Search    Get Updates by:  E-Mail  or

  Project Information

Cypress Hills Ability Centres, Inc.: Exploring Alternatives

Last Updated on February 6th, 2013
 

Project Title: Cypress Hills Ability Centres, Inc.: Exploring Alternatives

Final Report: Basualdo, M. ; Kangayi, C. (2010). Cypress Hills Ability Centres, Inc. : Exploring alternatives. Saskatoon, SK: Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, University of Saskatchewan. Final Report (pdf)

Summary:

Cypress Hills Ability Centres Inc. (CHACI), established in 1989, provides vocational and residential services to persons with developmental and/or multiple disabilities in Shaunavon, Swift Current, and surrounding area. CHACI’s vocational day programs are designed to strengthen participants’ pre-vocational and vocational skills. CHACI also assists Saskatchewan Association Rehabilitation Centres in the administration and operation of a provincial beverage container recycling program, along with leftover paint and electronics recycling, and paper shredding. CHACI’s residential services (e.g., Houston House and Shaunavon Group Home) enable adults with intellectual and/or multiple disabilities live as independently as possible in a supportive family-like environment in the local community. Finally, CHACI provides transit services to and from school, work, or medical appointments for persons with physical disabilities and/or a history of mental health issues.

CHACI is looking at the feasibility of expanding its programs and services to meet even further the needs of persons with cross disabilities. It is likely that there are persons with cross disabilities in Swift Current and the South West Region who are either not receiving services or traveling to Saskatoon to receive them. It is important to identify these people and determine their needs, along with industry trends regarding options for vocational training.

Using a participatory action research approach, this project will develop an understanding of the operations at Cypress Hills Ability Centres Inc. by identifying the characteristics of the clients whom the organization is currently serving. Researchers will also attempt to identify the needs of persons with cross disabilities not attending CHACI, as well as services offered by and opinions of social services, disability organizations, marginalized groups, education councilors, youth groups, and government agencies to identify gaps in service, potential alliances, and possible funding sources. The goal is to fill gaps in service rather than duplicate a service already operating successfully elsewhere.

Findings:

Although the statistics in this report are estimates and should be interpreted with caution, we find a significant need for services for persons with disabilities in Shaunavon and its surrounding areas. Communities in the southwest lack support services such as short-term respite services for persons with mental health problems, ambulance services, or immediate police response. As the town of Shaunavon grows, there is a need to create awareness about CHACI programs, job placement, and the potential for partnerships.

Gaps in services as identified by interviewers:
• Services for people with disabilities in the fifteen-to-twenty-one age range
• Lack of support system for clients who decide to have a family
• Services to persons with disabilities unrelated to developmental/intellectual disabilities, e.g., ABI and mental health problems
• Lack of co-ordination around transition from school, which risks clients losing programs and services in the interim

See the report for the recommendations that came out of the study.

Project Poster: Poster (pdf)

Dissemination Activities:

Presentations:

Admin Notes:

Project Number: CL1-16-SK

Researchers:

Community Partner: