Partners’ Day a rousing success

Record participation in terms of the number of people (115) and districts (16) in attendance, eloquent speeches, a masterful host bringing all the elements together; in short, the 2004 Partners’ Day succeeded on all fronts. On hand were representatives from the leisure associations of the various districts, the City of Montreal’s corporate services, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Sports and Leisure for the City of Montreal, the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), and various leisure organizations for persons with disabilities. The fact that there were three offices or institutions represented from society’s so-called social “mainstream” was a first for this annual gathering.

Under the banner “Changing Attitudes,” participants were called upon to discuss four main topics dealing with some of the concerns of persons living with a disability: Architectural accessibility; companion programs for leisure activities; training for elected municipal officials and staff, along with how to enhance communication between departments and external organizations; and disabled persons living within each district.

“This gathering fosters open discussion, and that does indeed help change attitudes,” noted one district representative.

“I was very impressed to see the number of people taking part. I also had the opportunity to meet people that work with children who have special needs,” added a representative from an organization not specific to persons with disabilities.

Other guests of note: Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay; Michel Prescott, City of Montreal executive committee member responsible for Sports and Leisure; and Richard Deschamps, municipal counsellor for LaSalle Borrough, who spoke of the importance of being aware and receptive to the needs of persons living with a disability.

The luncheon scheduled as part of the meeting featured guest speakers who could communicate the day-to-day reality facing disabled persons, allowing those in attendance to appreciate the personal experiences behind their public discussions. Speakers included the family of Jonathan Larose, National Bank of Canada Défi sportif Champion in swimming, Vivianne Forest, goalball athlete, and Danielle Lacombe, who spoke of the need for support programs such as the Companion Program, which allows his 11-year-old son, who has Down’s syndrome, to enjoy the activities at his local day camp.