KV Committee For Disabled Persons Opening Doors in KV March 2010

Introduction Who we are…… The committee was formed in 1988 by concerned citizens. The committee became incorporated in 2001. The committee is a non-profit volunteer organization. Members include people with disabilities, people with a disabled family member or concerned citizens in the KV area. Members have a variety of concerns for the community. Members have a variety of backgrounds.

Who we serve…… Citizens of the Kennebecasis Valley with disabilities. These disabilities or impairments may include: Mobility Visual Mental Learning Non–visible

Mission Statement & Vision Our mission is to improve the lives of residents with disabilities in the Kennebecasis Valley by providing opportunities to fully participate in community life. Our vision is for residents with physical and mental disabilities to be able to live and enjoy life within the Kennebecasis Valley.

We strive to remove barriers to….. Transportation Housing Education Recreation Communication

Transportation Access to community services through appropriate transportation capabilities for those with physical disabilities. In July 2009, the committee was instrumental in having a wheelchair accessible taxi service to enable persons in wheelchairs and their attendants to ride from KV to Saint John for a fee.

Housing Access to affordable, accessible housing. In the October 2009, 16 accessible and senior apartments were built in Quispamsis. The committee was represented in the planning of these apartments.

Education Increased awareness within the community. During Disability Awareness week (May 30th to June 5th) the committee will present to the middle schools in the KV area about living with a disability.

Recreation Purchase of 2 surf chairs at Meehan’s Cove Beach. Initiated the capability of wheel chair bowling. Increased selection of large print & talking books at the KV Library. Lift built in the Quispamsis Memorial Arena.

Communication Increased awareness, increased support and change to support disabled community needs. Increased handicap parking at area businesses. Acknowledging the new and old business in the community that are accessible.

Overview of Achievements Installation of strobe lights for the hearing impaired at Rothesay High. Increased handicap parking at area businesses. Help to purchase 2 surf chairs at Meehan’s Cove Beach. Increased selection of large print & talking books at the KV Library. Public & private support in the installation of ramped curbs. Installation of T.D.D. at the Rothesay Police Station & some Banks. Initiated the capability of wheelchair bowling. Instrumental in providing changes to the NB vehicle retrofit program. Instrumental in having Disability Awareness Week in schools. Scholarship for a student who is disabled, with a disabled parent or continuing their education in the health field. Lift built in the Quispamsis Memorial Arena. Instrumental in having a sledge for ice skaters bought for the Arts and Culture Park.

Current work Representation on the Premiers council for the disabled. Managing the wheelchair taxi transportation service.

Opportunities Ensure needs of this community are not overlooked during times of expansion and growth. Access to any new community or business facility. Leverage growth of new facilities as the catalyst for increased services to the disabled community. Ensure current aging residents can remain in their communities. Welcome previous residents back by supporting needs. Ensuring consistency across municipal lines.

Next Steps Representation on the PAC—or consultation with KV Disabled Committee on every building project. Continued dialogue with the town on transportation, housing, and recreational opportunities. Incorporate requirements during the planning stages of development. Development of a shared tactical plan with provincial representations from the KV region. 

Thank-you Reach out!