Students to bring vital service to First Nation adults with disabilities – UM Today

May 25, 2023 —

A group of occupational therapy students from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences is developing a much-needed day program for adults with disabilities in Sagkeeng First Nation.

The program will be located in a new 10-unit housing complex developed in Sagkeeng as part of Kiga mamo anokimin onji minoayawin, a partnership between the college and 10 Manitoba First Nations Communities. Construction is set to begin on the building, which will open in 2024.

The program will run up to six days a week and will cater to adults aged 18 to 55 who have physical or cognitive disabilities. It will address a lack of programming for adults with disabilities in the community. Programs like Jordan’s Principle are available for youth, but when those individuals turn 18, they lose that support.

Margaret Hart, Ininiw scholar and instructor for the college’s occupational therapy program, is leading the project, which recently completed its preliminary stage of relationship-building.

“The programming will be culturally relevant and community-driven, honouring self-determination,” Hart said.

Read More: https://news.umanitoba.ca/students-to-bring-vital-service-to-first-nation-adults-with-disabilities/