MissionBreaking Down Barriers empowers people with disabilities, enabling them to live independently in our communities of South Georgian Bay.
| Breaking Down Barriers will provide a constantly evolving selection of valuable services to a large and diverse group of people with disabilities in all communities throughout South Georgian Bay.
Breaking Down Barriers will be highly recognized and supported by residents of South Georgian Bay, in part because of our growth in services to and partnerships with the municipalities, businesses and other organizations in our communities. |
| - Inclusiveness
- Lifelong Learning
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- Grow strong community awareness throughout South Georgian Bay
- Grow diversiifed, active consumer base by 2013
- Develop strategic partnerships with other health care and community support providers to acquire new consumers and programming
- Become leader in AODA implementation
- Achieve stable funding and financial stability
- Continuously improve BDB administrative functions and infrastructure
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Breaking Down Barriers opened its doors in 1985 as a disability resource centre for people with disabilities. Breaking Down Barriers was founded in 1985 by Kathryn Bloomfield, Betty Meacher and Chris Bouwkamp. BDB was the first to establish information and referral services for people with Disabilities in the Georgian Triangle. In 1987, BDB received annual funding from the provincial Government. In 1993, Breaking Down Barriers became a member of the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres.
| Breaking Down Barriers Accreditation |
Our case statement will tell you what we are all about and the benefits of supporting our organization.
case_statement.pdf |
Breaking Down Barriers is pleased to announce the renewal of its Accreditation with Independent Living Canada. Early in 2006 Breaking Down Barriers was one of 8 Independent Living Centres chosen to take part in IL Canada’s Accreditation process. The Accreditation Committee and the IL Canada staff recommended to the National IL Canada Board of Directors that Breaking Down Barriers be certified as a fully Accredited Centre from April 2005 – March 2009. We recently completed the process for a second time and have been renewed. As stated in the letter received from the Accreditation Committee Co-Chairs, Cecilia Carroll and Diane Kreuger, “The centre in Collingwood has many strengths and it offers comprehensive and innovative programming in the Georgian Triangle area to consumers and to the community.”
- Breaking Down Barriers opened it’s doors on February 25, 1985
- From April 1, 2008 – March 31, 2009 BDB provided 4,144 hours of services to 150 people with disabilities in the Georgian Triangle
- BDB is one of 28 Independent Living Centres across Canada and in June 2006 was accredited by Independent Living Canada.
- BDB provides the following programs and services: Independent Living Skills, Peer Support, Information and Referral, Self- Managed Attendant Services, Worklinks Employment Services, Accessibility Consultation and disability awareness training.
- The annual budget is $ 400,000 with funding from: Independent Living Canada; North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network; Ministry of Health, Long Term Care (Direct Funding Program); Service Canada; Ontario Trillium Foundation; United Way of South Georgian Bay; Town of Wasaga Beach; Town of Collingwood; Clearview Township; Town of the Blue Mountains; BDB fundraising campaigns and events.
- BDB has 10 permanent staff positions or 5.47 full time equivalents. There is one sub-contractor and various contract positions in any given year. The administrative costs are 13 per cent.
- BDB is supported by 110 volunteers who give there time as Board members, help out with board committees, fundraising events, office work and programs. These volunteers contribute approximately 600 hours of their time annually.
- BDB developed and implemented a comprehensive strategic plan for 2005 – 2008 and is currently in the process of renewing and revising this plan
- BDB is governed by an 11 member board of directors from across the Georgian Triangle.
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