Camp Woodeden has been a home away from home for children, youth and young adults with physical disabilities for the past 65 years. The fully accessible activity centre is comprised of two buildings and includes a full-size gym, indoor climbing wall, amphitheatre, sports equipment storage areas, multi-purpose rooms, and change room facilities. This new facility will enable Camp Woodeden to offer an even wider range of athletic and cultural activities to children and youth with physical abilities.

“Camp Woodeden holds a special place in the hearts of many families in Ontario,” said Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin—Middlesex—London, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “This new multi-sport activity centre will welcome children and youth with disabilities, and encourage them to participate to the fullest extent of their abilities. The Government of Canada is proud to have supported such a worthy project that will benefit so many.”

“The Ontario government is proud to have contributed to this important project,” said Chris Bentley, Member of Provincial Parliament for London West. “By helping Camp Woodeden turn their dream for a new sports and activity complex into a reality, we have made this special camp an even more welcoming and engaging place for children and youth with disabilities to grow and play.”

“We are very fortunate to have a government that recognizes the benefit of recreation for kids with physical disabilities,” said Nelson Millman, Chair of the Board, Easter Seals Ontario. “This fully accessible, multi-sport centre will benefit Easter Seals campers as well as people of all ages and abilities from the community.”

The governments of Canada and Ontario have each committed over $1.3 million toward this project. Easter Seals Ontario is contributing the balance of the total eligible project cost of just over $3.9 million.

Federal funding for this project comes from the Government of Canada’s $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which is providing funding to over 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country. Over the last couple of months, Ontario had an increase of 38,000 jobs and the unemployment rate declined to 7.9 per cent.

For additional information about investments in infrastructure, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.

For further information about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit ontario.ca/infrastructure.

The therapeutic aspect of being able to move freely in water has restorative and overall health benefits for the campers with disabilities and special needs. It’s one of the few places where they can be free of the equipment they need on dry-land, such as power wheelchairs.

Those attending the pool opening party included special guests provincial conservative leadership candidate, Ted Morton, the MLA for the Foothills, JC Anderson and his daughter, Susan as well as several other donors and supporters for Easter Seals Camp Horizon.

In 1988 Conn was just 20-years old and life was good. He had a job and was spending time having fun with his friends. Conn planned to continue his education in medicine. Doctors ran in his family and he wanted to become a surgeon.

In a matter of seconds Conn’s life changed when he experienced a brain aneurysm. Conn went through two serious brain operations within a year to try to minimize the damage caused by the aneurysm. After months of hard rehabilitation work, Conn was able to go home to recover. He lost his field of vision in his left eye and has a permanent neurological impairment.

Conn needed to learn to live his life in a different way. To most people this would be a crushing experience but Conn refused to give up.

Conn participated in several work programs designed to provide individuals, who have a disability, the opportunity to gain work experience, promote good work habits and build self-confidence.

He was recommended to Easter Seals Nova Scotia as a good candidate for their therapeutic work program operating in the New Leaf Café where he ended up working for three years. At the end of the three years Conn was ready for new challenges and at the same time the Province was talking to New Leaf about developing a job placement opportunity in one of their mail rooms.

Conn interviewed for the position and got the job. This would be the first time Conn would be in an office environment in many years and for the staff members it would be the first time the position was filled by someone from this new program. How would this work out? Both sides were unsure of the outcome.

Today, one year later, Conn is a well known figure as he walks down the office rows delivering the mail.

“This job has given me hope,” says Conn.

Conn has met many people and made many friends at his position. His goals are to be self-sufficient and gainfully employed and his job has given him the confidence to look forward to his future. Conn’s message to others is to ‘never give up’ and to ‘keep the faith’.

The cost of restricted access to people with disabilities is the cost of an independent lifestyle. It was through Easter Seals Nova Scotia’s New Leaf workplace training program that Conn received the opportunity he needed to prove to himself and others that he is capable of performing his job.

Toronto, ON – Seven of Toronto’s top arts, entertainment and cultural attractions have joined forces with leading disability service provider Easter Seals, to introduce the adoption of the popular Access 2 Entertainment Program to their visitors. The adoption of the program, which offers complimentary or discounted admission for attendants of people with permanent disabilities, represents the first time Toronto’s top tourism attractions have partnered together around a unified accessibility initiative.

The attractions involved are the Art Gallery of Ontario, Casa Loma, the CN Tower, Ontario Place, the Ontario Science Centre, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Toronto Zoo.

Through this program, eligible applicants receive Access 2 Entertainment wallet cards which allow for simple identification, removing the onus from visitors to explain their need for an attendant when visiting a cultural attraction or entertainment venue. In addition to honouring complimentary or discounted admission, the seven major attractions have committed to providing an accessible, meaningful and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

“Great initiatives like Access 2 Entertainment support the McGuinty Government’s Open Ontario Plan to ensure all Ontarians have an opportunity to participate fully in society,” says Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture. “Our government is working to ensure that residents and visitors alike will have opportunities to experience Ontario’s world-class entertainment and internationally acclaimed attractions.”

“We are thrilled that Toronto’s major tourist attractions, which have already made impressive strides to make their venues more physically accessible, have joined our cinema partners in enhancing visitor experience for the disability community,” says Max Beck, CEO of Easter Seals Canada. “Now Toronto citizens and tourists alike with disabilities can enjoy barrier-free visits to some of Canada’s top attractions.”

Toronto’s cultural sector continues to take great strides to lead the way for a fully accessible arts and entertainment landscape. In addition to automatic doors, wheelchair-friendly spaces and accessible washrooms, Toronto’s top attractions offer special features so that patrons with disabilities may enjoy exceptional visits. Highlights include the AGO’s multi-sensory tours for visitors with vision loss and audio guides for selected exhibitions; Ontario Place’s interactive accessibility map and Park Smart Tracker; the Ontario Science Centre’s assistive listening devices and accessible seating areas at the Shoppers Drug Mart® OMNIMAX® Theatre and Imperial Oil Auditorium; the ROM’s large-format floor plans, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted tour, descriptive audio guides, tactile reproductions in the galleries and increased seating throughout the museum; and the Toronto Zoo’s ramps, assessable rides and seating in the Waterside Theatre.

“As we encourage travellers around the world to discover Toronto’s outstanding attractions we need to be ready to welcome all of those visitors. This is an important step that helps ensure every person can have the fullest possible experience in Toronto,” says Andrew Weir, Vice President Communications of Tourism Toronto.

Please watch the video below to learn more about how Access 2 Entertainment is partnering with leaders in the provision of cultural experience to make a difference. Do you know someone living with a disability? Tell them about the Access 2 Entertainment program and visit www.access2.ca for more information.

Twelve-year-old Marianna Figueiredo remembers a time when she was younger and able to take a few steps independently. Today, in order to maintain her independence, Marianna requires orthotics and canes to support her mobility. Marianna’s muscle strength cannot keep up with the growth of her bones. As a result, she has tightness in her lower extremities and has to use mobility devices.

“Giving to Easter Seals is important because you are improving a child’s life by giving them the opportunity to do things,” says Marianna, who is a 2011 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador and spokesperson for Ontario’s kids with physical disabilities.

Last year Marianna had surgery on her legs. She is stronger than she was and she continues to work hard to improve her strength by performing daily stretches. “My parents are fanatical about stretches, ” she jokes. “They should have been physiotherapists!”

Despite her diligence, there are still many challenges. Marianna needs her orthotics otherwise she finds it very hard to stand. Winter and slippery walkways make mobility difficult for everyone, but for those with a physical disability, mobility is even slower.

Marianna takes the bus to school in Woodbridge, where she is a straight ‘A’ student in grade 7, with a particular interest in history and French.

Taking the bus to school is an important part of Marianna’s goal to be independent and improve her mobility. “Independence is pride. If we always rely on someone, we will not get as far.”

At home, Marianna receives tremendous support from her parents, but also from her younger brother, Luca, who is 9-years-old.

“I’m stuck with the best brother in the world. He is extremely helpful to me. He has been helping me from the time he was taking his first steps, “ says Marianna.

Marianna has a clear vision of her plans for the future. After high school she plans to attend Carleton University in Ottawa and study political science with a minor in writing. From there she wishes to further her education and become a lawyer. After that—she wants to become the Prime Minister of Canada. “And a good one too,” she explains.

In particular, Marianna admires Canada’s 20th Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien. He was sometimes ridiculed for his strong French accent and his disability, a facial muscle paralysis. “Despite everything, I think he did an amazing job,” says Marianna.

There is one key message Marianna would like to deliver to all kids with physical disabilities as the Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador: “See beyond the disability. Show the world — we can do anything.”

Jacob Causley-Wilkins, 2011 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador

Jacob Causley-Wilkins is a singer, performer, and he also speaks fluent French. He is well known in his community and has many friends; in fact, three of them live in France. This year, the 12-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie will be very busy fulfilling his role as one of the 2011 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassadors.

“I would like the chance to show the public that people with disabilities are the same as people without. We still enjoy things and live life to the fullest,” says Jacob, who has served as a local Easter Seals Ambassador and spokesperson for kids with physical disabilities in his community.

When asked why public support for Easter Seals Ontario is so important, Jacob responded: “We’re not being greedy. We are asking for your help with kids’ long-term needs. Special equipment like wheelchairs or leg braces only last 2 to 5 years at the most and every giving level counts.”

Jacob was born with Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Diplegia. He wears his leg braces everyday, uses his walker when outside, and a wheelchair for going long distances, but he doesn’t use his walker at school. He likes to walk independently as much as he can. It wasn’t until Jacob was 4-years old that he was able to walk on his tippy-toes, and only with a walker. In the mornings, he would have to crawl out of bed. After two rounds of Botox injections, which helped decrease the tone in his legs, Jacob also had surgery to help correct his walking.

If Jacob feels down, his mom reminds him: “Things could always be worse. Think of the families who don’t have any help. They deserve to get what they need.”

For the first time last year, Jacob completed a 2 km race on his own, only using his walker for the final stretch of the race. “I can do anything, just slower,” said Jacob, who doesn’t wear his leg braces during gym class because he gets blisters from the friction. He never backs down from a physical challenge and has even had the chance to ski with his school classmates.

In the future, Jacob thinks he may become a lawyer. He likes to read, research and ask questions. “I’m good at making a connection with people, asking the right questions and really getting to know them.”

Responsible pet owners, Jacob and his brother Elijah, who is in grade two, each have a hamster, Buddy and Lucky.

Jacob’s message for Ontario’s kids with physical disabilities is this: “Don’t let yourself get down. Don’t let things stop you. You have to take some risks—not like walking a tight rope or anything—but do your best. Prove yourself. Don’t hide.”

Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador has named Danielle Arbour to serve as the 2011 Easter Seals Ambassador.

Danielle is a very high spirited, positive young girl who loves singing, playing piano, shopping and hanging out with her very supportive friends. Danielle is known to be a real “social butterfly”. Danielle is an independent level 1 French immersion student at St. Kevin’s High School and is doing very well in school.

Danielle has really enjoyed the programs offered at Easter Seals such as sledge hockey, karaoke or just hanging out at Husky Energy Easter Seals House with friends. Her favorite program is summer camp.

In the future Danielle would like to be a nurse because, she feels, she spent so much time in hospitals she would enjoy taking care of children while they are hospitalized.

Danielle is honored to be chosen as the Easter Seals Ambassador of 2011. She looks forward to being the voice for all children and youth with Physical Disabilities.

SMD Foundation/Easter Seals™ Manitoba is pleased to welcome Victoria Scott to our organization as the 2011/12 Youth Ambassador.

As the Youth Ambassador, Victoria will have the opportunity to promote the message of accessibility and inclusion for all individuals of all abilities throughout our community and within our events and campaigns.

Victoria is an eight year old who is bright, very cheerful and always smiling. Her hobbies are swimming and playing music. She has been swimming since she was just a few months old and loves being in the water. She also takes violin lessons and plays the piano at an entry level.

Victoria is very creative and loves to put on shows and sing. She brings out her creativity in writing stories and reading books. She enjoys watching TV with her dad and play with her two little shih tzu dogs Mimi and Sofie. Often Victoria makes arrangements to have her friends over for play dates. Victoria enjoys spending time with her three brothers and sister, her grandparents whom she is very close, and loves visiting her granny in the country.

Although her aspirations change quite frequently she has stuck with the desire to be a Rock Star the longest. In fact, Victoria loves to be in the spotlight. She has met Mayor Sam Katz and former Prime Minister the Right Honourable Paul Martin.

As a consumer of SMD since birth, Victoria recognizes the importance of the programs and services that SMD provides. She believes in strengthening the presence that SMD has in the community and in reducing the barriers that individuals with disabilities encounter. Victoria has enjoyed the SMD Leisure and Recreational programs such as the day camps. She has met many new friends through these recreational venues.

As a family, the Scott’s are grateful for SMD as it has been empowering and encouraged independence for Victoria.

SMD Foundation/Easter Seals™ Manitoba looks forward to working with Victoria and watching her blossom.

Elisa Neven-Pugh has been named as the 2011 Youth Ambassador for Southern Alberta. Every year Youth Ambassadors are appointed to represent Easter Seals and children across Alberta with disabilities and special needs. These individuals volunteer their time and educate others in their community with their life stories and high spirits.

Elisa is 15 years old and is in Grade 9 at Bow Valley High School in Cochrane. She lives with her parents, Sonja and Jay as well as her twin sister Josie.

Elisa and her sister were born three months premature and both weighed less than two pounds. As a result Elisa has spastic quadplegia Cerebral Palsy and cannot move without the aid of her wheelchair. She has undergone numerous operations and faces many challenges with her limited mobility. She is however, outgoing, adventurous, determined, cheerful and has an infectious laugh and smile. She enjoys many activities especially skiing, painting, hiking, singing, reading and daydreaming. Most of all she loves interacting with others of all ages and is wonderfully empathetic.

In the summer of 2010 Elisa attended her first Camp Horizon and revelled in meeting others with similar life circumstances. She had many adventures and felt a closeness to not only her campmates but also to the counsellors who took her into their hearts without reservation. She loved every activity especially the Giant Swing. Her stories and reminiscences are mostly of all her friends from camp who “see the person not the chair”.

Elisa has a strong desire to become an advocate for disabled rights and feels very privileged to be named the 2011 Easter Seals Youth Ambassador. She is very excited to help promote not only recreational programs for kids of all abilities but the understanding and acceptance for those same children as well.

“Elisa’s positive attitude and her selfless efforts to give back to her community and share her story in order to help others in need is motivational,” said Susan Law, CEO of Alberta Easter Seals. “She is an inspiration to all children and youth in Alberta and it is for this reason we are honoured to name her the Easter Seals Youth Ambassador for 2011.”

Melissa Pickle – 2011 Youth Ambassador for Northern Alberta

Melissa is 16-years old and attends the Community Learning Skills Program at Hardisty Jr. High. She lives with her mom Donna, dad Laine, and older sister Alysha.

Melissa was born with hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and, as a result, is globally developmentally delayed. This means she faces both physical and mental challenges.

She also had her spine fused due to severe scoliosis which has reduced her range of motion. Melissa loves to talk and is able to walk independently, but uses a walker for longer distances or on uneven terrain.

In 2010, Melissa attended Easter Seals Camp Horizon in Kananaskis Country near Bragg Creek. She spent time exploring the outdoors and participated in fun filled activities. Her time at camp also gave her parents a week of respite where they could relax knowing that Melissa was not only having fun, but also being very well cared for by the wonderful staff counsellors.

Melissa’s favourite camp activities included horseback riding, fishing and arts and crafts. She really enjoyed interacting with the counsellors. On a daily basis, she loves going to her Free2BMe fitness program at the University of Alberta, watching movies, and any situation where she can visit with people. Melissa is very social and thrives on being the centre of attention. She loves to give hugs!

Melissa chose to become the Youth Ambassador for Northern Alberta to help improve awareness of all disabilities to not only make it possible for children of all abilities to participate in community programs, but also to make them feel welcome.

“We are so fortunate to have organizations like Easter Seals who make it possible to have specialized camps like Easter Seals Camp Horizon. These camps allow children like Melissa to experience all the fun and excitement of going to summer camp and to participate in activities that they may otherwise never get a chance to experience.” – Donna Pickle, Melissa’s mom

When the British Columbia Society for Children with Disabilities read Erin’s article Autism Opens Doors in the Richmond Review we knew that she would make a great ambassador. Within minutes of meeting her, it was apparent that she was excited and eager to become an Easter Seals Ambassador. Her first question was, “is it possible to be an Easter Seals Ambassador for more than two years?”

Sixteen year old Erin Boe resides in Richmond, BC and is in grade eleven at Hugh Boyd Secondary School. Erin was diagnosed with high functioning autism when she was three years old. At her first event as an Easter Seals Ambassador, Erin was in her element. She gave a self-introductory speech, led the Jeopardy Game and took the initiative to introduce herself to many of the Money Mart Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay team captains.

This did not come as a surprise to us because Erin is an active member of her community. She is a youth journalist for The Richmond Review. Currently, she is a member of her school choir and the Richmond Youth Honour Choir, which performed at the Richmond O Zone during the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. For the past twelve years, Erin has been an active member of the Girl Guides program. When Erin is not in school or out volunteering, she enjoys reading, watching anime, and browsing the web.

Erin has attended BC Easter Seals Camps for eight years either at Camp Winfield or Camp Squamish. For Erin camp is a special place. It is a place where she can fly as high as she can on the big swing, reunite with friends, and continue making special memories. Erin is excited to step into her role as an Easter Seals Ambassador. It is an opportunity for her to have new experiences and spread awareness about autism and Easter Seals.

The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities is honoured to introduce Erin as a BC Easter Seals Ambassador. It is evident she is already making a difference for children with disabilities and will continue to do so.

Sarah Cheung – BC Easter Seals Ambassador

When we first met Sarah we were inspired by her ambition to live everyday to the fullest. Sarah has inspired her community by being a 2010 Paralympics Torchbearer.

Eighteen year old Sarah Cheung resides in Vancouver, BC and is looking forward to graduating from University Hill Secondary this June. Sarah was diagnosed with Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy when she was nine months old. She plans to attend the University of British Columbia in September 2010 to pursue a science degree. During her spare time Sarah enjoys engaging in everyday teen activities such as chatting with her friends on MSN and Facebook, and watching American Idol with her parents.

Sarah refers to Easter Seals Camp Squamish as her ‘second home’ to everyone she meets. During a recent interview with Global News at the 2010 Paralympics 24 Hour Torch Relay, she expressed gratitude for support from her Easter Seals Camp Squamish ‘family’. Sarah describes camp as a place where she can forget about her disability and let her worries fall by the way side. While at camp Sarah loves to tie dye, roast marshmallows by the campfire and engage in conversation with new and old friends. Sarah is excited to take on this new role as an Easter Seals Ambassador. She is looking forward to sharing with others why camp is important to her.

The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities is honoured to introduce Sarah as a BC Easter Seals Ambassador. Sarah would like everyone to know, “I don’t see myself as a person with a disability, but I see myself as a normal person because, even though it may take more time and effort for me to get certain things done, I can still do them and nothing can stop me!”

Noah Folz is the Ambassador for Easter Seals New Brunswick. He is 11 years old and in grade five in Oromocto, NB. His favorite subject in school is art. Noah loves soccer and video games. Noah was born with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility.Noah is also a participant in the Easter Seals Abilities Program, a sports based program for children with physical disabilities. His favourite sport so far has been adapted downhill skiing because “I get to go down the hill REALLY fast!”

In 2009, Noah had the opportunity to attend Camp Rotary for the first time. Camp Rotary is a residential camp for children and adults with disabilities run by Easter Seals NB. Noah got to meet new friends, canoe, and try new activities.

Noah wants to tell the world that having a physical disability doesn’t stop him and he can do a lot of fun things too!