Independent Living Vernon

More than just Mutts - Assistance dogs for people with a variety of disabilities

2012-02-11T23:05:00.001-08:00

More than just Mutts!

I recently heard someone say 'How can you call that a service dog, the person they're helping isn't blind?'

You might be surprised to learn that assistance dogs assist more than just people who are blind. In fact, there are assistance dogs who assist people with a variety of disabilities, such as hearing, severe diabetes, physical limitations, autism, psychiatric, or seizure disorders.

You may have heard stories of pets alerting their owners to health dangers, stopping intruders, or alerting them to a fire. Assistance dogs are specifically trained to assist with certain activities or detect behavior and/or mood changes in their handlers. Training and socialization for the dog is extensive and intense until they are about two years old. Once the dog is matched with the handler, there is more training for the newly formed team to build a strong bond.

How can you identify an assistance dog? In most cases, assistance dogs will be wearing a vest that clearly identifies them as an assistance dog and a harness for the handler to easily control the dog. The West Coast Assistance Teams website outlines some general and specific assistance dog ettiquette:

Generally, when you meet a person with an assistance dog, please remember that the dog is working. You don't want anything to interrupt the dog from performing its tasks.

Specifically,

Speak to the person first
Do not make distracting noises aimed at the assistance dog.
Do not touch the assistance dog without asking permission.
Do not feed an assistance dog.
Do not ask personal questions about the handler's disability
Don't be offended if the handler declines to chat about the assistance dog.

For more information about assistance dogs, some options include:

http://www.westcoastteams.com

http://www.dogguides.com

http://www.pads.ca

Registered Disability Savings Plan

2012-02-11T23:03:00.001-08:00

Registered Disability Savings Plan

As a person with a disability, have you worried about how to save for the future? One answer might be the Registered Disability Savings Plan, which is a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities to save for the future.

To be eligible for the RDSP, individuals must be under the age of 60, a Canadian resident with a social insurance number, and Eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (Disability Amount). There are two ways the RDSP can grow, the Canada Disability Savings Grant and the Canada Disability Savings Bond.

Canada Disability Savings Grant:

The Government will match your contributions by 300, 200 or 100 percent depending on the beneficiary’s family income and the amount of your annual contribution. A maximum of $3,500 will be paid each year, with a lifetime limit of $70,000. Contributions made to an RDSP on or before December 31 of the year in which the beneficiary turns 49 are eligible to receive matching grants

Canada Disability Savings Bond:

Depending on your beneficiaries family income you may receive, a Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) of up to $1,000 per year.

You do not need to make any contributions to your RDSP in order to receive the bond. There is a lifetime limit of $20,000. Bonds will be paid into an RDSP on eligible requests made on or before December 31 of the year in which the beneficiary turns 49.

You can withdraw from your RDSP at any time however it is important to be aware of the 10 year rule - All grants or bonds received have a ten year waiting period. If you withdraw any of the grant or bond money received in the previous ten years, it must be paid back to the Government. So it makes sense to keep the savings in there for the 10 year waiting period.

One aspect that makes the RDSP unique, is the money in your RDSP can be used for any purpose. Even for people accessing Persons with Disabilities Designation through the Ministry of Social Development, money from an RDSP is not considered income, therefore will not affect the level of support you get.

For more information about this program, ask your financial institution, visit www.disabilitysavings.gc.ca or contact Crystal at IL Vernon at 250-545-9292.

Updating Measuring Up Vernon

2012-02-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

With the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with disabilities, accessibility needs to be brought to the attention of policy makers and governments! IL Vernon is in the process of updating our report Measuring Up from 2008. Below is a draft in progress of the Measuring UP Report!

Measuring UP Vernon 2012 Draft

Photos to be added include the following:

New sidewalk in 2012, curb cut still not in the direction in the pedestrian traffic

Stop sign in the middle of the sidewalk

Narrow sidewalk due to phone poll

NO CURB CUT!!

A person in a large electric wheelchair got stuck at this corner. Needed two people to help him get his wheels unstuck.

Asphalt not flush with curb cut and damaged

Another damaged curbcut

Broken pavement on the sidewalk

Steep incline on the sidewalk from an access for an alley

Edge on the side of the sidewalk tripping hazard

Damaged curb cut

patch on a curb cut

Lamp post in the new bus terminus makes the sidewalk very narrow

This is an example of a perfect curb cut! Two curb cuts in the direction of the pedestrian traffic!

In front of city hall, Accessible parking space, with the curb cut in the wrong place for the passenger and/or driver.

We think this is suppose to be a ramp in front of the RCMP station in Vernon. But too narrow to any large wheelchair or scooter.

Another example of asphalt not flush with the curb cut. Due to it being winter in the picture, we had to dig out the dirt.

IL Vernon will be recommending City Council adopt a new Accessibility Committee to deal with these issues with a long term vision.

ILV Financial Audit 2011

2012-01-20T14:04:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

As promised at the IL Vernon Annual General Meeting on December 2, 2011, ILV Audited statements would be circulated and made available. These statements are a public document and IL Vernon values transparency.

The IL Vernon Board of Directors approved the statements on January 19, 2012 -

Therefore you can view the statements by clicking the link below:

ILV 2011 Audited Statements

Comments:

On page 4 - Accounts payable & accured liabilities is up due to the addition of the accrual of sick pay which had never been added (Please see Note 9), a purchase of IL IMPACT Books and the cost of the 2010 & 2011 Financial audits
Some individual amounts on the Statement of Revenue and Expenses are different, this due to new auditing standards required IL Vernon to have a new auditor from within the same firm at Rossworn Henderson LLP. The new auditor changed how some expense were allocated, but overall the totals are similar to 2010.

If you have any questions, please direct your questions to Laura Hockman, Executive Director at laura@ilvernon.ca or 250-545-9292 Ext. 207

Independent Living Vernon's AGM, Volunteer Appreciation & Network for Inclusion Community Meeting

2011-12-09T15:38:00.001-08:00

On December 2, 2011 IL Vernon hosted a community consultation to hear from people with a variety of disabilities about their experience in the community. Before the consultation, IL Vernon held its AGM. We had a great turn out for both events. Here are some pictures:

IL Vernon was excited the new Mayor was able to join us, so we could welcome him to his new job!

And we are always excited to have Patrick Nicol at any event, he has always been very supportive of IL Vernon.

Three social workers!

The new mayor Buffy & Don

Some of IL Vernon's great Board members (Left to Right) - Leon, Maggie, Susan, & Linda!

The Executive Director dishing out dessert to members and volunteers - glazed coissants are highly recommended by IL Vernon! YUM!

Peer Support in action!

IL Vernon appreciates all the support from members and volunteers and community members. Feedback from the community consultation will be circulated! Keep a look out for it!

Dogs of Independent Living Vernon 13-month Calendar

2011-11-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Dogs for Independence 13 month 2012 Calendar

IL Vernon is selling the calendars for $10.00! They are great gifts! There are full colour photos of various assistance dogs and family mutts!

To purchase a calendar and support Independent Living Vernon:

Please click here for the Order Form or visit:

IL Vernon's office in the People Place
#107, 3402-27th Ave, Vernon, BC

250-545-9292

http://ilvernon.ca

or

Healthy Pet Spot

3115 48th Avenue
Vernon, BC V1T 3R5

250-545-9000

www.healthyspot.ca

All proceeds support Independent Living Vernon!

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - IL Vernon is celebrating December 2, 2011

2011-10-31T15:31:00.001-07:00

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 2, 2011

IL Vernon's Annual General Meeting

11:00 – 12:00 pm

Volunteer Appreciation Lunch

12:00 – 1:00 pm

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Network for Inclusion Community Consultation

1:00 – 2:30 pm

Have an opportunity to provide your input on disability issues in the areas of:

-Accessibility

-Economic participation

-Disability Supports

-Community Contribution

People Place #006, 3402-27^th Ave

Please conform your participation,

by contacting 250-545-9292 or laura@ilvernon.ca

Dogs for Independence Walk 2011

2011-10-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the walk this year to help raise over $700 for IL Vernon.

An extra big thank you to the Vernon and District Kennel Club for their $200.00 donation.

Also thank you to those who donated food, which will be given to people with low incomes who have dogs.

IL Vernon's Dogs for Independence Calendar will be available for sale at the beginning of November. $10.00 each

Hiking for people with mobility disabilities in Vernon

2011-10-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

IL Vernon has 2 TrailRiders available for rent.

The TrailRider has been described as a space age rickshaw. Developed especially for accessing the outdoors, the lightweight aluminum frame of the Black Diamond TrailRider transports people with disabilities with the assistance of two or more able-bodied team mates called Sherpas. Ergonomically designed with fully adjustable seating, footrests and armrests the TrailRider is built to ensure comfort for riders and sherpas. Other features such as the cargo compartment and adjustable seat make it convenient and easy to use. The TrailRider's single-wheel designated stabilizes the ride and provides the narrow profile necessary to access hiking trails and paths, this vehicle is ideal for trekking (sailing) in environmentally sensitive areas as it leaves little more than a footprint.

Rental Rate: $10.00/day or

$25.00 for 5 uses

Are you a person with disability who loves to hike?

To book the TrailRider, contact:

Independent Living Vernon

#107, 3402 - 27^th Ave, Vernon, BC

250-545-9292

laura@ilvernon.ca

Completed and signed Liability waiver required. Click here to access the forms.

IL Vernon Puppy wrestle!

2011-10-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

ILV's June 2011 Calendar boy, Baldur and 4 month old Tessa wrestle to settle who knows more about Independent Living Philosophy!

Dogs for Independence Walk October 16, 2011

2011-10-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

Dogs for Independence Walk Sunday, October 16, 2011

This is a fundraiser for IL Vernon to promote awareness of the various duties of assistance dogs and people with disabilities.

Registration Fee: $20.00 (includes walk, prizes, brown bag breakfast, and 2012 Calendar)

For every $10.00 in pledges raised, you will get a ticket for door prizes!

Brown Bag Breakfast: 8:30 - 10:00 am.

Location:

Start at People Place parking lot and walk along linear park path.

Dogs for Independence Calendar Advertising

2011-06-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

IL Vernon would like to give businesses the opportunity to advertise in the Dogs of IL Vernon 2012 Calendar.

Why dogs? IL Vernon is a resource centre for people with various disabilities. IL Vernon's unique and friendly office environment allows staff to bring their dogs to work. IL Vernon recognizes the impact dogs have on staff and consumers of the Centre. For example, reducing consumer's anxiety when accessing support and information from the Centre, providing comic relief, enhances relationships, and allows people who are unable to have a dog to get their 'dog fix'.

This year's calendar will continue its focus on raising awareness of assistance dogs. Many people are familiar with a seeing eye dog for people who are blind, however there are a number of duties assistance dogs can be trained to perform. For example, dogs can be trained to detect seizures, low blood sugar in people with diabetes, and have a calming effect for people with mental health disabilities.

IL Vernon has met a number of consumers who have been denied access to businesses because their registered assistance animal is different then a seeing eye dog. For example, a consumer with a registered assistance dog for her anxiety, was waiting for a transit bus at the bus stop and the driver did not stop for her. This lack of awareness causes enormous anxiety and frustration for that consumer and any person with various disabilities with registered assistance animals. Therefore, IL Vernon is working to raise awareness about the many varieties of assistance animals.

IL Vernon's slogan is 'Promoting a new perspective on disability' because it is the only disability organization which serves people with a variety of disabilities. Other disability organizations focus their services for specific disabilities. By supporting IL Vernon, you are supporting a unique organization that makes a difference in the quality of life of people with various disabilities. The Dogs of IL Vernon Calendar will be sold for $10.00 and the proceeds of the calendar will go to support recreation activities for youth with various disabilities.

The calendar features:

1000 copies to be professionally designed and printed
Your business will be promoted for the month in which you buy advertising
Over 30 full colour pictures of assistance dogs
Helpful tips about bringing dogs to work & Service dog etiquette

Exposure of your ad:

1000 copies of the calendar will be printed
IL Vernon will recognize your support of an advertisement:

With one ad, your business has a chance of being recognized by over 11,000 potential customers!

Please click here to view the advertising options and rates.

-Advertising information can be emailed to laura@ilvernon.ca

Business logo- format options: eps,ai,or png
Business name, address, phone number
Name of contact person and phone number

-Please indicate if you prefer a certain month, advertising spaces will be on a first come, first serve basis.

-Payment can be made by cheque, VISA, or Mastercard

Thank you in advance for supporting Independent Living Vernon!

UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities

2011-05-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

As a person who identifies as having an invisible disability, disability issues are more than a passion for me. April 2011 will mark the first year since Canada ratified the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. The purpose of the Convention is “to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.”

International Conventions can seem irrelevant, ambiguous, and appear to have no real connection to the reality of daily life for people. So I went looking for an answer to the question: What does success look this for this Convention in the daily lives of people of disabilities?

It looks like people with physical disabilities accessing buildings for employment or shopping through the FRONT door, or joining their families on the beach for fun in the sun. People with disabilities, who have an assistance dog, won't be denied access because of lack of awareness of the many duties of registered service dogs. For example, assistance dogs include, but are not limited to assisting with seizures, psychiatric disorders, diabetes, autism, hearing, and seeing. A taxi driver will not deny a ride to a woman who uses a wheelchair, because she has too many groceries. A woman with cerebral palsy will not be pushed down, because she got in the way of a police officier.

To start making a difference right now in the lives of people with various disabilities, substitute the word 'ridiculous', instead of using 'retarded' and don't park in accessible parking spots, even if 'it is just for a minute'!

For information on resources for people with disabilities, please contact IL Vernon by visiting http://ilvernon.ca

References

A Guide by the Commonwealth Secretariat Human Rights Unit (April 2010). retrieved December 10, 2010 from http://www.thecommonwealth.org/files/229435/FileName/CRPDPublication.pdf

Cycling for Independence 2011

2011-05-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the Cycling for Independence!

IL Vernon staff and dogs show their support for Anti-bullying!

2011-02-23T15:08:00.000-08:00

In this picture, Kelly, Crystal, Laura & Lisa!

IL Vernon staff and dogs show their support for Anti-bullying 2011, including socks!

IL Vernon's Community Navigator Program

2011-02-23T14:39:00.000-08:00

Funding for this initiative is partially provided by the Government of BC and

is a partnership with Neil Squire Society

Community Navigator Program

for Aboriginal People with Disabilities

What is a Navigator?

The Navigator program is a peer helper training course.

Navigators are people with a variety of disabilities

who are trained to help others with disabilities.

To qualify for this program, you must:

Identify as a Aboriginal person with a disability

Attend training sessions

Complete an application process to become a Navigator

Benefits of this program

Learn about your own strengths and skills

Add experience to your resume

Mileage&/or daycare subsidy during training

Improve your computer skills

Thursdays 1:00 – 4:00pm

Independent Living Vernon

#107, 3402-27^th Ave.

(People Place)

Contact Laura to register

Call: 250-545-9292 or Email: laura@ilvernon.ca

Starting March 10, 2011

12th Annual Cycling for Independence 2011

2011-02-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

Calling all Cyclists!

Come out and support youth with disabilities by participating in the Cycling for Independence! Money raised goes toward supporting the Youth Peer Support group!

Cyclists can choose between 25kms or 50 kms routes.

$25.00 Registration includes cycle, lunch, massage, and a chance at door prizes

For more information:

CFI Poster

CFI Registration Form

CFI Pledge Form

For other local Okanagan groups this is a event can help to raise funds for your group, sports team, or school group! Pledges you raise for your local group, 50% of the pledges you raise, go back to your group! IL Vernon reserves the right to approve the group the 50% of the pledges go to. The funds will only be released to a group be within the Okanagan. Contact IL Vernon, Laura Hockman, Executive Director for approval of the local group or any questions.

Dogs for Independence 13 month 2011 Calendar

2010-12-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

Dogs for Independence 13 month 2011 Calendar

IL Vernon is selling the calendars for $10.00! They are great gifts! There are full colour photos of various assistance dogs and family mutts!

To buy a calendar, you can visit
IL Vernon's office in the People Place

or

Healthy Pet Spot

3115 48th Avenue
Vernon, BC V1T 3R5

(250) 545-9000

www.healthyspot.ca

All proceeds support Independent Living Vernon!

IL Photos - Dogs and the travelling business card...

2010-12-02T01:25:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of a sign for an accessible washroom at a restaurant

This shows the wonders of photoshop!!!! Thanks TOM for the great job!

This is Keisha and Nightmare on the dog bed in the IL Vernon office

This is the beginning of Laura's traveling business card

The puppy draws attention to Laura's business card

The puppy shows how durable Laura's business card is

Thanks to Tom for this great marketing compaign!

Taxi refuses service to disabled woman

2010-11-29T23:11:00.000-08:00

Many community members might be shocked about this story, but for many people with disabilities this is an all too familiar reality. Relying on public transportation can be a nightmare due to lack of training of drivers and negative attitudes about people with disabilities.

Taxi refuses service to disabled woman

IL Vernon is always looking for input about disability issues. If people have experiences they wish share about using accessible transportation in Vernon and Area, please let contact IL Vernon!

Thank you
Laura Hockman

December 3, 2010

2010-11-28T00:42:00.001-08:00

December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities! IL Vernon will be selling the Dogs of IL Vernon calendars at the Village Green Mall! 13 month Calendars are $10!

Crystal & Laura will in be Penticton to make a presentation on the Registered Disability Savings Plan!

IL Canada Annual General meeting in Ottawa

2010-11-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I am in Ottawa for the AGM of IL Canada, the national office for Independent Living Vernon. There are 27 IL Centres in Canada.

This morning delegates had a presentation about: Disability Rights Promotion International (D.R.P.I.) is a collaborative project working to establish a monitoring system to address disability discrimination globally. D.R.P.I. has adopted a holistic approach to disability rights monitoring, with three focus areas: individual experiences monitoring, systemic monitoring and media monitoring.

For more information, please visit their website : http://www.yorku.ca/drpi/ If you have questions or ideas about how IL Vernon can be involved with the DRPI or other disability issues, contact Laura Hockman!

Independent Living Vernon BLOG and other social media

2010-11-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

IL Vernon's current website is down, therefore in order to keep in touch with consumers and the community, I was inspired to start the IL Vernon Blog!

There are a few social media places to keep up to date with IL Vernon:

IL Vernon Facebook Cause Page

IL Vernon Facebook Group

ILVernon on Twitter