In This Issue

Fast Facts about SMD

SMD’s roots go back as far as 1946, with the creation of the Cerebral Palsy Parents Council and Winnipeg Kinsmen Club opening a treatment centre at the Winnipeg Children’s Hospital.
There are currently 13 different member organizations sharing space and resources through the SMD Self-Help Clearinghouse.
The Ethno-Cultural Program offers services and support to ethnic communities with information available in as many as 14 different languages.
Last year, over 31,000 Manitobans were issued special parking permits through the Parking Permit Program.

SMD Services
SMD Services offers support programs designed to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. From education and work training to counselling and therapy programs, the professionals and volunteers of SMD Services connect people with the resources they need to become more active in their community.

SMD Foundation
The SMD Foundation raises funds through two signature campaigns; Easter Seals and March of Dimes. Since 1949, Easter Seals has raised millions of dollars to assist children with physical disabilities, while the March of Dimes campaign – which began in Manitoba in 1951 – has raised millions more to support adults with disabilities as they strive to live independently.

SMD Ventures
SMD Ventures is a fundraising arm of SMD, enhancing the longterm sustainability of the entire organization by raising funds to supplement revenues. The funds raised through business partnerships, joint ventures and financial investments are channeled back into SMD, supporting programs and services that benefit the disability community.

SMD Self-Help Clearinghouse
SMD Self-Help Clearinghouse was established to provide support to self-help organizations, helping to maximize budgets by sharing resources – everything from office space and equipment to administrative support. This type of approach is vital to the very existence of several organizations that might not otherwise have the operations budget to sustain an office presence within the province.
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The SMD Vision & Values

At SMD, our vision for Manitoba is that of “a community that supports the independence, participation and empowerment of persons of all abilities.”

As we work towards achieving this vision, our actions are guided by our core values:

Empowerment… of persons with disabilities
Independence… as a principle of well being
Participation… in all areas of society
Community… for support and growth
Prevention… of disabling conditions
Holism… as a model for servce
Dignity… in all matters