News Article

Inclusion Works program providing opportunities


8/1/2002 10:17:26 AM


Members of the Inclusion Works team include, from left, Krista Penney, Ian Murphy, Sheldon Young, and Tara Ingram.

By Michael Forward

August 1, 2002 - Sheldon Young, Tara Ingram, Ian Murphy, and Krista Penney describe themselves as a team of people who want to improve their community.

The team is the result of several weeks of work by Tara and Krista, Community Studies students at College of the North Atlantic, to create the Inclusion Works program- an initiative to get special needs students working within the community.

“We took advantage of a Labatt program which helps students create a business over the summer months,” says Krista. “We had encouragement from staff at the college.”

Sheldon and Ian, two students with disabilities who are in the program, are enjoying the experience.

“I like this program because I get to work with other students. I get to meet new people and work as a team,” says Sheldon.

“It’s fun,” says Ian.

The group works by volunteering their time with local businesses and organizations. They have helped in walking dogs for the SPCA, and have many more events planned for the summer.

“We are going to sell tickets on Pizza,” says Krista. “All the funds we raise will be given to different charities.”

The group’s major goal is to go out into the community to spend a half-day with each organization or business. Some of the local businesses in Stephenville will donate prizes for the team to sell tickets on in exchange for a few hours of work at the business.

“We are also going to check around the community to enquire whether disabled people are included in local events and activities,” says Krista. “If not, we will make a few suggestions on how they can be more accessible.”

The program is a result of support from the College of the North Atlantic, Labatt, Human Resources Development Canada, and the Bay St. George Community Employment Corporation.

The Inclusion Works program officially held a grand opeing on July 12, and will be active for eight weeks during the summer and early fall.

Cyril Organ, Associate District Administrator for the Bay St. George campus of College of the North Atlantic, spoke at the opening, emphasizing that the program is about including all people in the community.

“This group is treated the same as any other group of people working for the college,” explained Organ. “They are like faculty.”

You can get more information about the Inclusion Works program by calling 1-709-643-7851 or by e-mail at inclusionworks@hotmail.com.

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For more information contact:

Tanya Alexander
Public Information Officer
(709) 643-7928

Michael Forward is a first year journalism student at College of the North Atlantic’s Bay St. George campus.