Social Development Centre Waterloo Region

2017 Pre-budget submission to the Ontario Ministry of Finance: "It is not necessary to undertake a complicated pilot project to prove people are better off with more income. This has already been proven time and again. We urge you to consider the ethics of this plan and to not delay increasing basic assistance to people who face real desperation. Increase or augment social assistance rates to at least 80% of the Low Income Measure and increase Discretionary Benefits to at $15 per person... It is important that the provincial budget reflect what is important for people in a coherent, integrated and understandable way. A piecemeal approach that offers small gains for various groups will not reflect a rational perspective of what is necessary and appropriate for the investment of shared tax dollars to benefit Ontarians individually and collectively." 

The new year and the snowy weather are upon us. Disabilities and Human Rights Group is resuming its regular activity and the next meeting is on Wednesday, January 11 at 1:30pm-3pm at 74 Frederick Street in Kitchener. Besides the continuation of the winter sidewalk safety discussion, the group will be setting priorities for 2017 and identifying further challenges in support system navigation to strengthen its capacity for advocacy. Some of the identified areas to work on are: access to information, inclusion and strong neighbourhoods, housing, transportation and mobility, health care, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Standards. The group relies on the knowledge gained through experience and works from what people can do and contribute. Everyone is welcome to join.

The Social Development Centre Waterloo Region is seeking a candidate who has proven capacity in managing social data and using new communication and information technologies to manage, display and share data for social planning purposes with an emphasis on: creating and testing neighbourhood level social indicators, data visualization and cloud applications. This is a 500 hour position made available through Government of Canada Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's Youth Internships Program to provide career related experience to an eligible candidate 15-29 years of age who has completed at least one post secondary course and is eligible to work in Canada. Apply by 12 noon on Monday, December 19, 2016.

The wonderful weather we are having this Fall is delightful and rare. However, even with the warm temperatures and sunny days, the Disabilities and Human Rights Group of the Social Development Centre reminds everyone that fall is the time of year to pay particular attention to sidewalk safety.

Sidewalks can be dangerous places for those who experience any degree or type of mobility challenge, be it balance or strength, using a walker or other mobility device or having a sensory limitation such as a visual impairment. A safety assessment checklist was created last year has been updated this November. Share with your neighbours, friends and family.