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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.

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