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Youths gain knowledge and confidence Continued from page 1 7 · Friday, July 20, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Simpson said he learned of the program from his friends, who were past participants. "I joined because I wanted to find out how to live on my own," he said -- Simpson has spina bifida occulta, a series of birth defects affecting the spinal column, and mucolipidosis type three (ML III), a type of inherited disorder that malfunctions the body's metabolism. Of the many skills the participants learn, Simpson said he enjoyed most learning how to cook and do laundry on his own, as well as how to budget money and take public transit. These skills, he says, have prepared him for college life -- he has enrolled in the veterinary technician program at Sheridan College's Brampton campus. "It's a great experience overall, the staff are willing to help and you meet new people. I definitely recommend the program to others with disabilities -- it's a good way to start living on your own." Daniel Ashworth, 17 and another Oakville graduate, said he sees ILP as a building block to the future -- Ashworth has cerebral palsy, a group of disorders affecting the brain and nervous system. "(ILP) helped me prepare for going away to college and gave me insight into the things I'll need to take into account for college," such as using public transportation and budgeting money, he said. Eighteen-year-oldSamantha Miljak, who also has cerebral palsy, is the third program graduate from Oakville. Miljak said ILP has helped her learn about herself and her new friends in the program. "We end up growing together as a family," she said. "I've learned that it is not only about what knowledge you have, but also having the confidence to do something new even if you are nervous. Planning is key... I learned to co-operate with others in different environments." Miljak noted that not all disabilities are visible and, as such, "you can't be afraid to ask for help, if you need it. "You may not be able to do Matthew Simpson Samantha Miljak Daniel Ashworth HOG was also on hand at Wednesday's graduation cere- things the same way (as others), $214,000 over the past nine but I learned about programs years. and places you can contact to help you adapt," she said. ILP participants attend information sessions to educate them about resources such as accessible housing options, recreational equipment and opportunities, community safety, advocacy, and relationships. Receiving no government funding, ILP relies on the ErinoakKids Foundation and its donors. One such donor is the Milton Harley Owners Group (HOG), one of the ILP's biggest supporters and which holds an annual charity bike run in support of the program -- it has raised more than mony to launch the evening's celebrations. Although Simpson said he enjoyed going through the program, he admitted he was glad to be graduating. "I'm just looking forward to be taking the next step in becoming more independent," he said. For more information on ILP and ErinoakKids, visit www.erinoakkids.ca. - with Oakville Beaver files. Renovate · Decorate · Celebrate UP TO Time is Precious, Mistakes are Costly and Decorating is complicated. LIMITED TIME OFFER! *With Purchase of Prescription Lenses OFF ALL FRAMES (Across from Home Depot) 50 % * G t ti ates C rt A l e Inq q Inquire about your Personal P ersonal l Design Consultation At Fitz by Design we are committed to creating breathtaking, are unique as the individuals living in them. functional onal spaces that a 125 Cross Avenue, Oakville 905-842-2821