Self-Advocates
Community Living Owen Sound and District has two Self-Advocate groups; one based in Owen Sound (Sound Advocates) and the other based in Saugeen Shores (Bruce Shoreline Advocates). Group members speak up for themselves and for people who “need help finding their voice”. They advocate for their rights and talk about “things they care about”. Examples of recent group activities include organizing/hosting special events, guest speakers, “Safe Talk”, “Bury the “R” Word Campaign”, annual road side clean-up initiatives and meetings with local politicians. It’s also just a place “to have fun”. Please contact us if you or someone you know is interested in joining one of these Self-Advocate groups.
Parent / Self Advocate Educational Opportunities
The Board of Directors has established a fund to assist family members and self-advocates to participate in training and educational opportunities related to developmental disabilities. This assistance could be for attending a conference or workshop or to sponsor an educational event locally. For more information contact Family Support at 519-371-9251 extension #340.
Mom’s Retreat
The first Mom’s Retreat Weekend was held in 1996. Now, an annual event, this weekend is an opportunity for moms to get together, have fun, relax and learn from each other. Moms, who have children with special needs and are, or have been, involved with Community Living Owen Sound and District, have the chance to network with other moms of children with special needs and be “pampered”. For more information please call 519-371-9251 extension #340 or 519-370-0866.
Summer Teen Connect
A seasonal initiative, sponsored by Community Living Owen Sound and District, aimed at providing assistance for 14 to 21 year old youths to join in community events with their friends. Please contact Family Support at 519-371-9251 extension #340 for more information.
Camp/Vacation Subsidies
A camp and vacation subsidy is available to all adults and children that are supported by Community Living Owen Sound and District. This subsidy is provided by the Board of Directors and is used to assist a person with expenses associated with a camp experience or vacation. Contact Family Support at 519-371-9251 extension #340 for more information on and/or how to apply for the camp/vacation subsidy.
RDSP Bursary
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan specific for people with disabilities. The Christine Elliott/Jim Flaherty RDSP Bursary assists people connected to the services and supports of Community Living Owen Sound and District to open a RDSP and encourage them to save for their retirement. There is a limited number of bursaries ($500.00 each) to be awarded each year at the Association’s Annual General Meeting each year.
J. Irvine Brown Continuing Education Award
In honour of Mr. J Irvine Brown and his efforts to improve the lives of people with developmental needs and his dedicated service to Community Living Owen Sound and District, this award was established to recognize and encourage excellence in the field of Developmental Services. A limited number of $500.00 Awards will be presented at the Association’s Annual General Meeting in June to students graduating from Secondary School who are continuing on in Post-Secondary education in a field of study pertaining to developmental disabilities or social services.
Application Forms along with Award Eligibility Criteria are available from area High Schools. If you are interested in applying for this award, please refer to the Award Nomination Form or call 519-371-9251.
Board of Directors:
The Association is governed by an independent, voluntary Board of Directors, elected by the members. Information on becoming a Director, or an the activities of the Board, is available from our Administration office.
Membership:
The Association is a Not-for-Profit, Charitable organization. Membership in the Association is available on an Annual or Lifetime basis.