The Accessibility Resource Centre Annual Newsletter Let the accessibility resource centre be your guide A message from the Simcoe County Association for the Physically Disabled, Executive Director For many seniors, and adults with disabilities living in our region, accessing supports and devices to support living independently in the community can be an overwhelming task. Understanding what is available, where it can be found, and options for buying or leasing it are not your everyday discussions with friends and relatives. Our Association has seen this confusion over the years, and understands the concern of community funders that there is a need for accountability built into the system when helping vulnerable adults in this area. So when we were presented with the opportunity to offer supports to seniors through the provincial Aging at Home funding, we jumped at the chance to operate this new resource centre. This coordinating program has been funded through the NSM Local Health Integration Network as an innovative solution to support seniors to live independently and safely by reducing the number of falls and strains they experience at home. We truly appreciate the support given to vulnerable members of our community by local service clubs, church groups and other community focused groups. As this program matures, we hope to be able to offer effective and efficient ways to support community members to access these devices when required, and ensure that community resources used to support the purchase of these assistive devices and renovations is used wisely. We hope this update will assist you in understanding the services that we offer, and the usefulness of the support your group has offered to the success of this new program. Dan McGal Would You Like To Learn More? The Accessibility Resource Centre is available to give a brief presentation on how the program works in the community and how we assist service clubs by ensuring their hard earned fundraising dollars are being donated to those people who need them. Contact: 705-737-3263, ext. 239 or arc@scapd.on.ca An “Independent” Senior Source: Dear Christy,   When I was interested in purchasing a scooter, I saw your story in the SNAP magazine and called The Accessibility Resource Centre for information. You were very helpful in advising me of the government funding available; where to look for a new scooter and, would I consider a secondhand scooter.  You also told me which vendors I could call for more information.  What was very helpful as well was the information regarding the municipalities rule on where to drive the scooter.  In my municipality it is the sidewalk only.  Another tidbit you told me about was having to purchase the batteries separately, and the cost of each.  I did purchase a new scooter, and the transaction was made a lot smoother with your information. Thank you. Sincerely, Greta G Let The Accessibility Resource Centre Be Your Guide! An Accessibility Resource Centre Success Story A Simcoe County senior by the name of Helen, called the ARC asking for assistance with finding the client portion owing on her Type II wheelchair. The Ministry of Health, Assistive Devices Program paid 75% of the cost which left $875.00 owing. As with many seniors Helen’s income is CPP and OAS. ARC’s first action was to ensure that a March of Dimes; Assistive Devices Program application was completed. Helen’s Occupational Therapist confirmed that they had submitted it and were waiting for a decision. We asked Helen how much money she was contributing. Helen said she didn’t have much but she could send a total of $100 in 2 post dated cheques to the vendor. Helen was not eligible for any of the disease or injury specific organizations’ funding pools (M.S. Society, Muscular Dystrophy Association), she is not a veteran (Veteran Affairs funding) and she does not have any church affiliations. ARC suggested contacting another valuable resource in our community– the Service Clubs . ARC assisted Helen in writing a letter to the service clubs ensuring that all pertinent documents were included. This documentation helped the service clubs make a more informed decision and included the Occupational Therapist’s letter of assessment and the vendor quote for the wheelchair. These documents help validate the legitimacy of the request. The letters were sent out to the service clubs in her community. Fortunately, after the necessary follow up phone calls from ARC and Helen, 3 of the service clubs agreed to contribute to her wheelchair. By this time March of Dimes had agreed to donate $400 which left an outstanding balance of $475. ARC suggested to the service clubs that they split the remaining amount owing and contribute $158.33 each. This was well received by the service clubs as some were planning on giving $200 or more. A win/win for all involved!! ARC thanked the service clubs for their generosity and asked that they send the cheque directly to the vendor. We also reminded them that not only were they giving a very generous gift of money to Helen but the even more vital gift of independence. For your information It is important to us that you know who and how the Accessibility Resource Centre assists our community members . The graphs illustrate two of the outcome measurements – what people call us for (financial support is by far the largest category) and where the calls originate. We hope this will give you a better appreciation for what it is that we are able to accomplish with your help: Graph #1 Type of Inquiries 46% for financial assistance 18% for assistive divices 11% for accessible home renovations 2% for vehicle modifications 24% for other Graph #2 Where do inquiries originate 50% comes from the general community 25% comes from health care professionals 6% comes from government officials 6% comes from service clubs 13% comes from community support sectoragencies Evening appointments can be arranged Please contact SCAPD if you wish this newsletter in large print This newsletter is also available at:www.scapd.on.ca Simcoe County Association for the Physically Disabled 44 Cedar Pointe Dr., Unit 1102 Barrie, ON L4N 5R7 Phone: 705-737-3263, ext. 239 or 1-800-465-1133 Fax: 705-737-1874 E-mail: arc@scapd.on.ca.