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www.durhamregion.com THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, JANUARY 8,2003 PAGE 3 Visions of a new centre Woman wants Durham-based clinic for the blind BY JACQUiE MclNNES Staff Writer DURHAM - Like thousands of other commuters, Allan Angus travels travels from his home in Durham to a job in another pari of the GTA. The Ajax resident doesn't complain complain about the daily commute. For him a satisfying full-time job is a privilege he appreciates a little more than most. The 45-year-old is legally blind, a disability that puts many people at high risk of unemployment. Through the use of a number of new technologies, Mr. Angus is able to perform the duties of his job as an inside sales representative and purchasing purchasing and production scheduler in pretty much the same fashion as those with sight. "I communicate mostly through email," says Mr. Angus, who uses a software program that reads the messages messages for him. 'Read to me' excel spreadsheets allow him to carry out the administrative aspects of his job along with a computer that is keyboard-command keyboard-command driven instead of mouse driven. "T couldn't work if I didn't have this technology," Mr. Angus says, •noting he uses many of the same technologies in his personal life. One Uxbridge woman wants to make sure more Durham residents 'have full access to the type of devices that make a fulfilling life possible for everyone coping in a seeing world ; without the benefit of sight. Deborah ■Wilson wants the provincial government government to provide her the licence, and possibly funding, to start an assisted device program (ADP) centre in Durham Region. "It will cut down on the wait time and give easy access to ADP services," services," says Ms. Wilson, an accredited accredited ADP assessor. Her job is to evaluate evaluate the needs of low vision and legally legally blind clients and hook them up with the right equipment. .Currently, she says, Durham residents are at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts counterparts in Toronto and the west GTA, where assessment centres are located. located. Ms. Wilson says in addition to helping people in their work and " home lives, she would be able^o pro- ( . vide a service that would co-drdihaie , the equipment students usé iri schobl with the equipment at home, an important important connection that isn't always made under the current system. The proposal has received the support support of Durham MPP John O'Toole, who presented a 28-signature peti- many doctors who have difficulty getting their patients patients seen in a timely manner and, she adds, the trip into Toronto is not an easy one for clients in Durham. "Through using the programs programs Deb is setting up I have been able to acquire this technology and be gainfully employed," says Mr. Angus. There arc more than 1,500 Durham residents residents registered with the Canadian National Institute Institute for the Blind (CNIB) in Durham, he says. "We could use the assistance out here." A.J. GROEN/ Statesman photo Through the use of new computer technology, Allan Angus is able to perform the duties duties of his job despite being legally blind. An Uxbridge woman is hoping to start a program that would allow more Durham residents who are visually impaired access to new technology and equipment. tion at Queen's Park in December. In his submission, Mr. O'Toole noted "clients, ophthalmologists, school boards, families, communities and employers" in Durham have all expressed expressed their support for the centre, which Ms. Wilson hopes to locate in the Oshawa/Clarington Townline Road area. "I was happy to present the petition. petition. These things go up the flagpole once or twice before they occur," he says. "Ms. Wilson is certainly a qualified qualified person and a strong advocate" for her clients, says the MPP. With a population of more than 500,000 in Durham alone, not to mention the surrounding areas, this region could benefit from a centre, he says. Uxbridge Regional Councillor Susan Para is also behind the bid for a new centre. Although it would likely likely be located in south Durham, she says, it will still be a very valuable resource for people in her community. community. "When I got looking at the maps and what she was saying I really started to buy into the project," she says. "When you look at it from a map standpoint there is a gap and the most logical place for a centre would be m a southern location of this region." region." Ms. Wilson, who is currently currently training clients on the equipment they receive through the Toronto ADP centres, says despite the ministry .claims, there are ROAD WATCH ♦Speeding Ticket ♦ Lost points ♦ Demolished car ♦ Increased insurance bills ♦ Court case ♦ Lost drivers license ♦ Death WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR YOU TO SLOW DOWN? For more info, call 905-579-1520 ext. 1687 David': prepared to invest in more centres at thi4' tiffie.'Tlie mihtitfy'cjbjbti the file on Ms. Wilson's proposal in September, September, he says, adding there are already three centres in Toronto, Including one in Scarborough. That facility, he says, has no waiting list at the current time. W Like f Herbal Magic "Success" stories of 2002 CONGRATULATIONS!! Joe lost 60 lbs & 65 inches in 3 months Amanda lost 65 lbs & 85 inches With the help of Herbal magic YOU CAN DO IT TOO! ASK ABOUT OUR NEW YEAR'S SPECIALS (905) 697-9484 (905) 432-6999 (905) 725-4146 243 King St. E. 1330 Ritson Rd. N." 1345 King St. E. 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