Information and Referral

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.

Community Services Book

This booklet contains over 150 listings of different services available to the Kapuskasing area. Each organization listed includes contact information, their mandate, what services they provide and the criteria to access those services. The Disability Resource Centre shares copies of this book with the community and agencies to ensure everyone knows about what services are available and where they can be found.

Coffee Breaks

The Coffee Break is a fun filled newsletter filled with jokes, trivia, mazes, and crossword puzzles geared to all ages, and are free to the public. You will find a Coffee Break in a variety of places throughout the community... restaurants, waiting rooms, and businesses. The Coffee Break is also circulated throughout the Highway 11 corridor and can be found in Moonbeam, Fauquier, Smooth Rock Falls, Driftwood, Opasatika and Val Rita..

In each Coffee Break, watch for the black box that advertises what services are available to the community offered by the Disability Resource Centre.

Spots within the Coffee Break are sold to local businesses where they can advertise their business or service. Profits from the Coffee Break are used by the Centre to support our services to the community.

Watch for a coffee break the next time you’re out and about and have a chuckle on us!

Public Computer Access and Support

Computers are gateways to a world of information for people with disabilities and the Disability Resource Centre provides several public computers available at no cost to the members. 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 from 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.

Health Fair Day

The Disability Resource Centre participates in the annual Kapuskasing Health Fair Day. Approximately 30 different service providers gather under one roof sharing information to the community on the many supports available. Visit booths displaying a wide variety of health-related topics such as breast screening, nutrition, diabetes, foot care, attendant care, transportation, counseling services and assistive devices.

The day is a fun filled event with special guest speakers, tons of free draws, a warm meal and extra handi-trans bus service is offered to assist in your participation. Its a great way to get out and find out ways on to improve our independence.

Library

Recently, the Disability Resource Centre completely revamped our public library. With funding support from Tembec Community Support Fund, Rotary 7010, Rotary International, and The Knights of Columbus, we have been able to update our selection of books and videos. We have a wonderful selection to choose from on a diverse group of topics. Rent the books or videos for as long as you need or watch it right at the Centre. The Library is located in our Drop In where a television, DVD, VCR and comfy couch are available for your use. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and pop some popcorn in the microwave.

Some French literature is available as well.

Topics available for reading or viewing.

• Abuse
• Alcoholism
• Allergies
• Anemia
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Bipolar Disorder
• Cancer
• Cerebral Palsy
• Chicken soup for the Soul series
• Child Development
• Chronic Pain/Illness/Fatigue
• Community Services
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Dealing with Doctors
• Disability Awareness
• Depression
• Employment
• Fibromylgia
• Finance
• Grief
  
• Health and Remedies
• Heart Disease
• Learning Disability
• Menopause
• Migraines and Headaches
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson's Disease
• Physical Disability
• Schizophrenia
• Self-Help
• Vision
• And other computer related books.

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

Learn about the Government of Canada’s New Registered Disability Savings Plan Program at the Disability Resource Centre for Independent Living

Outreach Initiative to persons with disabilities and their families. Independent Living Centres are providing a series of information sessions and one-on-one support to help individuals learn about and understand the RDSP program, the benefits of long term savings and how to access the generous grants and bonds offered by the Government of Canada.

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) helps Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. If you are a Canadian resident under age 60 and are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you are eligible for an RDSP. Earnings accumulate tax-free, until you take money out of your RDSP. Parents or guardians may open an RDSP for a minor. With written permission from the holder, anyone can contribute to the RDSP. The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is now available to help people with disabilities and their families save for the future.

To help you save, the Government will contribute Canada Disability Savings Grants of up to $3,500 a year depending on the amount of your contributions. The Government will also pay a Canada Disability Savings Bond of up to $1,000 a year, for up to 20 years, into the RDSPs of low-income and modest-income Canadians. No contributions are necessary to receive the bond. Earnings accumulate tax-free until money is taken out of the RDSP. People with disabilities must be 49 old or under in order to receive grants and/or bonds. You may be eligible to receive government grants and bonds totally a maximum of $90,000! This money will earn interest over time and can be used for addition income assistance and for disability supports that you or your children may need in the future. You get to decide how the money is used!

This new program is a win/win for people with disabilities and their families and don’t worry - provincial disability support programs do not penalize individuals with RDSP accounts. Learn more about this exciting new government program by attending an information sessions and/or receiving one-on-one support assistance offered through the Disability Resource Centre for Independent Living.

Information sessions and one-on-one personal assistance are available in English only.

Funding for these information services is provided by the Government of Canada.