The Importance of Giving Back
“Staff became like family…We formed life-long friendships and the opportunities Allie had also brought out her social side which was great to see.” Wendy Onslow
Since 2005, Wendy Onslow has been an active member on SMD’s Board of Directors. Her involvement with the organization began much earlier though when her daughter Allie began receiving services from us back when she was two years old.
Allie was born prematurely at 2lbs 5 ounces, with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy which affects all four limbs with high muscle tone. She went through our Children’s Services Coordination (CSC) program which supports families like Wendy’s by identifying what the child’s strengths, needs, and goals are and work closely with them to find the best ways to meet their specific needs. Additionally, CSC provides families with information regarding what services and resources are available as well as consult with professionals in schools, daycares, and other agencies to develop a family-centered plan that will make a positive difference in the child’s life.
As a child, Allie’s case manager helped secure funding for respite and other needs. “They were always very helpful and present when the going got tough,” says Wendy.
Allie also received a power wheelchair through SMD’s Wheelchair services as well as two grants from our Assistive Technology program. “One of the grants aided in purchasing an iPad when she was 14,” says Wendy. “Allie has a developmental delay and this device actually improved her reading and developmental skills incredibly. The other grant helped with some of the cost of our wheelchair van,” Wendy adds.
Over the years, Allie has got involved in our Recreation and Leisure program, having played Power Wheelchair Hockey and participated in our summer day camps until she was 18. “I never worried about her when she went to the day camps because I knew she was well taken care of,” says Wendy. “Transportation was included as well which really helped.”
One of the main reasons Wendy joined the Board was because of Allie, “Being a mother of a daughter with a disability gives me a chance to give back to a very important organization,” she states. “It gives me the chance to help oversee the heart of SMD. I have seen many changes and helped be a part of the big picture. Lastly, the organization is continuously evolving to better the services that SMD provides.”
When asked what one of Wendy’s favourite memories are she beams with joy and says, “When Allie was 18 she rappelled down the exterior of the Manitoba Hydro Building for Drop Zone. It proved to me again and I’m sure to others watching that people with disabilities are no different than anyone else and they can achieve great things.” Wendy Onslow
Wendy is humbled by the amount of support SMD provided her family over the years. Allie was also our youth ambassador for a couple of years. “Staff became like family,” says Wendy. “We formed life-long friendships and the opportunities Allie had also brought out her social side which was great to see.”
Wendy stresses the importance of transitioning out of high-school and into the work force. Currently, Allie is taking a work program put on by Work and Social Opportunities Inc (WASO). “Allie will face new barriers as she transitions into this next stage of her life but she is learning new independence life-skills that will help her,” says Wendy. Also, she recognizes the reality that there are a limited number of facilities that have the capacity for a wheelchair and Allie’s abilities.
Wendy, thank you for your unwavering support over the years. Allie, thank you for allowing SMD to provide supports for you as well as to learn from you as well. SMD is proud of you and all of your achievements and we are excited to see you continuously grow.
Allie recently graduated from Grant Park High School and was awarded a Yes I Can award presented by the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children which recognized Allie for her achievements in school and community activities.