There Are Lots of Reasons to Join Ability Online!

Ability Online offers volunteer opportunities, helpful support, parent resources, access to equipment grants, and employment support. Members will have access to games, electronic books and be able to chat safely online.

Being apart of this caring community you will establish great friendships and get advice from reliable mentors that will last a lifetime.

Shine On and join today!

Why I Vote by Sarah Evans

I have always believed in voting. By the time you read this, the Canadian federal election will be over and we will be on to the next thing.

This isn't about promoting one party or candidate over the other.

Today when I voted it felt good. On the way to the ballot box after marking my ballot, I felt like I was part of something bigger than myself, and I had a strong conviction that my voice mattered.

People have different reasons for voting or not voting. I think of people in other countries that fight for democracy and sometimes vote at great personal risk. I realize how fortunate I am to live in freedom and don't want to take it for granted. 

Click here for some information on accessible voting.

Find your polling station and other voter transformation here!

Seeing the World Through A Virtual Window by Sarah Evans

I don't usually get excited about new apps I find, but I found a really cool one that lets you get a window into other people's lives and experiences.

Periscope is an app that lets you watch live videos in real time. It has gained a lot of popularity and is a lot of fun.

Periscope works in conjunction with Twitter. You can follow people and then the app will notify you when they go live. You can also search through people who are currently online.

I have seen some very cool things on Periscope. Many times, there are people who are at Disney Land or Disney World. Sometimes people are just walking through the park. One time, someone was going to Periscope while he was on a roller-coaster, but he logged off just before the ride started because he didn't want his phone to get damaged. I have also seen people Periscope from Hong Kong and from Times Square in New York City. For me, the coolest thing is that you feel like you are actually there.

If you want to get more information about Periscope, visit https://www.periscope.tv

More Independence by Sarah Evans

A few years ago, I applied to a program called Direct Funding. The program gives consumers like myself the funds to manage my own attendant care. I had put my application in and was put on a waiting list.

For the most part, this had gone to the back of my mind until last week, when I received a letter saying that my application had come up. In addition to submitting an updated application, I had to book a time to go in for an interview.

In preparation for this, I was directed to a website with a study guide. As I will be the employer, I will have to understand pay cheques, deductions, vacation, employment standards and the like.

I have mixed feelings about this important opportunity. I'm excited because if I get accepted I would have more control over my attendant services, such as where I receive them and what I ask them to do. I am also kind of nervous about having to handle the payroll and other administration tasks. However, I have heard that it is not that difficult once you get a system in place and there are many supporters available. 

Gail Vaz-Oxlade is well known for her matter of fact way of helping people manage their money. She has great resources on her website, including instructions for making your own budget sheet. This is her website if you feel you need to learn a little more about managing money and developing systems to help you keep track of expenses.