Community Living Peterborough (CLP) introduced a Rights Committee to the agency 10 years ago to assure an unbiased process was in place to protect the rights of people living with intellectual disabilities under the auspices of CLP. This Committee was comprised of volunteers from a broad sector of the community with a common goal - Rights Protection!

The Rights Committee acts as an advisor to the CEO in matters concerning rights promotion and protection.

What a difference 10 years has made! People supported by the agency and support staff have a better understanding of rights promotion & protection, and seek advice, guidance and recommendations from the Committee regularly. There is a sense of pride knowing Community Living Peterborough has one of the most recognized and respected Committee's in the province.

Six originating members remain on the Committee today.

Committee members include:

Chairperson - Yvonne Roy – Behaviour consultant

Doug Shier – Pharmacist

Gary Takacs- Retired Police Sergeant & Board Member of Community Living Peterborough

Joyce Fee – Retired Educator – Special Education

Terry Booth – Parent & Board Member of CLP

Lynda Nairn- Person Supported by Community Living Peterborough (Self Advocate)

Shelagh Gillespie- Educator

Edna O'Toole – Community Living Peterborough staff resource

Cindy Hobbins – Community Living Peterborough staff resource

THANK YOU FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, PEOPLE SUPPORTED AND STAFF OF COMMUNITY LIVING FOR 10 YEARS OF DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT!

Lynda, a self advocate representative on the Rights Committee, was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She settled in Peterborough in the early 90's and became very involved in her community. In 2002 and 2003 Lynda was the president of People First Peterborough Chapter, a self advocate group advocating for the values, dignity and human rights of people living with an intellectual disability. During her time as president she did extensive public speaking which she really enjoys. She has also spoken at the Take Back the Night Walk on behalf of people living with an intellectual disability. AJ McNaught, Community Living Peterborough staff member and long time friend of Lynda's says "she has a voice and isn't afraid to stand up for others and put herself out there." Lynda was recruited to the Rights Committee when it started in 2002 by founding member Edna O'Toole. Edna thought she would be a good fit due to her life experiences that give her an appreciation and empathy for other people's life situations. "She offers a genuine support and respect to people coming to the Rights committee and often offers a perspective to the group around what it is like to be supported", explains Edna. Lynda continues to have a strong commitment to the Committee because she values what they do, the importance she feels from being a part of it and the socialization of the groups atmosphere. Lynda's faith is very important to her and she helps out when ever she can with her Christian Reform Church and their Friendship Group. When asked to describe Lynda in one word, AJ McNaught could not pick just one but said "she is caring, a great friend, sweet and is naturally involved in people's lives through her kind nature. She is just all heart and really cares about people." - Jess English, Placement Student, Fleming College Social Services Worker

Before joining Community Living Peterborough's Rights Committee Yvonne had been one of the original Adult Protective Service Workers who was involved in supporting people living with an intellectual disability in making the transition from institution living to living independently in community.Yvonne is a Psychometrist as well and feels her experience with psychological assessments brings value to the Rights Committee.Yvonne feels that her background experience helps the Rights Committee as she understands the importance of peoples' rights and what life can be like without them. One of the main reasons she has remained, and still enjoys the Rights Committee, is due to the interaction with staff and the people who come to the meetings to discuss their concerns. "There has been a huge shift in staff professionalism and everyone's understanding of individual rights." As for the other members of the Rights Committee, Yvonne believes they all have a real sense of commitment and she loves that decisions are made on consensus without voting, saying "[they are a] very tight group that are all in it for the same reason." This is Yvonne's favorite part about the Rights Committee as she has never seen another committee like it. - Jess English, Placement Student, Fleming College Social Services Worker

Doug moved from his northern hometown of Cochrane, Ontario to Toronto to study pharmacy at the University of Toronto. Now a pharmacist at Sullivan's Pharmacy in East City, Peterborough, he truly enjoys helping people better understand their prescriptions and pharmaceutical needs to ensure they receive the best health advice. One of his favorite parts of his job is when his patients come back later to thank him for his help. Doug was awarded Pharmacist of the Year for the City of Peterborough in 2011: , "It was quite unexpected, but a greatly appreciated honour." Most of Doug's time is spent keeping up with the changes in the medical world, but he loves to go swimming and play tennis when the weather calls for it.

Doug was one of the first members of the Rights Committee and at first, found it a little challenging to fit it into his already busy schedule, but is now really enjoying his time. When asked what he brings to the table, Doug stated that his medical knowledge has come in handy with many of the situations they have dealt with. He also points out that the committee works together and "all the members seem to gel, which makes work much smoother." Doug's favorite part about being on the Rights Committee is the fact that he is making a difference in the lives of people people who might have otherwise been marginalized. Of course, the friendships he has made on the committee are of great value to Doug as well. - Jess English, Placement Student, Fleming College Social Services Worker

During his high school years in Gary’s hometown of Cambridge Ontario, Galt Collegiate Institute was lucky to have this sports enthusiast as Quarterback of the football team and Captain of the hockey team for four years. Gary took his love for action with him in his career when he joined the Waterloo Regional Police Force. After two years in Waterloo, Gary and his wife Barb moved to Peterborough where Gary joined the Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Services and stayed for 33 years before retiring with the rank of Sergeant. In 2001,when Gary’s career settled down and he had more time to spare, he joined the Community Living Peterborough Board of Directors.When the Rights Committee formed in 2004,­­­­­­­­­­­­­ Gary became the committee’s Board of Directors representative.

Gary is impressed with the growth he has seen over the last eight years and likes the combination of the members right now, saying “each member brings a special talent.” Gary believes he adds to the committee by bringing a vast knowledge of legal services and basic human rights. He now spends the majority of his time playing baseball or cruising around the world. Gary is currently a cruise and vacation specialist with Expedia Cruise Ship Centers in Peterborough. - Jess English, Placement Student, Fleming College Social Services Worker

Joyce Fee, a retired teacher and founding Rights Committee member, grew up on a farm not far from Peterborough in Fenelon Falls. Joyce moved to Peterborough to attend teachers college then married and started a family. Joyce continued her education at Trent University where she achieved her Bachelor of Arts, and capped that off with a Masters Degree from the University of Toronto.

After her impressive education Joyce became the principal of Trafalgar School, a parent led school for kids living with an intellectual disability. It was the excellent relationship formed between Trafalgar and Community Living Peterborough, as well as Joyce's own personal experiences with the agency that made it a natural choice for her to join the Rights Committee.

Joyce also volunteers her time at her church, Community Care and Service Club International. Joyce feels that she brings her strong community involvement with her to the Rights Committee as well as her awareness that different people have different needs and that she genuinely cares about peoples needs. Joyce's favourite part about the Rights Committee is the friends she has made along the way, saying "It's a good committee and I've loved seeing the growth of it, and Community Living Peterborough for the past forty years." - Jess English, Placement Student, Fleming College Social Services Worker

Terry Booth was born and raised in Toronto where he was part of the Police force for 27 years. Terry and his wife have three children in their thirties. Terry's oldest son Jeremy has an intellectual disability and as of 2010 is living independently! Terry describes the relationship between his son Jeremy and himself as, "having won the lottery" 35 years ago. He is the best part of my life!"

When Terry is not discovering the secret to life he spends his time collecting coins, watches, playing or watching golf, and driving his dream 1992 Mercedes convertible. Terry joined the Rights Committee three years ago after hearing about it from a friend and Community Living Peterborough's Board President, Craig Adams, and was immediately interested. "I like being a problem solver and I want to do absolutely everything I can to help [the people Community Living Peterborough supports]." Terry brings a strong passion to the Rights Committee and a huge history of experiences to share. - Jess English, Placement Student, Fleming College Social Services Worker

Cindy Hobbins joined the management team at Community Living Peterborough in 2004 and with her she brought a wealth of expertise! Cindy had been on the Rights Commission at her previous employment with Community Living Campbellford-Brighton. Cindy joined the CLP Rights Committee with a goal of helping people supported by the agency and staff to have a better understanding of rights promotion and protection. Eight years later, Cindy says that the mandate of the Rights Committee, agency policies and education have resulted in a culture shift to one of strong advocacy for the rights of people supported.

Cindy speaks passionately about the Rights Committee members saying they have fun while also bringing a great degree of expertise and commitment to people.Commitment is also the reason why Cindy has stayed part of the Committee so long. She feels that as the Manager of Quality Assurance she hears first hand that people are living the lives they deserve, enjoying the same rights as all citizens.

When asked what Cindy brings to the table she feels the other members would say humor but also an objective and unbiased point of view. Overall Cindy feels that all people deserve equal rights and the agency Committee is the system we have to make sure this is honored.

Ten years ago Edna O'Toole, Manager of Community Access was assigned the task of creating a Rights Committee for Community Living Peterborough. The intent in creating the committee was to provide a review process for people we support who had restrictions placed upon them as a result of that support.

Edna recruited a number of people across the community who had certain expertise, skills or experience relevant to exercising rights and the committee began.

Ten years later six of the original members remain on the committee. Edna continues as a staff resource to the committee and explains her commitment to this group is because this group "works". The group truly recognizes that people with disabilities have rights and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and they hold staff to this standard. They bring a diverse and common sense approach to the task of reviewing restrictions and encouraging staff to be creative in their approach to people before imposing restrictions. The dynamics of the committee ensures that each member's unique contribution is tabled and considered in their response back to people. Edna feels this committee has made a significant contribution to ensuring that people in service receive quality supports and their rights are safeguarded.