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Bringing the expertise home

Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Dec 12/03) - It's time to take the next step in addressing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

That's the message that Jane Arychuk and a committee of organizers are hoping to convey at an FASD conference in Fort Simpson Feb. 11-13.

"We're beyond the awareness (stage) in all our communities. We know it's out there, we know what it means," Arychuk said.

The conference, funded by the territorial government, will place emphasis on secondary disabilities that can develop from FASD. Those who suffer from the disorder are more vulnerable to alcohol and substance abuse, mental illness, homelessness, violent behaviour, problems in school and breaking the law.

Pat Waugh, who is also involved in arranging the conference, said the approach will be to examine how FASD impacts all aspects of society and how to support those with the disorder and their families.

Experts on FASD will be present to share their knowledge of how the disorder can be best managed in schools and in the justice system. There will be an examination of recreation, such as which sports or other activities are most suitable for those with the disorder. Alternative programs such as bush camps will also be explored.

Arychuk noted that an "amazing" FASD travelling diagnostic team that works in the Cold Lake, Alberta region has been invited to the conference. Creating a similar resource within the NWT may be a possibility in the future, she suggested, adding that the best time to help those with FASD is when they are young.

Experts on hand

Among the other experts expected to be on hand will be members of the British Columbia FAS support network, the author of a book on FASD and the justice system and a representative from Winnipeg's David Livingstone school; the first Canadian school to offer school-wide FASD programs to students. Doreen Baptiste, of the FAS project in Yellowknife, will also make a presentation.

Arychuk noted that a number of very informative FASD conferences are often held in the South, but often only one or two representatives from NWT departments or agencies get to attend. By holding a conference in Fort Simpson, hopefully many more Deh Cho employees and family members will participate, she suggested.

Waugh added that the conference was deliberately scheduled to coincide with a teacher's convention, so local educators would have the opportunity to attend.