By Michael Joel-Hansen

Prince Albert and District Community Service Centre marks major milestone

Dec 3, 2018 | 4:03 PM

Monday saw International Day of Persons with Disabilities acknowledged all over the world. The day which is officially sanctioned by the United Nations was recognized in Prince Albert by the P.A. and District Community Service Centre.

The centre, also in celebration of its fiftieth anniversary held an open house with food, drinks and cake. The organization’s CEO, Bill Powalinsky told paNOW the centre has changed in a number of ways since it was established.

“It started in 1968 as the agency that provided social benefits to the residents of P.A. and area. Then in the 70s the staff and board undertook a needs assessment for the community. Several programs were developed,” he said.

These new programs mainly focused on skill-building, from those used in general life to employment related abilities. Since then the offerings have expanded to include financial planning, job training and transportation services for senior citizens and those with disabilities.

“There’s been significant change over the 50 years,” Powalinsky said. “We basically believe that inclusion and self-determination are very important, but it goes beyond supporting people with disability.”

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While speaking to the crowd assembled at the open house, Powalinsky said Saskatchewan’s disability rate is higher than the national average.

Marking International Day of Persons with Disability is something which Powlinsky said he believes is important as it sends a message about the kind of community people should want to build.  

“It’s a way of remembering that we want to build inclusive communities, and that we want to provide equal opportunity to persons with disability and we want them to be able to participate fully in the community,” he said.

Arne Lindberg the vice chair of the board directors for the community service centre echoed these statements and made mention of the staff members who help those in the community. 

“In terms of their dedication, their sincerity, their training and their commitment to the client, is second to none in the province,” he said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn