Welcome to ORW's web pages. It is our hope that our site will continue to be one of many places that people - especially those with disabilities - can get the information they need. While your feedback over the years has been most positive and we hope to reflect the changes you suggest - e-mail us with your thoughts.

The logo above indicates that our site is Bobby approved and considered fully accessible. So go ahead don't be shy, tell a friend about us.

On March 11, 2010 Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. See the government's press release and the United Nations Brief on the Convention, the Convention and Optional Protocol.

The BC Ministry of Housing and Social Development announced cuts in supports for persons with disablilities and low-income clients. For details see the government press release and editorial in the Times Colonist by Michael Prince.

Stakeholder Information Package on the BC Ministry of Housing and Social Development Business Transformation Project is available on the BC Bid site and lists upcoming information session dates and locations. (Your pop-up blocker will have to be turned off)

It is with great sadness we announce the death of long time Board member David King on February 13, 2010. Following his committee work that revamped ORW's production systems, David joined the Board of Directors on May 24, 1972 and continued on the Board right up to the time of his passing. Over the years he served on numerous committees, the Executive and as President. Not only did he serve as a Director but shared his passion for the organization with many and that in turn brought them on to the Board. David always spoke his mind and was eager to contribute to the sometimes difficult deliberations that face volunteer boards. His contributions will be greatly missed. Information about David can be found at http://www.legacy.com/can-vancouver/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=139792318 .

The Self Employment Explorer is a toolkit to assit youth with disabilities consider self employment.

The Minister’s Council on Employment for Persons with Disabilities is inviting communities and industry sectors to join the 10 by 10 Challenge to increase employment for persons with disabilities in British Columbia by 10% by the year 2010. An updated tool kit is now available.

2010 Legacies Now has received a $2-million grant from the Province of BC to establish the Measuring Up Accessibility and Inclusion Fund. This fund will support community projects aiming to improve how people with disabilities can actively participate in, and contribute to, their communities. The fund, which provides approximately 70 grants of up to $25,000, supports the provincial government’s goal to build the best system of support in Canada for people with disabilities.

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives released a study that urges the provincial government to adopt a series of creative recommendations that would make employment possible for many more British Columbians with significant disabilities. A summary is also available.

Some recent reports and announcements of interest:

• Endowment 150 and information on the Registered Disability Savings Plan
• In from the Margins: A call to Action on Poverty, Housing and Homelessness
  

   

The BC Ministry of Housing and Social Development has released its Service Plan.

Both the Labour Market Agreement (LMA) and the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) have updated information available. The Labour Market Agreement site has the 2009/2010 Annual Plan and updated information for clients, community groups and service providers can be found at http://www.labourmarketservices.gov.bc.ca/

The Joan Meister ORW Memorial Fund for Students with Disabilities Bursary has been established at Douglas College and had its second recipient this year. Her impact on our organization and others has been significant and truly has made the world a better place for people with disabilities. If you wish more information or would like to contribute to the fund please contact us,.or the Douglas College Foundation.

Again your feedback and input on The Source is greatly appreciated -- please take the time to fill out our form or send us e-mail. Your e-mail with comments, suggestions, additions, corrections, or other .......s is greatly appreciated. We are updating The Source 2009 - we know some are wrong, but need you to tell us, and of course we welcome new input.

If you notice any glitches, links that either don't work or are not current - or something looks funny, please e-mail us right away.