Announcements
Abilities Magazine
| September 28th, 2004 | |
The ForumOntario March Of DimesSpring 1996. Issue 26: p. 35-36 Forumby Susan Corcoran Niagara residents celebrated the long-anticipated grand opening of Accessibility House (see the Spring 1995 issue of ABILITIES) on Friday and Saturday, October 27 and 28, 1995. Accessibility House is a showcase that illustrates barrier-free design and assistive technology. The displays demonstrate creative ways to make the activities of daily living easier. Visitors can try a wide selection of assistive devices and affordable household items as they tour the model home, which displays barrier-free features such as lowered counters, accessible sinks, a roll-in shower, side-opening ovens, and properly sloped ramps. In his greeting to the guests assembled for the opening ceremony, Mr. Eric Bergenstein, regional member of the Provincial Board of Directors of Ontario March of Dimes, spoke of the long process in developing Accessibility House. It took five years from when the concept was first proposed in 1990 to completion. Listeners chuckled appreciatively at his analogy of the lengthy completion time of Accessibility House to that of the long and painful birth of an elephant. Mr. Bergenstein expressed pride in Niagara�s accomplishment and in the partnership between Ontario March of Dimes, Niagara Centre for Independent Living, and Ontario Ministry of Health, Long-Term Care Division, which had made it happen. He thanked the building trades and suppliers who, in spite of the difficult economic times, had donated time and materials towards construction of the project. He named the contractor and landlord, Mountainview Homes Inc.; Elmwood Kitchens; A-1 Flooring; Teknion Furniture Systems; Grand & Toy; and Crane Canada for a special note of appreciation. The contributions of many individuals, area businesses and organizations who had donated to the capital campaign were also noted. These included Liberty International Canada Holdings Ltd.; Lupus Foundation of Ontario; Walker Brothers Quarries Limited; Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; John Deere Foundation of Canada; Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 4; and the Niagara Chapter of the Stroke Recovery Association. Congratulations were offered by Mr. John Malony, MP, Erie Riding; Mr. Peter Kormos, MPP, Welland-Thorold Riding; Mrs. Jill Hildreth, Councillor, the Regional Municipality of Niagara; and Mr. Mal Woodhouse, Mayor, City of Thorold. In her dedication, Mrs. Jocelyne Ivanovskis, Regional Director, South Region, Ontario March of Dimes, said: "Accessibility House has benefited from a lively and productive partnership, the contribution of dedicated, enthusiastic, committed and energetic volunteers, and the supportive response from the Niagara community." She stressed, "The goal of this project has always been to assist seniors and persons with disabilities to live independently in their community and to demonstrate ways in which they can improve their quality of life." Ms. Donna Plonski, Executive Director, Niagara Centre for Independent Living, remarked that Accessibility House�s "home-like environment" will provide an "invaluable assessment tool and resource." Mr. Ron Book, Area Manager, Long-Term Care Division, Ontario Ministry of Health, spoke about the initial planning and foresight responsible for the project. Mrs. Jean Brett, Chair of the Accessibility House Advisory Committee, reiterated the fundamental concepts expressed in the project�s Philosophy Statement: "Who would know more about the value of a product than someone who must use it? Who knows better the advantages or disadvantages of a home design than the person who lives in it?" Mrs. Sam Turner of local radio station CHSC AM 1220 graciously acted as master of ceremonies. The opening ceremony concluded with the cutting of the ribbon to open the facilities by Ms. Shirley Bradley, a participant in the Ontario March of Dimes� Personal Effectiveness Training program, and Mr. Ernest Newburgh, a volunteer with the Niagara Centre for Independent Living. Visitors were then free to tour the new facility and visit the accompanying trade show. Over 200 seniors and individuals with disabilities, dignitaries, agency personnel, community leaders and interested Niagara residents toured Accessibility House during the two-day event. Volunteers and staff would like to thank everyone who helped make the dream a reality. (Susan Corcoran is the Community Development Co-ordinator for South Region, Ontario March of Dimes.) ONTARIO MARCH OF DIMES 10 OVERLEA BLVD. TORONTO, ON M4H 1A4 TEL: (416) 425-3463 FAX: (416) 425-1920 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.omod.org
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