About us
AlterGo - People with disabilities in action

The Organization
"A Voice of Reason"

AlterGo (before Regional Association for the Recreation of Disabled Persons of the Island of Montreal) was born, as is the case of many organizations, of a need. In this particular instance, the need of a segment of the population to greater representation in the field of sports and recreation. The need for a group of citizens to be able to make choices concerning their leisure activities independent of their social standing, their age or their gender. While this would seem basic in its intention and more often than not easily solved, for disabled persons the obstacles encountered, be they physical or systemic are all too often overwhelming. And yet, it is through adversity and a desire to be heard that vices will join together and grow in intensity, until finally those obstacles that once seemed insurmountable begin to be overcome; slowly but surely; one by one. The Association is a clear, strong voice that represents many others who for too long a time had gone unheard and neglected.

"A little perspective, please…"
(AlterGo's history)

In the early 1960's, people began forming volunteer groups at the local level in order to facilitate recreational opportunities for persons with disabilities. In 1974, with the support of the High Commission on Youth, Sports and Recreation for the Government of Quebec, these local groups were consolidated to form regional associations. Fuelled by the momentum generated by these actions, the Regional Association for the Recreation of Disabled Persons of the Island of Montreal officially came into being in 1975 to form one of these sixteen associations. It currently facilitates access to recreation for well over 70,000 of the approximately 253,000 people with disabilities living in Montreal and acts as the umbrella organization for over 85 member groups. This shows that while great strides have been taken, there is still a long road ahead.

"The Wherefore and the Why"
(AlterGo's mission)

In a word, the Association's mission is "to promote sports and recreation for disabled persons". This goal was clearly defined and agreed to by all sixteen regional associations and follows the proposition that disabled persons should have the same possibilities in terms of leisure and recreation as the rest of the population. This in itself implies freedom of choice with regard to structured and non-structured activities, as well as obtaining the necessary support to participate in the everyday programmes offered in their respective communities.

"The Right Stuff"
(AlterGo's guiding principles)

There are three main guiding principles which direct the Association in the pursuit of its objective:

• The right of disabled persons to participate in educational, safe, worthwhile recreation in a diverting atmosphere.
• The right of disabled persons to freely express their needs and desires in regards to their chosen activity.
• The right of disabled persons across Quebec to select the recreational activity of their choice (outdoor activities; tourism; sports and other physical activities; scientific, socio-educational and socio-cultural activities, etc.) regardless of age, gender or type of disability.

The goals and principles of the association have helped to shape its orientation and have spawned four concepts which further the cause of disabled persons at a variety of levels: Défi sportif (the "Sports Challenge"), Handidactis, Access Ability, and Forum dialogue.

"That's Action !"
(The Défi sportif "Sports Challenge")

In 1984, Défi sportif was created in order to heighten public awareness as to the recreational needs of disabled persons. At the same time, it helps to portray them in a dynamic and positive way and demonstrates the enormous potential of the athletes and the sports in which they compete. What was originally a local concern has matured over the years to become provincial, national and ultimately international in scope. Défi sportif now welcomes over 2000 athletes annually for competitions in 16 different disciplines. What makes this event unique is that persons representing the five disabilities (visual, hearing, physical, intellectual and mental illness) are invited to participate at the same competition; both the elite in their fields and the youths who strive to one day attain a similar status. What is most important is that it encourages participation at all levels and inspires those who would otherwise remain isolated; unaware of the vast possibilities that exist and the barriers that can be broken.

"How may we serve you?"
(Handidactis)

During the process of improving services for people with disabilities, the various associations discovered that simply spreading the word was not enough. They had to offer concrete solutions to the organizations that they approached and this led to the creation of Handidactis and Access Ability. Handidactis offers training on how to serve clients with disabilities, how to integrate disabled employees into a company's workplace and in general terms, how to interact and communicate with disabled persons in a variety of situations.

Since February 1985, their expertise has helped several organizations gain a greater insight into the world as perceived by people who live with a particular disability. Among the proponents of this training programme is the City of Montreal, most notably in the Department of Recreation, whose employees have benefited greatly from these services and who in turn have been able to better serve and appreciate the needs of their own clientele. The programme's success has led Handidactis across provincial and national borders, and they have since become leaders in their field. Handidactis succeeds in shattering long-standing myths and the knowledge they impart creates an environment of understanding where practical needs and social concerns are not mutually exclusive.

"Common Ground"
(Access Ability)

While Handidactis offers solutions to overcome systemic obstacles, Access Ability deals specifically with the physical obstacles encountered by disabled persons. These include the architecture, equipment and services that must occasionally be adapted to allow for universal use. Toward that end, Access Ability has served as a consultant for numerous public events, including the Winter Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival. Its advice has allowed the organizers of these events to take into account the needs of disables persons without disturbing the general environment, and the suggestions put forward are always mindful of budgetary concerns. In addition, an increasing number of architects and construction industry members are consulting Access Ability in order to incorporate their suggestions at the source; a trend that should soon become the norm as new standards are set.

Thanks to Access Ability, many nature parks in and around Montreal are now accessible to disabled persons as is the pleasure they bring. This cooperation serves as an example of what can be accomplished between two willing parties; two parties who truly seek to find "common ground".

"Nights at the Round Table"
(Forum Dialogue)

In order to make the most of a collective effort, channels of communication between the various organizations had to be established and cultivated. This has resulted in the formation of committees, or discussion groups, whose goal is to decide on a plan of action which will give priority to the projects considered most vital by all the participating members, and to encourage collaboration and partnerships between the various groups. AlterGo has spearheaded this effort since 1979 when they began discussions with the Department of Recreation of the City of Montreal. This led to the creation of the Montreal-Concordia forum, a forum dedicated to improving services for people with disabilities. To further the cause at the local level, AlterGo has held discussions with WICIR, the West Island Committee for Integrated Recreation, who represent 13 West Island municipalities (have become boroughs) and who share the same desire to increase opportunities in recreation for disabled persons.

The importance of these discussion groups becomes even more apparent when all 18 regional associations voice their concerns at the provincial and national levels. The forums allow the groups to present a common view of which direction they feel they should take to achieve their respective goals. At the provincial level, discussions are held between the regional associations and the Quebec Association for the Recreation of Disabled Persons (l'Association québécoise pour le loisir des personnes handicapées). At the national level, discussions are held primarily between the Active Living Alliance and representatives from each province.

"The Last Word"

Défi sportif, Handidactis, Access Ability and Forum dialogue are concrete, tangible evidence of the work that has been undertaken by AlterGo toward meeting the needs and expectations of disabled persons. The recognition of these needs and expectations by other members of society is evidence of the enormous progress that has been made in heightening public awareness as to the issues that touch the lives of approximately 14 % of the country's population. AlterGo exists to insure that this progress continues and while the last word on the subject may never be written, each new chapter along the way means an improvement in the quality of life for us all.