RANKIN INLET - The Nunavut Disabilities Makingnasuatiit Society was in Rankin Inlet June 12 to 15 talking about how they can make a difference.

Jesse Idlout and Rhoda Idlout communicate through sign language. The Nunavut Disabilities Makingnasuatiit Society met in Rankin Inlet June 12 to 15 to discuss bringing better facilities to the North to help people with disabilities. - Christine Grimard/NNSL photo

Having been without an executive director for the last six months, the group is getting back on their feet and discussing how they can help people with disabilities in Nunavut.

"We're just slowly starting to get our bearings and see what we can do," said board member Jesse Idlout.

The previous Nunavut Council of People with Disabilities was dissolved in 2001 because of a lack of funding. This organization is getting back on its feet with funding from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.

Idlout said the group is working on getting ramps on buildings, flashing alarms signals, and Braille writing.

"We don't have these things up North," said Idlout. "We like to help all people with disabilities."

A young organization, Idlout noted they've already seen some success. They met with First Air to encourage them to get lifts to assist people with wheelchairs on planes.

Idlout has also met with the District Education Authority who asked that a member of NDMS be part of the coalition. He's hoping that the group's influence on the new education act should provide a platform on which to educate students about the challenges of living with a disability.

"We would like to see some real changes and through education we hope to see these changes," said Idlout.