People with disabilities have their say

April 4, 2005

 

Canadians with disabilities who use augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC) to communicate will be in Toronto from April 8 -10 to attend the second ICE Canada Conference.

ICE Canada 2005 is the much-anticipated follow-up to the inaugural ICE Canada Conference in 2002, which brought together users of augmentative devices together to learn from each other, share ideas and create new friendships.

"For those who rely on AAC devices, the ability to simply connect and communicate with others can be challenging," says Angela VanAlstine, recreation and integration services manager with Ontario March of Dimes, whose organization is helping organize the conference. "This event promises to be a life-changing experience where participants will gain important information and make lasting friendships."

The first ICE Canada welcomed a total of 136 participants from Canada and the U.S., including 38 AAC users. The theme for this year's conference, which is being sponsored by the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP), is "Living Well: Beyond Existing." More than 180 people are expected to attend the 2005 conference. One of the highlights is expected to be the Town Hall Meeting, a discussion strictly for AAC consumers.

ICE Canada was inspired by the Pittsburgh Employment Conference. First held in 1993 in Pittsburgh, PA, it is the largest event dedicated to AAC consumers in North America.

ICE Canada 2005 will be held in Toronto, Ontario, at the Toronto Marriott Airport, 901 Dixon Road, down the street from Pearson International Airport.

For more information, please visit www.iceconference.ca

Ontario March of Dimes is one of the largest charitable rehabilitation organizations in Ontario, providing a wide range of programs and services across the province to enhance the independence and community participation of people with physical disabilities.

For further information:

Donna Mackay, Provincial Manager, Recreation & Integration Services
Ontario March of Dimes, 10 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1A4
Phone: (416) 425-3463 ext. 298, Fax: (416) 425-1920, dmackay@dimes.on.ca