community link winter 2011

8/7/2019 Community Link Winter 2011

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This time four years ago, we knew nothing aboutthe Child Care Resource Consultant Services atCommunity Living Kingston. We were vaguelyaware of the Community Living organization, buthad little knowledge of what they actually do inKingston or elsewhere.

We had just learned our two-and-a-half-year-oldson Michael had autism. He was non-verbal and,along with diving into intensive speech therapy,the Child Development Centre suggested we

find a pre-school program for him where hecould interact with other children his age. Theyalso suggested we contact Community LivingKingston. We had moved to Kingston from NewBrunswick a mere five months earlier; we hadno close friends here, virtually no local supportnetwork. We knew little of the services availablein the city, so we welcomed the suggestion.

The ease by which we were able to set up ourinitial meeting was a pleasant surprise amidst thebureaucracy of waitlists and referrals we weredealing with for other agencies and support.During a meeting at our home, Maria Victoria

was able to explain the service and supportthe Child Care Resource Consultant Servicescould provide. Once we had Michael enrolled atComplex Cooperative Nursery School, we methis consultant, Paula Alger.

After an initial difficult transition he criedthrough his first morning visit Michael settledin well at the school. As we navigated what was,for us, uncharted, scary territory, it was a comforto know the terrific staff at the school had

additional support they could call on for resourcand suggestions.

Our resource consultant, Paula, was awelcomed addition to the growing team we werbuilding for Michael.

Some of her support has been very concrete.When Michaels occupational therapist suggestespecial seating cushion, Paula was able to providone for use at the school. She could also accesstoys to focus on particular skill development.She was also able to organize college studentplacements so Michael had some one-on-one

COMMUNITYLINK WINTER 2011

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FROM THECORNER OFFICETransformation:Quality, Access and Funding

NEWS AND VIEWSInspiring Possibilities Holiday Sale

THE STAFF CORNERRecent Staffing ChangesYears of Service Announcements

QUALITYIMPROVEMENTUPDATE

THE VOLUNTEERSIDEVolunteers AboundFrom Teacher to Pupil

MORE NEWS ANDVIEWSUnion Supports Local CharitiesPeople First

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SUPPORT MAKES THE DIFFERENCETheresa and John Suart

Michael (pictured above when he was still attending Complex Cooperative Nursery School), has made aMichael (pictured above when he was still attending Complex Cooperative Nursery School), has made asuccessul transition to public school with the ongoing assistance o our Childcare Resource Consultingsuccessul transition to public school with the ongoing assistance o our Childcare Resource ConsultingServices.Services.

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WINTER 2011 COMMUNIT Y LINK PAGE 2

FROM THE CORNER OFFICE

The Ministers Quality Assurance Measures (QAM) are ineffect as of January 1, 2011. The QAM are Regulationsunder the authority of the Minister of Community andSocial Services attached to the new legislation governingsupports and services for adults with developmentaldisabilities. The Regulations are unusually prescriptivefor a social service context and speak to a level of detailmore reminiscent of the laboratory than open society.Staff training is mandated for all workers in the province

to ensure compliance with the new order.

Community Living Kingston is well positioned to achievecompliance with the QAM. Many of the new provisionsare similar to the CARF standards under which werecently received a second three-year accreditation.However, because of the prescriptive nature of theQAM that detail how the Minister wants us to achievethese results, we will have to make minor adjustments inpractice and editorial changes in policy statements. Thiswill keep the staff busy training and the paper flowing fora few weeks.

More changes will be coming in the summer when thenew Application Entity created under the new Actwill take control of access to services and supportfor adults. We are encouraged by the Ministers recentannouncement that Extend-a-Family Kingston hasbeen awarded the contract to develop this systemfunction for South East Region. EAF has performedthe host role for the existing Regional Access SupportMechanism (RASM), which has a positive track record ofcollaboration and problem-solving among agencies in theregion. We interpret the Ministers decision as a way tobuild on the success of RASM rather than starting overfrom scratch.

Development of the Funding Entity and the

funding model is the remaining major component ofthe transformed system and will come later. Thatunknown factor in the future system is anticipated withhope, dread, and every emotion in between. Familiesincluding the over 19,000 on waiting lists throughoutOntario watch with varying degrees of hope, and lackof it, as nearly all new funding is invested in new systemcomponents. Advocates of individual funding are hopefulbecause of provisions in the Act that permit the futureFunding Entity to direct funding to individuals withoutgoing through an agency. Agencies feel an element ofdread, especially after seeing a crippling shortfall to thetransformed Deafblind Intervenor Services using theindividual funding model. That sector is small, serving308 people in Ontario, and its transformation was basedon the same principles and similar tools as that ofdevelopmental services.

Almost everyone agrees that the system is overdue tobe modernized. Almost no one believes the way wedid things before was good enough. There will neverbe enough money, but maybe with hard work anddetermination we can do a better job with what we have.The results wont be in for a while. Meanwhile, we areon board with transformation, but we are paying closeattention.

TRANSFORMATION:QUALITY, ACCESS AND FUNDING

Alan McWhorterExecutive Director

Almost everyone agrees that thelsystem is overdue to be modernized.i e d o e e

...we are on board with transormation,. . . re o r t a o t ,but we are paying close attentionu i l o

Community Living Kingston promotes full participation for individuals who have an intellectual disability

Become a Full Time or Respite Family Home Provider and help make community living a reality!

Enrich your life by sharing you home with someone who has an intellectual disability on a

full time basis or for weekend visits and short stays.

As a provider or Community Living Kingston, you will receive reimbursement, person specifc orientation and

ongoing support. For more inormation contact Eleonor at613-546-6613 ext 284 [email protected]

I n s p i r i n g P o s s i b il i t i e sInspiring Possibil ities


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NEWSAND VIEWS

On Sunday, November 21st, Community Living Kingstonheld its 2nd annual Inspiring Possibilities Holiday Salefrom 12-4 pm. at 1412 Princess Street. There were 30local vendors and crafters selling baked goods, Christmasdcor, all natural bath and wellness products, jewelry,accessories and more. The kitchen was hopping, sellinghot chocolate and coffee, homemade chili and tourtiere.There was lots of socializing, some great deals andwonderful gift ideas. Given its success, we have decidedto do it again.

The 3rd annual Inspiring Possibilities Holiday Salehas been scheduled for Sunday, November 20th 2011

from 11 am to 4 pm.

We would like to extend a special thank you to AgnewFood Services for donating Tim Hortons hot chocolate,coffee and Timbits and to 3M Trim-Line for donatingthe signs that many of you saw while driving past ouroffice. Thank you as well to Betty Spriggs, Ruth Taiteand Pat Derry who made the delicious food served inour kitchen.


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THE STAFF CORNERSteve McKellar

YEARS OF SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

FiveYears

Jessica Moore

Residential Assistant

Ringstead Crescent

TenYears

Juli Wheeler

Community Assistant

Community Services

Jaime Amo

Community Assistant

Community Services

Steacy Kavaner

Home Facilitator

Dolshire

Sherry Jarvis

Residential Facilitator

Park Street

Kevin Simpson

Residential Assistant

McMichael Street

Laurie McShane

Community Facilitator

Community Options

Twenty-FiveYears

Sandra Bonucchi-Bilow

Coordinator

Family Home Program

The following employees have recently reached a milestone in terms of their years of service with Community Living Kingstonand we are pleased to recognize their long-standing commitment and ongoing contributions to the organization.

The Residential Services Division welcomedWilliamHall to the Ringstead staff team in November. Willrecently graduated from the Personal Support Workerprogram after completing a student placement in ourCommunity Options program. In addition, CommunityOptions hired Leeanne Revell to fill a CommunityAssistant position with their staff team. Leeann has aBachelor of Social Work degree from Ryerson University.

The Options team is also pleased to confirm tworecent premium assignments involving Facilitator-levelresponsibilities. Amanda Corbett will be resurrectingher previous role with the Youth Involvement program,

while Fatima McArthurwill soon assume caseloadresponsibilities for a few individuals totaling 20 hours ofwork per week.

In November,Amanda Pearse accepted a transferto an Employment Assistant position with the ODSPEmployment Supports program. Amanda brings manyyears of valuable experience from her previous stint withthe Community Options staff team to this assignment.

RECENT STAFFING CHANGES


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attention during the nursery school program. She also helpedus prepare Michael for hearing tests and flu shots (among otherthings) by providing simple personal story books to help us walkhim through what would happen. Weve learned a lot from her!

Other support Paula has provided is less concrete, but perhapseven more important to us as parents. Especially early on, itwas wonderful to have someone to provide encouragement,support and suggestions. And, just to listen at times.

Our involvement with the Resource Consultant Servicesprogram also introduced us to other programs and servicesavailable at Community Living Kingston such as presentationsand make-and-take workshops. Paula also keeps us in the loopabout other community resources and events.

Today, Michael is a sociable, talkative first grader in amainstream classroom with EA support. Although he has nowmoved on from his nursery school, his Resource Consultantcontinues to provide support to the before-and-after-schoolprogram at his school. We have come a long way since thoseearly days of Michaels diagnosis. And that way has been madesmoother thanks to Paula being a member of Team Michael.

As parents, the best part of working with Resource ConsultantServices has been knowing there is someone there to providesupport and resources not only for the nursery school andlater the daycare, but for us, too.

The most important thing to us is that we have someone totalk to, who knows what to do and can show us how to getthings done. Paula has been that person. The worst part aboutbeing a parent of a child with autism is feeling like yourealone. The many services, agencies and programs can be veryconfusing, and sometimes intimidating. What we found inPaula and Community Living Kingston is something we canrely on. That speaks more to us than anything else.

Support Makes the Difference continued from the front page

Michael, now in the frst grade, still has a connection to ourMichael, now in the frst grade, still has a connection to ourChildcare Resource Consulting Service through the beore andChildcare Resource Consulting Service through the beore andater school program he participates in.ater school program he participates in.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT UPDATEJeff Harrison

Community Living K ingston continues to track itsCommunity Living K ingston continues to track itsprogress towards reaching performance goals. Here is aprogress towards reaching performance goals. Here is asample of some of our progress at the year-end mark:sample of some of our progress at the year-end mark: More than 70% of persons served in the Community OptionsMore than 70% of persons served in the Community Optionsprogram have met the target around the amount of time spentprogram have met the target around the amount of time spentinvolved in community activities. The goal was for 55% ofinvolved in community activities. The goal was for 55% ofpersons served to meet the target.persons served to meet the target. In the Resident ial Services Division, the rate of medication In the Resident ial Services Division, the rate of medicationerrors has been cut in half over the past year.errors has been cut in half over the past year. Over 68% of new persons served in the Child Care Resource Over 68% of new persons served in the Child Care ResourceConsultant Services program have been in service within thirtyConsultant Services program have been in service within thirty

days of referral . The goal was 55%.

A new family is registering on the respiteservices.A new family is registering on the respiteservices.ccom siteom siteevery 12.2 days, which is in line with the target.every 12.2 days, which is in line with the target. Less than 3% of staff have suffered a WSIB-repor table Less than 3% of staff have suffered a WSIB-repor tableworkplace injury.workplace injury.This is just a sample of the organizations progressThis is just a sample of the organizations progressaround performance targets. More information can bearound performance targets. More information can beobtained on the organizations websiteobtained on the organizations websitewww.communitylivingkingston.orgwww.communitylivingkingston.org or by contactingor by contactingJeff Harrison atJeff Harrison at 613-546 -6613 (extension 285)613-546 -6613 (extension 285) ororatat [email protected]@kdacl.on.ca. Data for the full 2010-. Data for the full 2010-11 reporting year w ill be available in the Annual11 reporting year w ill be available in the AnnualManagement Report in May 2011.Management Report in May 2011.

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This year, as is the case in morst years, a number of ourvolunteers came out to enjoy our holiday dinner and dance withthe individuals with whom they have been matched.

The evening was its usual success, many thanks to Steacy Powelland everyone who assisted her to make this a memorable event.As you can see by the photos below, a good time was had by all!

THE VOLUNTEER SIDE

Volunteers Abound at the Community Living KingstonChristmas Party Again This Year...

TheirTheirSmilingSmilingFacesFacesTell it all!Tell it all!


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Michelle Knott and I met a year and a half ago at aweekly yoga program I was participating in. Among thedifferent participants, Michelles consistent cheerfuldemeanour made her stand out. I talked to her during

lessons, and discovered she was a big music lover like me,and wanted to learn piano, an instrument that I have beenplaying since the age of four. Via Eleonor Egidios help, Iwas able to start teaching her piano songs by visiting herhome weekly starting in September of 2009.

Among many of the volunteer experiences I have had inthe past four years of my university career, I found myexperience with Michelle to be one of the most enjoyable.I would go to her house weekly and she would suggest tome with great enthusiasm new songs she wanted to learn.We listened to the song together repeatedly, sometimessinging and dancing along, as I made the melody into alevel suitable for her expertise in piano. Then I taught

her the sequence of finger movements, and being a hard-working student, Michelle always practiced and learnedquickly.

Because of her positive attitude, teaching Michelle felteffortless. After the learning of a new song, we celebrateby having one session of simply chatting, or singing toa tape, or watching a movie. Michelle has become oneof my best friends and has brightened my life these pastone and a half years. By listening to her life story andthe hardships she has gone through as an individual withdisability, I am in awe of the strength in her character;and by her humour and enthusiasm for everything fromlearning Spanish to cooking Wontons.

I fell in love with her adorable playfulness and youthfulvitality. Her positivity is contagious, and I am glad I meta great friend like Michelle who can spread joy into my

life. This experience has changed my view on individualswith disabilities. I used to think that these were peoplethat mostly need care and help from us, but I have cometo realize that people with disabilities can in many waysteach us about how to face the realities of life. I lookforward to spending more time with Michelle in the NewYear as both her teacher and her pupil.

Aida Arruda is another one of my favourite peopleto hang out with. Even though she also participatedin the yoga program, I did not get a chance to be inclose contact with her until she recently started livingindependently in an apartment. She to be spontaneous,and someone who would be a wonderful friend to have,

so when Lisa and Eleonor approached me last summerwith the opportunity of spending some weekday timewith her, I was quite delighted and said yes immediately.

Being closer with her on a weekly basis was so much fun!So far we have visited the library, gone swimming at theY, and watched a movie on her birthday. Aida is a greatperson with so much potential, and she is learning tobecome independent and strong. I am very glad I havesomeone new in my life to inspire me, just like Michelledid. When you believe in an individual with a disabilityand give them the chance to shine, amazing things canhappen.

FROM TEACHER TO PUPILCarol Zhou

Carol, pictured above with Michelle (let) and Aida (right) believes that she is gaining as much rom her relationship with each o theCarol, pictured above with Michelle (let) and Aida (right) believes that she is gaining as much rom her relationship with each o theladies as she has been able to give.ladies as she has been able to give.


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MORE NEWSAND VIEWS

The unionized employees of Community LivingKingston, CUPE 2635, again donated $8,000 inDecember to some local charities. The charities arechosen to support non-profit agencies that the people wesupport access on a regular basis.

Over half of our donation goes to our own agency (CLK):to the Sunburst Fund that provides some individualfinancial assistance for items which are not covered byother sources, to the annual agency Christmas partyand to assist with the Summer Camp Inclusion Programso that kids can go to camps of their choice with their

peers. The Sunburst Fund accepts char itable donationsfrom staff on a payroll deduction basis and also acceptscommunity donations.

In the past 5 years alone we have donated $34,000 to localcharities. Our donations to Community Living Kingstonhave totaled $19,300.

This is very generous from a local of our size and we canrightfully feel very proud of how we put our money whereour hearts are. We also donated through these years tothe United Way, Partners in Mission Food Bank, Clothesfor Kids, the Salvation Army Christmas Hamper Fund,In From the Cold Shelter, Ryandale Homeless Shelter andMarthas Table. We are proud of our continuing financialsupport of our community partners.

OUR UNIONIZED EMPLOYEES CONTINUE TO SUPPORTLOCAL CHARITIES

Lisa MacIntosh-President, CUPE Local 2635

Upcoming Chapter Meeting Information:

When: Meetings are held on the second Tuesday o everymonth. The upcoming meeting dates are:

Tuesday February 9th Tuesday March 9thTuesday April 12th Tuesday May 10th

Time: 3:30pm 5:00pm

Where: Community Living Kingston Board Room-1412 Princess Street, Kingston

People First of Kingston are looking for New Members!We talk about Freedom, Choice & Equality!

People First is an organization that was ormed becausesome o the people in our communities elt that they werenot considered as people frst. They elt that they were talkedabout, talked to, thought about, and treated according to thedisabilities that others labelled them with.

Goals:* Promote equality for all people who have been labelled* Speak for ourselves and make our own decisions* Educate the community about our movement and our

issues

People First of Kingston are looking for volunteers!

Work with the group on various projects including but notlimited to: undraising, workshops, running monthly chaptermeetings etc

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering

or becoming a member of People First Kingston,

please contact Erin Young at [email protected] or

(613)546-6613 ext 282

People First of Kingston

Community Link Contributors:Eleonor Egidio, Jeff Harrison, Lisa MacIntosh, Steve McKellar, Alan McWhorter, Theresa and John Suart, Carol Zhou

Editor: Steve McKellar Layout: Sheri Scott

community link winter 2011

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