Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Jun 22/01) - Although he is non-verbal, Carla Maxwell could tell her nine-year-old autistic son loved camp last summer because he waited at the front door each morning for his counsellor to pick him up.
"He'd be running out the door ahead of her to the vehicle," said Maxwell. "And he came home played-out and dirty, which is always a good sign."
Tyrone was part of a Council for Disabled Persons program that provides one-on-one assistance to help disabled children integrate into regularly-scheduled day camps across Yellowknife.
Last summer, the CDP hired two assistants for each of four day camps, including Inukshuk Ventures. That allowed 16 kids - who otherwise wouldn't go to camp - to hike, canoe and mingle with non-disabled kids for a week. No other such program exists in Yellowknife.
"It was a godsend," says Maxwell. "Because before it, there was nothing."
Being around other kids his age is crucial for Tyrone's long-term development.
"He watches the other kids and sees how they are interacting. He might not understand what they are doing, but overtime he will."
This year, despite a $20,000 funding shortfall, the CDP staff are determined to run the program again. Tyrone, along with 11 other children with disabilities, have already enroled and the program, Experience 2001, is slated to begin July 3.
Half the money needed to cover the assistant's salaries will likely come from the Abilities Cup, an annual fund-raiser organized by the Sailing Club. Parents pay the camp costs. Where the rest of the money will come from remains to be seen.
A significant portion of last year's funding was drawn McDonald's from McHappy Day. However, the CDP can't count on McDonald's this time, since proceeds go to a different group each year.
"We'll find the money somehow," said camp co-ordinator Rebecca Riley.
That's good news for Tyrone.
It's also great for kids without disabilities.
"It allows them to grow up around disabled kids," said Maxwell. "So it becomes the norm."
