Independent Living Nova Scotia

Please be advised our head office is closed on September, 2 for Labour Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 3 at 8:30 AM.

Welcome this week’s Bahoz Jalal. Bahoz completed our Community Access Program (CAP) this summer. Meet Bahoz:

Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I am funny, enthusiastic, and I like to learn new things every day. I enjoy spending time with my two brothers and parents, watching movies and sports; my favourite basketball team is the Toronto Raptors.

Q: What’s your favourite part about the CAP program?
A: My favourite part has been going on the community outings, the best one was going to Cineplex to watch Despicable Me 4. I also enjoyed meeting new friends and learning new skills through ImSET.

Q: How has your involvement with CAP helped you to become more independent?
A: It has helped me be more independent by growing my confidence. I now have a better understanding of how to control my emotions, create healthy boundaries and understand my environment.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Do your best to stay positive and be yourself. Treat yourself how everyone else would want to be treated.

Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: My goal after CAP is to continue with my education, get a better job, and focus on living a better life.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I would definitely recommend the CAP program to others. I had a great time and it kept me busy during the summer!

Image Descriptions:
1. Bahoz smiles at the camera before completing a presentation to his classmates.
2. Bahoz and members of his family take a selfie out on a nature trail.
3. CAP participants including Bahoz stand in front of Pier 21 with Art of Disability Festival Posters and smile at the camera.

As part of our Community Access Program (CAP), participants organized their own community project to give back to those within the community. This past Monday, participants connected with seniors at Melville Heights Retirement Living for a fun afternoon of games and social interaction!



Image Descriptions:
1. Three CAP participants and a Melville Heights Resident smile at the camera as they play go-fish.
2. Two CAP participants and another resident smile at one another as they play Uno together.
3. A CAP participant and a resident play connect four, while another participant oversees the game.

Meet this week’s Hannah Hall. Hannah joined ILNS this summer to work as the Art of Disability Festival Coordinator. Get to know Hannah: https://ilns.ca/faces-of-ilns/

Q: What does your role entail?
A: As the Art of Disability Festival Coordinator my role involves organizing and overseeing all festival elements such as vendors, sponsors, and other supporters. Given that we are a nonprofit organization, securing sponsorships is crucial to fund and successfully run the festival. Outreach is a significant part of my role; without the support of other organizations, our festival would not be possible. A key aspect of my role is to effectively promote the festival, ensuring that our vendors receive the maximum exposure and attention they deserve.

Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I have a deep love for animals. My cat, who was once feral and fearful of humans, has transformed into the most affectionate and sociable kitty you could imagine. My dog, Lilly, is a gentle soul who will happily spend the entire day snuggled up with you. I'm also known among my friends for being a dependable listener, always there in times of need without judgment. While I may forget what I had for breakfast, I can still recall every lyric to a song I heard years ago.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it is one of the bravest and most courageous actions you can take.

Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: Professionally, my goal is to complete my Master’s in Social Work and focus on empowering individuals with mental illness to lead fulfilling and independent lives.
On a personal level, I aspire to provide a loving home to as many animals as possible.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about working for ILNS?
A: The skills and insights I gained from ILNS. Working on multiple projects around the office provided me with a deeper understanding of individuals with disabilities and enhanced my ability to advocate for a more accessible world for everyone. The exceptional staff, who were incredibly welcoming, is another highlight of my experience.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: In June 2024, I completed my Social Services diploma from NSCC, and shortly after, I relocated from Cape Breton to Halifax. I plan to attend Saint Mary's University this September to complete my Master’s in Social Work. Initially, I was anxious about the move, as my life had been marked by little change and a comfortable routine. However, this transition has enabled me to grow in ways I never imagined, and I am very grateful for the support I have received on this journey. I now actively seek opportunities to step out of my comfort zone, knowing that embracing a bit of uncertainty can lead to positive outcomes.

Thank you for joining us at the 12th Annual Art of Disability Festival! We hope you had a wonderful time celebrating and supporting artists with disabilities. It was fantastic to see such a vibrant turnout.

To help us enhance future events, we’d greatly appreciate your feedback. Please take a few moments to complete this brief questionnaire about your festival experience: https://forms.gle/FvJ9ki1JFKzwLNbt6

Your insights will help us organize future events to best serve you! Thank you for your time and input!

We want to extend our gratitude to our incredible sponsors and donors for this year’s 12th Annual Art of Disability Festival. These local businesses and companies helped bring this festival to life and we couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you for playing a crucial role in celebrating and promoting the artistic talents within the disability community.

Platinum Sponsors: Downtown Halifax & Nova Scotia Culture
Bronze: Build Nova Scotia

In-Kind Donors: Bookmark II, Good Robot Brewing Company, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Visual Arts Nova Scotia, Audrey's Little Shop of Plants, Bulwark Cider House, and Inkwell Modern Handmade Boutique & Letterpress Studio

The 12th Annual Art of Disability Festival is here! Come join us today, August 10, from 11-4 PM at Pier 21 in their Ralph & Rose Chiodo Gallery (first floor). We will have 30+ vendors onsite selling paintings, jewelry, candles, baked goods, photography, and so much more! Come support local and help us celebrate the creativity and talent within the disability community.

Full details at https://ilns.ca/art-of-disability-festival-2/

Swipe to see some Art of Disability Festival vendors who will be onsite at Pier 21 this Saturday, August 10, from 11-4 PM! Come out and support your local artists!

Event details: https://ilns.ca/art-of-disability-festival-2/

The Art of Disability Festival is happening this Saturday, August 10 at Pier 21! Swipe to see some of the vendors who will be on site from 11-4 PM. Full event details at https://ilns.ca/art-of-disability-festival-2/

Happy Natal Day long weekend! The ILNS main office will be closed today, August 5, and will reopen Tuesday, August 6, at 8:30 AM. We hope everyone has a fun and safe long weekend.

Get to know this week’s Kim Morash. Kim is one of the artists who will be attending this year's 12th Annual Art of Disability Festival on August 10, at Pier 21. Meet Kim: https://ilns.ca/faces-of-ilns/

Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I love to craft, it has been my lifeboat ever since I had to stop working and go on disability full time due to my Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Chrones. I love making things that are unique and make people laugh.

Q: How long have you been coming to the Art of Disability Festival?
A: This will be my 3rd year. I love it!

Q: What’s your favourite part about the Art of Disability Festival?
A: Interacting with the other artists and seeing their creativity is truly inspiring! I also can't forget to mention all the great staff and volunteers involved in setting up this Art Festival.

Q: What does creating art mean to you?
A: Like I said it's been my lifeboat. I was really depressed when I had to stop working after 20 years. I am thankful for my sister-in-law who introduced me to rock dotting. This gave me something to keep my mind occupied and I have been making creations ever since, I love it!

Q: If you could share one piece of advice for artists living with disabilities, what would it be?
A: Take the time to find something that makes you happy. Don't give up and surround yourself with people who support you.

Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: Just to keep going and be able to make unique creations for as long as I can.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I want to extend a big thank you to my son Cole, husband Dave, and my mom who have been there for me every step of the way. Also a big thank you to the Art Disability Festival staff, I look forward to this event each year.

Check out the vendors that will be joining us next Saturday, August 10 at the Art of Disability Festival! Get full event details at https://ilns.ca/art-of-disability-festival-2/

More sneak peeks are here! Check out who will be joining us at the Art of Disability Festival on Saturday, August 10, from 11-4 PM at Pier 21! Click here for full details: https://ilns.ca/art-of-disability-festival-2/

The 12th Annual Art of Disability Festival is only 2 days away! Join us at Pier 21 on Saturday, August 10, from 11-4 PM, as we celebrate the artistic talents of the disability community. We will have 30+ vendors onsite selling paintings, jewelry, baked goods, and so much more!

Full details at https://ilns.ca/art-of-disability-festival-2/

Home - Independent Living Nova Scotia Independent Living Nova Scotia (ILNS) supports Nova Scotians with disabilities through programs and services that promote Independent Living (IL), enabling individuals to live the way they want, stay in control of decisions that affect them, break through barriers that are in the way and develop the...

Get to know more vendors selling their artwork on Saturday, August 10, at the Art of Disability Festival! For full details visit https://ilns.ca/art-of-disability-festival-2/

Check out this week’s vendor sneak peeks! These vendors will be attending the 12th Annual Art of Disability Festival on Saturday, August 10, at Pier 21! Full event details at: https://ilns.ca/art-of-disability-festival-2/

Our this week is Connor Hodgson. Connor is an artist at our Art of Disability Festival which will take place on Saturday, August 10, at Pier 21. Get to know Connor: https://ilns.ca/faces-of-ilns/

Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I am an only child, I’m an artist, I have a great sense of humor, and I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 19. I am a huge movie buff and I really enjoy going to the theatre, I’m also a big fan of Superheroes and Star Wars. I enjoy cooking, playing the guitar, singing, and spending time with family and friends.

Q: How long have you been coming to the Art of Disability Festival (ADF)?
A: This year (2024) will be my 3rd time attending the Art of Disability Festival.

Q: What’s your favourite part about the Art of Disability Festival?
A: I love showcasing my art to the public. I enjoy chatting with customers about my art as they offer their opinions, good and bad. I like the community and friendships that have developed with the returning vendors, the ILNS staff, and the volunteers.

Q: What does creating art mean to you?
A: Creating art is the best outlet for emotions! I love it when a customer expresses their feelings and the memories they get as they view my art. At my first ADF in 2023, an elderly lady purchased one of my Spiderman paintings because it reminded her of her brother. He used to buy the Spiderman comics and let her read them, she was planning on hanging this Spiderman in her living room so she could see it each day and think of him!

Q: If you could share one piece of advice for artists living with disabilities, what would it be?
A: "If you have a good idea, don't let anyone tell you its not" - Stan Lee

Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: My goal is to continue making art that makes people smile.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: In June 2024 I won an art contest at the 29th Annual National Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE) Conference held in Regina Saskatchewan. My entry was called Chasing Tails. You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram at A Piece of Art By Connor.

Check out some of the vendors attending the 12th Annual Art of Disability Festival on Saturday, August 10, at Pier 21! New vendors are released each week! For full event details visit https://ilns.ca/art-of-disability-festival-2/

Get an exclusive preview of some of the vendors coming to the 12th Annual Art of Disability Festival on Saturday, August 10, at Pier 21! Stay tuned each week to see more talented artists who will be selling their products at our festival! For full event details visit https://ilns.ca/art-of-disability-festival-2/

Join us this Thursday (July 18) at 2 P.M. for a free virtual presentation about Accessibility & Voting with Colin Cooper, one of Election’s Nova Scotia’s Inclusion Liason Officers. Colin is scheduled to speak with our Community Access Program (CAP) participants and you can join us from the comfort of your home by registering at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqcOCvrjkuGdLlb-iM29bFceHff6nPtWi_ #/registration



Image Description: the social media graphic background is light blue and has an animated image with three individuals getting ready to vote. Graphic text includes: Accessibility and Voting, A virtual presentation with Colin Cooper, Elections NS Inclusion Liason Officer, Thursday, July 18, 2 PM via Zoom, Register at ilns.ca today, Independent Living Nova Scotia

Want to be a part of a festival striving to break down the barriers between art and accessibility? ILNS is looking for volunteers for our Art of Disability Festival happening on August 10, at Pier 21. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact [email protected]

For full Festival details, visit https://ilns.ca/art-of-disability-festival-2/

Our first of July is Chrissy Moore. Chrissy is part of our Shared Services Pilot. Get to know Chrissy: https://ilns.ca/faces-of-ilns/

Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I became a quadriplegic in 2022 after a motor vehicle accident. Through this new journey of my life, I stay positive and live my life to the fullest. I don’t let it slow me down, I still run the roads, make new friends, go shopping, spend time with friends and family, and go to birthday parties almost every month with my friends.

Q: What's your favourite part about ILNS Services?
A: I love the home I live in, it’s like a home away from home! I love the people I am surrounded by; the other ladies and I have so much fun on a daily basis. The caregivers are well-trained and support you in every step of your day. I love the patio outside my room where I can enjoy the nice weather with my son and staff.

Q: How has your involvement with ILNS services helped you to be more independent?
A: By having 24-hour support from staff I am getting stronger and stronger every day. It’s easier for me to get dressed, I get to choose what I want to eat and I can help my staff prepare my meals. With the location of our home, it is very convenient for me to access doctor’s appointments, shops, and social activities.

Q: What's one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I am working on getting stronger every day. I hope to someday have my own home and become as independent as possible with the assistance of staff.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: l had no idea that ILNS existed before the accident. After my accident, I never thought l was going to come out of the hospital. It was scary but lLNS fought for me to be where l am today. This program is making a great impact on my life and I am extremely grateful for the ILNS staff.

Happy Canada Day! The ILNS Head Office will be closed today, Monday, July 1, and will reopen tomorrow, July 2, at 8:30 AM. We hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday weekend.

Calling all artists with disabilities! The 12th Annual Art Of Disability Festival is back and looking for artists. The festival will take place on Saturday, August 10, in the Ralph & Rose Chiodo Gallery at Pier 21. If you are interested in participating as a vendor at this year’s festival register here: https://forms.gle/mgudNMfUiSNWXLCV9

For more information visit https://ilns.ca/art-of-disability-festival-2/

- Our head office will have a delayed opening tomorrow, June 26 and Thursday, June 27 as staff complete strategic planning and team building activities. We will open at 11 A.M. both days.

Image description: the graphic background shows a work team collaborating as they add post-its and other notes to a board. A square centred on top of the background includes the following text: Delayed Opening: Wednesday, June 26 & Thursday, June 27, 11 A.M.

Our this week is Noah MacNeil. Noah is enrolled in our Student Self Manager Program and just graduated from NSCC. Get to know Noah: https://ilns.ca/faces-of-ilns/

Q: What are a few things everyone should know about you?
A: I live with my mother, father, and younger brother. A strong value in my family is that we each do our best to help each other. Since birth, I have lived with quadriplegia from cerebral palsy and I’m also legally blind due to cortical visual impairment. I can feed myself and can use a computer with adaptive software. Despite these limitations, I have been very successful in my post-secondary education to date, thanks to my patient, resilient, and caring attendants.

Q: What’s your favourite part about ILNS' Student Self-Manager Program?
A: My favorite part is that with the help of Kevin Penny and all the staff at ILNS, I can hire my own assistants and be very successful in school. In my programs at NSCC I have been able to academically achieve more than I ever could have imagined. I would not be able to do this without the support of Kevin Penny, Carrie Ernst, and Tina Gascon.

Q: How has your involvement in the Student Self-Manager Program helped you to be more independent?
A: With the assistance of very skilled and compassionate personal assistants and adaptive computer software, I have become much more independent in my computer skills, academic research, writing, and understanding the expectations of my classes and instructors.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you want to share with our audience?
A: I think it is important to be honest with yourself about what assistance you need to be successful with your goals. For example, when hiring a personal assistant you need to describe the job description very clearly, check references, and know what skills and qualities you need from a personal assistant.

Q: What’s one future goal you have for yourself?
A: I really love learning and being in school. I look forward to continuing my studies in Criminal Justice by pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology from St. Mary's University.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: If you are looking to apply to university as a student with significant disabilities, I recommend St. Mary's University; they have the Fred Smithers Center which has very kind and knowledgeable staff who know how to address special accomodations.

We’re excited to be at the 29th CASE - Canadian Association for Supported Employment Conference this week with our Futureworx partners to present ImSET and share this innovative tool with service providers across the country!



Image Descriptions:
1. A group selfie of the ImSET Team: Randy (front right), Carrie (front left), Meaghan, Christa, Kaitlyn (left to right)
2. Meaghan and Carrie at the ImSET booth smiling at the camera and posing with an orange ImSET tumbler.
3. A photo of a laptop showing the ImSET logo and the orange ImSET tumbler.
4. Meaghan speaking with a conference attendee about ImSET.
5. Christa smiling at a conference attending during an ImSET platform demonstration.

We’re hiring a Camp Coordinator and two Camp Counselors for our Young Adult Autism Summer Camp. If you are a post-secondary student looking for summer employment, this might be the job for you. To find out if you would be a good fit, visit: https://ilns.ca/get-involved-with-ilns/ and apply today!



Image Description:
Graphic includes a background image of a camp coordinator speaking to attendees and staff. Text includes: Independent Living Nova Scotia (top of the graphic); We're Hiring; For more details visit ilns.ca (bottom of the graphic).

Get Involved with ILNS - Independent Living Nova Scotia Job Opportunities We are currently hiring post-secondary students for Camp Coordinator AND Camp Counsellor summer opportunities at ILNS, please see below for more details:The Camp Coordinator shall act as the overall organizer and facilitator for both Camp Counselors and the adults attending the You...

We have extended the draw for our Father’s Day Gift Basket Fundraiser! The draw will now take place on Wednesday, June 12, make sure you get your tickets! Tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10. For full details and to purchase tickets, visit: https://ilns.ca/gift-baskets-fundraiser/

One lucky winner will receive Halifax Thunderbirds Merchandise, Swimming Lessons at the Royal Yacht Squadron, baked goods from 24 Carrots Bakery, gift certificates to Izzy’s Bagels, Chain Yard Cider, Battery Park, and more!

: We're hiring a Camp Coordinator to organize and oversee our Adult Autism Summer Camp & also extending the deadline for our Camp Counsellor positions. Sunday, June 9, 2024 is the deadline for these positions. To learn how to apply, visit: www.ilns.ca/get-involved-with-ilns/



Graphic Description: Graphic includes a background image of a camp coordinator speaking to attendees and staff. Text includes: Independent Living Nova Scotia (top of the graphic); We're Hiring a Camp Coordinator for our Adult Autism Summer Camp; For more details visit ilns.ca (bottom of the graphic).

Independent Living Nova Scotia ILNS runs the only IL Resource Centre in Nova Scotia. We are a registered charity supporting persons