The Northern Network Newsletter

For Self Managers of the Direct Funding Program

Live, Laugh, Love, Smile

I copied this saying – Live, Laugh, Love Smile from the bottom of a notice board hanging in Donna Mohn’s home. Good rules to live by! Donna is a self manager in Sudbury and last fall, Donna welcomed me into her home. It was a chance for us to meet one more time before I bid my farewell to all the self managers in the districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin Island. I met a lot of wonderful people over the last 4 years but as the Independent Living Centre movement expanded to Sudbury, it was time to divide the districts between Kapuskasing and Sudbury. We would like to congratulate The Sudbury Independent Living Centre and Norma Shaw as they come on board the Direct Funding program and wish them our best. If ever anyone is visiting Kapuskasing (you never know… it could happen!) be sure to come down to the centre and join me for a coffee.

Keep 'em Coming!

Even though Direct Funding is full, we are still accepting applications to the program. Spread the word!

Helping us stay in touch!

Guertin’s Stationary is a locally owned business offering computer sales and repairs and a multitude of office equipment. They are also a huge supporter of the Kapuskasing Disability Resource Centre and the Direct Funding program.

As you know from the last newsletter, Heather Barnard has graciously volunteered to become the editor of the Northern Network Newsletter. There was only one problem. We needed a computer. Once hearing of our situation, Guertin’s didn’t hesitate and generously donated a computer that would suit our needs. Heather will begin producing the next newsletters.

It is important that this newsletter reflect what the self managers in Northern Ontario are wanting to read about so Heather would like invite everyone to submit ideas or suggestions on how a problem or barrier was overcome or something of potential interest to other self managers. This is an opportunity to support each other by sharing resources and information.

See our contact page on top

The Beauty of Teamwork

Several months ago, we decided to team up to hire employees. We live in different areas of town and have different needs and amounts of hours but this arrangement of scheduling the same workers close together works well. We have some separate employees but 3 work for both of us. This offers our employees incentive to want to stay because they get more hours than they would from just one. As a result, we received more responses from our ads. We drew on each others’ strengths to make the process of hiring easier and learn from each other

What is required to team up?

You need two self managers who are able to work well together and can negotiate and compromise on as aspects of employment, salary, qualifications, scheduling and etc. We had to prioritize where we needed to ie: work, medical appts. and it does involve give and take. Lets face it, most attendants have other jobs and some employers (even self managers) can make hiring employees difficult due to scheduling conflicts and a reluctance to be flexible. We’ve found, it’s much easier if you know and can work with the other employer by hiring and working together.

Big Brother may be Watching

Direct Funding is one of the most generous programs I have ever encountered and I am proud to be associated with a program that gives respect to people with disabilities by allowing them to have control over their own personal care.

We all know that with the increased independence in administering Direct Funding also comes more responsibility but it is without a doubt, worth it. However, we must remember it is imperative we respect this privilege and manage the funds and the program as laid out in our contracts with The Toronto Independent Living Centre and the Ministry of Health.

If you are in doubt of what you are permitted, or not permitted to do on Direct Funding, give Patricia a call. For every problem, we will try to find a solution. Just remember… being in violation of your contract can result in termination from the program. Be honest, be truthful and respect this privilege.

Show me the Money!

Yes… it’s true! Finally, after almost a decade, ODSP recipients will now receive an increase in their funds. But don’t rush out and go on any major shopping sprees just yet. The increase is only for 3%.

It is retroactive to April 2004 and will be paid out in two lump sums this fall but not everyone gets the same amount. Enclosed is a chart giving more detail. For further questions, contact your local ODSP office.

Selecting Employees

It's a bad sign when...

• The applicant lists many jobs on a resume in the last year… suggests frequent dissatisfaction. Be prepared, they won’t stay long.
• The applicant takes a long time to send you a resume or return calls and when asked, they didn’t mention a crisis or being away… suggests they don’t want the job that badly.
• If the applicant has work experience but most are jobs or references from friends or family or offers no work-related references… suggests a possibility of bad work performance.