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“INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES”Housing Work Money Social Support InnovationsPEERS FOR MENTAL WELLNESS ADVOCACY GROUPWednesday, Jan 22, 20144-5pmCMHA Kelowna504 Sutherland Ave“The B.C. government is having a conversation with British Columbians to better understand how government, businesses and communities can increase accessibility and decrease barriers for people living with disabilities. This feedback will inform the development of a White Paper – a document that reflects the voice of British Columbians – that will form the foundation for a Summit on the issues facing people with disabilities in British Columbia.”Housing and accessibility in the broader built environment When we think about the “broader built environment,” we are thinking about the world around us — our homes, communities, buildings, transit systems and anything that has been built up in our environment. Creating and improving accessibility in our homes, towns and cities enables people with disabilities to live life as they chose, live where they wish to live, and enjoy the same freedoms as their fellow citizens.HousingIs housing available to you with your disability? With a PWD income?forced to live with a roommate, encounter stigma at every levelunable to afford housinghousing available for people over 55 years, but very inadequate for those youngerpets are important for people, but limited housing that allows themyes, subsidized – Willowbridge first stageYes, I am one of the lucky few that live in a house (duplex) with a small yard (hugely important to my mental health). But, I need 2 roommates to be able to afford it. We are all on PWD and this is the first time that it’s been the same roommates for 2 years (very difficult to find).No, Kelowna has no “available” safe low income housing. No pet friendly housing. No long term housing. Long wait list up to 3 years. Nothing for singles.yes, but only within a subsidized program (like Willowbridge or CMHC) and I thank God for them.Why is stable, safe housing important?maintain wellness & recovery, sustainabilityfor growth & confidence within a safe social settingIt is everything concerning my mental and physical health. I have lived out of my vehicle (12 years), with friends and in relatives’ homes. Having my own home even if shared gives me security and safety and I know exactly where and when I’ll be sleeping and eating, plus it’s all my own stuff. In short, independent.Mental health – fear and anxiety, depression about the thought of being homeless, high cost of rent, slave labour wages, crime against disabled persons.For a person with disability and drug dependency, stability available to me to focus on other priority like health and drug treatment program.What would make housing more accessible for you?include utilities, incidentals (phone, internet access)locate closer to supportsstaged housing – acute – supported – independenthousing first approachmake it more affordablemaintaining and improving the structuremore geared to incomedisability housing for all ages, not just seniorsNot having to have 2 roommates, maybe I would be okay. Doubling our shelter portion would be a huge difference. If I had to live in a very small apartment, I’m sure I’d be in McNair more often. There is also landlords and building managers that tend to take advantage of people on PWD, falsely accusing people who cannot advocate for themselves.First there has to be housing for this conversation to make any sense. But we will pretend. Rent geared to income, building with common room, with kitchen, and garden to grow food.Obviously move money toward building more subsidized (apartment, new residence) that would benefit the more serious people that are desperately waiting for an opportunity to get their life together.What other barriers do you have to housing?stigma, when landlords know you have a mental illness they often don’t return the damage depositlow vacancy rate of affordable housingAgain, landlords – not willing to rent to PWD recipients (in a shared rental arrangement). Landlords (managers) evicting me under false pretences (Notice of Eviction Forms) for their own personal agenda. In general, very leery of landlords. Moving in a timely fashion because of physical disabilities. Affordable housing that is within a reasonable distance to downtown or close to shopping, doctors and wellness programs.Now I live far out of town as I can’t find affordable housing in Kelowna. I have to live in an unsafe environment, spend extra money on gas, and the wear and tear on my car.3 things – 1 – pricing - $575 - $900 for a 1 bedroom; 2 – availability – very little places that are affordable ; 3 – stigma – it is hard to get an interview – hard, hard without a suit and tie.TransitWhat is your transit experience like?questioned about what my disability isguide dog not allowedhandi-dart is often late (30 – 60 minutes)schedule is not kept tothe high volume of people can make it difficult to deal with when dealing with an anxiety disorderbus driver hammering on brakes – punching the gas, very hard when a person is dealing with a bad backQueensway station is dangerous – drug deals, knifings, intimidation Bus stops in outlying areas can be hard to reach because of distance or terrain Waits are sometimes very long between busesThe schedule is not being adhered toWheelchair ramps not wide enoughGoodGood for the most part. Limited or time consuming access to some parts of the city. I have used city transit to the Westside, Lakeshore Mission, Rutland and Vernon and Winfield. I have been riding the bus for 5 years.In general BC Transit is good. As long as on the day I have proper bus fare (some programs in Kelowna can, if urgent hand out bus tickets)How could it be better?More frequent buses, especially on weekends and eveningsKeep to the scheduleEducation of drivers re disabilitiesMake the cost and process for getting a bus pass easierSubsidized bus pass for people on social assistancePPMB need to be able to access the disability bus pass because it is a financial strain to get a pass otherwisePre-authorized payment planMore handi-dart transitI have assisted a lady in a wheelchair several times and struggled very hard to get her on and off the bus because the ramp was too narrow for the wheelchair. We need buses that run south to north especially Gordon Street and Benvoulin. Evening buses run every hour instead of ? hour starting at 6:30. 8:30 or 9:00 would be better.Program with welfare that could subsidize in full or patr for bus fare.“Perfect World” transit for my needs would be…?schedule available on Google mapseco-friendly – more ability to carry bikes, disability equippedanyone with a disability automatically gets a bus passHaving a personal transit pick-up at my front door, like the Handy Dart but in a more timely fashion. I know a little bit on the unrealistic side, but you asked! At the Queensway station at times I have to wait in all sorts of weather anywhere from 20 minutes to 50 minutes for connecting buses. A 15 minute wait is okay, but to get home from H2O to Nester’s is a 45 minute trip.Have my own chauffer (HA-HA)Communities, Buildings etcAre there any buildings, structures, systems that are difficult to access with your disability? (Think of daily living… My anxiety makes it really hard to access the clinic to get my meds…)office of Ministry of Social Development is difficult to find and to get tono handi-capped parking available at some locationsfederal tax buildingdifficult for person with anxiety to wait in busy places to get medicationthere may be language barrierspeople are not treated respectfullysystems such as ICBC, Shaw, Telus, Greyhound, City of Kelowna, Fortis, can be difficult to access systems can be difficult to manage over the phone when you don’t have a credit card or computerNone really, except for maybe emergency at KGH. Recent experienced a very busy and crowded emergency waiting room and streamline waiting area. It was very stressful and added to my daughter’s delusional thinking and fears of what was going to happen to her.Lack of parking, very expensive.Not really. My problem is more in my head than my bodyWork and Contribution “The employment rate for people with disabilities is 18 per cent lower than for people without disabilities. Reducing barriers to employment and increasing community inclusion helps to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to work and contribute as they are able. Fostering diverse workplaces that include employees with disabilities can improve the capacity of B.C. businesses to compete in the global economy and ensure people with disabilities have the opportunity to contribute to the economic growth of the province.”What is your experience working with your disability?“a pride swallowing experience that I will always appreciate overcoming”Negative experience with WorkBC – people who are homeless are only able to access the service for 1 hour a day, if the individual appears “dirty” everything is sprayed down with an antiseptic spray, even before the individual has leftwe are only at the edge of accepting mental illness being no different than any other illnessPainful, physically from fibromyalgia in arms and legs; however I believe from having bi-polar as well, I found my tolerance to stress and pressure has changed to the point that I have a very difficult time handling both.Haven’t been able to find a job when I have multiple disabilities, including a learning disability.It is a constant problem – seizures and constant memory lapse and have been dependent on methadone; constantly interfere with working schedules.Are there challenges / barriers to getting work?Lack of education, doing physical labour for years, but with disabilities can’t keep working at those jobsMisunderstanding about mental illnessThe risk of relapsing and having no safety netStigma around mental illnessRepetitive work affects my fibromyalgia the most, so the hardest barrier for me would be to find a job that I could do with my limitations and includes esp. computers.Physical ability – issue with back pain, dislocated disc, bulging disc, rotator cuff injury; Grave’s Disease, cancer carpal tunnelEducation – learning disability, grade 5 English skills and non-existent math skills.Mental disability – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Borderline Personality DisorderBecause I have to take med (methadone) first thing in the morning, it is rarely in tune with a work schedule. (Methadone has to be ingested daily at the pharmacy in the morning) I have to put lots of concentration in order to properly speak in English. I am ashamed of my stuttering, even though I’m getting better.Are there challenges / barriers to keeping work?no benefits no ability to get over the poverty linecyclical nature of mental illnessgaps in resume – how to explainstigma around mental illnessyes, when programs like work BC discriminate not only against mental illness but also those who are addicted and homelesseducation of employers is at the very beginningNow my work is as a volunteer. Hours are perfect and it doesn’t involve any physical challenges. I believe there are no barriers to keeping my present job.See aboveWhat would make it easier to work with your disability?no ceiling on earnable amountaccommodation from employer to allow for mental health days when neededcompassionate, properly trained work coaches who have a large data base of educated employers who are looking for part-time workers ( PWD eligible to earn $800 in addition to benefits)More jobs that only require little or no real manual labour, or maybe finding/ creating work within the volunteer field, you know workers that border on the professional field.Obtain employment that someone is willing to pay a living wage forFunding to take coursesWorking with people a bit like me.What would “perfect world” jobs look like to fit your needs?peer support work force,livable wageFULL benefits for familyLow responsibility part time hoursPay for volunteer hours at a liveable income. Maybe others could be in the teaching field. I think that there’s a lot of jobs that the disabled could do but what and how do you find out?Able to do 3 or 4 workshops teaching art per month that pay; working with adults with disabilities (developmentally mentally challenged.Sound engineering in my own studioSocial Networks to Support People in Community Having a strong social network is important for every British Columbian. Social networks may include friends, family, co-workers, neighbours or more widely spread contacts within a community. A support network can be made up of people or organizations that you can turn to for help with favours, assistance during challenging times, or for just having fun.What are your main social networks?Spiritual communityAlternate healersCMHA – Wellness Development Centre, Peer Support groupFamily and friendsMetroFirst UnitedRoommates and support groups and certain people where I volunteer at KGH, CMHA and BCSS.CMHA Kelowna branchMy social worker through CMHA, walk-in clinic my family doctorHow are social networks important to you?To encourage inclusion & belonging, purpose and meaningSocializing is an integral part of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)We are there to help, everyone needs an extra hand, especially if you’re sick. I learned I couldn’t do without social networking. Esp. Jobs.Need social networks to get ahead, but no one seems to have the funds, ability or desire to help.CMHA is literally my life line. I am very dependent on their services. The staff there work their but off to get things done. Bravo!!Are there challenges / barriers to create or find social networks with your disability?Stigma & discriminationfunding, no consistency with mental health perspectivemarketing / PR is neededNot for myself because my particular field of volunteer work. However one of the most common remarks I hear is “I didn’t know these resources existed”.Yes – attitude – I have been down so long that I don’t know how to get up; tired of having to do it alone.Not on my end. The office at CMHA is literally across the street from my place.What might help you create or find social networks? (Remove these barriers)I have done it all on my ownMore publicity, advertising and talkingHaving tangible evidence that it is worth even making the effort. Trusting people to actually help and follow through on promises.Nothing I can think ofWhat are the best types of social networks or supports to meet your needs?I would not participate in a ministry social networkPeers with training to be one-to-one 365 days, 24 hours a day mentorsGroup supports, one on one, counselling, CMHA, BCSS, IHA, youth family counselling, men’s groups, women’s groups, etc. Mental Health, addictionsMy social worker and I meet at least once or twice a week to discuss and fix possible issues and find ways to rectify it.Personal supports, aids and devices Personal supports, aids and devices enable people with disabilities to carry out the activities of daily living and fully participate in the life of their community. Personal supports help to level the playing field for people with disabilities as they are the building blocks for improving access to income, employment and increased freedoms.What types of personal supports / devices /aids do you use for your disability?n/a – outside of mental health system“ten step” type of mentor program designed around one-on-one mentorsNone needed.I need psychological help from time to time.How important are these to you?UtmostEssentialVery important. I feel better and more stable with less up and down when I have a professional person to talk with.Were these supports difficult to get?yes, had to go outside societal structurethey have never been, and still do not existno, I think CMHA could help out with that.How could they be easier to get?computer database to access information about what is availablecollaboration between agencies so everyone is aware of what supports are availableWRAP program is addressingAsset Accumulation through Registered Disability Savings Plan Having the ability to accumulate assets can give people living with a disability and their families’ comfort, knowing that resources are available for necessary services and supports. The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a national, tax-deferred, long-term savings plan for people with disabilities who want to save for the future, as well as for families who want to help ensure the financial security of their loved ones with a disability.Do you have a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)?NoNoNo What would prevent you from accessing this?it is a nightmare to getneed to pay to register for RDSPMy ageI have never heard about it.Do you think this is important to contribute to? Why?yes, if you can afford an investment of $42 a month you will receive $1,500 for no taxable savingsDepends, if I was younger, maybe.Probably I would like to hear more about it.What can be done to make it easier to contribute to a RDSP?marketing PAP systemHaving someone to help fill out forms, explanations of how it all works and help to advocate for myself if turned down.Don’t know enough to give input about it*Note – to be eligible for a RDSP you must qualify for the Federal Disability Tax Credit (form attached)Innovation “Innovation is all about exploring a diverse range of new ways to support people with disabilities to live the life they choose, as well as looking at how we design and use existing programs and services. From programs, technology and independent living to policy and processes and practices, innovation can lead to greater community inclusion, increased freedoms, and greater choices for people living with disabilities.” What else has been helpful to you with your disability? (Programs, technology etc)Designing my own system in collaboration with like-minded peoplePeer support work forcePay those who are the main stakeholdersComputer accessPhone and internetKnowledge that programs such a s ”Let’s Talk” from Bell are starting the conversationSubsidized computer & internet access is essential to becoming independentFree classes on our disabilities (more)CMHA programsBCGS ProgramsInformation on healthy livingMy own research on internet and libraryArthritis SocietyJohn HowardTo start 2 ? years ago I moved to Willowbridge. My life improved dramatically. I had constant throat infections. Now I have perfect dentures. I have problems with seizures, but they help me find the proper doctor who has prescribed proper medication resulting in absence of seizures or moderate ones. They also help regain my autonomy by getting me my own place.What innovations would make it easier for someone with your disability to be a member of your community? Think outside the box…Drop the labelsMake it easy / automaticFocus on wellness & recovery with a safety net that isn’t constantly under threat of lossGreater awareness leads to greater acceptanceSofter chairs, better service from Employment Centres. I do consider myself a member of my community as it is.How about a whole community or town completely run by the disabled. It will work as long as the whole disabled population is included.To be able to afford to live in it – adequate )affordable) housing – GOOD, SAFE, LONG TERMCommunity where people have their own home, but have a central location where you can meet and take part in different activities. Community in the true sense of the word, ................
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