Archive for the ‘Success Stories’ Category

Randel Achieves New Levels of Confidence

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Randel became a member of Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin (ILSM) (new window) in the spring of 2008 with the goal of securing full-time employment. At that time, the ILSM partnership with the Neil Squire Society was less than one year old. After discussing a few possibilities, Randel felt that the Employ-Ability program would be a great fit on his path to finding work, while developing new skills.

Randel was born with cerebral palsy, yet it has never slowed him down. Randel has been an active and committed volunteer with the Red Cross (new window) since 1998.

One morning in 2002, Randel woke up with a great degree of mobility loss, resulting in the need for him to transition from walking to using a wheelchair. It was at this point in his life that he became fully aware of the many barriers to accessibility and employment that persons with physical disabilities face. “The barriers start with the wheelchair. Counters are too high or too low. People’s attitudes changed when I started using a wheelchair,” says Randel.

Committed to remaining in the workforce, Randel spent the next 7 years actively seeking employment, but to no avail.

As a successful graduate from Neil Squire Society’s Employ-Ability program in Ontario, Randel now actively volunteers with Laurentian Hospital’s Cancer Centre (new window) , as well as Science North.

“My experience in the Employ-Ability program was very positive. The best part of the program was really everything. The people were friendly. The in-class and distance facilitators were excellent, and all of my questions and concerns were addressed. People really listened to what I had to say.”

“Neil Squire Society’s Employ-Ability Program helped me achieve new levels of confidence which assisted me to become more at ease and comfortable with presenting myself in interviews” says Randel. “I meet a lot of people as a volunteer, and I am gaining a lot of really great experience. I feel that is helping to bring me closer to finding a job. I also get to help people to learn more about accessibility.”

Congratulations Randel!

If you would like to make a donation to support others like Randel, you may do so here.

Marissa Learns Valuable Life Lessons at the Neil Squire Society

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

The Neil Squire Society has had a partnership with the Katimavik Youth program (new window) for over three years. Our most recent Katimavik volunteer (new window) , Marissa, a bright and enthusiastic 20 year old from London, Ontario, has been with the Neil Squire Society since March of this year. “I am happy to have the opportunity to volunteer here at the Neil Squire Society,” says Marissa. “It’s wonderful. It’s a good fit for me.” Marissa has been helping participants increase their computer skills in the Computer Comfort program as well as observing and assisting Employ-Ability program participants.

Marissa was studying Social Justice and Peace Studies, when she decided to take a break from school and try something new in order to figure out what she wanted to do in the next phase of (new window) her life. A friend of the family suggested she try the Katimavik Youth program (new window). According to Marissa, this time has largely been about soul searching. “I haven’t found that one thing that I am passionate about, but what better way to gain some exposure?”

The Neil Squire Society has been a very positive experience for Marissa, who has been learning something from our participants almost every day. One of the biggest lessons she has learned is that there are “invisible disabilities” and that you cannot make assumptions about the challenges people face or about their strengths. She has also learned that there are many ways to make life easier for people. “As someone without a physical disability, it’s not something I would have thought twice about in my day to day life. I now realize there is a whole different world of technology available to help people”, says Marissa. “It’s good to see people walk through life independently while being themselves.”

If you would like to make a donation to support others like Marissa, you may do so here.

Computer Comfort Allows Zinaat to Learn at Her Own Pace

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Zinaat once considered herself to be computer illiterate. Lack of hand mobility due to arthritis, as well as bursitis of the shoulder, made using a computer a fairly daunting task for her. That was until an acquaintance, Program Coordinator Yasmin Juma, told her about the Computer Comfort Program at the Neil Squire Society.

The Computer Comfort Program allows participants to work one-on-one with a volunteer tutor at their own pace and on their own goals. After one year in the program, Zinaat has become a (new window) confident computer user and she is thrilled with the progress she has made.

“What I have learned so far is just amazing. It’s phenomenal what I have come out [of the program] with. Dan, my instructor right now, is just fantastic and the training from Munesh, Joe and Paul has been so encouraging as well,” she says.

Zinaat is currently learning how to use the speech recognition software Dragon Naturally Speaking (new window) , a program which helps her use a computer by using her voice instead of a keyboard. She is also learning how to use Microsoft PowerPoint (new window) which she intends to start using soon to present slideshows in her community.

Now that Zinaat has the fundamentals, she is looking forward to learning everything that Dan can teach her. When asked about her experience at the Neil Squire Society, Zinaat had this to say: “I think I am so privileged. I am ever so grateful to you all for giving me this opportunity to be here, to come here and learn at my pace. I think that that has helped me a tremendous amount.”

Keep up the great work, Zinaat!

If you would like to make a donation to support others like Zinaat, you may do so here.