Message from the Co-Chairs
The Board members elected last May, 2005 to the National Committee of Federal
Public Servants with Disabilities held the first face-to-face business meeting
since Congress 2005. This business meeting was held in Ottawa on October 24 and
25, 2005. The summary of the Record of Decisions is available on the website. It
was a great opportunity for all of us to really get to know each other and to
form a cohesive working team.
As you can see from the Record of Decisions, we worked collaboratively and
got a great deal accomplished. A clear governance structure was established, one
that will set clear responsibilities as well as effective means of supporting
the work that needs to be done.
Most importantly, the NCFPSD Board has prepared the 'way ahead'. It is quite
an ambitious agenda; but rapid and effective progress on many key issues is
expected. Time is of the essence when one's career and life are greatly
affected. In this newsletter, you will find an outline of the subcommittees that
have been established. The subcommittees constitute an inventory of some of the
NCFPSD's key initiatives. We all realize that there are many other issues:
setting priorities and finding resources will no doubt always be among our
greatest challenges.
Carole Willans-Théberge, NCFPSD Co-Chair,
NCR Duane Simpson, NCFPSD Co-Chair, Regions
Report on NCFPSD Activities
The NCFPSD held its first Executive Board meeting since the 2005 elections on
October 24-25 at the Delta Hotel in Ottawa. The focus was on the Internal
Governance of the Board and consisted of the approval of the Guiding Principles
and various policies and procedures, the Duties of the Board Members, the Role
of the National Bureau, the creation of subcommittees and discussions on the
NCFPSD Action Plan for the next three years. The new Co-Chair, Regions was also
announced: Duane Simpson, BC Representative. PSHRMAC represented by Wally
Boxhill addressed the Board on partnerships between various organizations and
the principles of good governance.
The NCFPSD also established of a membership list and which has by now over
150 members. In the NCR, the Bureau has also contributed to an activity on
December 2 to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities which
was held at the Crowne Plaza Ottawa Hotel.
The Aboriginal National Network Initiative (ANNI) held its inaugural forum on
December 5 and 6, 2005 in Ottawa. Carole Willans-Théberge (Co-Chair, NCR) and
Louise Normand (Executive Director) represented the National Committee of
Federal Public Servants with Disabilities at this event and provided a brief
presentation in plenary on some of the NCFPSD's leadership strategies, its
governance and its views for the future. ANNI is a national body responding to
the needs of Aboriginal federal government employees, as these pertain to
recruitment, retention and advancement within the federal Public Service. The
NCFPSD hopes to work collaboratively with ANNI, particularly in respect of
Aboriginals with disabilities who are in the employ of the Government of Canada.
NCFPSD Subcommittees
During the October 24-25 Executive Board meeting, seven subcommittees were
created:
Career Progression
Lead: Kevin Bruff
kevin.bruff@pwgsc.gc.ca
Communications and Membership Drive
Lead: NCFPSD Bureau
lnormand@justice.gc.ca
Disability Management and Insurance Issues
Vacant
Infocentre
Lead: Carole Willans-Théberge
ctheberge@pco-bcp.gc.ca
Management Awareness
Lead: Max Brault
braultm@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Mental Health Issues
Lead: Duane Simpson
simpson.daa@forces.gc.ca
Training and Awareness for Persons with Disabilities
Lead: Marlene Hoce
marlene.hoce@ccra-adrc.gc.ca
An Action Plan is being developed for each subcommittee for the next three
years. Each subcommittee needs volunteers. If you are interested in contributing
to our work, please contact the Lead of the subcommittee that interests you. The
NCFPSD will also work on some on-going issues such as the Public Service
Modernization Act, Personnel Psychology Centre, Regional Development, Liaison
with Bargaining Agents, Universal Design and will start planning for the 2008
Conference.
National News
Office of the Senior Advisor on Diversity and Special Projects
Errol Mendes, Senior Advisor on Diversity and Special Projects was appointed
by the Clerk of the Privy Council in September 2005.
The Office of the Senior Advisor on Diversity and Special Projects was
established to deal with diversity issues and other key files.
Mandate: The Office of the Senior Advisor on Diversity and Special
Projects (National Leadership Centre on Diversity) will provide strategic advice
and guidance and seek engagement from Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy
Ministers, and executive management committees on key areas concerning
accountable leadership, the integration of HR and EE into business planning,
corporate culture change, recruitment and staffing of EE groups, with a
particular emphasis EX recruitment of visible minorities.
- The Office will seek out opportunities /venues that will encourage an
ongoing national dialogue with Deputy Ministers and senior management levels
on diversity and will establish key links with the private sector, including
the establishment of a Private Sector Advisory Group.
- The Office will work in partnership with the Human Resources Management
Agency (PSHRMAC) and the Public Service Commission (PSC).
- Representatives will also provide strategic direction for the designated
group networks in the achievement of their goals.
- The Office will also be responsible for the activities of the External
Advisory Group on Embracing Change, created in June 2000, to provide
independent advice to the Presidents of PSHRMAC and the PSC on the
implementation of the Task Force recommendations (the Embracing Change
Action Plan) and ways the federal Public Service can keep pace with progress
made in the private and other sectors.
Ministers meet to discuss collaborative work on social issues OTTAWA, October
20, 2005 - Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers responsible for Social
Services met today to talk about progress made on the Early Learning and Child
Care initiative, disability issues, caregiving, and child poverty. Ministers
affirmed that a key priority for the forum over the next year will be persons
with disabilities. They reaffirmed their commitment to the objective of the full
inclusion of Canadians with disabilities in society. The focus for achieving
this objective will be joint work with emphasis on improving access to and
funding for disability supports and services and for income supports for persons
with disabilities, at the same time working to build public awareness and
stakeholder and government support to address the challenges facing people with
disabilities. At their next meeting, Ministers will consider jointly developed
options in these areas that address both the short and longer-term aspects of
achieving this objective. For the complete news release, visit http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/cs/comm/sd/news/2005/051020.shtml.
Source: Social Development Canada
Subcommittee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills
Development, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
established a subcommittee with the responsibility of examining the status of
persons with disabilities. The Subcommittee studied issues related to
accessibility for persons with disabilities and released its report in June
2005. The report contains 16 recommendations on 'Accessibility for All'. If you
are interested in reading the report, visit http://www.parl.gc.ca/committee/CommitteePublication.aspx?COM=9237&Lang=1&SourceId=121679
Source: Parliament of Canada
The Government's response to the recommendations can be found at http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/isp/pub/cpp/disability/8threport/8thpg4.shtml
Source: Social Development Canada
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
In 1992, to mark the end of the United Nations (UN) Decade of Disabled
Persons, the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 3rd as the International
Day of Disabled Persons. According to the UN, "observance of this day
offers us the opportunity to foster changes in attitudes towards persons with
disabilities and eliminate barriers to their full participation in all aspects
of their lives." This year's theme Rights of Persons with Disabilities:
Action and Development recognizes the rights of persons with disabilities
and the need for us to play an active and meaningful role in the development of
our community. To highlight the importance of this day and the year's theme, the
Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC) has released a
series of four themed fact sheets reflecting the four pillars of rights
necessary for true equity for Canadian with disabilities: Cultural Rights of
Persons with Disabilities, Political Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
Economic Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Social Rights of Persons with
Disabilities. To read the fact sheets, visit www.cailc.ca/cailc/graphic/announcements/unitednation/un_en.html.
Source: The Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres
The NCFPSD Bureau participated to an event on December 2 at the Crowne Plaza
Ottawa Hotel. The Canadian Human Rights Commission representatives (Kathryn
Hamilton and Piero Narducci) addressed over 60 persons on the Change Agenda and
How it Benefits People with Disabilities. The second part of the event was on
Best Practices with a panel comprised of Diane Lacelle, Correctional Services
Canada, Louise Normand, NCFPSD, Michael Sousa, Justice Canada and Mostafa Zommo,
Canadian Heritage.
Regional News
Alberta
Rights of blind Albertans guaranteed by law
November 4, 2005 - Higher fines and new identification cards will help
ensure Albertans who are blind receive equal opportunities and access to public
service and facilities. The new provincial legislation includes higher fines for
violations, which range from $250 for falsely using a white cane to $3,000 for
discriminating against an Albertan who is blind and uses a guide dog. The law
also identifies clear standards for training guide dogs. Albertans who are blind
may voluntarily apply for free identification cards to use as proof that their
guide dog team meets established standards. The card has a photo of the guide
dog team, and information on the $3,000 fine. The back of the card has a Braille
message so the user can identify it. For more information, visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/index.cfm?Page=1287
New projects help improve access to mental health services November 30, 2005
- Alberta mental health services will be expanded with the approval of 30 new
projects ranging from outreach programs to day treatment and crisis intervention
services. Approved under the Mental Health Innovation Fund, the new projects
will share in $75 million over three years to provide a wide range of mental
health services. The new initiatives have been approved as part of new
three-year mental health plans developed by all nine regional health
authorities. For the full press release, visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/acn/200511/19140E2F94AB2-A7F6-E4F1-537CF4E5082D8F6D.html
British Columbia
Government supports call to get serious about diabetes
November 1, 2005 - Health Minister George Abbott joins the Canadian
Diabetes Association in launching Diabetes Awareness Month with a strong message
to British Columbians that everyone needs to be involved to prevent the onset of
this ever-increasing chronic disease. "Our government is serious about
encouraging British Columbians to protect their health," said Abbott.
"Simple lifestyle changes to reduce weight and increase physical activity
to 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise five times a week will lower the
chance of type 2 diabetes by over 50 per cent and reduce the chance of further
health complications."
Government is supporting the Canadian Diabetes Association as they launch
"Get Serious," a month-long public awareness campaign aimed at
educating Canadians about how to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The campaign
also aims to encourage those with diabetes to get serious about staying healthy
with the condition. In British Columbia, about 248,000 people live with
diabetes, and that number is expected to increase to 305,000 by 2010. For the
full press release, visit http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2005HEALTH0031-000994.htm
Ontario
McGuinty Government Making Ontario More Accessible For People With
Disabilities
New Standards Committees For Transportation, Customer Service Leading The
Way
October 17, 2005 - The McGuinty government is moving ahead on its plan
to make Ontario an accessible province by 2025 for those living with a
disability. Minister of Community and Social Services Sandra Pupatello today
announced the development of two new province wide committees that will work to
develop new standards to improve accessibility across Ontario. "Our plan is
going to make Ontario a world leader in improving accessibility for people with
disabilities," said Pupatello. "Each accessibility standard that we
create will bring us closer to that goal, and will make it possible for people
with disabilities to fully participate in the social and economic life of this
province."
These two committees will work to develop proposed new accessibility
standards for transportation and customer service. All of these new standards
are being developed under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
to address barriers to accessibility that have a major impact on daily living
for people with disabilities. Each standard is to be implemented within five
years or less, leading to an accessible Ontario in 20 years. "Accessible
transportation is essential to daily living," said Minister of
Transportation Harinder Takhar. "Strong transportation standards are
critical to allowing people with disabilities to get to work, to school, to
medical appointments and other essential daily activities."
"People with disabilities deserve the same level of customer service as
everyone else - whether it is over-the-counter service or accessible menus in
restaurants," said Gerry Phillips, Minister of Government Services.
"Good customer service is good business, no matter who you're
serving." "Any changes that make Ontario accessible for people with
disabilities are changes for the better," said Pupatello. "A
barrier-free Ontario is a key part of our plan to build a stronger, more
inclusive province for us all."
Source: Ministry of Community and Social Services
Web Site Corner
Fast facts about Mental Illness - Depression
Problems and misfortunes are a part of life. Everyone experiences
unhappiness, and many people may become depressed temporarily when things don't
go as they would like. Experiences of failure commonly result in temporary
feelings of worthlessness and self-blame, while personal losses cause feelings
of sadness, disappointment and emptiness. Such feelings are normal, and they
usually pass after a short time. This is not the case with depressive illness.
What are the signs of depressive illness?
Depression becomes an illness, or clinical depression, when the feelings
described above are severe, last for several weeks, and begin to interfere with
one's work and social life. Depressive illness can change the way a person
thinks and behaves, and how his/her body functions. Some of the signs to look
for are:
- feeling worthless, helpless or hopeless,
- sleeping more or less than usual,
- eating more or less than usual,
- having difficulty concentrating or making decisions,
- loss of interest in taking part in activities,
- decreased sex drive,
- avoiding other people,
- overwhelming feelings of sadness or grief,
- feeling unreasonably guilty,
- loss of energy, feeling very tired,
- thoughts of death or suicide.
To know more about depression, visit http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-86-87&lang=1
Source: Canadian Mental Health Association
What You Need to Know About Mental Health: A Tool for Managers
Booklet by Allison Cowan, Judith MacBride-King November 2005, Source: The
Conference Board of Canada, 15 pages
This tool will help managers learn about mental health issues. It provides
advice on preventing and recognizing mental health problems, getting employees
the help they need, planning for an employee's return to work and creating a
welcoming workplace.
Healthy work environments are critical to preventing stress
and other mental health problems. Managers play an important role in building
and sustaining healthy work environments. To read or download this document,
visit http://www.conferenceboard.ca/Boardwiseii/LayoutAbstract.asp?DID=1433
Departmental News
Environment Canada - ACT Program
The Adaptive Computer Technology (ACT)
Program's mandate is to assist in the integration into the workplace of
employees with disabilities who require computer access. Adaptive computer
technology enables a person who has a sensory, mobility, dexterity or learning
disability to use a computer by reducing or simply eliminating the barriers
presented by the standard computer interfaces. The objective is to enable access
to computing resources by compensating for visual, mobility or sensory
impairments.
Environment Canada currently provides ACT services to Other
Government Departments.
ACT Tech Training Program
"The lack of technicians
trained to assess the needs of employees with disabilities, purchase, install
the equipment, train the employees with disabilities and provide ongoing support
is hampering the ability of employees with disabilities to fully access the
information networks. The result for employees with disabilities is that the
government's electronic network becomes a barrier." Treasury Board 1999 05
06
Through the support of Treasury Board Secretariat and the Employment Equity
Positive Measures Program, Environment Canada's Adaptive Computer Technology
(ACT) Program has created a multi-dimensional instructional program for
Information Technology professionals within the Public Service. Information
Technology support staff throughout government departments have the opportunity
to be instructed on how to effectively support and implement Adaptive Computer
Technology in their own departments. For more information on this course, visit http://www.ec.gc.ca/act-tia/default.asp?lang=En&n=0249212D-1
Web Accessibility BootCamp
This two-day hands-on course, during which many
ACT tools are showcased, is geared toward programmers and web developers and
focuses on the interaction of ACT with web pages and applications. Participants
will become familiar with the technical issues involved in designing
applications and websites that meet the common look and feel for ACT users. The
course involves lectures, demonstrations, case studies, and hands-on exposure to
the various tools. For more information on this course, visit http://www.ec.gc.ca/acttia/default.asp?lang=En&n=6BA452F9-1
ACT Program Contact Information: web: http://www.ec.gc.ca/act-tia/
, e-mail: ecact@ec.gc.ca , telephone: (819)994-4835, TTY: (819)994-3692.
Source:
Environment Canada
We invite departmental representatives to send us information
of interest to persons with disabilities such as new initiatives, programs, best
practices, etc. Send an e-mail to the Editor in Chief at ccoutlee@justice.gc.ca
Other News
Scientists prove blind people can 'see' with sixth sense
By Rhiannon Edward
Scotsman.com, October 31, 2005
The uncanny ability of blind people to "sense" unseen objects has
been demonstrated for the first time in sighted volunteers whose vision was
blanked out by scientists. The findings suggest "blindsight", which
has been observed in blind people whose eyes function normally but who have
suffered damage to the brain's visual centre, is a real and not imagined
phenomenon. In tests, the blind have been able to distinguish basic shapes of
objects they cannot see, as well as their orientation and direction of motion.
On other occasions a blind person has reported experiencing a
"feeling" that an object is present, while not being able to see it. A
number of theories have been proposed to explain "blindsight".
Generally, it is suggested that other parts of the brain besides the primary
visual cortex respond to nerve messages from the eyes at an unconscious level.
Scientists from the University of Houston in Texas, temporarily blinded a
group of 12 volunteers by using an electromagnetic field to shut down the
primary visual cortex. Images were then flashed in front of them on a screen. In
one experiment, volunteers were shown either a horizontal or vertical bar. In
another, a red or green dot appeared. Most of the time, the volunteers were
unaware of the images with which they were presented. But they guessed either
the orientation of the bar or the colour of the dot correctly more often than
would have been expected by the law of averages. The researchers wrote in the
journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: "Despite
unawareness of these 'targets', performance on forced-choice discrimination
tasks for orientation and colour were both significantly above chance. They said
the findings suggested that a visual pathway bypassing the primary visual cortex
must be responsible for "blindsight". FFR
Access to movie theatres for blind, visually impaired, hard of hearing and
deaf
Famous Players is pleased to announce Rear Window Captioning® and
Descriptive Video Service® at select theatres. Select films at each of these
locations will be offered with Rear Window Captioning® for Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Guests using portable, transparent acrylic panels that fit right in your
drink cup holder. DVS Theatrical® (descriptive narration service for Blind and
Visually Impaired) is broadcast to your seat via headphones and will also be
available for select films at the same locations. For the complete list of
theatres, films and show times, visit Famous Players website www.famousplayers.com
Source: Famous Players
Access 2 Entertainment ™ Card
The Access 2
Entertainment™ card provides persons with a disability to receive either free
admission or a significant discount for their support person at member movie
theatres across Canada. This program was developed by an advisory group of nine
national disability organizations, in conjunction with Famous Players and
Cineplex Galaxy.
Persons with a permanent disability who require a support
person when attending a movie theatre are eligible for the card. The applicant
must agree to follow the terms and conditions for use of the card.
A support
person is an individual who accompanies a person with a disability to provide
those services that are not provided by theatre employees, such as assisting the
person with eating, administering medication, communication and use of the
facilities. To know more visit http://www.access2entertainment.ca/english_default.html
Source: Access 2 Entertainment
What is the NCFPSD?
The mandate of the National Committee of Federal Public Servants with
Disabilities (NCFPSD) is to promote awareness, represent, and advance the needs
of federal public servants with both visible and invisible disabilities in the
Public Service of Canada, in areas including but not limited to those of
recruitment, retention, accommodation, accessibility, training and development,
career progression, succession planning, promotion and advancement, workplace
barriers, and respectful, welcoming, and inclusive workplace environments, and
provide information, advice, analysis, and recommendations on those needs and
the actions required to address them to senior federal Public Service
management.
Executive Board Members
Max Brault
Ottawa ON
NCR Representative - Interim Co-Chair
Tel: 613-990-0044
Fax: 613-998-9480
braultm@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Kevin Bruff
St. John's NL
Atlantic Representative
Tel: 709-772-5978
Fax: 709-772-4390
kevin.bruff@pwgsc.gc.ca
Golda César
Cowansville QC
Québec Regional Representative
Tel: 450-263-3073 Ext. 2428
Fax: 450-260-1796
cesargo@csc-scc.gc.ca
Marlene Hoce
Regina SK
Prairie Representative
Tel: 306-780-8090
Fax: 306-780-6926
marlene.hoce@ccra-adrc.gc.ca
Catherine Scott
Chatham ON
Ontario Regional Representative
Tel: 613-233-1842
cathy.a.scott@sdc-dsc.gc.ca
Duane Simpson
Victoria BC
B.C. Regional Representative
Tel: 250-363-5440
Fax: 250-363-7980
simpson.daa@forces.gc.ca
Carole Willans-Théberge
Ottawa ON
NCR Representative - NCR Co-Chair
Tel: 613-957-9606
Fax: 613-941-4165
carole.theberge@justice.gc.ca
NCFPSD Membership
We would like to invite you to become part of our national network of people
working together for a Public Service that is inclusive of all Canadians,
including persons with disabilities. There is no membership fee…it is
free.
As a member, you will receive the quarterly newsletter, notice of web site
updates and advance notice and personal invitation to the next big NCFPSD event
in 2008. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in various
surveys and to provide input on important issues.
Who can join? Any person who supports the NCFPSD and its efforts on behalf of
federal public servants with disabilities.
How to join? Download the
form (Word format).Complete the registration form and send it by e-mail
at ccoutlee@justice.gc.ca , by fax
at (613)948-2236 or by mail at the following address:
National Committee of Federal Public Servants with Disabilities
360 Albert Street
14th Floor
Ottawa ON K1A 0H8
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