The library has collected over 90 pieces of art, poetry and letters from youth that have been printed and sent to Birkdale senior centre to bring joy and happiness to the seniors residing there. She also got permission from our crew to send them to other senior Milton residents. “Send them to as many as possible!” Was the consensus.The Town of Oakville offered a similar program called ‘Message in a bottle’ and our HYDAC crew participated in that as well sending lots and lots of pictures and poetry to help fill the bottles with positive messages of hope and happiness - GO HYDAC GO!
Being home for close to two months has been hard for many of our youth. Many miss the patterns of routines, friends and familiarity. So yesterday during our mental health check our crew opened up and shared how they truly feel. “Mental health week is an important part of our meeting. It’s a reminder to all families to do a check in, talk about feelings, fears, and anxiety.” Says Ms. Judith “let everyone express their emotions. It’s healthy.” For national youth week we spoke about environment. Even though we are at home and in our neighbourhoods we can still do something for our planet. *Maddison and Elaine noticed that the Milton library that is close to them has garbage in the lawns and together these two will pack gloves and pick it up. Thank you guys! *Aiden spoke about reusing vegetable scraps. Regrowing our foods. Instead of throwing celery, romain lettuce, bok choi, carrots, green onions ends into the compost. Try to regrow then in water and replant then into the garden. Voices were strong, with lots of humour, tears and inspiring hope, it was wonderful to see our youth members so passionate about life. Last night the Halton Youth Disability Advisory Council meeting was in Milton. First on the agenda was..... you guessed it. The upcoming ‘Happy Valentine’s Dance’ on February 13th in Milton.
Our HYDAC councillors are so proud of their first community initiative in Milton. They hope to encourage all youth and adults in the community to come out and meet each other on the dance floor. DJ James and Simon are spinning the hits for everyone to dance too, as well the council members have even organized a soothing space for those that need a quiet zone to help themselves regulate. This dance is to encourage not only community partnerships, by working closely with the Milton Public library, but also to develop organization skills, positive team work, confidence, acceptance and inclusivity. What a fantastic social opportunity for all our youth and adults!!! Next on the agenda was the upcoming ‘Artability Showcase’ at the Milton Library This is a special art exhibition showcasing written, visual, and performance art by Milton’s neurodiverse youth community and HYDAC members. The event will feature the artwork of all HYDAC members!!! Art and poetry exhibition is open 2020 at Milton Main Library from April 3-9, Dance performance by Dance Ability Movement as well as performance art on Sat, Apr 4 1:30pm Last on the agenda was Global concerns and community issues. This is an important part of the meeting as it gives the council a chance to discuss concerns and members spent a few minutes discussing environment, protection of nature, animals and plants - the importance of trees and conservation is Hugh in their list. Fundraising was at the top of our list and last night our crew started on the project of creating beautiful mixed holiday wellness card packs. This official community fundraiser is to raise funds and awareness for sensory toys in the Milton libraries. The benefit would be for all ages, visitors to the library. These sensory Toys are designed to stimulate a child's senses and the effects whether soothing or stimulating can effect how children and youth read. Our HYDAC crew researched that when children participate in sensory activities, they are learning and that means the world to our committee. Please note: The hand made card packs will be available by November. Next on the agenda - our crew handed in their introductory letters to their matching senior partners. Pen pals is a program that the Milton library runs with seniors in the community and our youth Advisory Council want to build a relationship. “Loneliness is a risk factor in our community too,” says Connor. “I want to make sure that no one feels lonely and writing a letter was fun and I know it will make someone happy.”
“It was another great meeting,” Maddison said as she walked out the door. Just the words we want to hear. Belonging is so very important in our world, and HYDAC is the perfect place for everyone. 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 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.’ . Ms. Lisa Portelli - Adult and Youth Services Librarian at the Milton Public Library was our guest last night. Our council members all thought she was pretty amazing, with lots and lots of information to share. We went on a behind the scenes tour of the library, learning about cataloguing, restocking, packing, putting books on hold and re-shelving. Next on the agenda was fundraising and our council voted to raise funds and awareness for sensory toys for the library. This will help those families who are looking for sensory options as well as make the library experience a positive one.
All our council members are advocates for people with disabilities. They believe that they can build a foundation of awareness that will foster change in our community and society as a whole. It is wonderful to be surrounded by such positive individuals. Together they are going forge positive change, of that I am sure -Judith Elaine |
HYDACRecaps of our monthly meetings at the OPL. Archives
January 2023
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