For more than 65 years, the Saskatchewan Abilities Council (SAC) has been dedicated to providing programs and services to people with disabilities in the province.
While the name has changed, and its scope has also changed, the mandate of helping people has remained the same. It strives to deliver recreational, rehabilitation and vocational programs to people with disabilities.
Deana Jesmer, the community relations co-ordinator for the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, said they reach all corners of the province, including the southeast. They have branches in Saskatoon, Regina, Swift Current and Yorkton, where Jesmer is based out of.
“Our provincial programs include our special needs equipment, so folks who receive requisitions from the doctor,” said Jesmer. “Those can be anything from wheelchairs to tub handles to pulls so people can help themselves out of bed.”
There are also different mobility aids to increase independence and mobility.
SAC also operates Camp Easter Seal, the only fully wheelchair-accessible camp in Saskatchewan, on the shores of Manitou Lake. Everything from the pathways to the dining hall, and the cabins to the swimming pool, can be accessed.
“They can enjoy the pontoon boats,” said Jesmer. “They can even go tubing or water skiing. They can enjoy the indoor heated pool.”
Jesmer said they have around 700 campers each year, including children, youth and adults.
“Camp Easter Seal, in particular, is quite often the first time that kids are away from home … or away from their parents for the first time, so it’s a wonderful opportunity to create that independence for kids, and it also provides a respite service for families, too,” said Jesmer.
A few kids from the Estevan area will attend Camp Easter Seal this year, she said.
The SAC also offers a parking program for individuals with mobility concerns.
“They can apply to have a disability parking placard for parking, and that’s a province-wide program as well,” said Jesmer.
For those who need a wheelchair, it can be a life-changer to be mobile in a community. Clients are very appreciative of their efforts, she said.
The agency had a key fundraiser on Wednesday at Boston Pizza in Estevan and at restaurants across Saskatchewan: the fifth annual Boston Pizza Day for Camp Easter Seal.
A campaign had actually been happening across the province at the restaurant chain for a month. All the Boston Pizza restaurants have been selling camp cards.
“Guests could make a $2 donation and write their names on the camp card, and then they’ll be displayed at the Boston Pizzas,” said Jesmer.
Then on July 12, 20 per cent of pizzas sales across the province went to Camp Easter Seal.
Support for the fundraiser has been strong this month, she said.
“We’re always more than grateful and honoured to be part of a campaign like this,” said Jesmer.
It costs approximately $1,500 to send a child to Camp Easter Seal for a six-day camp, but thanks to campaigns, donations and fundraisers, the camps can be offered fully subsidized to the campers.
SAC is also a member agency for the United Way Estevan, and Jesmer said the allocation it receives helps support campers who attend Camp Easter Seal. The organization is grateful for the support they receive from the United Way each year.
