Self-Advocate Committee
The word self-advocate is used to describe people with a developmental disability who speak for themselves and on behalf of other people with developmental disabilities. Some people may need support to express their wishes. Self-Advocates on the Committee will make sure that the Board Directors know what the self-advocates’ needs and wishes are. They:

• Discuss and make suggestions for action by the Board of Directors on policies and issues that affect individuals receiving supports and services
• Make sure that Community Living actively involves self-advocates in decisions that affects their lives
• Set-up Work Groups that look at specific issues about rights and fair treatment, needs and interests of people supported by Community Living Renfrew County South

For inquiries contact Lucy McCordick-Boisvenue at lmccordick@clrcs.com and phone 613-432-6763 ext. 110.

People First
People First is an organization directed and controlled by people who have a developmental disability.

The People First group meets on the last Monday of the month, September – June, in Renfrew to:

• Promote equality for all people who have been labelled speak for themselves and make their own decisions
• Teach the community about their issues
• Bring people together so they can help each other create opportunities and events for people to speak up and be heard
• Provide encouragement and models for action
• Develop information and issues and action
• Hold social and special events

For more information about how to join this group, please contact Allan Yull at ayull@clrcs.com and phone 613-432-6763

Special Olympics Ontario
Special Olympics is a worldwide program providing year-round sports training and competition for people with an intellectual disability. Special Olympics Ontario is a community based grassroots organization in which athletics train and compete in sport clubs located in communities across Ontario.

The province is divided into twelve geographical regions. Renfrew and Arnprior are in Region 7: Ottawa-Rideau-St. Lawrence. For information about sports played and registration, please contact:

Arnprior: Vicki Murdock, Phone: (613) 623-8254 or e-mail mark.murdock@sympatico.ca

Renfrew: Frank Belanger, Phone: (613)432-2441