alberta's social policy framework

Right now, the Alberta government is reorganizing its social policy framework and they are asking for input from Albertans. Social policy includes things like childcare, employment, and housing. It also includes things like services for people with disabilities.

At the social policy framework website, you can give your opinion in a bunch of ways. They have a survey to answer, a wiki, and a blog. They also have a discussion kit and two discussion questions you can answer (found on the main page).

Gateway Association is hosting a social policy framework discussion for families of people with intellectual disabilities. It is being held this Thursday, November 1, at 10:00 AM. For more information or to register, email registration@gatewayassociation.ca or call 780 454 0701.

The public discussion stage is only until November 9, so make sure your voice is heard before it's too late!

still here!

photo: Rolling Dog Farm

This is Spinner, who is blind and deaf. She lives on Rolling Dog Farm, a sanctuary for dogs and horses with disabilities.

Hello! I'm still here :). It's been a busy few months!

Part of the reason I have been too busy to update is that over the summer I had a job. I was working with the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, doing research and preparing educational materials about the history of disability rights in Canada. I also helped them apply for a grant, to get funding for some really cool projects. Stay tuned for updates on that!

In other news, I am now in my last year of college... exciting, and a little bit nervewracking. I also broke my ankle a few weeks ago, so my perspective on accessibility has been broadened a little bit since I can't stand or walk at all right now. 

I should be updating more regularly again, so keep checking back!

Dave

don't forget to vote!

me chatting with Brian Mason

For all you Albertans, don't forget that this coming Monday, April 23, is election day! 

I was lucky enough to get the chance to meet with one of the party leaders and ask a few questions about his party's policies on disability related issues. While we didn't have time for an in-depth conversation, Brian Mason told me that the NDP believes that Alberta's resources belong to everyone, including those of us with disabilities. I also asked him what he thought about things like making sure inclusive post-secondary education keeps its funding, and focusing on ways for more people with disabilities to get jobs and be active participants in the economy. He said he would definitely support that and seemed really interested in what I had to say.

Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to meet any other party leaders this election, but it was cool to be able to chat with Brian a little bit.

Make sure you take the time to find out more about the parties and the candidates in your riding, and get out to vote on Monday!

You can find out more about the election here, and where to go to vote here. According to Elections Alberta, all of their voting stations are wheelchair accessible and have some accomodations (templates, magnifiers) for people with visual impairments. If you need or want some assistance voting, you can bring a friend, relative, or assistant. You can also ask an elections officer to help you vote.

New Democratic Party

Wildrose Alliance

Liberal Party

Progressive Conservative Party

Alberta Party

Evergreen Party
Social Credit Party
Communist Party
Separation Party

things to do in edmonton this march

Here's a round-up of some upcoming events you might find interesting!

Theatre Yes is showing RACE, a play dealing with racism. It's running until this Sunday, and you can find more info here.

We Canada is hosting events all across Canada to talk about Canada's role in the global stage. They'll be in Edmonton on March 14. Check out the website to reserve a free ticket!

MacEwan is hosting a Career Fair on March 19 on their South Campus (7319-29 Avenue). Here's the website.

On March 22, Maude Barlow is presenting a talk on the Global Water Crisis. Tickets are $5, and the event is being held at the Myer Horowitz Theatre in the Students' Union Building. Bring something for the Campus Food Bank! Here is the website.

The Watoto Children's Choir will be performing in Edmonton on March 23 and March 25. Their event calendar can be found here.

Mental Health Awareness Week at the U of A is March 26-30. There are info sessions running at noon, and an information fair on March 29. The information fair will be on the second floor of the Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research. You can find more information on the events here.

The University of Alberta Music Department is presenting a series of world music concerts March 29-31. You can find more information on their events page here.

danielle's story

This is an inspiring story about not giving up when other people tell you you can't do something. Check it out!

http://www.humancentereddesign.org/neada/student_videos/danielle/videos/danielle_video.html

Thank You!

Just a quick follow-up. A couple of weeks ago, I asked people to contribute to Project 401 to support research on MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. As of today, we have raised $63,000 and need just $17,000 more by April 1st.

Thank you all for your help!

Heidi Janz Video

Yesterday I watched this show on TV about Heidi Janz, someone I know who has a lot to say about what it means to have a disability and what it means to be a human being. I did an interview with Heidi previously on this blog.

Helping Families on Valentine's Day

This year for Valentine's Day, I am trying to help others who have the same health challenges that I have (MECP2 Duplication Syndrome). Even though many of them have faced much tougher challenges than I have believe me, I know how tough it can be for them and their families, and I would really like to give them some hope. They are trying to raise some money for research that might help find a "cure" for this syndrome.

Please consider opening your heart in honor of Valentine's Day and supporting their efforts with a few dollars. You can donate using PayPal at my Project 401 Page. If you want to use a credit card or send a check, you can do that through a the MECP2 Duplication Syndrome Page at the Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT). If you live in the US, RSRT can also issue a tax receipt if you want one. They needed $80,000 to get this research started and  they have raised about $30,000 so far, so they still have a long way to go. Families around the world are trying to do their part, I want to do my part, and I am hoping that you will help.

If you want to know more about this and why I think you should help, you can read about it on the MECP2 Duplication Syndrome Blog.