The Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons held its annual

event today to recognize the United Nations International Day of Persons

with Disabilities.

The theme for 2015 is Inclusion Matters: Access and Empowerment of Peo-

ple of All Abilities.

“We want to find ways to help persons with disabilities access the work-

force,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “We also want to improve the quality of

life of persons with disabilities and their families.”

As part of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Premier’s Coun-

cil organized a summit between the Premier and several key provincial disa-

bility stakeholders to brainstorm how we can grow opportunities for persons

with a disability to become employed. In addition, summit participants, in-

cluding advocates, caregivers, government officials, and interested individu-

als discussed the next steps they can take to move New Brunswick forward

on these issues.

Continued on Page 3

UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities December 3

rd 2015

Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons

December 2015

Communiqué

Inside this issue:

Message from the Executive Director

2

Council Member Updates

3

Canada’s Long Form Census is Back for 2016

4

Text 9-1-1 5

72-Hour Emergency Tips for Persons with Special Health

6

Social Develop-ment’s Fuel Supple-ment

7

Home Energy Assis-

tance Program from

the Department of

Finance

8

Disability Awareness

Week 2016

8

Revamped

“Services” Page on

PCSDP Website

9

Youth in Action Con-

ference

9

Inclusive Recreation

Fund

10

Winter Driving 11

Staff Volunteer Day

and Holidays

12

We’ve moved! 13

We Appreciate Your

Feedback

13

Message from the Executive Director

Page 2

Communiqué

We are pleased to submit this edition of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons newsletter and we hope that it provides you with important information and up-dates on the work of the Council.

Council continues to push the agenda forward on the matters relating to persons with a

disability. Several initiatives to reach our common goal have taken place recently. A few

examples include the release of the progress report of the Disability Action Plan for Per-

sons with a Disability, continued work on the recommendations of the Employment Ac-

tion Plan for Persons with a disability, a new client interaction database to better track

the support, navigation and information sharing that the Council does with individuals

across the province, hosting a Premier’s Summit on Employment for Persons with a dis-

ability, working towards an Engagement Process, etc.

PCSDP has been looking at how to improve our disability stakeholder engagement pro-

cesses to better inform our policy development activities. We are looking at how we can

better utilize the existing PCSDP contact distribution lists to gather feedback on policy

items.

We have done a check with our FPT colleagues on this and currently are drafting a sur-

vey that will be sent to our current contacts.

We are working to gather information from our existing contact lists through the use of

an email questionnaire to identify the areas of interest and expertise, and related infor-

mation from those on these lists. We will also be reaching out through social media to

invite those who have an interest in disability to fill out the questionnaire. We look for-

ward to sending out the questionnaire soon and receiving your feedback.

Thank you to the government departments, individuals with a disability and community

stakeholders that collaborate with the PCSDP and support our initiatives. It is a pleas-

ure working with such passionate individuals.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Council members and staff for

their hard work and contributions towards fulfilling our mandate and working towards an

inclusive society for all.

On behalf of the Council and staff, I wish everyone a very Happy Holidays!

For more disability related information, I invite you to visit the Council’s website at

www.gnb.ca/council and/or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Sincerely,

Executive Director

The Premier’s Council on the Status of

Disabled Persons would like to take a

moment to thank Kara Reid and Ken Walsh

for their years of dedicated service to the

Council. It is our privilege to wish them both continued

success in their futures.

Council would like to welcome new members Cheryl LeBlanc from Shediac and John Wood of

Oromocto.

Cheryl has been actively involved with the Children’s Wish Foundation Committee, the Relay for

Life and the Greater Moncton Association for Community Living for many years. She has worked at

both the provincial and federal levels of government.

For his part, John is known as a leader in his community and an inspiration for many people with

disabilities. He was the first-ever recipient of the Jim Ryan Award which recognizes deserving

students who demonstrate dedication and sportsmanship in school activities. His induction into the

Oromocto and Area Sports Wall of Fame in 2006 is also proof of his continued participation with

many sporting groups in his community. John continues to volunteer for many events with

Muscular Dystrophy, and has raised thousands of dollars for this cause. His dedication to helping

others has evolved to his latest endeavour — The John Wood Foundation Inc.

Council Members Update

Page 3

Jeff Sparks and Premier Brian Gallant

December 2015

Kara Reid, Jeff Sparks and Ken Walsh

(Continued from cover)

Other highlights from the day include the release of the annu-

al progress report #3 for the Disability Action Plan-The Time

for Action is Now and the announcement of Disability Aware-

ness Week 2016.

The Disability Action Plan is a multi-year collaborative effort

that includes 41 recommendations to remove barriers and im-

prove access to full citizenship, disability supports, poverty,

housing, universal design, transportation, recreation, and ed-

ucation.

Text 911 in NB; T9-1-1 is a service available to you if you are part of the deaf, deafened, hard of

hearing or speech impaired (DHHSI) community in Canada. During an emergency, T9-1-1

provides 9-1-1 call centres with the ability to converse with you using text messaging. Before

utilizing this service you:

Must register for T9-1-1 with your wireless service provider; AND

Must have a compatible cell phone. Information on cell phones that meet T9-1-1

requirements are available on your wireless service provider’s Web site.

Canada’s Long Form Census is Back for 2016

Page 4

Communiqué

Ottawa November 5 2015—The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, made the following statement today:

"As we said throughout the election campaign, we are committed to making evidence-based deci-sions on programs and policies and to providing better and more timely services to Canadians.

"Our plan for open and fair government starts with the reinstatement of the manda-tory long-form census. This is integral to implementing our plan for a strong and growing middle class.

"Today, Canadians are reclaiming their right to accurate and reliable information. With the 2016 Census of Population pro-gram, communities will once again have access to the high-quality data they re-quire to make decisions that will truly re-flect the needs of their people, businesses, institutions and organizations.

"We committed to setting a higher bar for openness and transparency in Ottawa. Government and its information must be open by default, and it is time to shine more light on government to make sure it remains focused on the people it was created to serve.

"With solid community information, together we will deliver a real and fair chance at success for all Canadians."

Text 9-1-1

T9-1-1 provides 9-1-1 call centres with the ability to converse with a deaf,

deafened, hard of hearing or speech impaired (DHHSI) person during an

emergency, using text messaging.

When a DHHSI person requires 9-1-1 services, they dial 9-1-1 on their cell

phone. There is no need for them to speak, as the 9-1-1 call taker will re-

ceive an indicator that tells them to communicate with the caller via text

messaging. The 9-1-1 call taker then initiates text messaging with the caller to address the emer-

gency.

A DHHSI person must register for T9-1-1 with their wireless service provider and must have an

eligible cell phone before being able to utilize this service. This includes the ability to send and

receive text messages.

Information on cell phones that meet T9-1-1 requirements are available on your wireless service

provider’s Web site. The sign-up process requires that the applicant has a qualified cell phone.

T9-1-1 is considered a “best efforts” service due to the technology constraints associated with

text messaging. As with any text messaging services, there is no guarantee a text message will

be sent, delivered or received in a timely manner. In the unlikely event that this happens, the user

will need to re-send the message.

Providing location information and the nature of the emergency in the first message is imperative.

The 9-1-1 call taker may receive an approximate location of your cell phone with your 9-1-1 call,

however it is important for the caller to confirm the exact location of the emergency.

Important Information for T9-1-1 Users:

Text messages should be brief and concise.

Text abbreviations and slang should never be used so that the intent of the dialog can be as clear

as possible.

If the DHHSI callers are outside or near the edge of the 9-1-1 served territory, the 9-1-1 call may

not reach the appropriate 9-1-1 call centre.

Cell phones that meet T9-1-1 requirements will be listed on your wireless service provider’s Web

site.

T9-1-1 should only be used for emergency situations that require a response from police, fire or

emergency medical services.

Do not call 9-1-1 to test the T9-1-1 service. Your wireless service provider can confirm your T9-1-

1 registration.

Page 5

December 2015

Page 6

Communiqué

72-Hour Emergency Tips for Persons with Special Health Needs Website: www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/yprprdnssgd/index-en.aspx

If an emergency happens in your community, it may take emergency workers some time to reach you. You

should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours.

Learn how quick and easy it is to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, any-

where. Use this guide to create your own emergency plan. Use the checklists to build a 72-hour emergency

kit. These basic steps will help you take care of yourself and your loved ones during an emergency.

Establish a personal support network of friends, relatives, health-care providers, co-workers and neighbours

who understand your special needs.

Write down details about:

Accommodation needs

Insurance information

Allergies

Medical conditions

Emergency contacts

Medication

Family medical history

Recent vaccinations

Health screenings

Surgeries

Keep a copy of this information in your emergency kit,

and give a copy to your personal support network.

Talk to your doctor about preparing a grab-and-go bag, if possible, with a two-week supply of medication and

medical supplies. Include prescriptions and medical documents. Remember that pharmacies may be closed

for some time, even after an emergency is over.

Arrange for each family member to call, e-mail or text the same out-of-town contact person in case of an

emergency.

Choose an out-of-town contact who lives far enough away that he or she is unlikely to be affected by the

same event. If you are new to Canada or have recently moved to a new area, make arrangements through

friends, cultural associations or community organizations.

New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization

Telephone: (506) 453-2133

Toll-free 24 Hour line: 1-800-561-4034

http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/

public_safety/emo.html

Social Development’s Fuel Supplement

The fuel supplement is designed to provide assistance to eligible households to assist with the

costs of winter heating. The Regular Fuel Supplement is available from November to April of each

year to social assistance recipients who meet the criteria.

The types of fuel supplements are

Social Assistance Recipients:

The Electric Fuel Supplement is provided to eligible households who heat with electricity

(fully or partially) in the amount of $150.00 per month, it is available from November to

April.

The Non-Electric Fuel Supplement of $145.00 per month is available to eligible house-

holds from November to April.

The Bulk Fuel Supplement of $870.00 for the purchase of wood or oil is provided from

November through April. The benefit can be provided monthly at $145.00 per month or in

a bulk format.

Both Social Assistance Recipients and non Social Assistance Recipients:

The Emergency Fuel Benefit can be provided on a case by case basis to a client or appli-

cant who is experiencing a winter hardship/emergency situation as it relates to winter

heating costs. The benefit can be up to $550.00 per calendar year.

For information or to apply, contact the Social Department’s regional office in your area:

Acadian Peninsula - 1-866-441-4149 Chaleur - 1-866-441-4341

Edmundston - 1-866-441-4249 Fredericton - 1-866-444-8838

Miramichi - 1-866-441-4246 Moncton - 1-866-426-5191

Restigouche - 1-866-441-4245 Saint John - 1-866-441-4340

Page 7

December 2015

Page 8

Communiqué

Home Energy Assistance Program from the Department of Finance

To assist low-income families to cope with high energy costs, the government of New Brunswick

has committed to extend the Home Energy Assistance Program over the next 5 years. For 2015, the

program provides a benefit of $100 to families whose total income for 2014 was $28,000 or less.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Maintain a principal place of residence (home) within New Brunswick at the time of application

Have had a total family income (applicant and spouse or common-law partner) of $28,000 or

less in 2014

Be a resident of New Brunswick as of December 31, 2014 and have filed a 2014 New Brunswick

Income Tax Return

Visit the Department of Finance’s website for updated information and application form for 2016,

available soon.

Disability Awareness Week 2016

The Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons will once again be organizing Disability

Awareness Week in 2016.

This annual event will run from May 29th to June 4th. The chosen theme is

“Employment Enables Inclusion”

PCSDP will again partner with the Neil Squire Society

(www.neilsquire.ca) to host contests, the annual Walk and Roll chal-

lenge and other activities meant to engage communities and raise

awareness of the issues faced daily by persons with disabilities. More

information about the campaign will be provided in the coming months.

The DAW Executive Committee, Neil Squire Society and PCSDP hope

that everyone will find a way to participate and make this a fun and suc-

cessful campaign.

Revamped “Services” page on PCSDP Website

Page 9

All the Council’s directories are now available in html format, making the information provided by each more accessible to persons using readers.

The information provided covers transportation, recreation and leisure, repair/construction/home programs and heating programs and medi-cal expenses like medication and rehabili-tation equipment.

The information can be searched by topic, alphabetically or by region. While every effort is made to include as many services as possible, we invite you to let us know of any omissions and mistakes. Your feed-back helps us improve the services we provide.

Youth in Action Conference

There is an identified need to create a dialogue around future planning and career goals with youth

living with a disability in Atlantic Canada. Significant work is needed to challenge the mindset of

youth themselves and their caregivers/family.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada, in partnership with the Premiers Council on the Status of Disabled

Persons, is hosting “Youth in Action Atlantic”, a three day cross disability summit for youth ages 15

to 24 who have a disability in Atlantic Canada. The event will take place in Moncton NB at the Delta

Beausejour from August 19th-21st. Supportive partnerships are being created with disability net-

works in the provinces of Nova Scotia (Disability Partnership), Newfoundland (Coalition of Persons

with Disabilities) and Prince Edward Island (PEI Council of People with Disabilities).

The summit will have multiple goals. They are:

to create a dialogue among youth with disabilities

to empower and inspire youth to reach their full potential

to support youth in achieving transition to post-secondary education

to develop employment goals

to support youth in making connections with post-secondary education institutions

December 2015

Inclusive Recreation Fund

Key agenda highlights will be career exploration, post-secondary education supports and options,

independent living, creating healthy relationships, transition to work

planning and work preparation. Youth and their family/caregivers

will be provided with the opportunity to connect, network and learn

from others living in similar situations and in turn increase their abil-

ity to learn strategies to optimize their lives, enhance their independ-

ence and focus on long-term health and well-being.

The conference will include both plenary and concurrent sessions

with interactive panel presentations (please see draft program at-

tached). Persons with disabilities will have leadership and facilita-

tion roles and there will be a focused effort to have keynote speakers who have overcome disabil-

ity.

All of the information shared over the course of the weekend will be focused on determining cur-

rent barriers, how to overcome them and how to advocate for the right supports at the right time.

Understanding the barriers to transitioning to post-secondary education and having the opportunity

to speak about them in interactive sessions will provide an improved environment for partnership

and ultimate success.

The weekend will include a post-secondary institution expo as well as an assistive technology/

community supports vendors market.

There will be approximately 100 youth delegates, plus one family member/caregiver per delegate

from across Atlantic Canada (200 participants). In addition, there will be staff/volunteers from disa-

bility organizations, speakers, volunteers and government officials.

Grants have been secured through the Province of New Brunswick (Department of Post-

Secondary Education Training and Labour) and TD Bank.

Page 10

Communiqué

The Inclusive Recreation Fund is available for individuals and municipalities. Individuals with a dis-

ability can apply for funding to help cover activity related expenses like a gym membership, aqua

size classes, attending summer camps or afterschool programs or equipment costs. Municipalities

or organizations that provide recreation services can apply for funding to help cover inclusive pro-

gramming or facility related expenses. The deadline to apply for funding for this round is January

15th, 2016, more information can be found at; http://www.recreationnb.ca/programs-and-initiatives/

inclusive-recreation-activity-fund.

Winter Driving

Page 11

Along with colder temperatures, snow, and ice, winter also brings potentially dangerous driving con-ditions. Slippery roads and decreased visibility can make driving in Canadian winters a challenge. Get prepared by following a few simple tips, provided by Public Safety Canada in collaboration with the Canadian Automobile Association.

Slow down – Fog, black ice, slush or snow-covered roads can make driving dangerous. Drive slow-ly and leave plenty of distance between vehicles.

Get winter tires – Traction is the key to good movement, turning and stopping on wet, slushy or icy surfaces. Check tires and tire pressure at least once a month when tires are cold and remember that tire air pressure decreases in colder weather. Winter tires provide additional traction in colder weather.

Top-up windshield fluid - Fill up on winter washer fluid and replace wiper blades that streak. Make sure there is enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and that it is rated in the -40C temper-ature range. Carry an extra jug in the vehicle.

Keep the gas tank topped up - When driving in bad weather, think caution, plan ahead and make sure you have enough fuel. Keep the fuel tank at least half full.

See and be seen - clear all snow from the hood, roof, windows and lights. Clear all windows of fog or ice. If visibility becomes poor, find a place to safely pull off the road as soon as possible.

Get an emergency car kit – Have the appropriate safety and emergency winter equipment always stored in your car. The basic emergency kit for cars should include the following items:

Food – that won't spoil, such as energy bars

Water – in plastic bottles so they won't break if frozen (change every six months)

Blanket

Extra clothing and shoes

First aid kit – with seatbelt cutter

Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush

Candle in a deep can and matches

Crank flashlight

Whistle – in case you need to attract attention

Roadmaps

Copy of your emergency plan

December 2015

Staff Volunteer Day and Holidays

Also keep these inside your trunk:

Sand, salt or cat litter (non clumping)

Antifreeze/windshield washer fluid

Tow rope

Jumper cables

Fire extinguisher

Warning light or road flares

Learn more about road safety and winter driving by visiting Transport Canada.

Page 12

Communiqué

For the past few years, the staff of the Premier’s Council on the Status

of Disabled Persons spends some time during the holiday season vol-

unteering with a local group.

This year, staff spent the morning of December 9th volunteering with

the Multicultural Association of Fredericton. MCAF was selected with

the knowledge that the association will be seeing a rise in individuals

they work with as refugees arrive to the area. Staff helped the associ-

ation in the preparation of their Christmas Fruit Baskets that are pro-

vided to families served by MCAF

Our office will remain open during the Christmas season. PCSDP

wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

We appreciate your feedback!

Contact us at

250 King Street

PO Box 6000

Fredericton NB E3B

Website: www.gnb.ca/council

Email: pcsdp@gnb.ca

Toll free in New Brunswick: (800) 442-4412

Fax: (506) 444-3001

Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons

Find us on social media:

On Facebook, search Premier’s Council on the Status of Disa-

bled Persons / C.P.M.C.P.H.N.B

On Twitter @ NBPCSDP

We’ve Moved!

The office of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons has relocated to the main

floor of Place 2000, located at 250 King Street in downtown Fredericton. We’re on the immediate

right as you enter the main doors, office number 140.

Staff is planning to host an open house in the near future. In the meantime, anyone interested is

welcome to drop by and visit our new office anytime.