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Disability Protocol

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The Society wished to underline the accomplishments of a child whose outstanding work of the past several years is almost too much for us to understand fully.

“After spending six years with us, Hubert has learned to talk, to eat, to walk, and to make friends… above all, he will have definitely marked our lives,” confided the Director of the Papillon Daycare, Mrs. Chantale Théroux.

Indeed, it was Hubert who sparked off the Society’s stimulation centre, Jardin des Papillons and, later on, the new Papillon Daycare. He also displayed remarkable commitment, and was a great ambassador for the Society on many occasions.

The tribute paid to Hubert at the Society’s annual general meeting preceded the one paid by the educators and parents during a special ceremony where Hubert and several other daycare children were awarded the Society’s highest title, Graduates of the Papillon Daycare.

Hubert is leaving us for good at the end of the summer 2010. You see, he has won the first great great victory of his young life: next September, he will attend a regular school; the first in a series of accomplishments to come.

Paul Scholefield prepares for the torch relay.

Easter Seals BC / The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities is excited that past and present BC Easter Seals Campers were Torchbearers in 2010 Paralympics Torch Relay in Vancouver.

Paul Gauthier, past Easter Seals ‘Timmy’, Easter Seals Camper and gold medalist Paralympian was given the honour of being the first Paralympic Torchbearer to run the first leg of the 24 Hour Paralympics Torch Relay in downtown Vancouver. Paul was not the only Easter Seals Camper to participate in the 24 Hour Torch Relay.

Sarah Cheung, newly named Easter Seals Ambassador and Easter Seals Camper, also carried the torch down Robson Street in Vancouver. For Sarah, being a Paralympic Torchbearer was a proud accomplishment that she got to share with her friends, family and some of her counsellors from BC Easter Seals Camp Squamish.

Eighteen year old Easter Seal Camper and past Easter Seals Ambassador, Paul Scholfield also ran with the Paralympic torch. His mother, Alison Scholfield will always remember this as a “priceless experience” for Paul because it gave her son a newfound sense of confidence.

Best friends Grace Brulotte and Katie Gibbs, who attend Easter Seals Camp Winfield, had the opportunity to share their experience as Paralympic Torchbearers together. Their torches ‘kissed’ as they passed the flame to one another. They will always remember this unique experience and special day that they shared.

The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities is proud of all our Paralympic Torchbearers; we hope that this experience will continue to empower them for years to come.

Colourful towels at Camp Easter Seal

On the shore of Little Manitou Lake, Saskatchewan lies Camp Easter Seal, a remarkable place full of smiles and laughter; a place where memories are made. The difference between this camp and others is that the campers who attend have disabilities.

Campers can enjoy picnic lunches, pontoon boat rides, swimming, pool-side barbecues, arts and crafts, horseback riding, and sports. All of these activities can be modified to accommodate varying abilities.

Camp Easter Seal has been providing experiences to children and adults with disabilities for nearly 60 years. As camper needs have changed, Camp Easter Seal has adapted in everything from ensuring that the entire camp is barrier free to addressing campers’ often complex medical requirements.

Written by the late Steven Elias, a young adult camper, these words capture the essence of Camp Easter Seal perfectly and offer a glimpse into the positive effect that it has on its campers:

We all struggle over the cold winter months
But we know when the summer hits we can come back to this beautiful and caring place
We wish we could just stay here and forget the world but we can’t
We must live forever in six days…

Twenty-six year old Curtis was born with cerebral palsy and requires significant assistance. Curtis desperately needed a hospital bed because his head needs to be lower then the rest of his body when he receives physiotherapy on his chest. The hospital bed makes life a comfortable as possible for Curtis with his sensitive health requirements.

Easter Seals Alberta is grateful for the partnership with the MHCF and appreciates the community support they receive to help those in need.

Sal Calderone poses in front of his Lithrone 28 Printer

While the results of the ninth annual Easter Seals Paper Egg campaign are not quite in, Sal Calderone can testify that the campaign did well.

Calderone is the proprietor of Three Star Printing, which has printed the Paper Egg materials since the campaign’s inception in 2001. Every year during the four weeks leading to Easter, participating retailers such as The Bargain! Shop, Lawtons Drugs, Sobeys Ontario and Price Chopper sell colourful Paper Eggs in support of Easter Seals programs and services.

A number of stores quite often call for more Paper Eggs because they sell out. Despite ordering thousands of Paper Eggs, some provincial Easter Seals organizations find they don’t have enough to meet with demand and turn to Calderone to send more.

Happily Calderone uses the latest technology to provide a quick turnaround while maintaining high quality.

“We are proud to have been chosen as part of the team to print for the Paper Egg campaign since the beginning,” says Calderone. “Its success over the years has brought greater quantities to its high demand and a closer relationship with Easter Seals.”

Calderone is also able to provide affordable rates while enabling Easter Seals provincial offices to customize their materials and ensure that they are Forest Steward Council (FSC) Certified.

Easter Seals proudly introduced its new Paper Egg this year, which featured a three dimensional chick in a wheelchair. The creative, which was piloted by Easter Seals Manitoba in 2009, required preproduction customization for each participating provincial organization, which Three Star expertly provided.

Three Star Printing Inc. has been in business since 1993. At present, Three Star Printing Inc. services approximately 80 clients including six charitable organizations. Three Star Printing helps Easter Seals keep costs low to maximize revenue for Easter Seals’ programs and services.

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!”

Kyla is 11-years old and a grade six student at St. Benedict Elementary school in Calgary. She lives with her mom Sandi, her dad Dan, her brother Joshua who is nine and her sister Ashley who is six.

Kyla was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy at three months old. She is non-verbal and uses a communication device along with her power wheelchair to do daily activities like going to school and getting around the house.

In 2009, Easter Seals Alberta helped fund a vehicle adaptation to make it safe for Kyla to be transported for family outings and community activities. As a camper at Easter Seals Camp Horizon, Kyla’s favorite activities include playing basketball, swinging on the giant swing, sitting around the campfire and staying up late. Kyla is very sociable and outgoing. “What I like the most about camp is being around my friends and being a regular kid doing a lot of fun things,” said Kyla.

Kyla wakes up every morning smiling and loves being challenged and going to school. She loves spending time with her brother and sister playing Rock Band on the Wii. Kyla likes doing arts and crafts such as painting and drawing. Her favorite sport is swimming.

Her goals are to master her communication device and to improve her power wheelchair driving skills so that she can get around more independently. Promoting recreation and school programs that are designed for kids of all abilities in her community is also important to her.

Kyla’s laugh is contagious. She really finds the joy in life. Easter Seals Alberta is honoured to name Kyla Oelhaupl as the 2010 Easter Seals Youth Ambassador for Southern Alberta!

Adam Thompson – 2010 Ambassador for Northern Alberta

Adam is 18-years old and a grade 12 student at Edmonton Christian Senior High School. He lives with his mom Darlene, his dad Lloyd, and his older sister Amanda.

Adam was born with a rare form of hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and as a result he has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. He is non-verbal and uses signing and facial expressions to communicate. Adam uses a wheelchair full-time to propel himself every day.

Adam loves meeting people and being the centre of attention. He enjoys hockey, football and hanging out at the mall with friends. He is an avid fan of NASCAR Racing. You can often find Adam playing practical jokes and finding the humor in life.

In 2008, Adam became critically ill and overcame many challenges because of his strong will and positive attitude. In 2009, Easter Seals Alberta helped fund a new vehicle adaptation for a new van when their old van could no longer meet Adam’s needs. This new vehicle was needed to allow Adam to get to his medical appointments. “The new accessible van has greatly improved Adam’s quality of life and has allowed us to spend time together as a family,” said Darlene.

Adam’s sense of humor is his strongest attribute along with his easy going attitude towards life. His perseverance is inspiring. Easter Seals Alberta is honoured to name Adam Thompson as the 2010 Easter Seals Ambassador for Northern Alberta!

Alex Bear is very excited to be the 2010 Easter Seals Ambassador for Regina Saskatchewan. Alex has cerebral palsy and sometimes requires a wheelchair or walker to get around, but he does not let that slow him down. He is one of the most social and busy 12 year old boys in Regina. He is always happy to meet new people greeting them with a huge smile.

Alex goes to W.H. Ford School and is part of the Functional Integration Adaptation Program. One of his favourite subjects is cooking and he excels when working on a computer. His most exciting part of the school day is getting to ride on a wheelchair accessible bus.

Alex is an enthusiastic movie watcher. He can recite the entire storyline of many movies and does not forget one detail. He remembers each character’s name and role. According to Alex the best movie of all time is Spiderman but it’s a tough choice to make because he loves all movies. His interest in movies might have had an influence on his ambition, he hopes to one day work in a Television Studio.

Each summer Alex and his family get to enjoy the nice weather by a lake at their Cabin. He’s a tough kid for his Mom to keep track of because once he starts riding his battery operated quad he doesn’t stop. When he is not riding his toy quad he likes roasting hotdogs on the camp fire and going out with his family for ice cream.

Although Alex likes spending time at the family cabin his favourite thing about the summer is going to Camp Easter Seal! This year Alex will spend his fifth summer at the Camp and it is truly the highlight of his year. Camp Easter Seal gives Alex the chance to do so many activities he has a hard time choosing a favourite. He likes boating, having campfires and getting to sleep in a tent. As soon as Alex returns home from camp all he does is talk about going again the following year. He says the best part about going to Camp Easter Seal is getting to see all his friends again.

Greg Donaldson, 2010 Easter Seals Ambassador for Saskatoon

My name is Greg Donaldson. I am very excited to be the Easter Seals Ambassador for the Saskatoon area for 2010 and 2011. I am 15 years old. I live with my mom and dad, Marilyn and Scott, my older brother, Graeme and my dog, Max. I like horseback riding, singing with Kids of Note Choir, skiing and shopping.

I have cerebral palsy which means the muscles in my body don’t work like they should. I have a hard time doing lots of day to day things.

I went to Camp Easter Seal for the first time in 2001. I had a blast! I love to go to Camp Easter Seal to see all of my camp friends. At camp I like the pool, horseback riding and the dance.

I also like to go to Summer Fun, which is a program offered by the Saskatchewan Abilities Council. During Summer Fun we go to movies, the pool, Ruckers, shopping and do other things kids like to do.

I like going to Camp Easter Seal and Summer Fun because I can do the same things as other kids.

Greg Donaldson

Caitlyn Hasper, 2010 Easter Seals Ambassador, Yorkton

My name is Caitlyn Hasper. I am very happy to be the 2010/11 Easter Seals Ambassador, representing children with disabilities who benefit from Easter Seals Saskatchewan.

I am 6 years old and I live in Yorkton with my Mom and Dad, Carrie and Glenn, and my two brothers, Curtis and Griffin. I go to St. Mary’s school and take the Access Transit bus. At school, I am one of the top students in my Grade One class. I enjoy art and crafts, playing the piano, riding my special bike, sledging – which is a sled on skates – going to the Terrier hockey games with my parents, watching TV, and of course anything that involves the Jonas Brothers or Hannah Montana.

I was born with spinal bifida. Spinal bifida is a developmental birth defect caused by the incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube. Some vertebrae overlying the spinal cord are not fully formed and remain unfused and open. As a result, I have limited use of my legs and lower body; thus, I use a wheelchair and have other special needs.

This past summer I spent my first time away from my parents because I went to Camp Easter Seal. It was an incredible experience. I was in a cabin with three other girls; each of us had our own counselor because of our needs, and we got to participate in a variety of activities Iike: swimming, horseback riding, boating and wagon rides. My parents were nervous and they called every night, but I had no time to miss them. I am really looking forward to going back to Camp next year.

When I was not at Camp I was attending the Summer Fun program in Yorkton, which is also sponsored by Easter Seals Saskatchewan. Four times a week a group of us got together to do fun things with staff and volunteers. This summer program is offered in Regina, Saskatoon, Swift Current and Yorkton.

So while I may not be able to do everything that other kids my age do, I do not let it slow me down. With a little help and some accommodations, I can do most things. That’s why supporting fund raisers like Easter Seals Paper Egg Campaign is so important.

Sincere Thanks,

Caitlyn Hasper

Last year, SMD Foundation/Easter Seals^TM Manitoba proudly introduced Allie Onslow as our Youth Ambassador. In each of our community events she displayed her enthusiasm for taking on new challenges. She conveyed the message that although disability presents challenges, it is those challenges that provide opportunities to promote accessibility and inclusion for everyone.

We appreciate Allie’s commitment to SMD Foundation/Easter Seals^TM Manitoba. This year Allie has graciously agreed to once again represent our organization as the Youth Ambassador.

Crystal Peters, 2010 Adult Ambassador for Manitoba

In addition to that, SMD Foundation/Easter Seals^TM Manitoba is excited to announce that Crystal Peters has been selected as the Adult Ambassador for 2010-2011.

Since early childhood, Crystal has been involved in a variety of programs and services offered by SMD. She has cerebral palsy and attended Camp Arnes and Camp Manitou through SMD’s Recreation and Life Skills programming. She also participated as an active member of the Independence for Youth program and the Young Adults Outings. These programs offered Crystal the opportunity to experience independent living by providing valuable life skills such as accessing transportation, meal preparation and other household activities.

In 2004, Crystal was the recipient of the Yes I Can! technology award from the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children. She not only received the provincial award, but travelled to New Orleans and attained international honours. She was the winner of the Yes I Can! award for art and achieved the bronze medal for bocce, one of her favorite pastimes. Crystal also enjoys reading and writing short stories, playing with her dogs and hanging out with friends.

After graduating from Shaftesbury High School, Crystal completed her studies at Winnipeg Technical College’s office skills and technology program. She made significant gains by using technology to learn, including operating a head motion controlled infrared mouse for her computer. Using this amazing innovation, she’s proficiently works as a Data Clerk at SMD’s Children’s Leisure and Recreational program. It’s evident by Crystal’s beaming smile that she’s excited about looking ahead to her future. “Some of my attributes that I have seen grow are my independence, confidence, and responsibility. The head-mouse has really opened up the door of opportunity for me.”

As the 2010 Ambassadors for SMD Foundation/Easter Seals^TM Manitoba, Crystal and Allie will be able to share their passion for life with each other and their community. Each one them symbolizes the promise of today’s youth becoming tomorrow’s leaders.

According to Crystal “I like meeting new people and promoting the different programs that SMD has to offer. I believe in the equality of all persons; this has always been very important to me. I am so honored to be part of this program.”