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fe ana 8 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, June 16, 1987 now available at ... PORT PERRY STAR (0. 235 QUEEN STREET, PORT PERRY Phone 985-7383 PORT PERRY KINSMEN present ... Members don't like labels Group puts People First Michael Steward admits he doesn't much like the terms "disabl- ed' or "handicapped." In fact, this soft:spoken articulate young man of 22 winces when he hears the words. He doesn't like be- ing labelled "Our limitations are just more visible than the rest of you, through no fault of our own," he told the Star in an interview last week Michael was instrumental last fall in forming a group called 'People First" in Port Perry. There are about 14 members now and they get together once a month in the base- ment of the Presbyterian Church Like Michael, all the members of the group have "limitations more visible than others." He describes 'People First' as a self-help group offering personal en- couragement for its members. "We don't go around doing things for our members. We tell them to get things done for themselves,' he said. All the members are in their 20's: and up, and they all have a few things in common. At one time or another, they have been in sheltered workshops, institutions and they have experienced. the label "*disabled." And Michael says they all share common frustrations at the closed doors and the brick walls society throws in their way, especially when it comes to finding a job so they can be self-reliant. Michael receives a disability pen- sion and he has a part-time job cut- ting grass, but like the other members of "People First" he would like to find a full time perma- nent job. "I'm perfectly capable of working and getting the job done. It just takes 'me a little longer to do * things," he said candidly." Michael came up with the idea of forming a 'People First" group in Port Perry after hearing about the concept at a seminar last year. 4 " Port Perry High School EUNION DANCE Scugog Arena SAT., JUNE 27th DOORS OPEN at 8:00 PM featuring RCA Recording Artists . "LOWDOWN" (1960's Tribute) TICKETS $8 00 ADVANCE - $10.00 AT-THE-DOOR Available at: Port Gifts, House of Howard, Blackstock Country Convenience, There are currently close to 40 similar People First groups operating in communities across Ontario. Aside from the chance to discuss common problems, the monthly meetings feature self-help films and often the members will listen to ad- vice from a guest speaker. Despite the fact that members of People First still feel frustrated at the way society treats them, Michael says a lot of progress towards acceptance is being made. "The attitudes are changing for the better The progress may be slow, but it's there," he said And he thinks the community of Port Perry generally has a more enlightened attitude than others "The people in this community appear ready to listen, observe and make their own judgements." he told the Star. People First is still looking for more members and anyone who wants more information about this low-key self help group of in- dividuals can contact Michael Steward at 985-3872. Michael Steward has been instrumental in forming People First, a self help group in Port Perry. Michael doesn't like the terms handicapped or disabled, but he said society's attitudes are slow- ly changing for the better. (See story for details about People First) UXBRIDGE "CARPET CLEANERS "TILE CUTTERS "GENERATORS "COMPRESSORS "DOLLIES "SCAFFOLDS "HEAVY EQUIPMENT "PUMPS *LOG SPLITTERS GLASSES GAMES TABLES ~ CHAIRS PARTY GOODS *TENT TRAILERS SEEDERS 5 TRAVEL TRAILERS "J *BOX TRAILERS = CHAIN SAWS ..and more! v 985-1711 Hwy. 7A - Port Perry 852-5538 Zéhrs Mall - Uxbridge