From Receiver To Provider
“Never doubt what you can do. Keep trying!” Crystal Peters
Crystal Peters has Cerebral Palsy and has been involved with SMD in multiple capacities for over 14 years. As a kid, she was in our Recreation and Leisure program, where she spent time at our summer camps. She remembers enjoying a one week program for young adults called Independent Living for Youth where they worked on growing independence by helping them with daily living life skills such as; Laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc. This program is no longer available however, during our current youth camps, SMD implements various opportunities to work on life skills such as; Cooking collectively, transportation safety, and independent decisions regarding activities throughout the community.
Additionally, Crystal received her power wheelchair through our Wheelchair Services program as well as a head band wand through our Assistive Technology program. The ‘head mouse’ wand acts as a computer mouse that enables her to use a computer. “Basically, anything you would use your hands to do on a computer I can use my head mouse for,” she says. For example, browsing the internet, sending emails, etc. all can be done through this innovative device. The end of the wand has an infrared mouse sensor that she uses to navigate what is on her monitor (similar to how a mouse works) and then she taps the keyboard buttons one at a time with the end of the wand allowing her to type.
When asked what has been some of her favourite experiences over the years with SMD, she beams with excitement when she mentions the various daily outings she did through both the Children and Adult Recreation and Leisure programs. “One time, the group went to Celebrations Dinner theatre which I really enjoyed and I also like playing Bocce as well,” she says with a smile.
“Basically, anything you would use your hands to do on a computer I can use my head mouse for.” Crystal Peters
Crystal is impressed with how many services SMD provides for families who are in need. “When I was young and in school, I didn’t know what was available for me. Nowadays, I think we’re more informed and involved with schools so we can help families.”
In Manitoba, due to funding limitations, the numbers of services that are available to children that transition into adulthood, meaning once they turn 18 diminish. Crystal’s mom, like most parents who have children with a disability, was not aware what services were not available once she became an adult. Fortunately, through her involvement with SMD at a young age she was introduced to Kim Dubesky, an Employment Development Specialist who works out of our Employment Preparation Centre program. She and Bill Muloin, Supervisor of the Recreation and Leisure programming, asked Crystal if she wanted to work with him. “I was just volunteering at the beginning,” she says. “Then, Bill got me an internship which eventually turned into a paid position.”
SMD hired Crystal as a Clerk for the Children’s Recreation and Leisure program. Currently, she’s working two days a week out of our SSCY office location where she assists in client profiling for the camps. “Each client’s file has their contact information and any specific details worth sharing,” she explains. “I input that into their profile so staff are informed.” She also creates PowerPoint presentations and spreadsheets for certain needs when required.
When asked what some of her longer term goals are, Crystal says she would like to move out of home and gain independence one day. “There is a lot involved with moving out,” she says optimistically. “I also want to acquire more skills in life such as expanding my computer skills and just general life skills overall.”
Crystal wanted to ensure that Bill, Kim and many other staff at SMD were thanked for their assistance/support she received over the years.
Lastly, when asked what message she would like to spread to others who might be going through something similar she says, “Never doubt what you can do. Keep trying!”