Congratulations to Mel

http://www.medicinehatnews.com/local-news/locals-recognized-for-work-to-create-inclusive-communities-06072012.html

Locals recognized for work to create inclusive communities

MaryAnn Howson was one of the eight nominees who were honoured Wednesday night for promoting community inclusion of persons with developmental disabilities. A reception was held in the Courtyard Room at Medicine Hat College.--NEWS PHOTO EMMA BENNETT

GILLIAN SLADE
gslade@medicinehatnews.com Twitter: GillianNews
Eight nominees were honoured Wednesday night for promoting community inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities and four of them left with an Inukshuk Trophy celebrating their achievement.
The Community Citizenship Award went to Frank Gilham of Medicine Hat who successfully lobbied for accessible parking at the arena, modern spaces for those in wheelchairs once they're in the facility and brought about change in playground equipment in parks.
"There were organizations in town, such as Rotary Club, who were looking for projects to become involved with to make the city more inclusive," said Gilham as if it had all been very easy. 
The message he'd like to get across is that anyone can observe a need in the community and do something about it.
"When you see someone struggling with something there are always ways you can make it easier," said Gilham.
Jim Menzies represented the provincial government at the ceremony and said the people honoured were not only advocates but showed they had a "calling".
Many people with developmental disabilities play a significant leadership role in the community, said Tom Hopkins chair of the PDD South Region Community Board who presented the awards. "That in turn encourages others in the community which is very powerful."
Melody Scout from Lethbridge won the award for Self Advocacy in recognition of her ability to break down barriers. She says the struggles she faces each day indicate where change is needed. She takes it one step further by letting the community know what needs to be done.
Glen Morris won the Individual Leadership Award for his role inspiring others with developmental disabilities to communicate well in order break down barriers. He is a founding member of the Naturally Speaking Toastmasters Club in Lethbridge.
"Public speaking is usually the number one barrier we face," he explained. "If you can't communicate your message effectively they're definitely not going to get the message at all."
Ursula Drover, Lethbridge, took the You Made a Difference Award for her work at Quest Residential and Support Services and her participation in the self-advocacy group called Voices. She did not attend the event.
There are 472 persons with developmental disabilities in Medicine Hat and over a thousand that the PDD program serves in the South Region, said Sandy Morris, a member of the board.
"Without the support and breaking down of barriers these individuals' lives would be isolated," said Morris. 
Wildrose MLA Cypress Medicine Hat Drew Barnes said he has a nephew with developmental disabilities and knows first hand the progress that can be achieved.
"The evening has been very inspiring," said Blake Pedersen Wildrose MLA Medicine Hat.

Working with self advocates

Working with self advocates is something that takes a kind of person that can

1. listen  to what every on has to say

2. dos not tell them what to do 
3. only gives advise when asked 
4. dos not tell them what to think 

so to day i want to start looking at what i can do to help self advocates  to start there own groups. what it would look like to work with agencies  on having the clients having more ownership of how things are done. for example what kinds of things the day programs do.

why do others find it fun to make fun of others?

I would like to start with a story i have a friend that needs a walker to help her get around one day she is out in her community and there is this kid making fun of how she walks. what is the feelings that are going through here mind? on of anger, sad and scared. so in the long run my Friend is scared to go out. it makes them feel like the have power. why dos some on want that kind of power? Is it that the don't know how there feelings can hurt others ore that the want a friend like her. some on that will listen to them and not care what mistake's that they have made.

viedos on Disabilities

Dating with a disability video

What is self-advocacy?

Self-advocacy is advocacy that you undertake directly to achieve a specific goal or outcome for yourself.

self-advocacy is not just fore some one that has a disabilitie. It is fore every one.

this is a video that has some good thought on dating. -------enjoy-----

Why self advocsey has problems

are groups do not let the community be part of what we stand fore. This is a problem. One thing is that we want to be part of the community. but we don't let them come and be part of are groups. so this is a double standard. why cant we be more inviting. there are lots of people that would like to help us stand up for what is right. another problem that i see is when a self advocate says that we want more community the staff look at that as a threat to there job. the reason for that is when the community can start to help use we don't need the staff any more.

Empowering people with disabilities

In this blog i would like to talk about Empowering people with disabilities. there are so mane people that want use to live in a box. How do we start looking out side the box?

1. we all was look for new things to try
2. when we fail at trying something new we always get up
3. we always look at making new Friends
4. when we have a fear we look at getting the supports we need to over come it

Her is a list that we can live by when sporting people with disabilities.

1. all was ask if we want to do it
2. all was respect are feelings
3. talk to use and then listen  
4. look at use as people