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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday July 19, 2008 - 13 Program teaches independence to physically challenged teens By Hiba Kesebi SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER For the first time in 17 years, Ritu Jain slept at night without the comfort of knowing that her son, Anchit Jain, was at home with her. That's because Anchit, along with 13 other teenagers, recently embarked on a two-week independent living journey at the Sheridan College residences where they learned how to cook, budget, and use public transportation. All of these simple tasks had previously been major obstacles due to the various disabilities of the teenagers attending the program. Anchit suffers from Polyneuropathy, a nerve disorder that confines him to a wheelchair. While at first hesitant, Ritu admits that agreeing to send her 17 year-old son to the ErinoakKids' Independent Living Program (ILP) was one of the most rewarding decision's she's made in her life. "It was like one of those difficult pills to sallow, but you know that it's good for you. It's peace of mind for the future, and as a parent I would definitely recommend it." Nonetheless, she was happy to once again see him Wednesday, during the program's annual open house, where past program participants, parents, siblings and friends came to encourage and socialize with this year's 14 graduates. Attendees also had the opportunity to feel, hear, and witness the thundering arrival of those in shining black leather--the men from the Harley Owner's Group Milton Chapter--who have raised approximately $125, 000 throughout the past six years for the program. "We believe in what ErinoakKids does. It's just very emotional, you get a lot of satisfaction with what you're doing to these young people," said Vern Wilson, who has been a member of the HOG Milton's chapter for 10 years. The ILP teaches disabled teens how to care for themselves and gives them a taste of independence in a controlled setting. Throughout the two weeks students learn how to cope with tasks that come very easily to most people, DEREK WOOLLAM / OAKVILLE BEAVER CELEBRATION: Christy Taberner, program co-ordinator, listens while Patty Kiczuk reads a poem during an ErinoakKids Independent Living Program's (ILP) open house and graduation at Sheridan College Wednesday night. but are difficult, yet, vital for these young adults to learn in order to make their transition to adulthood successful. Anu Missar, a second-year Sociology student at York University, knows all too well of how important the program was in making her transition to university, as safe and comfortable as possible. "It's the perfect program," she said. "Coming into the program, I was not very confident with getting around independently, but I came out with a lot more confidence." Missar explained that they were asked to come into the program with approximately $125. This money was to last them the entire two weeks. According to Missar, this step was taken in order to ensure that all students learn how to budget their financial costs properly. "The money had to cover sailing outings, dinner, movies, and all other costs," she explained. Aside from budgeting, students were also given the task of looking up colleges and universities and trying to navigate to and from these institutions. Last year, Missar had to look up routes, schedules and means of transportation to York University. She admits to having been nervous at the time, but the presence of a support worker, who accompanied Missar on her trip, made the journey more enjoyable and less intimidating. Although she graduated from the program last year, she always knew she would return to help. Throughout the past two weeks, she served as a goal support worker to students, who are learning the same life experiences that she learned last year. Mary Johnston, director of community relations at ErinoakKids, described the program experience as a dress rehearsal for life after having full dependence on mom, dad and ErinoakKids. Johnston explained that after reaching age 19, children clients at ErinoakKids must pass beyond the care of ErinoakKids and other children treatment centres. The ErinoakKids' ILP, is then aimed to ensure that individuals between 16 and 19 years, who are approaching the mandatory discharge age are prepared for adulthood. "Sometimes, the adult world can be so daunting and overwhelming to a young individual that they end up feeling in despair and retreat," she explained, with teary eyes. "This program teaches them to be all they can be, not what their wheelchair wants to be." Many of the14 students have aspirations to go to university and continue their education. Anchit is one of those students. Although still in Grade 11, he's always been sure of what school and program he's going to pursue. "I've always knew I want to go UTM (University of Toronto at Mississauga) for criminology and then do criminal law," he said confidently. Thanks to ILP he's gained the confidence of knowing how to bank, budget money, cook, do laundry, take public transportation "It's the perfect program. Coming into the program, I was not very confident with getting around independently, but I came out with a lot more confidence." Anu Missar, graduate of ErinoakKids Independent Living Program and live independently. He's gained the confidence to succeed in life. The program is made possible through HOG Milton Chapter, the Participation House of Hamilton and District, The May Court Club of Oakville, the Longo Family Charitable Foundation, the Civitan Club of Oakville, Sheridan College Conference Centre and Residence, and Motion Specialties. For more information about ErinoakKids, visit www.erinoak.org. BEST PRICES EVER $ 14 SEER HI-EFFICIENCY 600 OFF WAS 3100 $ 3200 $ 3400 $ 3600 $ CENTRAL AIR 1.5 TON 2 TON 2.5 TON 3 TON NOW 2500 $ 2600 $ 2800 $ 3000 $ 10 Years Parts & Labour Warranty New Gas- R410A Eligible for Government Rebate 8 Locations To Serve You Better! Having a Baby? avin ving y? W Welcome Wagon W can help! Exciting door prizes & gift bags for every mom-to-be, come and experience what a Welcome Wagon Baby Shower has to offer. 905-849-4998 *Call Dealer for Details www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 SPACE AGE SHELVING The Storage Specialists Please contact Welcome Wagon for information regarding the next Baby Shower in your area! 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