OPTIONS Newsletter of the Independent Living Resource Centre (Manitoba)

Spring Issue 2020

Staying Safe – COVID-19 Issue

Spring 2020 Independent Living Resource Centre 311A-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6 Phone: 204-947-0194 (TTY) Toll Free: 1-800-663-3043 Fax: 204-943-6625 Email: thecentre@ilrc.mb.ca Web: www.ilrc.mb.ca

Chairperson Ken Shachtay Vice –Chairperson Brian Baldwin Treasurer Grant Young Secretary John Pinkerton Valerie Kardal John LaRoque Sharon Olson Executive Director John Young Important Note: All subjects, materials and dates contained within are subject to change due to the COVID-19 situation and closure of most facilities and programs at the ILRC. Created/Edited through the ILRC Options Newsletter Committee. The views and opinions expressed in this edition are those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of ILRC

Contents: From the Soapbox 3

Telecommuting … 4-5

Creating Your New Normal 5-6

Did You Know? 6

PACE Summer Session 7

Transit Update 8

Tech Corner 9

Social Distancing – Staying Connected 10

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From the Soapbox John Young

andemic, pandemic. That is all we heard leading up to the situation we are in now. Not unlike many nonprofits and charities in Manitoba, the ILRC is no

exception when it comes to maneuvering staff and programs from the office to remote locations. This transition, although at times difficult, allows us to maintain top quality attendant services and programs to the consumer base in Brokerage and the ILRC as Agent models. With a conscientious, dedicated staff, coupled with forward-thinking board members and dedicated volunteers, the centre has been able to maintain services and supports in these trying times. We are working with all levels of government and using protocols from both Shared Health and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. We have successfully ironed out any bumps from the first two weeks of remote operations, including tightening up the communication system for staff and management. After a few weeks into these unprecedented times, all staff are in place, programs are running to the best of their abilities and the home care support system that runs through ILRC within the Brokerage, Agent, MIST and Qu’Appelle programs are running as smoothly as anyone might expect. One of our main focuses is keeping the attendant staff healthy in order that they can perform their home care services. I believe the community understands this thoroughly, given the gravity of a prolonged lockdown from COVID-19. Many things have come to light because of this pandemic. One of the biggest that hits me is the dedication and commitment of the attendant service that our trained ILAs at

ILRC give. It really shows me who sees this job as a calling and who sees and uses this job as a mere stepping stone. This pandemic is showing there are a lot less “stepping-stone” people, and far more committed to preserving persons’ with disabilities independence and safety. My thanks and gratitude goes out to all of them. We continue to update our website and social media in order that we give as clear information as possible. ILRC staff remain available to all and all messages will be returned. If anything, this crisis will definitely push community into using social media a lot more to communicate; pleasing to some and downright dreadful to others. But if the social media tools help keep us healthy and our communities connected, then we do need to accept and promote them more. The bottom line is, regardless of the communication, regardless of politicians, regardless of the lack of resources from various governments, people, citizens, the community will persevere by depending on one another. By giving understanding, respect and help for others wherever you can, that's what's truly going to see us through this pandemic. The one thing I hope for the most is that, when this is over, we do not go back to the same-old, same-old. We need to move forward and understand and accept the value of all communities, all types of people and cultures and work together as a community composed of many smaller communities. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who have lost family and friends in these trying times. We will get through this.

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Telecommuting and the Future of the Office Space Robert Mitchell

OVID-19 has had a profound impact on how we conduct daily business and our daily lives. Many workers are either working from home, a remote location

or have been laid off. Grocery trips and runs to the store for supplies have become sporadic and, when needed, are conducted with a sense of heightened caution. The stock markets have taken a series of dives in these uncertain times and health care itself has become a prized commodity wherein entire communities have to measure the risks and consequences of visiting a healthcare facility or recovering in their home.

One key topic from this event has been the commercial real estate market itself and what we might learn from COVID-19. For so many years, one of the biggest indicators of a company’s success has been its property. Simply put, if a company can support an imposing and large-scale building, it indicated their economic strength and possibility of growth.

We know that this idea is changing globally, as many people either work from home full or part-time. This practice of working from home, known as telecommuting is growing. In the UK, for example, 15% of employees work from home. In India, that figure hits an astonishing 50%. Telecommuting itself, the act of working from home, is a relatively new reality, its origins stemming from the 1973 OPEC Crisis that brought America to a standstill. Worldwide, an average of 52% of all workers telecommute regularly, full and

part-time. Increasing technology options has enabled us to telecommute effectively and remain connected globally. This includes telephones, internet, email, online database use and a plethora of programming that can be used anywhere. An example for ILRC is the staff scheduling software that supports the management of our many attendant care staff. This software can be used remotely; many years ago, this would have been impossible.

The reasons for telecommuting are many: best practice, employee flexibility standards, rising costs of commuting, organizational agility, accessibility, and a commitment to better quality of life for workers, especially given the rising importance of mental health in the workplace.

For commercial real estate, this has broad implications. The decreasing number of us using the traditional model of large office spaces is rendering these big, sole-occupancy office buildings a smaller part of a bigger picture. For real estate brokers, this could be seen as a threat to their bottom line, as their portfolio of large, single-site offerings becomes more and more outdated. We must also consider the rising costs associated with commercial real estate. We have seen lease rates increase from under $20.00 per square foot to well over $40.00 a square foot in Winnipeg.

For non-profit operations, the need to support an agile workforce is prudent. As the majority of the community endorses the federal Government’s directive to remain socially isolated as we traverse the COVID-19 reality, these weeks and months are becoming an effective pilot project for determining just how much commercial real estate a given agency needs. The answer might surprise us. And, for commercial real estate brokers, the answer

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may spark a new perspective on how to pivot their existing strategies and rethink the global workplace.

Creating Your New Normal Doug Lockhart

n light of the Covid-19 Pandemic, it is time to re-think what we have come to know as our normal lifestyle. Everything from how

often we leave our homes, to where we can go, to how we greet people has changed in just a short few months. The new normal simply calls for a different way of doing things and who better to adapt to change than people with disabilities. We probably have been lectured to death about the precautions we need to take: proper hand hygiene, cough into your elbow, social distancing, no more than 10 persons in a group, stay home if you are sick, you know the drill. Now that we know how to keep ourselves safe, what can we do to ensure we are better prepared for

functioning well in a crisis? Here are a few tips:

1. Expand your personal support network: All those Facebook, Snap Chat and Instagram friends we have, put them to use. Whether it be by creating a phone-tree to communicate your needs or learning about a neighbor who has a skill set that can be valuable to you when you cannot access your attendant supports or just having a social connection to check some baggage by unloading with a friend. Connection in a time of crisis can be everything in maintaining some stability.

2. Clearly communicate your needs: Having a detailed plan that documents medications, emergency contacts, identify personal protective equipment and essential supplies, sanitization practices, pantry essentials, etc. The more information you have, the better people can respond to your needs with effectiveness and efficiency. Emergency Response Information Kits (ERIK) is a good place to keep emergency contacts, medication information and essential support requirements. 3. Take training courses to improve personal preparedness: Training in ILRC’s DEM (Disability Emergency Management) will give you all the information you need to be better prepared. First Aid CPR and ILRC’s Self Advocacy training will also support you in preparing for and responding to a crisis. As much as our lives have changed, we can still hang onto the things that are important to our quality of life. Staying informed, being prepared by creating and activating a plan to

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respond to crisis will help us thrive in our new normal conditions.

Did You Know? Chelsey Sommerfield

n today’s world we need to take extra caution and listen to the recommendations from the government and health officials. There are a lot of resources and help being

offered but it can be a very difficult and confusing time. For example:

- Most grocery stores have hours specifically open to seniors and people with disabilities, Safeway/Sobeys, Walmart, Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart and more. Call the store in your community for more info.

- Do you need to apply for EI for quarantine, illness, work closure, etc. due to COVID-19? There is now a separate number to call to submit your claim 1-833-381-2725.

The Information and Referral staff at ILRC is available via phone or email 204-947-0194 or thecentre@ilrc.mb.ca. They are keeping up to date on the resources and are willing to do research to help you find the resources.

No matter what is going on in life taking care of your mental health is always important. Here are some online tools:

- MindShift™ CBT uses scientifically proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety. Get the tools to tackle:

o Worry o Panic o Perfectionism o Social Anxiety o Phobias Go to anxietycanada.com to learn

more

- Moodgym is an online self-help program designed to help users prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is like an interactive, online self-help book which teaches skills based on cognitive behaviour therapy. It consists of five interactive modules which are completed in order.

Go to moodgym.com.au to learn more

- Other online mental heath resources to check out. 7cups.com and mindyourmind.ca

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PACE Summer Session Susianti Fierce

ersonal Attendant Community Education (PACE) continues to train potential applicants to be ready to work as Independent Living Attendant (ILA)

in the community. PACE is always listening and follows what our community needs; not only from the consumer’s perspective but also from people who are interested in learning how to support people with disabilities from the experts. Recently we have found more individuals interested in taking the PACE program but the timing does not meet their availability due to their other educational commitments. As part of PACE routines, we have done some promotions including presentations at several different agencies and employment service providers. We discovered that there are a lot of new immigrants who have passion to be great attendants but, as English is not their native language, they have to improve it first before hitting the job market. Therefore, this year we have a new session starting on June 29 to July 31. We are also targeting high school graduates who are looking for short training opportunities to get employment. PACE provides classroom training and practicum experiences to make sure all participants have the skills and confidences in pursuing jobs. We are very confident that this summer session will be a great addition in order to fulfill those needs. (Note that, due to COVID-19, this session may need to be rescheduled. Contact us for information) Furthermore, as we put together this extra session, we do hope we can produce more skilled attendants to support other programs at ILRC. Should you have interest or know

someone who may be a good fit for this training, feel free to contact ILRC for further information.

ILRC supports a “Stay Healthy” policy for all consumers, volunteers, visitors and staff members. Please DO NOT come to the office if you are sick. Do your part to help everyone stay healthy!

Upcoming Advocacy Workshop Mandi Panetta

pring into action with a free Self-Advocacy Workshop!

ILRC’s first ABC’s of Advocacy workshop was held on February 24th and was a great success. Attendees were provided with self-advocacy tips, tools and resources. The workshop delivered valuable information and insight to guide those present on the road to self-advocacy.

Our next ABC’s of Advocacy workshop will be held June 5th 2020 from 1-4pm. If you or someone you know are a person with a disability in conflict with a government agency, program or business register for our

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June session today. Spaces are limited and are held on a first come first serve basis.

To register please contact Mandi at 204-947-0194 or email training@ilrc.mb.ca.

Transit Update Patrick Stewart

n March 9 (2020) the City of Winnipeg’s Innovation and Economic Development committee met to discuss a special report, titled:

Exploration of Transit Plus 30% In-house Service Delivery. A multitude of Transit Plus issues have consistently remained in the news over the past year, i.e. service disruptions, Ombudsman requirements (not acted upon), possible labour code violations, the infamous 500 meter rule, etc. (you get the idea!). The bad press has raised the profile of Transit Plus with city councillors, who are far more versed in the issues today, setting the stage for the singular idea explored in the report: Could the City of Winnipeg feasibly (re) assume the direct delivery of 30% of Transit Plus service?

Originally Transit Plus (nee Handi Transit) was a service delivered by city employees, driving city vehicles, to provide transportation to city taxpayers (i.e. Winnipeg Transit). To save money the city outsourced the service to private contractors in the 1990s, and today it

is rationed according to multi-year/multi-million dollar contracts, often awarded to the lowest bidders, that maintain various private fleets of vehicles and pay their drivers something close to minimum wage (typically with no benefits or overtime). Critics say that when the service is outsourced, so too has accountability and by extension an entire community has been out sourced as well.

To be clear the authors of the report equate feasibility exclusively with cost. Dollar for dollar, could the city directly deliver the same amount of transportation to the same amount of people for the same amount of money? While the report is scant on details (maintenance, storage, fuel costs? etc.) the answer provided in most scenarios was ‘no’. The exception being that service for passengers who use wheelchairs, coincidently making up approx. 30% of Transit Plus users, where efficiencies could be found re: vehicle type and service requirements. The ‘no’ answer is not surprising, and not inaccurate, because some costs would be higher, but so too would the accountability and the quality of service. Bringing the service in-house would not just be about restoring things to the way they used to be done, but restoring the original commitment of Transit Plus, to provide a parallel level of service for all Winnipeggers, regardless of disability, to access the community on equal footing.

A question worthy of asking in the report, that focusses so much on dollars, is if it as always more efficient to privately contract service, why have we not done so with all of Winnipeg Transit? Why don’t we outsource the city’s buses to contractors, free to pay drivers whatever they like and maintain a hodgepodge of maintenance standards that we’ll just assume keeps people safe? If we

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don’t entertain that model for the general public, than why is it acceptable for people with disabilities?

At the March 9 meeting, councillor Ross Eadie asked a very relevant question, ‘what constitutes parallel service?’ The city has promised it: “Monetary considerations associated with the delivery of service are a valid consideration, but must not be the barrier to the provision of a reasonably equivalent transit service for eligible persons.” (Braid Report 1994)…but how is it defined? If it’s hours of operation, there’s a 20 hr/week shortfall to deal with. If it’s access, then criteria needs to be based upon barriers to transit, not simply if you can walk 175 meters. If it’s availability, then we need to stop giving ‘one-way’ trips (last time I checked buses go in both directions!). If it’s accountability, then we can no longer afford to outsource vehicle safety, and driver compensation to the lowest bidder.

The report was in the end accepted by the Innovations committee, and forwarded onto the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works, that oversees transit, with a recommendation to look further into the “feasibility” of restoring service, for Transit Plus passengers who use wheelchairs, as a bona-fide Winnipeg transit run operation. It is a small step, and considering that one year later we have only seen 5 of the 19 community recommendations (in the Ombudsman Report) completed, the pace of progress can be agonizing. But there is reason for hope. The city’s multiyear budget (2020-23) finally includes a provision to eliminate the 500 meter rule. If transportation is a doorway to accessing the community, to employment, education, social engagement and healthy

living, then it is time to bust that doorway wide open.

Tech Corner Jason Hirose

s I write this the Manitoba Government has declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 virus. If there is anything that this

situation is teaching me is that while the Internet is a great tool for information, its ability to spread misinformation must also be taken into account. I thought this would be a good time to review some best practices when it comes to getting accurate information.

When it comes to getting factual news on how to prepare and what to do in a serious situation you should be looking at government sites. In the case of this existing COVID-19 situation this would mean Manitoba Health under the Government of Manitoba at Manitoba.ca and for a larger picture the government of Canada at Canada.ca.

The problem lies in the fact that many people get a large portion of their information from social media. Don’t get me wrong, social

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media can be great for certain things. For example, I’ve been using it to determine what stores are open and their hours of operation from day to day during this crisis. However, you have to be wary of the information being shared by others. The number of fake cures and tactics that are being spread on social media is very concerning. Take everything with a grain of salt and double-check with another reputable source before acting on any information.

Another place people turn to for information is Wikipedia. You have to remember that Wikipedia is a community endeavour. This means that people across the world contribute to its content. While there are checks in place to verify that content is accurate those checks can take time. This means that information found on Wikipedia can be suspect. Again, double-check with another source to make sure you are acting on legitimate information.

In the end we all want to know what to do and how to act in times of crisis. However, it’s important to take the time to process all information and make decisions that are right, not just for ourselves but for our community as well. Stay healthy and be well.

Social Distancing – Staying Connected Natalie Pirson

inter, especially in our climate is typically a time when we tend to hibernate. We do not go out as much and we try to limit our time outside

because it is often very cold and the sidewalks are not often very accessible because of snow and ice. So when spring starts to come we often get very excited and hopeful. We look forward to going outside and enjoying the weather we also get excited for getting together with people and going to different events and community gatherings.

Right now in our world we are being asked to not take part in all of these events that we have been looking forward to. We are being asked to keep a social distance to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing is very important in order to help slow the spread but it can create challenges in who we interact with others. We want to make sure that we are following social distancing but that does not mean that you have to feel isolated!

There are so many ways for people to be connecting and involved in the world around them even if you are not leaving your house. I want to encourage everyone to keep connections, in a world filled with technology there are so many ways you can do this, call a friend or even start a video chat! Pull out that old hobby you used to do, or start a new one! Check in with your loved ones or even your neighbor through an email or text!

If you liked going to movies with a friend, you could watch a movie and the same time and talk about it! Start a book club, challenge your friends to a workout video or stretching routine! Send a joke to a family member.

During this period of social distancing don’t distance yourself from meaningful connections. Even though you may be distanced through physical space that does not mean that you need to feel isolated or alone! Stay connected! Stay Healthy!

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Personal Attendant Community Education Personal Attendant Community Education (PACE) trains able-bodied persons to become Independent Living Attendants (ILA’s) for people with disabilities. PACE is a recognized curriculum, developed, designed and delivered by people with disabilities to promote consumer choice and control in daily decisions that impact their lives. Follow-up surveys indicate over 90% success rate in obtaining employment in this field following graduation. The training is five weeks long. It runs Monday to Friday with classes from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily. Community training hours are early morning, afternoon and late evening.

We are currently taking applications for any of the following sessions: Session Dates Registration Deadline All dates subject to change due to COVID-19.

Session 94: June 29 to July 31, 2020 June 15, 2020

Session 95: August 17 to September 18, 2020 August 3, 2020

Session 96: September 28 to October 30, 2020 September 14, 2020

Session 97: November 9 to December 11, 2020 October 26, 2020

311A-393 Portage Ave. (3rd floor of Portage Place Shopping Centre)

204-947-0194

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ILRC STAFF Executive Director: John Young Project Development and Training Coordinator: Doug Lockhart Operations and Administration Coordinator: Robert Mitchell Finance and Accounts Coordinator: Eugene del Mundo Payroll Coordinator: Sonia Muncal Reception: Mandi Panetta; Volunteers Media/Web Administrator: Jason Hirose Information & Referral: Independent Living Skills/Peer Support: IL Consultants: Chelsey Sommerfield, Natalie Pirson Individual Self-Advocacy: DART Team Personal Attendant Community Education (PACE) IL Consultant: Susianti Fierce

Community Living Program IL Consultant: Natasha Klassen IL Consultant: Krystal Polson Qu’Appelle Tenant Resource Coordinator: Kelly Thurston Independent Living Staffing: Romeo Recalde, Christina Buebos, Kishana Williams MIST Housing Team Leader: Francesca de Fiesta Leisure Education: IL Consultants: Natasha Klassen, Yonas Bekele, Oliver Gutierrez, Shelly Walker Disability Awareness Resource Training (DART) IL Consultants: Patrick Stewart, Kishana Williams; Mandi Panetta