Tonight, our Milton library lead was Ms Seema, who was absolutely lovely and a perfect addition to our HYDAC crew.
Special welcome to members Connor and Hader. This was their first council meeting. Tonight’s agenda was jam packed and our council started off the evening at 7:10pm with a clean up of the surrounding library grounds, filling three bags of garbage. (Giving back to the community is an important part of our council mandate.)
What is a sensory toolbox? A sensory tool box is a collection of sensory items to help those with sensory processing disorder, soothe anxiety, self regulate and focus. Making the library experience more positive and fun.
Ms. Seema shared with us that this new library is state of the art with colour codes, visual, audio and tactile options. Lots of window seating and very tranquil surrounding. (Our crew will host the January meeting in this spot.) So excited!! Another successful council meeting. Well done crew! - Judith Elaine At our last HYDAC - Halton Youth Disability Advisory Council meeting on September 9, 2019 we had special guest, Mr. Sean Weir, Progressive Conservative candidate for Oakville, in the coming Federal election.
This meeting was open to parents as well. The meeting opened with a review discussion of what happens at each meeting. This helps reinforce agenda, and recap. We open the conversation and make plans to solve any problems, address concerns that we have identified. Most importantly as a youth council we learn how to act in a meeting, so that when we are in other meetings we feel comfortable and are able to participate. “Inclusion is the fundamental standard, whether it’s in listening or staying at the table.” Ms. Mary Rose Sean Weir introduced himself as the CEO of BLG Law Firm, which has established a National Diversity & Inclusion Officer Role. He also told us about the pro bono (for free) work that his firm’s lawyers contribute to support not for profits and individuals in need. The questions from our HYDAC members came constantly. What kind of representation do they provide pro bono or how did he get involved in politics, our HYDAC members were totally engaged. By the way, Mr. Weir first got involved in Municipal Politics after a busing dispute in Oakville. He decided to run for Council and won. Now he is running for a Federal seat because he finds those issues of more interest and wants to make a difference. Some of these important issues are international relations, defence, the monetary system and Canadian tax. The two key areas raised by HYDAC were: 1. How can our youth and adults live independently, that is live alone, when there is a wait list of 25 years for Group Homes? 2. How can We get a jobs ? Parents raised such issues as the fact that at age 18, many young people with autism must reapply for their disability tax credit and prove that they are autistic. Mr. Weir listened carefully to each of our youth council member as they spoke about their concerns and I am sure that the insight of our Halton Youth Disability Advisory Council’s questions and comments provided was profound in its truth and honesty. Every word came from their hearts, and it is moments like these that reinforce the importance of awareness and acceptance in our society. As a youth council we recognize the need for belonging, and the importance of independence, both are vital to individual success. Yesterday, was the HYDAC Milton’s meeting at the Beaty Branch library and our youth followed through with their plan to first clean the grounds, and pick up all garbage around the library.
“The outside area looks amazing,” said Ms. Lisa Portelli, Adult & Youth Services Librarian. Next on the evening agenda was joining the libraries successful pen pal program. This would mean that our youth would have the opportunity to connect to a senior living in Milton, create a partnership, share likes, stories, dreams and goals. It is a part of the HYDAC outreach - Bridging the gap’ goals that were set in the first meeting. - art projects for community - December - working with library staff on various projects - joining other youth in their forum - raising awareness - building acceptance - reinforcing inclusion on all levels in the town of Milton - fundraising for sensory boxes Lastly the sense of belonging was brought forward, ideas on how to make all abilities feel as though they are a part of everyday life in Milton. The goal of our HYDAC Milton youth is to help make everyone feel welcomed and valued. ‘Another successful Halton Youth Disability Advisory Council meeting.’ . |
HYDACRecaps of our monthly meetings at the OPL. Archives
January 2023
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