With Spring finally in the air across the entire country, we are pleased to announce new team members and new resources to further spread the message about the need for improved communication access for Canadians with speech and language disabilities.

Nationally:

The use of the information and resources on human rights and accessibility for individuals with communication disabilities available on our website is steadily increasing. In March, 2,050 visitors viewed 7,588 pages.

Our Latest Resources:

Three new videos have been added to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Hospital In-Patient Services and Telephone Services under Make Your Services Accessible. These videos feature Steven Wells sharing some of the barriers faced by individuals with speech and language disabilities and a few solutions. Feel free to tell people about these videos.

In Atlantic Canada:

Regional Coordinator for Atlantic Canada, Deborah Maund, had a productive meeting with the New Brunswick Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons Board. They are committed to leading by example in this province, having committed to taking the e-learning training and encouraging others to do so as well. Plans are in place for future collaborations as well.

Staff at WeCare Home Healthcare Services in Moncton are committed to increasing their awareness for the needs of persons with speech and language disabilities. Many of the team of the team have completed the e-learning modules and have received their certificates.

In Ontario:

Our heartfelt thanks goes to Tracy Shepherd who is stepping down as CAN Ontario Coordinator to take on the new role as a co-chair of the ISAAC Conference 2016. We wish her the very best of luck. As Ontario coordinator, Tracy brought the CAN message to many organizations in the province during the past year. Thank you, Tracy. You have sprinkled Ontario with communication access symbols!

Starting April 2015, we welcome Nora Rothschild as the CAN Ontario coordinator.  Nora has extensive experience as an AAC clinician and has recently retired from her clinical practices at Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe York and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Welcome, Nora!

Across the Provinces:

We are pleased to welcome Randa Tomczak, Speech-Language Pathologist who is taking on the role of CAN coordinator in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Randa will be following up on work started by Christine Beliveau in 2014. Randa has over 13 years of clinical experience in adult and child communication disorders. We are looking forward to having her on our CAN team. Tracy Shepherd will continue as regional coordinator for Manitoba.

On the West Coast:

In the Fall, BC Regional Coordinator Lois Turner met with staff in the Training Initiatives department at the Ministry of Social Development & Social Innovation, who agreed to review the e-learning modules. In January, they added the link to their Core Training intranet (internal) site, where the modules were highlighted in a “soft launch” for existing Employment & Assistance Workers and announced as mandatory for new hires. In March, a resource package was distributed to delegates at the Annual Supervisors’ Meeting. These two activities increase the probability that people know about CAN in many Ministry offices in the province.

To have someone speak to your city, business or organization about communication access, please contact your regional coordinator.

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We look forward to sharing and connecting with you.