Social Development Centre Waterloo Region

For many, the holiday season brings out a desire to give back to our community and help those less fortunate than ourselves. We reach out to help in tangible ways such as donating a toy or volunteering to serve a holiday meal. There are many other ways to volunteer time or give to local organizations that can really make a difference in people’s lives. There are many organizations that do great work year round in addition to taking steps to make the holiday season a merry and bright one for those they support. The following are some ways to give and to give back this holiday season, some of which can be done by the whole family!

Monday December 3rd is the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The theme for 2012 is: Removing Barriers to Create and Inclusive and Accessible Society for All.

The reality of day to day life with a disability is not easily understood by those of us who do not experience these challenges. We can all become better informed and play a role in removing barriers to inclusion. This December 3rd, take time to consider barriers in our community and how these limit the full participation of many amongst us.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Disabilities and Human Rights Group has prepared a document outlining their concerns with the proposed AODA Built Environment Standards. Included are recommendations to ensure the standard is meaningful to the lives of people with disabilities.

Everyone wins when they come together with their neighbours!

Neighbourhood heroes from all over the city gathered on Sunday, October 21st, to celebrate and share their experience to inspire us all to come together with our neighbours. This year we received 77 registrations, with participation from 47 neighbourhoods.