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Board Directors Behind Project The 1981 FWIO Board Directors, concerned about the International Year of the Disabled â€" 1981, determined 10 urge W.I. Branch membersthroughout the Province to survey their local communities, with the thought in mind of im- proving and better understanding the basic needs and rights of citizens of our communities, especially the handicapped. lndepth questionnaires were distributed, completed and returned to Board Directors, regarding accessibility to pub- lic buildings. Not all Branches used the survey, some obtained results by petitioning the local council to implement projects. Special community meetings were held in conjunction with other Organizations. Many special projects were orga- nized and money raised for specific needs. This is a prime example of one person with an idea, (newly elected Board Director representing Subdivision #2, Mrs. Arnold Wilson), encouraging all to get involved in a task to make life easier for those not as fortunate. But, per haps the most important result, because of Women‘s Insti- tute encouragement, the community organizations have worked together to bring about change. All Board Directors in the 32 Subdivisions heard from their Branches. Thirteen Subdivisions reported special results recorded by every single Branch. Eight Subdivisions heard from 90% of their Branches, ten had 70% reporting and only one had under 50% reporting. Twenty-three Subdivisions reported surveyinglocal build- ings and one-quarter of the Board Directors reported that a survey of industries was conducted resulting in changes, such as desks at correct level, telephones, light switches and elevator controls lowered to within easy reach, Counters were reported lowered at Tuck Shops. ‘ t . \ ‘L Seventeen Branches in OXFORD NORTH DISTRICT do- nated $8000.00 for :1 p001 lift at Weedingford Lodge, Woodstock, for further therapy to aid the handicapped. L-r standing â€" Mrs. Bert Drenth, District President; Mrs. D. H. Hurt, Mrs. Mminrie Mimnock, Multiple Sclerosis Society. Seated â€" Mrs. J. D, Hassock, District Life Member, Mrs. A. S. Pearson, past District Secretarthreasurer. Both are residents of the home. 8 Speakers were included at many Branch meetings, keep. iiig Branch members up-dated on resources available and how all of society can help. Many approached their 10cal COuncils and action was taken to build ramps, eliminate curbs at crossing areas so those confined to wheel chairs could more easily cross 11,. street. A combined effort with other community Organizatioi , resulted in the installation of elevators and chair lifts an 1 the sponsoring of sports competitions, Costumes Were mat! , in one community, plus thousands of volunteers worki‘r. , toward the success ofleux Canada Games last summer. l Toilet and washroom facilities were improved, chair ll and a pool lift installed. Additional support for the hunt. such as sponsoring a blind person in the work force, encoura ing the cutting of cassettes for alibrary. Walkers and whe chairs were donated in some instances. Telethons and Wall l athons, bus trips, picnics, lending a hand to the deaf, we- just a few of the projects W.I.’s were involved with. Providing additional volunteers in Hospitals and Instit g tions, workshop assistance and deaf support, assisting harm ' capped children, all were part of the WI. effort throughor the Province. The Junior Women’s Institutes have recognized thelYD by a donation of four trophies for the Olympics for ti. Disabled, Ontario Championships in Windsor, in 1982. To become involved is a way for W.I.’s to provide ahighr profile in the community and still remain loyal to one r their objectives, “assisting people." Mrs. Arnold Wilson, presented a summary of the W, activities at the Provincial Board meeting in April. you? ‘v/ at. PINE GROVE W1. SIMCOE EAST DISTRICT donated a wheel chair to the Orr‘iIia Square Shopping Mall, as Ihé’il’ projeet for the IYDP. The money was raised through bake sales and bazaars.