There is a new simplified application process for young people with developmental disabilities who are applying for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) assistance, effective today. Youth and their families can now use an existing assessment by a registered psychologist or certified school psychologist, instead of completing the PWD designation application form - a part of the full disability assistance application process.
By reducing the number of steps and new documentation required, this simplified process reduces the application burden on families. There are about 600 youth with developmental disabilities who will benefit from this simplified approach each year. The shorter, simpler process will help to make the transition to adult services easier.
A new brochure on the simplified process for youth with developmental disabilities applying for disability assistance can be viewed at www.sd.gov.bc.ca/publicat/pdf/ pwd-youth-application.pdf
URBAN ORCHARD OPENS
What's being billed as the largest mobile urban orchard in North America has opened on an acre of land where a Petro Canada gas station once stood at the corner of Main Street and Terminal Avenue. The property sat vacant for more than a decade until the non-profit group Solefood saw potential in the once contaminated land. Today, the orchard is home to 800 plastic containers full of perennial herbs and a variety of fruit, as well as 400 trees, including lemon. The property is being leased to Solefood from the city for $1 a year. The orchard was planted in portable boxes, which will allow it to be moved should the need arise.
ORPHEUM BACKSTAGE TOURS
Ever been to the Orpheum? Well, maybe you have. But have you been backstage? Now is your chance to take a tour for the price of one of those overpriced fancy coffees and a scone. For $10, you can be part of a 90-minute tour of the "Grand Old Lady of Granville Street." Funny, I thought the address was on Smithe Street. No doubt, you'll find out the answer to that contradiction when you arrive at the theatre 10 minutes before 11 a.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from July 2 to Aug. 31. The next tour goes this Thursday, July 11. Tours are limited to a maximum of 30 people. No advance booking required.
WORM WORKSHOP
Environmentally conscious apartment dwellers and those who want to naturally fertilize their gardens might want to check out a free worm-composting workshop, July 20. Participants will learn how to keep food scraps out of the garbage and compost them into nutrient-rich soil fertilizer. The workshop runs at Marpole Place, 1305 West 70th Ave. at Hudson Street, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Materials are included. To register, phone 604-266-5301.
