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Wednesday, 19 July 2017 13:02

CLSA Blog

The Inclusive Employer Series

 

Part 5

 

For two hours every other week Emerson and John Nater share an office, and in those two hours Emerson's positive energy sweeps through the office leaving everyone in a better mood. You can see the bond that has developed between the two from the moment you enter the office.

 

 

For Emerson, who doesn't enjoy spending his days stuck at home, coming to work is one of the highlights of his week. Emerson has been working with John, the local Member of Parliament for Perth-Wellington, for 13 years and has dedicated his time to other MPs and MPPs for the past 20 years. Emerson finds his work very satisfying and being employed allows him to do what he loves most—spending time at the cottage in Grand Bend. Emerson loves to spend his days off at Grand Bend walking the strip and lounging on the beach while watching all the pretty ladies.

 

 

John would absolutely recommend becoming an inclusive employer to all; it allows the office to work smoothly and builds relationships with great people in the community. John is always extremely impressed with Emerson’s work ethic; always working to the best of his abilities. The advice John has for future inclusive employers is "Just do it! Open up your office, be open to new relationships, because it is a great experience on both sides!”.

 

 

If you have been inspired by Emerson’s story contact us at 519-273-1000 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

 

 

Part 4

  

Meet Kevin, over 9 years ago he was looking for a challenge and a way to contribute to his community, and found that opportunity with Boston Pizza Stratford. Boston Pizza Stratford has provided Kevin with that challenge he was looking for and the two have been working happily together ever since! Kevin has been given many important responsibilities while working at Boston Pizza Stratford, including washing dishes, and vacuuming the dining room floor. Kevin loves working but he says the best part of his job is meeting new people and working with his friendly coworkers.

  

Lisa, Kevin’s supervisor, says her experience working with Kevin, and other individuals with developmental disabilities, has been amazing and recommends becoming an inclusive employer! Lisa brags about Kevin’s strict work ethic and his respectful laid back attitude all the time. Lisa encourages all employers to become inclusive, saying “Don’t hesitate to give [those with developmental disabilities] a chance, they are there to work same as anybody else”.

  

If you are interested in becoming an inclusive employer contact us at 519-273-1000 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

 

 

Part 3

 

Meet Brian, he is retired but was looking for something to do with all his free time. Thankfully, Stratford Printing and Graphics, who has been an inclusive employer for 7 years, took Brian on as a volunteer. Brian spends his time at Stratford Printing and Graphics shredding paper and setting up the printing press, whereby he initiates a complicated set of buttons to make that monster roar. Brian also enjoys spoiling Niko the dog, and loves spending time with Lucy (his favourite) and everyone at Stratford Printing and Graphics!

 

Dave, Brian’s supervisor, says that working with Brian makes his day and would recommend, 150%, being an inclusive employer. Dave’s experience in working with individuals with developmental disabilities has shown him that they are more than willing and able to work, they actually want to work! They want to be part of the community, part of everything going on, and contribute. Dave would encourage everyone to be an inclusive employer, he says it’s easy; when they always have a big smile on their face, it’s really gratifying!

 

If you are interested in becoming an inclusive employer contact us at 519-273-1000 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .Dave, Brian’s supervisor, says that working with Brian makes his day and would recommend, 150%, being an inclusive employer. Dave’s experience in working with individuals with developmental disabilities has shown him that they are more than willing and able to work, they actually want to work! They want to be part of the community, part of everything going on, and contribute. Dave would encourage everyone to be an inclusive employer, he says it’s easy; when they always have a big smile on their face, it’s really gratifying!

 

If you are interested in becoming an inclusive employer contact us at 519-273-1000 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

Dave, Brian’s supervisor, says that working with Brian makes his day and would recommend, 150%, being an inclusive employer. Dave’s experience in working with individuals with developmental disabilities has shown him that they are more than willing and able to work, they actually want to work! They want to be part of the community, part of everything going on, and contribute. Dave would encourage everyone to be an inclusive employer, he says it’s easy; when they always have a big smile on their face, it’s really gratifying!

 

 

Part 2 

Being an inclusive employer!

 

While you may think that you do not have an appropriate job for someone with a developmental disability, you are wrong! You may be surprised to find out the many ways that these individuals can help out in your workplace. Sometimes we might have to think outside the box but there are many cost-free alternations which can be done to make your workplace more accessible.

 

Do you have paper that needs shredding or boxes that need to be broken down? By adding a chair, someone with a developmental disability could help you with these tasks.

 

Or, maybe you need help stocking shelves or maintaining a clean and tidy workplace. One of Community Living Stratford and Area’s talented supported adults can do this job for you effectively.

 

If you take a look around your workplace and don’t know where to start but would like to be an inclusive employer please call us today, at 519-273-1000 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Or, if you believe you have a job that would be well suited for someone with a developmental disability, please contact us to start the process of becoming an inclusive employer!

 

 reduced

 Here is Alex working hard at Mitchell ACE Country and Garden.  Keep up the good work Alex!

 

 

 

Part 1

True or False? Those with a developmental disability cannot work.

False!!

...

Many of the supported adults at Community Living Stratford and Area, who have a developmental disability, have jobs! Being employed allows these individuals to live as valued, contributing members of society.

 

In this series Community Living Stratford and Area will showcase a fantastic group of inclusive employers who employ many of our able and talented individuals.

 

Typically, individuals with developmental disabilities have the lowest employment rate of any disability type. According to Statistics Canada, the employment rate of adults aged 15 to 64 who have a developmental disability is 22.3%, less than one-third of the rate for individuals without a disability (73.6%).

 

It is essential our community organizations consider becoming an inclusive employer in order to begin to eliminate some of the stigma surrounding the employment of individuals with developmental disabilities.

 

Help us end exclusion in our community, become an inclusive employer today!

 

 

Always smiling and happy, Cory is hard at work at Sobeys.  Way to go Cory!

Monday, 11 July 2016 19:22

Staff Resources

ADP

 

Surge Learning System

 

Quality Assurance Measures Training - Abuse and Neglect awareness/prevention resourses for staff 

 

Point Click Care - Medication Administration

 

Microsoft Outlook - Staff email 

 

 

 

Tuesday, 05 July 2016 15:43

Rights & Awareness

 

Globe and Mail Tuesday January 31, 2012 

 

ANDRÉ PICARD 

 

“Loneliness is the most terrible poverty.” 

– Mother Teresa 

 

There are few things more heartbreaking than a child with no friends. 

But being friendless is the norm for Canadian children with physical and developmental disabilities. 

A new study, written by Anne Snowdon, a nurse and professor at theOdette School of Business at the University of Windsor in Ontario, shows that 53 per cent of disabled kids have no friends. 

 

Even those with friends have very limited interactions. Outside offormal settings such as the classroom, less than two hours a week spent with their peers is the norm; only 1 per cent of children with disabilities spend an hour a day with friends. 

Monday, 08 April 2013 11:26

Contact

Community Living Stratford and Area

112 Frederick Street
Stratford, ON N5A 3V7
Ph. 519.273.1000

Fax. 519.273.6277
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

MAIN OFFICE HOURS:
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm

 

Trevor McGregor – Chief Executive Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 223

 

Support Services

 


Sandra McLaren – Senior Manager of Support Services
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 235 

 

Sarah Reid – Senior Manager of Support Services
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 231 

 

Amanda Price – Manager of Quality Assurance
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 246

 

Peg Huettlin – Manager of Support Services
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 228

 

Gail Miller – Manager of Support Services
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 238

 

Dani Richardson – (Acting) Manager of Support Services
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 248

 

Heather Contois – Manager of Support Services
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 236


Carys Wyn Hughes – Manager of Community Development
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 234

 

Andrea Cardiff – Manager of Support Services
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 237

 

 

Central Administration
Jan Leonhardt – Director of Finance
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 229


Trudi Johnston – Human Resource Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 226


Shauna King – Executive Assistant
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 519-273-1000 ext 0

 

Deila Maia - Accounting Assistant
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  / 519-273-1000 ext 232

Saturday, 06 April 2013 11:59

ELC Bulletin

Our bulletin to keep you up to date on what’s going on at Community Living Stratford and Area is currently on hold. Please check back for updates!

 

Saturday, 06 April 2013 11:59

Useful Resources

All Terrain Wheel Chair / 519-273-1000

Community Living Stratford has an All-Terrain Wheel Chair available to lend to families and support agencies, at no cost. This is a unique wheel chair that allows people to experience life to the fullest, allowing people to participate in activities with families and friends that they may have otherwise been excluded from. It makes it possible for people to enjoy new and exciting adventures.

Click here for more information on the All Terrain Wheel Chair

 

Accessibility Committee of Stratford / 519-271-0250
http://www.city.stratford.on.ca/site_stepstocityhall/committees_results.asp?InfID=15


Avon Maitland District School Board / 1-800-592-5437
http://yourschools.ca/


Autism Ontario / 416-246-9592
www.autismontario.com/


Birth Injury Center - Cerebral Palsy 
https://birthinjurycenter.org/cerebral-palsy/


City of Stratford / 519-271-0250
www.city.stratford.on.ca/


Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) / 1-800-811-5146
www.ccac-ont.ca


Community Living Ontario
www.communitylivingontario.ca/


Developmental Services Ontario / 1-855-437-6797
www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/developmental/index.aspx

 

Down Syndrome Association of Ontario / 905-439-6644
www.cdss.ca

 

Enabling Technology
www.enablingtech.ca


Family Services Perth Huron / 519-273-1020
www.debtontario.com/familyservices.php


Healthline, the
www.thehealthline.ca


Huron-Perth Catholic School Board
www.huronperthcatholic.ca/


OASIS (Ontario Agency of Supported Individuals Special Needs)
www.oasisonline.ca


One Care Home & Community Support Services / 1-877-502-8277
www.onecaresupport.ca


Parents in Perth / 519-527-0202
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Partners In Employment / 519-272-1946
www.partnersinemployment.on.ca


Regional Supports Associates / 1-800-640-4108
www.regionalsupport.on.ca


Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association / 519-271-4310
www.stratfordactiveadults.ca

United Way Perth County / 1-877-818-8867
www.perthhuron.unitedway.ca


Volunteers In Perth (VIP) / 519-271-1329
www.volunteersinperth.com

 

Saturday, 06 April 2013 11:58

In the News

 

Statement of the Board of Directors 

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) for Community Living Stratford and Area (CLSA) is aware that allegations have been made about CLSA’s work environment and its leadership.  The Board takes these allegations very seriously and on January 26th called for a board meeting and immediately took action to engage a third-party investigator to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations.  The investigation is currently in progress.

 

To date, the Board and CLSA have not received all details of any alleged harassment or inappropriate conduct by leadership in this case, nor any pattern of same at CLSA.  Therefore, the Board and CLSA are not in a position to draw any conclusions or take any action pending the outcome of the independent investigation. 

 

The Board and CLSA expressly prohibit any form of retaliation against persons participating in this process and reaffirm our commitment to handling this matter in a manner that is fair, reasonable and respectful of the privacy of all staff and people supported by CLSA.   

 

The Board remains committed to promoting a safe and harmonious work environment for CLSA staff and the highest standards of professionalism for the people we support.

 

Sincerely, 

 

The Board of Directors

 

 

 

Stratford Festival - Relaxed Performances

 

Relaxed performances are specifically designed to welcome patrons who will benefit from a less restricted audience environment. Patrons of all abilities are welcome, including but not limited to those with intellectual or learning disabilities, sensory processing conditions or autism. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement within the auditorium, and some minor production changes may be made to reduce the intensity of light, sound and other potentially startling effects.

 

See their website for more information: 2024 Relaxed Performances

 

 

 

March 21st, 2024 - World Down Syndrome Day

 

Check out this video: #NOTSPECIALNEEDS

 

 

 

Inspiring Possibilities Estate Planning Guide

People who have a disability and their families now have an online, comprehensive toolkit available to them as they consider their financial objectives and obligations. Community Living Ontario launched the Inspiring Possibilities Estate Planning Guide: A Tax, Benefits, Trusts, and Wills Toolkit for Ontarians with Disabilities.


Find more information here: Estate Planning Guide

 

 

Music soothes their souls !

Thank you to The Leisure Activity Council of Stratford for supporting Community Living Stratford and The Alzheimer Society of perth County for bringing the "magic of music" to people's lives.

All three organizations partnered up to help people receive Ipod touches and headphones.  Their faces shone with joy when they first heard the music play.  Each person was interviewed and their favourite playlist was downloaded.  Having access to an ipod provides an individual a personalized music intervention designed to stimulate the persons memory, provide encouragement through auditory stimulation, and support self expression and identity.  Beyond the entertainment value, there is growing evidence that listening to music can also help stimulate seemly lost memories and even resotre some cognitive function.


 


Abuse-Prevention Resource: No Means No 

 

Those with developmental difficulties are often vulnerable to abuse. Any care plan must include information about rights protection and abuse prevention.

A video resource entitled No Means No is available from Community Living Stratford and Area. 

 


For further information, please contact:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  / 519-273-1000

 

 

DON’T SHUT DISABLED KIDS OUT OF SOCIETY

Globe and Mail Tuesday, January 31, 2012
From Tuesday's Globe and Mail: “Loneliness is the most terrible poverty.”– Mother Teresa
There are few things more heartbreaking than a child with no friends.
But being friendless is the norm for Canadian children with physical and developmental
disabilities.


A new study, written by Anne Snowdon, a nurse and professor at the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor in Ontario, shows that 53 per cent of disabled kids have no friends.

 

Read More...

 

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