Saturday September 14, 2002 in High Park: “A Day in the Park”. The morning session consisted of a Yoga session, facilitated by an excellent and knowledgeable instructor; followed by a catered lunch and an informal afternoon workshop on Stress Management. The feedback was positive on all counts. It was a great way to kick-off our newest peer group. I would like to extend a big thank you to the members of the PDN for helping the Prime Timers make their first event a success!

 

The Primer Timers is open to anyone over the age of 35 who has a disability, and is looking to meet new people and participate in fun and exciting events. The Prime Timers hope to have their next event very soon. Stay tuned for details. In the meantime, if you wish to get on the mailing list for the Prime Timers please call Nancy at (416) 599-2458, extension 27. Future Primer Timer events include: pot luck suppers, dining out, movies, bingo games, guest speakers on topics of interest to this particular age group, day trips, shopping, or simply going out for coffee and dessert, and much much more! Please feel free to contribute your ideas for future events that may be interesting for the Prime Timers to participate in. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

    

Angela Misevicius – 1994   

 

CILT’s Volunteer Vibes is a quarterly publication of the Peer Support Program. If you are interested in volunteering at C.I.L.T. please call Nancy to request a Volunteer Application Package. 

 

Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) Inc.
 205 Richmond Street West, Suite 605
 Toronto, Ontario  M5V 1V3
 Tel:    (416) 599-2458, extension 27
 Fax:   (416) 599-3555
 TTY: (416) 599-5077

 Email: cilt@cilt.ca or  peervolunteer@cilt.ca  

Web site: www.cilt.ca

 

Volunteer Vibes is also available on audiotape. 

Articles on products, agencies or services are for information only and are not meant as endorsements.

The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors and may not reflect the views of CILT.

Supported by a Toronto Community Service Grant, United Way and Human Resources Development Canada