Diversity means variety; different ways of being human. Diversity happens when there are all kinds of different people present in a group, organization or society. Diversity is multidimensional: people can differ from one another in a variety of ways such as age, gender, skin colour, language, culture, ability, ancestry or ethnicity.
How we understand and talk about Diversity is always changing. If we are unsure about what language or term to use, it is best to ask respectfully. Asking is easier when we establish trust.
It’s ok to be different. Acceptance, kindness and empathy are the best tools to use in any scenario.
Step 1
How are we different?
One way to think about our differences is to imagine an iceberg. About 10 per cent of the iceberg is above water and therefore visible, but most of it remains hidden under water.
This online resource was created to help you gain a deeper understanding of Equity and Diversity in order to promote Inclusion where you work, live and play. The videos, discussion guides, activities and suggested resources can all be used in a variety of ways to facilitate brave conversations about what makes us different, and how we can create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
The toolkit was created as part of a sector-wide initiative led by Community Living Toronto in partnership with the Developmental Services Toronto, with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
As this is a new and evolving project, we continue to learn and improve as we go. We welcome any feedback, questions, and suggestions for new resources and tools to add to our toolkit!
Fostering Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace
In this important Keynote, Joel invites employees to foster diversity and inclusion in a meaningful way. Joel addresses how unconscious bias can affect our daily interactions and shape important decisions. He outlines how inclusion can help drive innovation and business
Imagine a flower with lots of petals: each petal represents a part of you that makes you special, or a part that is important to you that makes you who you are as a person.
Some of our differences are visible, like the colour or shade of our skin, the shape and size of our body, the colour of our hair and eyes, and the clothes we wear. Some people wear a head cover or an item that is part of their faith or culture. Sometimes you can tell someone is male or female, and sometimes gender is ambiguous. You may notice a person’s disability because they use a mobility device or a guide-dog, but many disabilities are invisible.
One way to think about our differences is to imagine an iceberg. About 10 per cent of the iceberg is above water and therefore visible, but most of it remains hidden under water. When we meet people, we make quick judgements and assumptions based on what we see on the surface. But, most of the person’s identity remains unknown to us until we take the time to get to know him or her better.
Video discussion questions:
Now that you’ve watched the video, use these questions for personal reflection or to facilitate a discussion with your team:
What thoughts and feelings arise for you from watching the video? What do you notice? Was anything surprising?
What are the different dimensions of diversity that you recognize in the video? In what ways are the individuals diverse?
What are the benefits of acknowledging and appreciating people’s differences?
By Aakilah Ade RN, AFCN, LNC, CEO of Intel Health Care Services Inc.
“And I came close to losing a part of my foot on two occasions. I hope I’m consistently lucky and that the next time I develop a blister or step on something sharp, that I don’t go as far as I did on those two times.” Mary Tyler Moore
Members of the population, who are developmentally or emotionally challenged, need the intervention of caregivers to remind, encourage, supervise, support and sometimes provide total care. The focus of this article is about maintaining foot health and the caregiver’s role in preventing foot complications.
Persons who are not independent with their own care are at a higher risk for diseases of the foot than persons who can meet their own care needs. The level of risk increases with each additional medical condition, with multiple medications, and with age. Complications include but are not limited to anatomical changes, pain and discomfort, alterations to gait, wounds, infections and amputation.
The observation and maintenance of general foot health begins with daily hygiene. Before bathing the care provider can look for problems such as open areas in the skin, peeling or flaky skin, excessive dryness, new lumps, bumps, bruising, odour, redness or excessive moisture. These are signs and warnings of problems and potential complications. Formal and informal providers of personal care must report these findings to someone who can implement a medical assessment, a medical intervention or a medical referral.
It is important to note changes in foot structure occur regardless of whether an individual is able to ambulate or not. Physical changes occur as a result of aging, poorly fitting shoes and as a result of internal changes such as impaired circulation, nerve damage and fallen arches. Physical changes are usually accompanied by pain and discomfort, so it is important to observe for limping, feet swelling, reluctance to walk, difficulty applying shoes and socks that use to go on easily.
With aging there is a loss of subcutaneous fat, and a reduction in production of oils that naturally lubricate the skin. Fat on the bottom of the foot evenly distributes pressure; loss of fat creates pressure points that break down the skin. Loss of lubrication from oil causes the skin to crack and open to bacterial invasion. Internal circulatory changes cause hammer toes, and ill-fitting shoes cause overlapping toes, so the caregiver must be mindful of separating each toe when washing to remove bacteria.
The best tool to use to wash feet is a soft thin washcloth that can slide between each toe and over the sole of the foot. A soft wash cloth reduces the chance of skin abrasions. Soap and water on the washcloth help to physically remove and reduce skin bacteria. The action washing the feet in warm water promotes blood circulation and reduces swelling. Warm water provides comfort to the individual, and prevents further drying of the skin.
After washing, rinsing aids in the removal of skin bacteria, and removal of residual soap that may irritate and dry the skin. Drying of the feet is repeated in the same way as the washing of the feet, and has the same effect on circulation. Drying has another important role, it removes excess moisture from the skin, moisture will contribute to skin breakdown if left between the toes or is trapped on the skin of the foot when wet/moist feet are placed in shoes or socks.
Tips:
Use only warm water to wash feet, extreme temperatures damage skin
Use petroleum free lotions on feet
Avoid lotion between toes
Use clean socks daily
Advocate for individuals to have proper fitting shoes
Nail care is also important, keep the individual’s nails trimmed, use a nail clipper (not scissors), to keep the nail even with the tip of the toe. Clean under the toe nails with an orange stick. Have these items in stock, stored and labeled for each individual’s personal use; do not share with other individuals. If you are not comfortable in this role, advocate for a foot care nurse to assess and treat each individual on a regular basis. Foot care nurses, assess feet for actual and potential problems, and take care of nail issues, calluses and many other foot conditions.
The final step in basic foot care is the application of lotion to the feet. An appropriate lotion (example Lubriderm) will provide enough moisture to prevent cracks in the skin, but not cause saturation (maceration) and skin breakdown. Lubriderm and similar lotions are specific for diabetics; they do not contain petroleum and do not block skin pores. Petroleum free lotions are recommended for anyone at risk for foot complications. Another benefit of applying lotion is that the caregiver can palpate the skin; problems under the skin can be picked up by touch. Watch the individual’s facial expression for grimacing, feel for the individual pulling away when certain areas are touched. Feel for changes of texture under the skin. Any unusual findings or new signs must be reported to a supervisor or registered health care provider (nurse or GP).
Chiropodists, and nurses are professionals that provide advanced foot care, but these two groups do not have a monopoly on foot health. Family, caregivers, DSWs and any other frontline workers are integral in preventative foot health through basic foot care.
Tips:
Use sharp nail clippers
Do not share clippers between individuals
Toe nails should not be cut past the tip of the toe
Refer to foot care nurse if there are concerns
Diluted vinegar and water is a natural therapy for foot fungus
References
Edelstein, Joan: Foot Care for the Aging, Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1988, 68:1882-1886
Etnyre, Annette et al: The Role of Certified Foot and Nail Care Nurses in the Prevention of Lower Extremity Amputation, J WOCN May/June 2011
Canadian Diabetes Association: Foot Care: A Step Toward Good Health, Consumer Fact Sheet, 2008
College of Nurses of Ontario: Nursing Foot Care Standards, October 2000
Canada Communicable Disease Report – Supplement: Infection Control Guidelines Foot Care for Health Care providers, Vol. 23S8, December 1997
Death is something that we all have to face at some point in our lives. Knowing more about the feelings and thoughts that come after the death of someone close to us can help us and the people we support. This presentation will focus on the grief that comes after someone dies.
This presentation is for general information only. If you have any concerns regarding yourself or someone you are supporting, please contact a healthcare professional. If you are in crisis please contact your local crisis line or access emergency services. http://ontario.cmha.ca/mental-health/services-and-support/crisis-support/
Children’s Grief and Loss
Feelings of grief may be caused by a traumatic event such as death, illness, or divorce. Experiences of discrimination due to racism, ableism, classism, and other stereotypes or biases can also create grief and loss responses in children. These types of experiences can be direct or indirect. As an adult, it is our role to provide a supportive and empathetic response to help children cope with grief. Read more
Grief and Bereavement Resources
Creating a “Book of Memories”
A book of memories commemorates the death of a loved one and highlights the importance of their relationship to survivors. For people with developmental disabilities, creating a book of memories may be a concrete way to help them remember deceased loved ones. Creating a Book of Memories
Your Feelings on the Anniversary Day (Anniversary Day Plan)
The anniversary of a loved one’s death can be a difficult time as it brings back memories of the death. Having a plan for the day often helps. Your Feelings on the Anniversary Day
Managing Grief Better: People With Intellectual Disabilities
Beyond Words produces books, eBooks and other resources for people who find it easier to understand pictures than words. Here are 4 good resources dealing with death and bereavement:
Down Syndrome Association of Scotland http://www.dsscotland.org.uk publishes a booklet “Let’s Talk About Death” that you can purchase Link
Helping People with Developmental Disabilities Mourn
This book explains the how-tos of creating rituals for people with developmental disabilities, including the use of pictures, memory objects, drawing, music, and writing in ritual as well as storytelling. Author Dr. Marc Markell is a grief counselor and university professor. http://www.centerforloss.com/bookstore/home.php
Bereaved Families of Ontario
Bereaved helping the bereaved learn to live with grief. Provides information about our affiliates, should you need support. https://www.bfotoronto.ca/
Toronto Distress Centres
In addition to operating a crisis support line, they offer support to people who have experienced the death of a loved one due to homicide or suicide. https://torontodistresscentre.com
Death is something that we all have to face at some point in our lives. Knowing more about the feelings and thoughts that come after the death of someone close to us can help us and the people we support. This presentation will focus on the grief that comes after someone dies.
This presentation is for general information only. If you have any concerns regarding yourself or someone you are supporting, please contact a healthcare professional. If you are in crisis please contact your local crisis line or access emergency services. http://ontario.cmha.ca/mental-health/services-and-support/crisis-support/
This workshop offers tips and strategies for talking with parents about their child’s development, and highlights this information in the manual. The workshop also explores the use of screening tools, such as the Nipissing and ASQ, to support these conversations with parents. Macaulay staff Maria Velasquez , Early Literacy Specialist, and Sofia Iglesias, Special Needs Resource Consultant, are the facilitators.
Matt, a father, shares his experiences of being a primary caregiver for his daughter Leah, who has a developmental disability as well as complex care needs. Matt speaks about resources that he has used with some success, and the transition into adulthood for Leah and what it means for both father and daughter. This presentation was done for a LIGHTS event in partnership with Community Living Toronto on April 12th, 2017.
5 things You Should do if you are Supporting a Child with a Disability
A discussion of five important financial related actions you should take to maintain your child’s and your own financial well-being. Read more
Inspiring Possibilities Estate Planning Guide: A Tax, Benefits, Trusts, and Wills Toolkit for Ontarians with Disabilities
Developed by PooranLaw Professional Corporation, this comprehensive guide provides up-to-date information pertaining to wills, trusts, benefits and personal rights most frequently asked by people who have a disability, their relatives, caregivers, and professional advisors. (French and English versions available) Download your copy: https://communitylivingontario.ca/resources/wills-estate-guide/
Partners For Planning (P4P)
P4P empowers people with disabilities and their families with FREE resources to create meaningful lives and secure futures, firmly rooted in the community. We help families envision, plan and implement strategies to ensure that your loved one is safe, fulfilled, respected and financially secure—from childhood into adulthood and for the rest of his or her life.http://www.partnersforplanning.ca
Special Needs Planning Group assists families in establishing plans which will provide their family members with a disability with a decent quality of life for their entire lifetime while at the same time, preserving their entitlement to government support programs. http://www.specialneedsplanning.ca/
Resources to help with legal and financial issues
From time to time, self-advocates and family supports run into obstacles, gray areas, and bigger problems in the course of navigating the world. Families report struggling with issues such as filing taxes; setting up bank accounts; obtaining insurance; struggling to keep employment; or estate planning. Read more
When planning for the well-being of our sons and daughters with disabilities, we are usually attempting to protect their entitlement to government support programs. The Henson Trust (also referred to as the Absolute Discretionary Trust) is used for that purpose. Read more
Consider a Henson Trust
Henson Trusts have been allowed ever since the mid-1980s, when Ontario’s Court of Appeal decided that a person with a disability receiving Family Benefits should not be cut off from benefits if they were getting money from a trust set up to help them, so long as the trust gave a complete control (or ‘absolute discretion’) to the trustees about when to make payments from the trust. https://pooranlaw.com/wholelifeplanning/questions/wills-trusts-estates/hensontrusts/
Property
Power of Attorney for Property
An individual may become unable to make decisions about his/her property and finances either through a serious illness or accident. All adults in Ontario are encouraged to make a continuing Power of Attorney for Property, appointing someone who can make certain financial decisions if required. Read more
Continuing Power of Attorney for Property
This resource explains what a Continuing Power of Attorney for Property is, reasons to make one, and what can happen if you do not. Topics include how to make a Continuing Power of Attorney for Property, when an attorney can make decisions, the type of decisions they can make, and where to get forms, legal information, and help. http://www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/continuing Sourced from Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) http://www.cleo.on.ca/en
This resource explains what a Power of Attorney for Personal Care is, reasons to make one, and what can happen if you do not. Topics include how to make a Power of Attorney for Personal Care, when an attorney can make decisions, the types of decisions they can make, and where to get forms, legal information, and help. http://www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/power Sourced from Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) http://www.cleo.on.ca/en
Manual for Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities Choose an Attorney for Personal Care
Pictorial Power of Attorney Concerning Personal Care Booklet
A pictorial tool to help explain “Attorney for Personal Care” to individuals with intellectual disabilities so that they can make an informed decision. Adapted from “Manual for Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities Choose an Attorney for Personal Care”. Pictorial Power of Attorney Concerning Personal Care Booklet Sourced with permission from www.aging-and-disability.org
The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (“OPGT”) delivers a unique and diverse range of services that safeguard the legal, personal and financial interests of certain private individuals and estates.
Recorded at the Shared Learning Forum April 26, 2019
An online tool designed to help you manage your Special Services at Home (SSAH), Passport, and Residential funding. MyDirectPlan.com
ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program)
Ontario Disability Support Program (Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services)
The Ontario Disability Support Program helps people with disabilities who are in financial need pay for living expenses, like food and housing.
The program provides eligible people with disabilities with:
Financial help This is called Income Support and it helps people with disabilities who are in financial need pay for living expenses, like food and housing.
Help finding a job This is called Employment Supports and it helps people with disabilities who can and want to work prepare for and find a job.
Employment Supports: A Panel Discussion (Recorded at DSO Info Fair Toronto Oct. 11, 2018)
ODSP is not a measure of last resort
A few weeks ago, I spoke with a frontline ODSP worker who described ODSP as a measure of last resort. In other words, ODSP is only for people facing financially desperate circumstances. Putting it simply, this is entirely false. Even middle-income families need to rely upon ODSP and have every right to do so. Read more
ODSP & Me video
LiveWorkPlay Understanding the Ontario Disability Support Program
Disability benefits in Ontario: Who can get them and how to apply
This resource explains who can get income support from the Ontario Disability Support Program and how to apply. It includes information about the forms that have to be filled out and who can fill them out. http://www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/disabben Sourced from Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) http://www.cleo.on.ca/en
Appeals and internal reviews
This resource outlines the process to follow when a person disagrees with decisions about their right to social assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program. It describes how to request an internal review, file an appeal with the Social Benefits Tribunal, and apply for interim assistance. Link Sourced from Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) http://www.cleo.on.ca/en
Generosity Can Jeopardize Your ODSP
While an aunt, uncle or grandparent are ready to help, giving money to somebody on ODSP without understanding the program’s guidelines can jeopardize the government benefit they are trying to supplement, unless it is done thoughtfully. Read more
Legal information and referral skills for community workers
CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario)
“Detecting legal problems“ sets out some common things you might hear clients say when they have a legal problem. It also links you to legal information that may be helpful.
Community workers can give legal information to people even if they don’t have legal training. Our tip sheet “Giving legal information“ gives examples of legal information and legal advice to help you understand the difference.
There is a lot of legal information available online – so much that sometimes it can be hard to tell what you can rely on. Our tip sheet “Clues to reliable legal information“ provides a checklist of what to look for when assessing the legal information you find online.
“Legal services in Ontario“ describes and gives contact information for free or low-cost legal services in Ontario.
“Hiring and working with a lawyer“ sets out some examples of when it is important to consult a lawyer. It also contains tips on interviewing a lawyer and discussing fee structures with a lawyer.
This is a case study and extension of Ron’s article that appeared in Community Living Toronto’s Membership Newsletter – Connections – September, 2014 edition.
A few weeks ago, I spoke with a frontline ODSP worker who described ODSP as a measure of last resort. In other words, ODSP is only for people facing financially desperate circumstances. Putting it simply, this is entirely false. Even middle-income families need to rely upon ODSP and have every right to do so.
Kevin and Sophie Brewer (not their real names) have a 22-year-old daughter, Sophie (also not her real name), who has a developmental disability. Sophie lives with her parents and will continue to live with them for at least the next few years. In many ways, Sophie is independent. She is able to use the TTC to get to her part-time job, she knows her way around the stores in her neighbourhood, she can make her own meals when needed, and she can manage her bank account with some help. Sophie hopes to move out at some point and her parents support that idea.
Kevin and Naomi firmly believe Sophie will always need their financial support. Even though their collective annual income is close to $160,000, they have had a difficult time managing expenses over the years. When Sophie was younger, Naomi didn’t work for close to 10 years because Sophie’s needs were much greater at that time. With reduced income over many years and covering significant expenses related to Sophie’s disability, planning for their own long-term future and putting things in place to safeguard Sophie`s financial security has been a real struggle. Like many families, they are concerned they won`t be able to tend to their own financial needs, support Sophie especially when she moves out and leave enough in their estate for Sophie after they have passed away. They simply can`t manage it all on their own.
Turning to government supports, such as the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), may be difficult for some, but it shouldn’t be considered a measure of last resort. ODSP is for people in financial need. That does not mean the individual and their entire family must be destitute before ODSP becomes an option. Families like the Brewers may earn a solid income, but that does not mean Kevin and Naomi have the means to support their daughter entirely on their own and hope to maintain their own financial security. As an adult, Sophie is in financial need.
Even though Sophie still lives at home with her parents, she is still allowed to receive ODSP benefits. The basic ODSP rule is that a single person is not allowed to have more than $5,000 in assets. Her parents’ assets and income are not counted towards this $5,000 limit. She will receive a reduced amount from ODSP since she lives with her parents and does not pay rent, but she still has a legitimate right to ODSP regardless of how much money her parents have or earn.
Once Sophie moves out of her parents’ home, her ODSP benefits will increase if she is paying rent. Many single people without dependents currently receive about $1,075 per month. This amount will help pay many of Sophie’s expenses such as rent, but it is not enough to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
Kevin and Naomi will supplement Sophie’s ODSP on a monthly basis. They will continue to buy her clothes and groceries, take her out for dinner and give her spending money. As long as they are alive and healthy, they feel they can take care of Sophie and pay for any expenses she can’t cover with her ODSP.
But, there are looming questions that keep Kevin and Naomi up at night. How will they make sure they leave enough money to support Sophie after they have passed away? What if they spend more in retirement than they had hoped, because they live longer than expected, or need to pay for supported care due to illness? How will they make sure that any money they leave for Sophie after they have died is managed properly and does not jeopardize her ODSP?
Kevin and Naomi are not alone. Many parents have the same worries. Saving, investing, and estate planning are challenging for any family. Add ODSP into the mix and the complexity increases, significantly. On the one hand, ODSP helps Sophie and the Brewers on a month-to-month basis. On the other hand, ODSP’s rules restrict their long-term planning options. How can they help Sophie save if she is only allowed to have $5,000 in assets? How can they leave her an inheritance?
Many people understand the basics of ODSP. Very few people understand the details. Yes, a single person without dependents is not allowed to have more than $5,000 in assets, but there are exceptions. Those exceptions include:
Registered Disability Savings Plan – With the advent of the Registered Disability Savings Plan, some people on ODSP are accumulating significant amounts of money in long-term savings without jeopardizing their ODSP benefits.
Personal residence – A person receiving ODSP is allowed to own his or her own residence.
Henson Trust: Many parents set up Henson Trusts to hold the assets they leave behind after they pass away. While the assets in the Henson Trust exist to support the beneficiary, they do not affect their ODSP.
Up to $100,000 in a combination of cash value life insurance, segregated funds, and discretionary trusts.
There are other exemptions, but the ones mentioned above are very useful for families like the Brewers. They provide options and some flexibility. They will help the Brewers care for their daughter Sophie when they are older and after they pass away.
Determining which solutions to use, how to use them and for what purposes requires an understanding of the pros and cons of each one, but they clearly demonstrates ODSP is not a measure of last resort. Families, their financial advisors and even ODSP frontline workers need to go beyond the basics of ODSP to accomplish key pillars of planning that will safeguard financial security.
Ron Malis is an Insurance Advisor with Independent Financial Concepts Group Ltd. and a Financial Advisor with Worldsource Financial Management Inc. His core focus is working with people with disabilities and their supporting family members. Ron has written many articles on the subject of ODSP, the RDSP and estate planning for families who have children with disabilities. These can be found at www.ronmalis.com
The information contained in this communication is general and is based on the perspectives and opinions of the owners and writers. It is not intended to provide specific personalized advice. Please consult an appropriate professional regarding your particular circumstances. The information provided might be derived from various sources and is believed to be accurate and reliable; however, no warranty can be made as to its accuracy or completeness.
