CochraneEagle.com Special needs supports evaluated Jenna Dulewich ie Fogle What are the resources for people with developmental disabilities, their caregivers and support staffin Cochrane? ‘One woman is trying to find out. University of Calgary student Sherry Grund is completing her final year of Community Rehabilitation and Disabilities studies with her last research project on Cochrane and ‘what itis like for individuals with developmental disabilities, their care- givers and support staff to live in the community. ‘Asa Cochranite, Grund was in- spired to take on the project to help Cochrane's Family and Community ‘Support Services (FCSS) create a resource guide and asset map to increase the awareness of inclusion in the community. Not to be confused with Cochrane Cares, a recent needs assessment survey being conducted by FCSS, the research project is an independent study by Grund as part of a practicum. “We are trying to look at a snap- shot of what was available in Co- chrane and what was helping with people,” Grund explained. “One of the themes is families, sup- port staffand selfsadvocates want a resource hub” While resources are available to people with developmental disabili- ties in Cochrane, most ofthe supports are geared toward the younger ages. Examples are the Preschool interven- tion Program for children with mild to severe developmental needs offered, by Rocky View Schools, and the Lil’ Explorers Group, a weekly child de= velopment program for parents with special needs children ages zero to sie offered by the Parent Link Centre. “We are looking at the people af- fected by the barriers but we also want to raise awareness ofthe issues,” said Melissa Engdabl, a resource worker with FCSS who is overseeing the project. After approximately five months cof hearing stories from people with developmental disabilities, caregivers and support stafFin the community, Grund’s findings and recommen- dations will be given to FCSS next ‘month, “There were a lot of validating themes that we see on the frontline that were reinforced through hearing people's experiences,” Engdabl said. Once the projectis submitted, Engdahl said they are hopeful the {information will inspire community stakeholders to help make Cochrane ‘more inclusive. jdulewich@cochranegreatwest.ca