Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 09/00) - Meeting the needs of Nunavut's mentally and physically challenged was the topic of discussion at a two-day Community Inclusion workshop held last week in Rankin Inlet.

Organizations from across the Kivalliq and Nunavut attended the event, hosted by the Community Living Association.

May Cameron represented Rankin's Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre.

She says the tone of the workshop was very positive and a number of issues were identified to improve the quality of life for Nunavut's physically and mentally challenged.

Many improvements centred around the areas of collaboration and consultation.

"We need to improve collaboration in working with teachers, parents and the disabled to discover what the needs are in our various communities," says Cameron.

"The consultation aspect is with specialists, doctors and other professionals who can give us the insight we need to make change happen."

The consensus of the meeting was that although acceptance tends to run high amongst most Nunavummiut, public awareness, knowledge and understanding need to be increased.

Of the 75 people in Nunavut identified as mentally or physically challenged, about half of them are being cared for in the south.

Cameron says there are significant gaps in existing programs and funding must be provided to increase the availability of equipment, specialists and teaching aids.

She says there is also a huge need for a plain language directory so people will know who to call and talk to for information.

"MLAs always say, 'Call us. We'll talk to you. Let us know your ideas,'" says Cameron

"OK, now how? Have you ever tried to actually call an MLA?"

The workshop also identified a need in Nunavut for interpreters, sign linguists, and counsellors for the disabled.

Cameron says it's imperative the territory's mentally and physically challenged have access to these types of services.

"It's not even a choice. It's a right. The disabled have a fundamental right to education and various areas of support.

"This is especially true in Nunavut of traditional life-skills teaching and instruction.

"The time to start making this happen is now and it's a message the Nunavut Government has to hear clearly."