Cory Recognized For Volunteer Work |
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Cory is an active and valued volunteer with South Essex Community Council. He received his Volunteer Appreciation from SECC for doing Meals on Wheels. Because of COVID-19, the usual Volunteer Appreciation event couldn’t take place, but he received his gift of thanks via a front porch drop off.
Way to go Cory!
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Every year, as part of Community Living Month, Community Living Toronto encourages thousands of people across the province to "take a break" from their day and post a selfie in support of inclusive communities. This year, we took a break to thank the heroes who have continued to support people with an intellectual disability throughout the pandemic.
Check out some of the awesome photos, and visit our Facebook page for more!
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Thank you so much to a generous community member, Marg Prince, who donated popcorn to people receiving supports from Community Living Essex County living in the Amherstburg area. The popcorn was purchased as part of the Rotary Club of Amherstburg's popcorn fundraiser! |
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“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Benjamin Franklin
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As caregivers, we want to be ready for a variety of situations that might arise for our loved ones.
COVID-19 has made many caregivers aware of the challenges our loved ones may face if they need to go into hospital.
The Durham Association of Family Resources and Supports has developed a toolkit of documents to assist families and their loved ones. The toolkit was created by families and allies to help be as prepared as possible should their loved ones require a hospital stay.
The templates are designed to be adaptable by families for their own situations.
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Kelly Runnalls,
Parent Consultant, Ensemble
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National AccessAbility Week 2021 May 30-June 5 |
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From May 30 to June 5, we’re celebrating National #AccessAbility Week. This is a week dedicated to disability, inclusion, and accessibility in Canada. Join the conversation and ask yourself: how can I champion disability inclusion in my everyday life?
Join Canadians across the country this week to celebrate:
- the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities
- the accomplishments of individuals, communities and workplaces to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion
- the ongoing work we all have to do to counter discrimination against persons with disabilities and promote a culture of inclusion.
When barriers are removed, Canadians with disabilities are able to participate fully in society and workplaces. This helps our communities thrive and our economy prosper, so all Canadians benefit.
NAAW remains a valuable platform to engage with Canadians to bring national attention to the importance of accessibility and inclusion, and to celebrate the contributions of individuals, communities and workplaces that are actively removing barriers to accessibility across the country.
#AccessibleCanada #LeavingNoOneBehind
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Inclusion Canada is Looking For Your Input! |
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Inclusion Canada is asking people with a disability and their family members to provide feedback about the work they do and where they need to improve.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey.
For your time you will also have a chance to win an Inclusion Canada gift bundle!
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As the current land border closure with the United States expires June 21st there is growing pressure from both sides to announce a reopening plan. It’s been close to 16 months since citizens of both countries have been unable to cross at will, a normal part of daily living for many of us here in Windsor/Essex.
Prime Minister Trudeau has indicated Canada won’t be rushed into reopening. Monday he said that while many are eager to see the border reopen, any easing of restriction needs to be done carefully with Canadian’s safety in mind. He stated that 75% of Canadians need to be vaccinated and daily cases across the country must continue to decline. As of Tuesday, CTV news reported 57.5% of Canadians have received at least one dose, so we have a way to go yet.
Ontario’s Stay-at-Home order expired Wednesday. Solicitor General Sylvia Jones announced that all public health and workplace measures remain in place until we enter Step 1 of the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, expected to begin the week of June 14th. In the meantime, we can leave our homes for non-essential reasons, no longer limited to going out for exercise, to get groceries, pharmacy items or to access health care services. The Ontario government is also providing free day-use permits at 115 provincial parks from Monday to Thursday until September 2nd. Beginning June 7th, you can obtain a daily vehicle permit in advance to guarantee access at 17 select provincial parks, avoiding long line-ups during popular and busy times. For a list of the parks and to obtain a permit go to www.ontarioparks.com/dayuse.
The criteria for Step 1 is 60% of adults vaccinated with one dose. Ontario was at 57.4% Tuesday according to CTV news so with rapid vaccination rates it won’t be long before Step 1 kicks in and we can enjoy outdoor dining with up to 4 people per table, shopping at nonessential retail stores at 15% capacity and outdoor activities with smaller crowds.
Second shots of COVID-19 vaccines are being administered to seniors 80 years and older this week. Appointments can be booked online at wevax.ca or by calling 226-773-2200. Seniors may also contact a local pharmacy or healthcare provider office that is administering vaccines. The health unit wants to make sure residents know that they do not need to receive the second dose at the same location where they received their first shot, though they need to receive the same vaccine. They are calling on children, grandchildren and caregivers to help seniors make their appointments.
To further advance the vaccine rollout the health unit has been working with local school boards and municipalities to promote vaccination of youth 12 to 17 years old. This week there are two pop-up clinics for this age group, and any of their family members 18 and over to get their vaccine. One in Belle River was held June 1st and the second is today, Thursday June 3rd in Essex at the Essex Centre Sports Complex at 60 Fairview Avenue West from noon until 7:00 pm. The pop-up clinics are walk-in only.
Lastly, you can obtain a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination receipt through the provincial portal at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca. Choose “Vaccine Receipts” and make sure you have your health card as you will need it to login. The health unit has also posted the link on their website www.wechu.org.
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Satisfaction Survey Deadline Extended to June 11 |
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As part of our commitment to continue to provide the absolute best quality supports and services to people with intellectual disabilities, we invite you to tell us what you think.
Your feedback matters. Given the challenges we’ve faced together this past year due to COVID-19, it’s more important than ever for us to hear from you.
Please take a few minutes to complete the Annual Satisfaction Survey. The anonymous survey should take under 10 minutes to complete.
Please complete the survey before the new deadline, Friday, June 11th.
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Making Exercise Inclusive for Everyone |
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University of Windsor professor and Community Living Essex County board member, Chad Sutherland spoke to local media about the barriers faced by people with disabilities when it comes to sports and physical activity. Chad Sutherland is part of a national research team looking to make physical activity more inclusive and equitable for all Canadians. Listen to Chad's interview with CBC's Tony Doucette and read the Windsor Star article at the links below. |
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A Look Back at 60 Years of
Community Living Essex County
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60 years ago, family members envisioned possibilities for their children, even when others did not. Their determination and pursuit of inclusion and education for their children began a remarkable journey. They started with one room, one teacher and four students and a borrowed station wagon. The journey was filled with challenges, barriers, stereotypes, lobbying and inadequate funding. Nearly six decades later, Community Living Essex County continues to embrace its grass roots by providing family-directed supports to people of all ages with an intellectual disability. This coming September 2021 we mark our 60th Anniversary with plans now well underway in celebrating with you together in remembering, recognizing and celebrating those that came before us. We'll be sharing photos and stories from the past 60 years in upcoming editions of the Possibilities newsletter and on our social media channels. If you have photos or stories you would like us to share, please email them to media@communitylivingessex.org.
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Join Us for Our 60th Annual General Meeting
on June 23rd
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Staying Well and Keeping Positive |
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This weeks submission is from Lindsay Clinansmith, a support worker with our agency. She says: '”Once a week my friends and I have video trivia nights. We chat about our week, grab some snacks and take turns asking each other questions. It's a good way to keep in touch during the pandemic, especially with our one friend who lives out of province.”
What are you doing to stay positive? Send us your stories below.
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We Want to Hear From You!
How Are You Staying Well and Keeping Positive During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
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Whether it’s a new hobby, healthy habit or a positive change to your daily routine, we want to hear about it! Let us know in the box below. These submissions will be featured in the weekly internal video updates sent out to employees by our Executive Director, Karen Bolger and may be included in upcoming editions of the Possibilities newsletter. |
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You're Invited! A Gala Night To Celebrate Youth Leaders in Ontario |
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Join Community Living Ontario and The Beanstalk Project for a special gala night to celebrate young leaders across Ontario. Celebrate and honour youth leaders who have made a positive impact in their communities over the last year. Join the event to acknowledge their achievements, and be inspired by their stories.
The first 50 registrants will be entered into a draw to win exciting prizes.
June 10, 2021 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Create Black & White Photos
Free Online Event
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In this class, photographer Mark Toal will talk about how to get the best black and white images from your black and white negatives or digital camera. Learn how to use your digital camera to scan new or old black and white negatives and how to make adjustments to get the best black and white images straight out of your digital camera. Mark will also cover converting your camera to black and white Infrared and fine tuning your images in Lightroom and Photoshop.
Saturday, June 5 - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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The American Barbecue Showdown
Contestants from across America competing in a Barbecue Cook-off to be crowned American Barbecue Champion. The competition starts with eight contestants, each of which have varying levels of experience at cooking on a barbecue. Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix.
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Tadka Pasta
Fried urad dal, spices, pasta, and parmesan equals a rich and nutty tadka pasta you can conjure up in less than 30 minutes.
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Laughter is the Best Medicine |
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Are you planning to attend the Annual General Meeting on June 23rd?
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What is the hardest thing that you had to give up during the COVID-19 lockdown?
Night out on the town ~ 9.1%
Chef-cooked food and gossip ~ 6.1%
Housekeeping services ~ 3%
Beauty parlors and salons ~ 24.2%
In-person shopping ~ 33.3%
All of the above ~ 24.2%
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