by Kyle Wells reporter@prpeak.com An event promoted by the United Nations to recognize and promote the acceptance of individuals with disabilities of all kinds takes place on Saturday, December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
While no special events are planned, here in Powell River, the day gives local agencies the opportunity to remind the community of the services they provide and to promote the City of Powell River as an open, welcoming home for those with disabilities. The theme of this year’s day is “together for a better world for all: including persons with disabilities in development.”
Powell River Model Community Project for Persons with Disabilities (MCP) supports people in the community through advocacy and programs that encourage increased accessibility and recreation in the community. Model Community runs employment and recreation programs that help people with disabilities find work and play in the community. The society also works with businesses, agencies and local government to help ensure accessibility for
buildings and public areas.
David Morris, executive director for MCP, said the international day is an important reminder that there are people with physical disabilities in the community and that it’s important to provide an inclusive society for them.
“It brings it to the forefront of people’s minds,” said Morris. “It’s important for people to realize that just because a person may have a physical disability doesn’t mean they’re that much different from anyone else as far as the things they like to do, places they want to go and houses they want to live in.”
Powell River Association for Community Living (PRACL) provides advocacy and support services for adults with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries in the community. Children with developmental delays are also provided with support. PRACL operates home share and group home living services in Powell River also and provides day programs and employment services to clients.
Lilla Tipton, executive director for PRACL, said that in general the community does a great job in being open and inclusive for people with disabilities. She said there are always improvements that can be made in terms of access issues but that on the whole the situation is positive.
“In terms of acceptance and welcoming it’s a wonderful community,” said Tipton. “I think it’s important that people are aware that people with disabilities need some extra supports and that they’re an important part of the community and can have gifts to contribute to the community.”
Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society is based in North Vancouver but has recently opened an office in Powell River at the request of Community Living BC. The society provides services to people with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries and mental health issues. The intention of the society is to provide services for people throughout their life, although they do not currently have services for infants or seniors.
Debbie Dee, executive director of Powell River Brain Injury Society, said that community and school education on brain injury prevention is a primary function of the society. Every June the society organizes campaigns around Brain Injury Awareness Month and provides people with free cycling helmets. On the other side, the society provides services and support such as physical fitness and art initiatives for adults with acquired brain injuries, run from its drop-in centre on Marine Avenue.
“We want to be an inclusive and accessible community,” said Dee, “so that includes everybody no matter what their particular challenges may be...We continue to strive toward our goals of total inclusion and accessibility. Year by year we add a little bit more.”
