Ontario Division Impact Report - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Ontario Division Impact Report - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Ontario Division Impact Report - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
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Client Services<br />
A helping hand<br />
Catherine Calvert, like many others, has found help and support with the MS <strong>Society</strong>.<br />
Need<br />
MS is a complex and unpredictable disease. Each individual<br />
living with MS faces challenges that are unique and that<br />
change over time, including the need to access accurate<br />
information about the disease, finding a friendly ear and<br />
obtaining financial assistance for services and equipment<br />
that provide increased mobility and independence.<br />
ACtION<br />
Catherine Calvert, an independent woman living with<br />
MS since 1990, has seen her needs change over the years.<br />
Early in her diagnosis, Catherine made use <strong>of</strong> a walker to<br />
assist her mobility. Today, Catherine moves from place<br />
to place with the aid <strong>of</strong> a power wheelchair. Catherine,<br />
like many on the MS journey, faces these challenges with<br />
courage, determination and with support from family<br />
and friends and the MS <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>.<br />
Catherine first contacted the MS <strong>Society</strong>’s <strong>Ontario</strong> <strong>Division</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong>fice in 1996. Her initial inquiry into MS <strong>Society</strong> services<br />
and support was the beginning <strong>of</strong> a long and supportive<br />
relationship with our client services team. The MS <strong>Society</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong>fers Catherine and all Ontarians living with the daily<br />
challenges <strong>of</strong> MS a wide variety <strong>of</strong> programs and services<br />
that promote personal independence and contribute to an<br />
enhanced quality <strong>of</strong> life.<br />
The Equipment Program provides financial support<br />
for the purchase <strong>of</strong> safety equipment for the home and<br />
for mobility aids. It also provides long-term loans for<br />
a variety <strong>of</strong> medical equipment and covers the cost <strong>of</strong><br />
equipment repairs and servicing. The Special Assistance<br />
Program provides clients with financial assistance for<br />
services that may include housecleaning, yard care, snow<br />
removal, transportation, respite care and attendant care.<br />
6 OntariO divisiOn <strong>Impact</strong> RepoRt 2010<br />
These are two <strong>of</strong> the programs Catherine – and many<br />
others – has accessed. The MS <strong>Society</strong> also provides information<br />
and referral services, support groups and other<br />
programs that make a positive and significant impact<br />
on the lives <strong>of</strong> people living with MS, and their families,<br />
friends and caregivers.<br />
IMpACt<br />
“The MS <strong>Society</strong>’s financial assistance for my daily attendant<br />
care needs and towards the purchase <strong>of</strong> home<br />
safety aids means I have fewer financial barriers to face,”<br />
says Catherine Calvert. “You can always find help and<br />
support from the MS <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>. They are always<br />
there to extend a hand to help me through this battle.<br />
It takes stress <strong>of</strong>f my shoulders knowing that someone<br />
understands what I am going through and is there to<br />
make my journey easier.”<br />
The Equipment Program provides<br />
financial support for the purchase <strong>of</strong> safety<br />
equipment for the home and for mobility aids.<br />
The Special Assistance Program provides<br />
clients with financial assistance for services that may<br />
include housecleaning, yard care, snow removal,<br />
transportation, respite care and attendant care.