A film about a spirited 28-year-old man living with multiple disabilities and fuelled by dreams of independence will be screened for students and the public at UBC Okanagan next Monday, Nov. 27. The film is presented by UBC Okanagan’s Disability Resource Centre as part of its campus and community outreach activities to observe the Dec. 3 International Day of Disabled Persons.
The Ties that Bind is the story of Chris Jordan, whose parents set out to create a personal network of caring friends and relatives to support their son in living on his own – so he can survive and flourish long after they have gone. The Jordan family’s preparations are based on the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) model.
It’s a compelling story and one that highlights the importance of support networks, said Jess Roebuck, Coordinator of the Disability Resource Centre.
“UBC Okanagan is reaching out to the community to foster positive relations with support groups for people with disabilities,” said Roebuck. “We have many students on campus with various disabilities and we see that linking with support groups within the disabled community in Kelowna could further support students outside the campus environment.”
One of the partnerships is with the local Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network affiliate, PLAN Okanagan.
“We view our Centre as an advocate for students attending UBC Okanagan, working to ensure their academic supports or accommodations are ensured,” said Roebuck. “PLAN Okanagan is a community advocate for persons with disabilities in the Kelowna community.”
“PLAN Okanagan exists to create safe and secure futures, in community, for people with disabilities and their families,” said Colleen Evans, Executive Director of PLAN Okanagan. “We do this by assisting relatives of people with disabilities to develop a vision and plan for the future through one-to-one consultation with family mentors and in workshop settings. Planning for the future in the best way to ensure a safe and secure future for a relative with a disability.”
The Ties that Bind, which depicts that process, will be screened in the Okanagan Room (Student Services Centre Room SSC 115) at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27.
A number of other events are planned for Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Services Centre foyer. Events include a film short Always Welcome: the Adventures of Mr. Different, demonstrations of voice recognition software, the DRC’s faculty “I’m Accessible” award, and the launch of a new “I am an ally to persons with disabilities” campaign.
The public is welcome to attend any of the week’s Disability Resource Centre events at UBC Okanagan. Space is limited for the film presentation so call 250-807-9263 to reserve a space.
Events at UBC Okanagan:
Film Presentation: The Ties that Bind
Date: Monday, Nov. 27, 2006
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Student Services Centre Okanagan Room, SSC 115
Space is limited so call 250-807-9263 to reserve a space
International Day of Disabled Persons
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2006
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Foyer of Student Services Centre
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