CILT's Peer Links Volume 5 Issue 2 October 2003 Mayoral Election 2003 On November 10, 2003, people will heading back to the polls, this time to vote for our city's next Mayor. Remember that the "Voter Assistance" access line has been activated to provide prompt assistance to voters with disabilities on Advance Poll days and on Election Day. This is a pilot project put on by Elections Canada as part of their outreach initiatives to ensure barrier free access to the election process. Should a caller report a difficulty in voting, agents have been trained to respond quickly with follow-up action and/or information. Please note that the bilingual agents on this line are dedicated specifically to assist electors with disabilities by facilitating their access to the voting process on Advance Poll days and on Election Day. Persons who wish general information on when, where and how to vote, and on the services available to electors with special needs, should still contact their Call Centre and select the line for special needs when prompted. The Call Centre also offers a TTY line. Specially-trained agents will respond to all calls. You can contact the Call Centre from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for general information on how to vote, as well as services available to electors with special needs at 1-888-ONT-VOTE (1-888-668-8683) or by TTY at 1-888-292-2312. You can also email them at info@electionsontario.on.ca. You can also call the Voter Assistance Hotline from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. This is a dedicated line to assist electors with disabilities by facilitating their access to the voting process on Advance Poll days and on Election Day. This number is 1- 866-714-2810 / 416-212-3415. Please note that, in the event of high volume calls, Voter Assistance agents may direct callers who are seeking general information and do not require immediate assistance in voting to the Call Centre. Please feel free to communicate this information to your clients, friends or family members with disabilities by leading them to the Elections Ontario website at www.electionsontario.on.ca. Jennifer Pringle and Maureen Juniper facilitate the outreach program for Elections Ontario. They can be reached by phone at (905) 949-1340 or by fax at (905) 949-8256. Don't forget to cast your vote! Ontario Works Program What is Ontario Works? Ontario Works is a province-wide social assistance program. Toronto Social Services delivers the program in the City of Toronto, according to the regulations and rules set by the Province of Ontario in the Ontario Works Act. The program has two main parts: Financial Assistance - provides funds for food, shelter, clothing and other household items for people who have no other means of support. The province sets the amounts. Employment Assistance - provides opportunities for people to engage in a variety of activities that lead to jobs or help them become more job ready. How can Ontario Works help me? The program is making a difference in people's lives everyday. People are: * Getting jobs * Graduating from training courses * Completing high school * Learning parenting skills * Gaining self-confidence * Improving English language skills * Volunteering * Improving employment skills * Finding stable housing * Getting the supports they need How is eligibility for assistance determined? First, you are interviewed to see if you are eligible for Financial Assistance under program rules. During your interview, your individual situation and financial needs are explored. You will be asked a series of questions about your income, assets and living situation. You will also be required to provide information and documents to support your application. Most people who receive Financial Assistance must also participate in the Employment Assistance activities. During the application process, you will be asked to complete and sign forms. These include: * Application for Assistance * Participation Agreement * Consent to Disclose and Verify Information * Rights and Responsibilities Form What will I receive? If you are receiving assistance under Ontario Works in Toronto, you can expect: * a monthly allowance based on your family size, shelter costs and any income you may have * a monthly drug benefit card to cover the cost of prescribed medication * help to identify your employment goals, as well as a referral to training, educational and employment services * an opportunity to review and appeal decisions affecting eligibility -- if you raise an objection. Depending on your situation, you may also receive a number of other benefits to help you and your family, such as emergency dental services or start-up costs when you find a job. Toronto Social Services is committed to service. We are dedicated to building relationships based on dignity, understanding and respect. You should expect service that reflects this commitment. How do I contact Social Services about: My regular monthly Ontario Works allowance: You can obtain up-to-date information on your most recent payments, your previous payments, whether you are still on assistance, and other information about Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program, through the provincial Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. -This is a free phone call: 1- 800-808-2268. When you call, you will need your 9-digit Identification Number (ID) and your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). These numbers will be mailed to you when your eligibility is confirmed. Please do not share them with anyone! Not receiving my Ontario Works allowance: First, go through the Interactive Voice Response System. If you did not receive the allowance of the amount indicated by the IVR, or you think there may be another problem, contact your Social Services caseworker. Steps can then be taken to deal with your situation, and an appointment can be made for follow-up. Making an appointment to come into the office: Telephone your Social Services caseworker directly to confirm if an appointment is needed. If necessary, your Social Services caseworker will schedule the appointment with you. Remember, you need to bring proof of your identity and any other information required for the appointment. How do I apply? If you are applying for assistance, please telephone the Intake line for the Social Services office closest to you. (The number to call is identified using your postal code.) If you do not have a telephone, or for some other reason are unable to contact them by telephone to apply, you can visit the nearest office. You can find out office locations by calling 1-800-808-2268. YWCA Skills Development Program The YWCA Skills Development Centre offers a range of courses for women. Women can: * Access quality courses at affordable prices * Benefit from better job opportunities * Upgrade existing skills * Access structured in-class training * Work with professionally trained staff The YWCA Skills Development Program offers: * A customized training program to meet each learner's needs * In-class and hands-on training sessions * One to one assistance * Tutoring and coaching Call YWCA for more information and to register for courses! To register, or for more information, you can reach them at: 3090 Kingston Road, Scarborough Tel: (416) 261-3457 Email: ywcatrainingcentre@ywcator.org Workshop on Computer Software Do you have questions about computer software and the technology that can make your life easier? Come and meet with a representative of: WEATECHING (WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN ADAVANCED TECHNOLOGY) * Is poor eyesight or loss of vision, spinal cord injury or neurological impairment keeping you from using a computer? * Come and hear about some of the new technologies that make using a computer easier. * See demonstrations of how they work. * Speak to a WEATECH representative to find out about potential funding sources to obtain assistive technology. This workshop is being held at two separate Tobias House locations on two separate dates: Tuesday, October 28, 2003 2:00pm-4:00pm Tobias House 695 Coxwell Avenue (at Danforth) 6th Floor Recreation Room And Wednesday, November 12, 2003 2:00pm-4:00pm Tobias House 84 Carlton Street (at Church) Main Floor Meeting Room These workshops are sponsored by Tobias House Resource Centre. For more information, please call (416) 690-8804. A New Youth Internship One-to-One Program YCS - Youth Clinical Services Inc. New Program - JOBS FOR YOUTH If you are: * 15-30 years old * out of school * have limited or incomplete education * limited or no work experience * unemployed or underemployed * ready to work and looking for full time, permanent employment * eligible to work in Canada They provide: * free TTC tickets * subsidized job placements * assistance with job searches * support in maintaining full-time employment For more information or to book an appointment, call: (416) 651-4858 Located in the west end of the city. 1700 Keele Street, Room #310, Toronto George Harvey Collegiate, South Entrance www.broaderhorizons.ca Program funded by: Human Resources Development Canada Leisure/Recreation Fair Bellwoods Centres for Community Living Inc., through their Independent Living Opportunities and Choices are offering a: Leisure/Recreation Fair Thursday, November 13, 2003 5:30pm - 8:00pm Scadding Court Community Centre 707 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Dundas & Bathurst) This workshop is free of charge. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Registration is required, as space is limited. Call Yoli at (416) 530-1448. If requested, attendant services can be provided. Video Arts Workshop Open House and Video Screening Friday, November 7th 2003, 6pm-8pm Trinity Square Video 401 Richmond St. West This winter, Trinity Square Video and the Anne Johnston Health Station are holding a video-arts workshop series for youth with disabilities. These workshops will provide youth with training and equipment to turn their ideas into a short video. Participants will learn how to work the camera, create a storyboard, plan shots and take their work through post-production. Final videos will be included in a community screening. Workshops are free and a small honorarium will be paid to participants upon completion of their videos. Workshops are open to young people with physical disabilities and differences, 16 years and older. Attendant care will be provided. No experience is necessary. Interested? Attend our Open House and Video Screening on Friday November 7th from 6-8 p.m. to hear other disabled artists talk about their experiences in similar projects. Address: Trinity Square Video at 401 Richmond St.West (at Spadina). Please RSVP at (416) 486-8666 This project is funded by the Canada Arts Council. Trinity Square Video (TSV) is an artist-run centre that provides independent artists and community organizations with video production/postproduction support and services at accessible rates. Here since 1971, TSV is committed to providing a broad spectrum of services related to video: workshops, screenings, video-for-the-web initiatives, artist residencies and festival sponsorships. 401 Richmond St. W. #376, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8 (t) 416.593.1332 (f) 416.593.0958 (e) staff@trinitysquarevideo.com (w) www.trinitysquarevideo.com Ontario March of Dimes Winter 2003 Out-Trips Niagara Falls Aviary Visit this brand new facility featuring over 300 tropical birds from around the world, some free flying, as well as observational exhibits. Lunch at the Explorer Café and visit the gift shop. When: Saturday, November 15, 2003 9:00 a.m. -- 5:30 p.m. Cost: $45.00 Includes admission, transportation and lunch Cullen Gardens Festival of Lights Thousands upon thousands of sparkling lights adorn the trees, buildings and miniatures. Enjoy a traditional roast beef dinner in the elegant Cullen Gardens restaurant. (Whitby) When: Sunday, December 7, 2003 3:30 p.m. -- 9:30 p.m. Cost: $55.00 Includes admission, transportation and dinner PRIVATE GROUP TOURS AVAILABLE Ontario March of Dimes' accessible bus is available to groups that wish to organize their own out-trips. The bus can accommodate six persons seated and six in secured spots for wheelchairs, plus the driver. For more information, please call Donna Mackay at (416) 425-3463, extension 298. When You Dream, Dream BIG! Assisting Youth with Disabilities in Realizing Their Capabilities This one hour presentation covers the following: * The meaning of one's independence. * Setting goals to achieve one's dreams. * The benefits of becoming involved in the community. * The importance of developing a strong support system. Continuing to dream. Sharing experiences about gaining independence, overcoming barriers, developing a strong support system and achieving goals. Rena Nikou, facilitator, has presented similar workshops at various organizations including: * Easter Seals Youth Conference * Muscular Dystrophy Youth Conference * The Independence Program for Youth with Disabilities * A Public Forum at West Park Health Care Centre * York University; and * Ryerson To contact Rena for more information, you can email her at renanikou@hotmail.com or call her at (416) 690-9854. Adult Interactive for Persons with Disabilities' Halloween Bash Come out for an afternoon of wicked fun! Ghouls, witches, fairies -even the odd vampire are welcome (no nasty goblins please!) Costumes optional. Location: Douglas Saunders Apartments 1775 Eglinton Avenue West (Dufferin and Eglinton) Ground Floor -- Buzzer 1016 Date: Thursday, October 30, 2003 Time: 1pm to 3:30pm Fee: $2 Light refreshments and attendant services provided For more information and to RSVP Call: Nancy at (416) 599-2458 Or by TTY at (416) 599-5077 The Adult Inter-Active Committee offers bi-monthly social events for adults with disabilities to increase opportunity to meet people, learn new skills, have fun, and get caught up with what's happening in the community. The Adult Inter-Active Committee is supported by the following organizations: The Centre for Independent Living - Toronto, The Anne Johnston health Station, The Tobias House Resource Centre, The Ontario March of Dimes, The Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, and The Birtchmount Neighbourhood Centre. Peer Links is a quarterly publication of the Peer Support Program. To become a member of the Peer Support Program, or to receive Peer Links on a regular basis, please contact Nancy at: Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) Inc. 205 Richmond Street West, Suite 605 Toronto, Ontario M5V 1V3 Tel: (416) 599-2458 Fax: (416) 599-3555 TTY: (416) 599-5077 Email: peervolunteer@cilt.ca Web site: www.cilt.ca Peer Links is also available on audiotape. Articles on products, agencies or services are for information only and are not meant as endorsements. The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors and may not reflect the views of CILT. Supported by a Toronto Community Service Grant, United Way and Human Resources Development Canada (c) Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) Inc. 1