The Port Alberni Association for Community Living Participant Handbook
Introduction to your Handbook
Why do we give you this Handbook?
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People need information |
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If people do not get enough information they might not make the best decisions for themselves |
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It is your right to have the information you need to make good decisions and to make informed choices |
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This Handbook is one way we respect your rights by making sure you have enough information about the Port Alberni Association for Community Living. Throughout this handbook we will call the Association - PAACL |
Using the Handbook
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A staff person will talk with you about the handbook. They will explain anything you don't understand |
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If you have any suggestions to make this handbook better, please contact 724-7155 |
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This handbook was developed to help make sure that people
are well informed about the services they access. |
Table of Contents
Abbreviations or Acronyms
| PAACL Port Alberni Association for Community Living |
| BCACL British Columbia Association for Community Living |
| CLBC Community Living British Columbia |
| MCFD Ministry for Children and Family Development |
| SCL Services for Community Living |
| MHR Ministry for Human Resources |
Mission Statement
The Port Alberni Association for Community Living provides opportunities
for meaningful work, residential options, community involvement and support
for adults with developmental disabilities and children with special needs.
We value the importance of families and friends and will facilitate and
support efforts to nurture relationships.
Core Values
| All people have the right to be treated with dignity and respect |
| All people should have access to needed services that achieve optimal outcomes |
| All people are entitled to live and participate as full citizens in the community of their choice, with the same rights, obligations and responsibilities as other citizens |
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All people must have their personal autonomy protected,
with every effort made to nurture and enhance self-determination |
Principles of Service
Planning and delivery of service is centered on you, your family and your friends and activities in the community. We believe that the development of friendships and meaningful participation in community life will enhance the quality of your life.
Using Local Community Supports
Wherever possible and appropriate, we will use community supports to ensure that your needs are met. Community supports also include your friends and family (personal network).
Accountability
So we can be accountable to you we will ask you to complete satisfaction
surveys to ensure that we are meeting your needs.
Lifelong Learning
We believe that everyone learns and grows through participation and
experience. You will be supported to take an active role in the day-to-day
activities of your life.
In
June of 2007, the Port Alberni Association for Community Living celebrated
the 50th anniversary of its incorporation as a society. The first programs started by PAACL were a pre-school, Arrowsmith House a large group home on Argyle Street, and Arrowsmith Services a sheltered workshop that would provide day program opportunities for adults.
In the 1980s, the large institutions in BC were closed. People from these institutions came to Port Alberni and we opened several group homes.
In 1979, The Learning Place Pre-School was opened. By 1995 thinking had changed, and the Learning Place Pre-school closed and children now went to regular day care centers with support from PAACL.
In 1988, the Community
Employment Program started. In 1992 Arrowsmith Services split into two day
programs (Arrowsmith Services and Community Options). Choices Day Program
began in 1994.
By 1999, residents of 5th Avenue and Huff Drive had moved to individually
supported living situations in the community.
In 2004, the Pathways Program was created to offer support to people on a
more informal basis.
In 2005, a new group home was built in the Westporte area to provide a home
for the residents of the Glenside and Russell homes, which were closed
Also in 2005, PAACL received a three-year accreditation for a number of its
programs from CARF
In 2008 PAACL purchased a new building. Choices, Arrowsmith Services, and
Community Options Day Programs move to the new location and become the
Connections Day Program. The new program offers more space, more choice and
more opportunities for participants in the programs.
In 2008 PAACL also opened Huff Drive Residence. The new Residential resource
can provide housing for four individuals in the community.
And in 2008 PAACL was successful in obtaining another 3 year accreditation
for it*s programs, including the new Connections program.
Program Funding
Our programs are primarily funded through Community Living BC (CLBC) and the Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD).
We do fundraising for equipment and additional program costs.
Admission Criteria
| You must be referred by CLBC |
| You must meet the eligibility criteria of CLBC of having a developmental disability |
| There must be a vacancy within a program or residence You must be suitable for the existing program, this will be determined through: visits, orientation to program or residence, reviews of prior assessments, as well as information that is shared during the intake process |
| that we are able to provide the level of support that you need with existing staffing levels |
| if we are not able to provide the level of support you need then we can provide service if additional funding is made available by CLBC to hire more workers |
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Note** Individuals who have a developmental disability and who have individualized funding may purchase services that are specific to their support needs. These individuals do not need to be referred by CLBC
| Children between the ages of 0 to 3 years. |
| Children identified as being at risk of a developmental delay. |
| Children 0 to 19 |
| Must have a developmental delay in physical, cognitive, communicative or emotional/behavioral areas. (Evidence and documentation of one or more areas is required) |
| The child needs support in a child care facility or a community setting. |
| Parents requiring daycare other than early intervention preschool experiences must both be working or going to school. |
office any time at 724-7155. Our receptionist will answer Monday through
Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Outside of those hours you can leave a
message. All Administration office employees have voice mailboxes so you can
leave messages for them. You can also email us at
admin@paacl.ca | Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities |
| Training that helps them to work with individuals with developmental disabilities. |
| First Aid and CPR * training is regularly updated |
| Non-Violent Crisis Intervention * so that they know how to respond if someone is in a crisis |
| Food Safe and Medication Administration |
| Individual Service Planning |
| Positive Behaviour Supports |
| Conflict Resolution. |
It is important that you feel comfortable with the person working with you. If you do not feel comfortable with your Worker, you or someone you know (friend or family member) should speak to the Program Manager. The Manager will see if there is anything that can be done to make things better.
handbook. If you have any questions your Support Worker can help you.You Have Rights:
As a person participating in our programs and services
As a Canadian
As a person with disabilities
We will go through these rights with you when you start receiving services from us. Anytime you want, we can go over these rights again. Also, all of our employees know about your rights.
What
is an Advocate?An advocate is a person who helps you make your wishes known to other people. You may want an advocate because you feel too shy to speak or if you feel that someone is either not listening to your concerns or they do not understand what you are trying to tell them. An advocate can be a family member, other relative, a friend, or you can ask a PAACL Worker to be an advocate for you.
Informed Choices and Decisions
All people have the right to make decisions and choices. We know that
sometimes people might need some help to make choices.
You have the right to speak for yourself and we think that it is important that you make as many of your own choices and decisions as possible.
Before you make a choice we will give you as much information as you need to make what is called an informed choice, and we will support you to try other options (different things that are available to you).
Some people may want someone who knows them well to help them make choices. If you want some help, then you can ask someone who knows you well to help you to make choices.
Your Rights As A Person Receiving Services
This
principle talks about your right to control your life and to take
responsibility for your actions. It reminds all of us to provide you with
opportunities to act on your own behalf and wherever possible to participate
in the decisions that affect you. | Health and safety |
| Participation in your community |
| Good relationships with friends and relatives |
| Making choices |
| Daily activities that help you pursue your goals |
| Recognition of your value |
This principle encourages all of us to communicate with each other and to resolve a disagreement if ever there is conflict between you and your family, CLBC employees, or us.
Privacy
means that information about you is confidential. Before you give
information to someone you can ask if they can keep something
"confidential." That means that what you say is private, and won't be told
to anyone else. All PAACL employees must sign an oath of confidentiality
which means that they must keep your information confidential.Privacy and Information About You
We will ask you and your family or caregiver to give us information about you in order to provide you with the best possible care and service. We keep that information so that people who support you know what you like and what you need. This information includes: health care information, planning information, daily notes, incident reports, and other reports from people in your support network
| That you have the right to be alone, if you so choose. |
| That people should ask if it is okay with you before they come into your private space. |
| That people should not look at, touch or take your private things without your permission. |
In
1982 the government of Canada told all Canadians about their rights in a
document called Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Some of your
rights included in this Charter are: | The right to be treated fairly and equally regardless of your race, sex or age, or whether you have a physical or developmental disability |
| The right to choose your religion |
| The right to your own thoughts and the right to talk about your thoughts |
| The right to gather with other people |
| The right to vote |
| The right to stay in Canada or to leave |
| The right to learn. |
| Talk to us - we can help you to take some next steps |
| If you are working, talk to your job coach. The two of you can find out if your employer has a complaints procedure. |
On July 1, 2005, the Ministry for Children and Family Development turned over their ministry responsibility for adults with developmental disabilities to Community Living BC.
For more information you can look on their website or, you can ask a support person or family member to do this for you: www.communitylivingbc.ca
| Services from a Facilitator (formerly called Social Workers) |
| Services including nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy |
| Mental Health Services and/or an assessment from Island Mental Health |
| Various forms of funding |
| Referrals to specific programs (e.g. residential, supported
*employment, respite, counseling, day programs). Persons with disabilities who are 18 years or older in BC have the right to benefits and services. |
Depending on your needs and your income, you are likely eligible for:
| A monthly support allowance |
| Medical coverage, including Medical Services Plan and Pharmacare coverage, as well as other medical benefits such as glasses or dental care |
| An annual bus pass. Your CLBC Financial Analyst can tell you more about your Disability Pension. The CLBC office is listed in the back of this book under *Resources.* You can also check the website for "Office for Disability Issues" at http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/pwd.htm to get disability benefits information. |
| Treating others with respect |
| Respecting the rights of everyone, including program participants, caregivers and Support Workers |
| Listening to others |
| Participating in the planning of your services |
| Exploring the options available to you by participating in recreation and leisure activities, or community volunteering |
| Follow through on what you say you will do and honouring your commitments, appointments and schedules. |
| Letting people know if and when you need support (If it isn't easy for you to tell us then you can ask others who know you to tell us) |
It is your job to let a Worker know of any health or safety concerns that you have.
We need to know things about your health like:
| The medications you take |
| Medical health concerns that you have |
| Safety concerns that you have |
| Health and/or safety supports that you require If it is hard for you to tell us about these things, someone who knows you well should tell us. |
| When you are at one of PAACL's programs or homes |
| With someone at PAACL |
| When you are out in the community (including volunteer and supported employment sites) |
| When you are in a vehicle |
Your Responsibilities in Case of an Emergency
If there is an emergency including fire or an earthquake, or if there is a
fire drill you have a responsibility to:
| Follow the directions of the Worker |
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Try to remain calm |
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Leave the building if asked to do so |
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Let the Worker know if you or anyone else is having trouble |
The best way to resolve a conflict is to speak directly to the person you are having a concern or disagreement with and let them know what the problem is and how you see it being resolved. If you feel you cannot talk to the person directly, speak to one of the program Workers or the program Manager to find out what can be done. Or, you could ask a family member or other advocate to help you resolve the conflict or concern.
If you have a concern about your program, or problem or conflict with an employee of PAACL and it can not be resolved by talking directly to them you may wish to make a complaint in writing. You can send a letter to the Executive Director at the Port Alberni Association for Community Living at 3008 Second Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1Y9. Or you can fill in a complaints resolution form, or speak to someone directly by calling (250)724-7155, and ask to speak to our Executive Director.
If the situation still cannot be resolved you can contact a member of our Board of Directors.
What Else Can I do to Resolve Conflict?
You can also choose to take your complaint to the Advocate for Service Quality. This person ensures that people in BC with developmental disabilities who receive service are well served. The advocate for service quality is not a CLBC employee so they can respond to you in a way that is independent of them.
You and/or a person you have asked to help you can reach the Advocate for Service Quality in Victoria (see directory at the end of this booklet for contact information).
We help you to achieve your goals by working with you to develop an Individual Service Plan. This plan is written down and these plans are reviewed each year.
During the planning process we give you:
| Information about our programs so you can make choices |
| Information about community resources so you can make choices |
| Opportunities to develop your independence and skills and to make friends. |
1. Plan Your Services
It is important to us that you are involved in the planning of your services. We will meet with you to write an Individual Service Plan (ISP) that has your goals. Sometimes it is difficult telling others what you want and where you want to go so you might choose to have someone come to your ISP meeting to help with that part.
2. Plan Your Activities With You
You will be involved in planning activities that will help you to achieve your goals.
3. Develop Your Skills
We will support you to develop skills at a pace that is right for you, so
that you become more independent or maintain your independence.
4. Community Participation
We will support you to learn skills to be able to do what you want to do in
your community.
5. Make Friends
It might be important to you to make friends, or to make the friendships you
have stronger. At PAACL you can have opportunities to involve the friends
you already have and to make new friends.
At PAACL we have procedures written down at all program
sites to help you if there is an emergency.
Fire & Earthquake
If there is a fire, earthquake or other emergencies we will help you to:
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Leave the building |
| Get out of the building if you have trouble walking |
| Follow our safety plan |
If you have a medical emergency:
| PAACL Worker will give you first aid |
| If it is necessary, the Worker will support you to go to a medical clinic |
| If needed, the Worker will call 911 to get additional help for you |
| Caregivers and family will be informed if necessary |
First Aid
All PAACL program and residential Workers have First Aid training. There are
first aid kits at all of our sites and in all of our vehicles.
PAACL workers are trained in Universal Health Precautions. If someone comes in contact with blood or other body fluids they will follow safety steps. By following these steps they are less likely to come in contact with a communicable disease. That way workers stay safe and so do you.
To prevent workers from coming in contact with blood or other body fluids they will:
| Wear gloves |
| Follow proper hand washing procedures |
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Follow proper clean up procedures |
When you first come to PAACL we meet with you, your family and/or caregiver to find out what you need to keep you safe.
We ask questions about:
The medications you take
Health concerns you have
Safety concerns you have
The personal care supports you might need
The mealtime supports you might need
We write the answers down in your Health Care Plan. We will need to share this information so that Workers who support you know how to address your health and safety needs. It is important that you tell us about any changes when they happen, like changes in the medications you take. We also need updated information on who to contact in an emergency.
| Is about speaking for yourself |
| Is about speaking out for your rights |
| Is about helping others to speak out for their rights |
| Is about having input into the decisions about your life We support and encourage people to advocate for themselves and to do it in a way that works for them. It is important that you are included in decision-making that affects your life. The following are various ways that we support and encourage self-advocacy: The Individual Service Planning Process: Everyone is encouraged and supported to participate in their Individual Service Planning process. |
About once a year PAACL will be asking you questions about how happy you are
about services and the support we provide. This is called a satisfaction
survey. This helps us know how to improve ways to serve you better.
Leadership & Self-Advocacy
Conferences / Workshops:
Various speakers provide information and opportunity for self advocates to
learn more about self-advocacy, explore current issues and practice using
self-advocacy skills.
PAACL arranges for opportunities such as arts, music, recordings, and musical instrument exploration as a means for creative expression of thoughts, messages and feelings.
Resource
Library:We have a resource library in the Administration Building at our administration office on 2nd Avenue. In addition to many sections like planning, healthy sexuality, family support and friendship development,
we have a section all about advocacy and rights.
In addition, the Services for Community Living and Community Employment programs have a number of brochures to help you in dealing with many life issues you may be facing.
Each year, one or more persons with a developmental disability is elected as a member
of the PAACL Board of Directors.CARF (The Commission of Accredited Rehabilitation Facilities) Accreditation
the highest standards for quality service. Quality standards include:
| that the services offered meet the needs of individuals |
| that individuals are satisfied with their services |
| that individuals have service plans in place that identify their goals |
| that the organization sees Health and & Safety of high importance and has plans in place to keep people safe. |
| that Workers are qualified to do their jobs. For more information on CARF, you can visit their web site at http://www.carf.org |
| Infant Development Program |
| Supported Child Development Program |
| Connections Day Program |
| Community Employment |
| Semi-Independent Living Program |
| Self Help Skills Program |
| Access Leisure and Support Program |
| Westporte Residence |
| Ninth Residence |
| Maple Residence |
| Individual Support Services - RT |
3008 2nd Avenue,
Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 1Y9
Phone: 250-724-7155
Fax: 250-723-0404
Email: admin@paacl.ca
Executive Director: Dominic Rockall
Email: drockall@paacl.ca
Director, Adult Services: Sharon MacDonald
Email: smacdonald@paacl.ca
Director, Children Services: Dominic Rockall
Email: drockall@paacl.ca
4471 Margaret St., Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-724-2552
Email: smacdonald@paacl.ca
3008 2nd Ave., Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-724-7155
Fax: 250-723-0404
Email: mwalker@paacl.ca
3008 2nd Ave., Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-724-7155
Fax: 250-723-0404
Email:
Sandy Gagnon sgagnon@paacl.ca
Tina Nesbitt tnesbitt@paacl.ca
3008 2nd Ave. Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-724-7155
Fax: 250-723-0404
Email: smacdonald@paacl.ca
3008 2nd Ave. Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-724-7155
Fax: 250-723-0404
Email: smacdonald@paacl.ca
3008 2nd Ave. Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-724-7155
Fax: 250-723-0404
Email: drockall@paacl.ca
3008 2nd Ave. Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-724-7155
Fax: 250-723-0404
Email: drockall@paacl.ca
(mid Island services)
3090 Barons Road,
Nanaimo, BC V9T 4B5
Phone: 250-729-2500
Fax: 250-751-0133
Or Enquiry BC: 1-800-663-7867
Website: http://www.gov.bc.ca/
Suite 101, 3705 Willingdon Avenue,
Burnaby, BC V5G 3H3
CLBC Call Centre: (604) 660-CLBC (2522)
Toll free 1-877-660-2522
Fax: 1-604-660-5035
Email: info@communitylivingbc.ca
4090 8th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 1-866-866-0800
Website: www.gov.bc.ca/hsd/
Other Important Resource Information
Annual
Bus PassPhone: 250-387-4431 or call
BC Disability Benefits toll-free at 1-800-665-2656
Victoria Office:
2nd Floor - 844 Courtenay Street,
Victoria, BC V8W 9J1
Phone: 250-387-3710
Website: http://www.bchrcoalition.org/files/process.html
200 - 555 West 8th Street,
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1C6
Victoria area phone: 250-387-6121
Phone: 911 Police / Fire / Ambulance
Police- Non emergency
4110 6th Avenue,
Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-723-2424
Bread of Life Centre- Soup Kitchen & Emergency Shelter
3130 3rd Avenue,
Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-723-4049
5038 Argyle Street,
Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-723-8614
3039A 4th Avenue,
Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-724-0125
Phone: 250-724-1311
Phone: 250-723-4050
4780 Roger Street,
Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-724-3554
Phone: 250-723-4050
3555 4th Avenue,
Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-720-6140
3978 8th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-723-6511
3082 3rd Avenue,
Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-724-7111
Bus Info line: 250-723-3341
4841 Redford Street,
Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-723-6960 or 250-723-6913
3949 Port Alberni Highway,
Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-723-2135
Box 94
Port Alberni, BC
Information: Anne Evans
Phone: 250-724-2327 or 250-724-5096
(For reduced rate of municipal taxes)
4850 Argyle Street,
Port Alberni, BC
Phone: 250-723-2146
(BC Ferry Pass)
1112 Fort Street,
Victoria, BC Canada V8V 4V2
Phone: 1-888-BC FERRY 1-888-223-3779
