In This Issue

NEWS & NOTES

A United Effort - December third marked the United Nations' annual "International Day of Disabled Persons." The U.N. recognizes this day as a means of promoting a greater understanding of disability issues and to encourage support for ensuring the dignity, rights and well-being of people living with disabilities. For more information, visit www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/disiddp.htm
Electronic Excitement! - An article in the September 23 issue of the Globe & Mail reported how partners Xperiential Learning Solutions Inc. and Toronto- based developer Jesterwerk Inc. are enabling some people with disabilities to experience adventuresome activities via virtual reality technology. A digital camera (similar to the EyeToy for Sony's PlayStation 2) projects a person's image onto a TV screen amid a computer-generated environment, enabling them to do things such as waterski, snowboard and mountain climb using their bodies as controllers.
Easier Access 2 Entertainment - After working with nine national disability organizations, Famous Players and Cineplex Galaxy LP have created a new program for moviegoers with disabilities. Through the new program, theatres will offer free or reduced admission for the support people of persons with disabilities. Applications for the Access 2 Entertainment Card are available at
http://www.access2.ca
or by writing to
Access 2 Entertainment c/o Easter Seals / March of Dimes National Council
90 Eglinton Avenue East
Suite 208
Toronto, ON
M4P 2Y3

Of equal importance is the potential for collective advocacy among the 13 organizations at the SMD Self-Help Clearinghouse. Many of the organizations share common agendas on public policy issues. By working together and harmonizing their voices, these organizations have an opportunity to present a united front on issues, thereby increasing opportunities for success and change.

The entire SMD Family is further supported by a six regional offices which enable SMD to deliver a variety of services to even the furthest of Manitoba’s rural communities through partnerships with local businesses, educators and related programs. In addition, partnerships with various national organizations deepen the pool of resources available, enabling SMD to access the most up-to-date information on disability issues.

Members and Volunteers Matter
The greatest strength of the entire SMD Family is its people. Just as each individual organization strengthens SMD as a whole, staff and volunteers who contribute their time and expertise are vital to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

Both staff and volunteers do more than deliver programs. They provide insights based on personal and professional experience. They relate to people with disabilities as individuals with specific problems, feelings and concerns. They do this because the staff and volunteers at SMD usually have a connection to the disability community – as a friend, relative or person with a disability themselves.

This connection to the disability community is also instrumental in defining SMD’s continuing role. Through its staff and volunteers, SMD is able to keep in touch with the realities of today’s disability community, directing programs and strategies to ensure that needs are truly being met.

What You Can Do
When you volunteer your time to SMD, you’re lending your knowledge, abilities and voice to help others in the disability community. When you become a member of SMD Alliance, you’re offering your insights and voice to the entire SMD Family. You can begin making a difference by calling (204) 975-3018 and inquiring about how you can become a member of – or volunteer for – SMD Alliance today.