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Report from the Executive Directors |
Canadian Helen Keller Centre
Executive Director's Report
Once Rotary
Cheshire Homes was established it became obvious that a Training
Centre was needed to close the gap in meeting the needs of
deaf-blind Canadians. In 1996 at a meeting of representatives
from the deaf-blind community, an outline of a proposal to
establish the Canadian Helen Keller Centre was wholeheartedly
approved. The search for funding resulted in commitments from
The Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Canadian Foundation for
Physically Disabled Persons and the Toronto-Don Valley Rotary
Club.
As with all new
ground breaking initiatives, the start-up is challenging. CHKC
is still in its beginning stage, but we see great things
happening and are showing positive results.
With the support
of all of you here tonight and your encouragement we will
succeed. Each of you can contribute to our success. I urge you
to think of ways you can help. If you need ideas, we have lots
to spare. Please talk about your involvement with CHKC, tell
people about the wonderful opportunities available at this first
of its kind ‘Training Centre’ dedicated to deaf-blind
Canadians. Awareness is crucial to our success.
Yes, there is
much to celebrate tonight! As an Instructor at CHKC, “rewards
of the moment” are many. From students sharing recipes, to the
thrill of sharing the concept of crock-pot cooking, to the
satisfaction of sharing one’s own, first ever, independently
made batch of cookies. Orientation and Mobility Instructors
speak about students venturing out on independent excursions
with their newly developed skills and confidence. Participants
who have completed the course in braille are preparing
information to ensure others are kept informed and have access
to information. Some students have acquired skills to become
trainers themselves. Ideas for new programs such as ‘Home
Maintenance’ have emerged from a participant’s request. Many
participants and staff joined in the fund-raising events that
were held over the year. Community outreach included a
participant run information booth at Earl Haig Secondary
School’s Volunteer Fair. Yes, it has been a busy year! CHKC is
growing and opening doors for all to discover.
Joyce Thompson and Nancy
Mactavish
Acting Executive Directors
