Tracy Kovalench
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 10/98) - "It's good to have a home again," says Emelda King.

Home is the NWT Council for Disabled Persons' new office on 48th Street. King is one of many volunteers who frequently drops by the centre to help out and visit with staff.

The council hosted an open house Monday evening to celebrate the opening of its new space in the Centre One building. People mingled among balloons and streamers, nibbling on snacks and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

For the past month, the council has been busy organizing its new office to make the best use of the space, as well as promote public accessibility.

"We want to enhance our image in the community-- louder and more obvious," said project officer John Seagrave.

The building's public washroom is already wheelchair accessible and parking spots for drivers with disabilities will soon be located outside the front door.

The staff also installed a wheelchair-accessible computer equipped with Internet access. Disabled persons can produce resumes and fax them to potential employers. They can also access the Canada Employment Centre and post their resumes on virtual job boards across the country.

Physical contact with the council hasn't always been so easy however.

After the council learned last August its lease with city hall would not be renewed, a search began for a new home. Cost and appropriate accessibility delayed relocation and the council was left homeless in February for the next two months.

People trying to contact the organization were limited to electronic communication via telephone and e-mail.

"We didn't want to ask our funders and volunteers for money for rent," said executive director Lydia Bardak.

Hard work and perseverance finally paid off and the NWT Council for Disabled Persons moved in next door to the Biati Dental Clinic last month.

"It gives us an identity. People can find us now," says Seagrave.

"We can meet people face to face," added Bardak. "People can walk in off the street for a cup of coffee."