Independent Living Skills

If you are interested in participating or learning more about these activities/workshops, please contact the Disability Resource Centre for Independent Living - (705) 335-8778

One on One

When a person has just been diagnosed with a disability, or is just needing some support to know that they are not alone, talking to someone who can relate can be tremendous help. The Disability Resource Centre can provide support in any form, to those who need it. The Centre offers an accessible, confidential environment where people with disabilities can meet and discuss options about things that affect their lives. We promote self-advocacy and provide our members with the support and information they need to increase independence and personal growth.

Public Computer Access and Support

Computers are gateways to a world of information for people with disabilities and the centre provides 3 public computers available to any member of our community. Having access to medical information, or contact with family and friends keeps us connected and provides a wealth of information and support.

First time with a computer or just need a refresher? The Disability Resource Centre offers basic one-on-one training on computers with the support of volunteers and students. Take an introductory course to learn how to surf the internet, or send and receive email. Once the course is completed, you can book your access to a computer at your convenience. . Whether you are using the computer to search for the latest information on your disability, searching for a job, or sharing pictures and news with loved ones: getting connected to the rest of the world can open doors.

• Zoomtext: This lets you zoom in the screen so that it is easier to see text or images, it also has the option to read to you whatever is on the screen. Perfect for people who are visually impaired.
• OpenOffice Suite: A powerful, free Office suite that's compatible with Microsoft Office and WordPerfect.
• WinWay Resume: This program lets you easily make a professional looking resume, very easy to use.
• Employee Manuals Made E-Z: Make manuals for practically anything and everything.
• Typing Tutor 10: New to computers, or want to increase your ability to type precisely and quickly? Typing Tutor 10 can help you with that.
• Print Artist/Print Perfect Gold: Perfect for making banners, cards, calendars, or etc.
• The computers have Macromedia's Flash and Sun's Java plugins installed.

Living Workshops - Every Thursday at 10:30am - 12:00pm

For those who are living with a disability, (fibromyalgia, lupus, arthritis, heart disease, back injury, etc.) the Disability Resource Centre supports the Living Workshops. Developed and run by people living with varied disabilities, this group meets every week on Thursday mornings from 10:30 to 12 noon. A variety of topics are discussed and special guests are invited to speak to the group. The intent of the Living Workshop is to support people while they live their lives. In a confidential, accessible atmosphere, the members of the Living Workshop support each other with information and understanding.

Building on the Buddy System (Temporarily unavailable)

This workshop meets weekly and is meant for those living with chronic illnesses. Many of the men coming to the Centre wanted something recreational to do while supporting each other. Partnering with the Ministry of Natural Resources, we purchased a 1/4 scale model DeHavillan Airplane which is an exact replica of the fire fighting planes used years ago in Kapuskasing. Once construction is completed, the plane will be donated to the Town of Kapuskasing for display in the new Community Welcome Centre.

In a casual atmosphere, members of the BOBS workshop share information and support to one another in a fun and creative way.

Accessible Bus Service (KABS)

KABS is owned and operated by the Town of Kapuskasing. On their behalf, the Centre oversees the applications and issuing of all bus passes. We also gather a large number of statistics on bus usage and are able to provide Mayor and Council with insights to their service and to the needs of the people in our community.

When the bus is available

Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 3:45pm

Saturday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Criteria

• Persons living with a physical, developmental or invisible disability.
  
• Unable to climb or descend stairs
• Unable to walk more than 175 meters (600ft)

Bus to Wal-Mart

Tuesdays:

Departure - 1:00pm

Return - 3:30pm

Fridays:

Departure - 9:00am

Return - 11:30am

Saturdays:

from 10:00am to 4:00pm

Method of Payment

  Three options for payment:

• Occasional = $2.00 one way
• Yearly = $200.00 unlimited
• 6 Month Pass = $100.00 unlimited
  

* If you pay directly, please ensure to have the exact change since the bus driver will not be able to reimburse the difference. * 

4 months to pay 4 intervals of 50$,

5 months to pay 5 intervals of 40$, or

12 months to pay intervals of 16.67$.

Booking

• Provide your name and Telephone number
• Address for pick-up
• Pick-up date and time
• Where you want to go
• Specify if you want to be brought back and when
  

If YOU cancel your appointment

If you need to cancel the bus:

335-8778 Monday to Friday

367-5151 Saturdays

If WE cancel your appointment

Sometimes the bus may have to be cancelled due to breakdowns and other unforeseen events. If you had a Doctor's appointment scheduled, you are permitted to take a taxi. Pay the taxi fare, request a receipt and provide the taxi receipt to the Civic Center and they will reimburse you for the taxi fare less $2.00.

Independent Living Perspectives