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Summary of discussion groups

- Johanne Tousignant

Following are the principle observations to emerge from the discussion groups held during our recent Partners’ Day.

Discussion group: Companion Program in leisure activities

Context

For a certain number of Montrealers who live with a disability, access to leisure activities goes hand in hand with a companion program. In 2004, the demand for companion services would have required a budget of 1.3 million dollars if all requests were to be responded to, but unfortunately, the actual budget available was only $301,532. The provincial program could only meet the requirements of 22% of applicants to the companion program in leisure activities.

Comments

Participants recognized that the companion program makes an important contribution above and beyond providing access to recreation for disabled persons: it promotes integration. Due to the fact that the program encourages social integration for young persons, provides parents with a solution to their annual problem of how to plan their summer vacation period while giving them a temporary respite from care-giving, among other reasons, the program is essential.

Taking into account the difficulties in meeting the demand, the financial support provided by 17 municipal districts ($78,417), along with that of the Direction de la sécurité du revenu et du développement social (DSRDS) ($78,417), has been most welcome in helping respond to some of the current needs. There is no doubt that the initiative of the municipal districts was viewed positively by the participants, but the prevailing opinion was that instead of instituting a second companion program in leisure activities, the municipal funding should be added to that provided at the provincial level. The provincial program has established its own evaluation criteria, and is overseen by a twenty-member selection committee composed of representatives from organizations responsible for leisure services.

That being said, it is still crucial to heighten awareness among elected officials and other decision-makers in each district as to the needs of local organizations. And it seems the message is getting through. Of primary importance will be to establish a delegation at the municipal level that will then represent the companion program at the provincial level (consultation group, organizations and City).

Discussion group: Communications – disabled persons / organizations / city

Context

If we are to take concrete action in changing attitudes towards persons with disabilities, what could prove more effective than to make direct contact with such individuals or groups? This will allow for a better understanding of their needs, thereby putting decision-makers in a position to offer programs and activities that are accessible to this community.

Comments

Requests for services issuing from organizations that represent disabled persons should be evaluated based on the criteria jointly established through consultations involving the organizations in question and the City. Since each district has its own particular needs, the criteria should not be uniform for all, but rather should be adapted for each district. Further, it is vital that the nature of the organizations be taken into account (e.g. international scope) and to heighten awareness among employees, those involved in training, etc. as to the needs of persons with disabilities. This partnership will allow for a more concise view of these needs.

The organizations are seeking greater support from the City. They would like to be integrated at the municipal level and be perceived as full-fledged local organizations -- full-fledged partners. An essential step towards that goal: standardizing costs, so that organizations representing persons with disabilities do not incur additional costs due to the additional resources they may require.

It is likewise important to standardize procedures throughout the districts in order that organizations which offer services to clients from more than one district be spared from having to repeat procedures needlessly. The municipal administration should resolve this matter, and direct organizations as to access to sites, financial requests, etc.

Attention should be paid toward ensuring stability and continuity in programs, both within the City administration and among organizations. Systems should be put in place that will ensure a transfer of expertise and continuity in the files, while establishing standards that can be adhered to over time.

Discussion group: Architectural accessibility

Context

Architectural accessibility, as with accessibility in programs, services and communications, is a primary consideration when it comes to ensuring that persons with functional limitations are able to participate in municipal activities.

Comments

When development projects are initiated, it is imperative to stipulate in the invitations to tender that professionals in the field of architectural accessibility be consulted during all phases. Whether individuals or organizations or associations, persons with disabilities must have input from beginning to end on such projects. By targeting its clientele and including it when decisions are made, needs are better responded to. The goal should be to work WITH persons with disabilities rather than just FOR persons with disabilities.

It becomes even more important, then, to encourage meetings, consultations, conferences, etc. at as many levels as possible in order to establish priorities that will be translated into the final building plans.

Physical access to buildings is of paramount importance, to be sure, but other considerations must also be taken into account: transport, loading docks, snow removal, etc. Budgets must also be secured in order to initiate and maintain development projects.

Discussion group: Heightening awareness among elected municipal officials and staff

Context

Is it not said that prejudice begets misunderstanding between people? Over the course of the last year, two initiatives in particular have helped service providers, organizational staff and elected municipal officials become better equipped to deal with the needs of persons with disabilities: training sessions at Montreal-area day camps and an awareness campaign targeting elected municipal officials.

Comments

The most effective method of heightening awareness among elected officials as to the needs of persons with disabilities is to allow them to meet and exchange views. Both parties must refrain from working independently of the other; they must, conversely, work in conjunction to achieve the desired goals.

District representatives must have a thorough knowledge of the associations that represent disabled persons, and recognize the rights of disabled persons to be treated as full-fledged citizens who require the same services as the rest of the community. Staff, decision-makers and the population at large must be made aware as to the day-to-day realities confronting persons with disabilities, and in regards to the general population, this awareness must begin at a young age.

For their part, organizations representing disabled persons must make efforts to publicize their activities (e.g. establishing a presence at municipal assemblies, etc.), find creative ways to disseminate information (e.g. print media, brochures, etc.) and invite district representatives to attend their events. They must firstly identify any obstacles that prevent them from achieving their objectives (e.g. time constraints, lack of communication, prejudices, etc.), make them known, prove their point and provide concrete examples in order that, together, the City and the various organizations can find and implement solutions to either reduce or eliminate these obstacles.