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Media Release: OTF Grant Gives ONPARA Opportunity to Rebuild and Recover
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MEDIA RELEASE
February 4, 2022
Toronto, ON – In late 2020, the Ontario Para Network (ONPARA) learned it was receiving a nine-month, $83,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Over the last year, the grant has helped ONPARA re-imagine the delivery of its School Programs to continue meeting the needs of students and communities and increase and improve access to financial resources following the pandemic’s impact on it, and the sport and recreation sector. The project will be completed in February, giving more Ontario students access to engaging, informative and inclusive programming.
“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communities Fund grant cannot be underestimated,” said Doug Hannum, Executive Director, ONPARA. “This grant has allowed us to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and increase access to affordable and inclusive programming for students across the province.”
The funds enabled ONPARA to contract a videographer and production crew to record athlete interviews and sport footage to develop content for a virtual version of its popular School Programs, pivoting educational resources and content for students and teachers in the absence of providing in-person presentations. It also used the grant to help with some administrative and PPE supply costs, as well as purchasing some technical equipment and an online license for virtual programs. Thanks to OTF’s Resilient Communities Fund, people of all abilities will be able to participate in accessible and engaging virtual content that meets key learning outcomes and promotes the physical, social and psychological benefits of being physically active.
The Ontario Para Network is committed to growing opportunities for participation in adaptive sports. As the governing body for wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis in the province, ONPARA offers opportunities for athletes with and without physical disabilities to participate in recreational, competitive and high-performance programs. ONPARA leads, develops, supports and advocates for athletes, coaches and volunteers to build strong and inclusive sport communities. If you wish to learn more about ONPARA programs and services, please visit the website at: www.onpara.ca.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit www.otf.ca to learn more.
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Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Katherine Hale, Program Manager
Ontario Para Network
Phone: 416-807-3725
Email: katherine@onpara.ca
PDF Version of Media Release: Media Release – OTF Grant Gives ONPARA Opportunity to Rebuild and Recover
Job Opportunity: School Programs Coordinator
Leave a CommentThe Ontario Para Network is seeking a dynamic, dedicated and organized individual with strong communication and facilitation skills for the role of School Programs Coordinator. The candidate will be responsible for coordinating our ONPARA School Programs and other programs/events as needed. This position will appeal to individuals with experience in the fields of physical education, sport and event management, recreation & leisure, recreation therapy, or a related discipline.
Position: School Programs Coordinator
Position Type: Full time – 1 year contract with potential for ongoing renewal
Job Region: Toronto, ON (with travel across the Greater Toronto Area)
Application Deadline: January 28th, 2022
The successful candidate will coordinate and facilitate ONPARA’s School Programs and assist with other programs/events as needed. Our School Programs are designed to educate students and teachers at elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels about wheelchair basketball and other adaptive sports and inspire students of all physical abilities to embrace healthy and active lifestyles.
The Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the in-person Wheelchair Basketball School Program and visiting schools across the GTA to provide students with a chance to try wheelchair basketball and connect with an Athlete Ambassador in an interactive, inclusive and informative way. This program provides schools with a wheelchair basketball resource guide, equipment, and instruction to incorporate wheelchair basketball programming into their physical education curriculum. It also aims to facilitate community connections for students interested in playing in clubs and leagues outside of school. The candidate will also be responsible for the ONPARA Virtual School Program, which was recently created to provide an engaging and informative alternative to in-person presentations while also expanding the reach of our programming.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and deliver wheelchair basketball presentations and introductory wheelchair sport skills sessions to students and “teach the teacher” how to integrate wheelchair basketball into their curriculum and school programming
- Coordinate delivery of the sport wheelchair Rental Week Program, including management of the equipment inventory and storage/transportation of sport wheelchairs to/from schools
- Develop and maintain a database of school contacts
- Liaise with school boards, educators, and administrators to develop and implement school-based ‘Have a Go’ days, tournaments, and 3-on-3 festivals
- Administer surveys, collect feedback and testimonials, and track reporting data from participating schools
- Coordinate recruitment and orientation of program volunteers and athlete ambassadors
- Work with students with disabilities and their teachers to foster inclusion in school-based activities, and support the transition to community-based adaptive sports clubs/programs
- Develop resources to promote wheelchair basketball and other adaptive sports to educate students, teachers, and parents about opportunities for continued participation
- Liaise with OFSAA and other sports organizations regarding events and program opportunities
- Establish relationships with ONPARA clubs, teams, coaches, and athletes
- Identify and explore promotional opportunities and communications materials relating to adaptive sports programming in the province of Ontario
- Other administrative and programming duties as required
Qualifications:
- Minimum 1-year relevant post-secondary education or experience in recreation & leisure, sport and event management, recreation therapy, physical education, or related discipline. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong sport/activity facilitation skills, especially in a large group setting
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to take the initiative and adapt to changing circumstances
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends and work off-site as required for program delivery
- Valid driver’s license is a must, as weekly travel to GTA schools is a requirement of the position
- Comfortable driving and parking in urban environments and on 400-series highways
- Knowledge of wheelchair basketball and adaptive sports is a definite asset
- Experience working with individuals with physical disabilities is a definite asset
The full job posting can also be found on the SIRC website.
Please submit cover letter and resume to:
Ontario Para Network
info@onpara.ca
Deadline for applications: Friday, January 28th, 2022
ONPARA is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, or disability. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
This position is made possible in part thanks to the generous support of Scotiabank and the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Foundation.
Casting Call: Ontario/Quebec Adults for Paid National Commercial
Leave a CommentMilo Casting is seeking English and/or French-speaking adults from Ontario and Quebec who have received one of the following tax benefits and would like to share their stories:
Canada child benefit: A parent with their child/children, under the age of 18, who has received the Canada Child Benefit within the last 3yrs.
Disability tax credit: An adult who has claimed the disability tax credit and is receiving it or has received it within the last 3yrs.
Canada workers benefit: A worker of any age that is not a student and received the Canada workers benefit within the last 3yrs.
GST/HST credit: An adult who has received the GST/HST credit within the last 3yrs.
Free tax clinics: An adult who has received help to do their taxes from a free tax clinic through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program within the last 3yrs.
Details & Submission Information
Those chosen for this campaign will be paid $2000-$3500+ for a one day shoot from December 6-9, 2021. This will be a direct booking.
If interested, you are asked to submit ASAP in order to be considered for this project. Please e-mail the following to: research@milocasting.com.
- Name, age, location (City & Province) and contact information.
- Confirm whether or not you speak English, and/or Canadian French.
- Please confirm which benefit you received and 2-3 sentences about the impact of receiving this benefit.
- A couple of photos of yourself (avoid hats and sunglasses). No more than 200kb per photo. Note: If you’d like to submit to the Child Benefit category, please also include an image of your child(ren) for consideration.
- Please confirm whether you are a citizen, permanent resident or temporary resident (living in Canada at least 18 months).
- Please write “Project Taxes” in the subject line followed by the type of benefit you received (ex. Project Taxes – Workers Benefit – Jordan Matthews).
Extensive COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place for the shoot, all talent will be COVID tested and not allowed on set without a negative COVID test paid for by production.
Contact
Email: research@milocasting.com
Phone: (416) 546-6974
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/milocasting
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Leave a CommentThe Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday November 17, 2021 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.
The meeting will be held virtually over Zoom.
Ontario Para Network is currently seeking a Board member for a Director at Large position – please see the position description below.
Deadline for Applications: November 10, 2021.
Casting Call: Child amputee (age 10-14) who plays soccer
Leave a CommentJigsaw Casting is seeking a Child Amputee, age 10 to 14 who plays soccer for a Public Campaign Encouraging Ambition in Children!
Jigsaw Casting is looking for a Boy or Girl Amputee, age 10 to 14, who plays soccer. They must be residing in the General Toronto area. Open to all experience levels, won’t need to do any tricks or be an expert.
If selected, honorarium pay is $1,000 per child. They will also receive $150 for the Covid test and Wardrobe fee. A COVID test will be required for each child plus their accompanying guardian prior to the shoot. This is a non-union PSA.
If interested, please film a self tape and apply online here:
https://ambitionpsa.castingcrane.com/
Self tape instructions:
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS ASAP OR BEFORE OCTOBER 15 AT 9AM.
You must be available for these dates if selected:
ZOOM Recall: Oct 19th, 2021 (after school, about 10 minutes)
Covid Test: TBD
Wardrobe: Oct 22nd, 2021
Shoot Date: Oct 25th & 26th (TBD Which Day, one day shoot)
*Production and talent will follow all COVID SAFETY ON SET PROTOCOL.
For any other inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact Jigsaw Casting:
Phone: 647-297-7055
Email: research@jigsawcasting.com
Website: www.jigsawcasting.com
Follow on Facebook or Instagram for all Casting Calls.
Casting Call: Ontario Adults with Visible Disabilities
Leave a CommentMilo Casting is seeking Ontario adults around 20-50 years of age with visible disabilities for a delivery campaign
Looking for:
- Adults with visible disabilities, including but not limited to:
- Visual impairment
- Physical/mobility disabilitie
- Assistive devices (e.g. prosthetics, wheelchair, service animal, cane)
- Down syndrome
- Roughly 20 – 50 years of age
- Previous on set experience not necessary! Simply looking for real people with great smiles!
Those chosen for this campaign will be paid a minimum $700 for a half day shoot (rate may increase if required for more time on set). This will be a direct booking, no live auditions.
The shoot is on Thursday October 21, 2021.
If interested in submitting, please e-mail the following information to research@milocasting.com:
- Name, age, location, ethnicity and contact information
- A couple photos of yourself (avoid hats & sunglasses, no more than 200kb per photo). If you use an assistive device, please show it in your photos).
- If represented by an agent, please state your agency.
- Please write “Project Mail – Disability” in the subject line followed by your name (i.e. Project Mail – Disability – Sam Martin).
Questions or concerns? Contact:
Email: research@milocasting.com
Phone: (416) 546 – 6974
For future casting calls, follow Milo Casting on Facebook.
Research Study: Mental Toughness and Injury Rehabilitation Behaviours in Elite Youth Sport
Leave a CommentResearchers at Brock University’s Centre for Healthy Youth Development through Sport (CHYD) are seeking research study participants for a project entitled Mental Toughness and Injury Rehabilitation Behaviors in Elite Youth Sport in Canada.
Study Overview, Significance and Expected Outcomes
Mental toughness is a recognized and valued construct in sporting communities, yet the current level of understanding of mental toughness in sport is incomplete. There is a significant knowledge gap particularly in the context of elite youth sport. This study will provide evidence about the role between elite youth athletes’ mental toughness and their rehabilitation behaviours, of which our results will begin to address and inform this knowledge gap, by communicating with important audiences who may benefit most from this knowledge (e.g., PSOs, athletes, parents, coaches, and medical staff in elite youth sport).
Who can participate?
Injured athletes who require physiotherapy treatment, between the ages of 15-18, that have either tried out or been selected by their provincial representative team are eligible to participate! You will be compensated for your time with a $20 e-gift card of your choice from either Esso Gas, Lululemon Clothing or Starbucks Coffee.
If you become injured, and are interested in participating in this study, please contact Mishka Blacker at mblacker@brocku.ca.
Research Study: An Investigation of Current Administrators’ Experiences in Powerchair Sport
Leave a CommentAre you a powerchair sport champion? Do you have experience starting and/or supporting powerchair sport in your community?
Researchers from Queen’s University and McGill University, along with the Canadian Disability Participation Project, are currently recruiting research participants for:
- Online surveys with current powerchair athletes (pre-COVID) to better understand factors contributing to quality powerchair sport experiences.
- Online surveys with individuals who are eligible, but do not participate in powerchair sport (pre-COVID) to understanding how we can improve opportunities.
- Interviews with sport administrators/leaders who currently (pre-COVID) run powerchair sport programs.
- Online surveys with current powerchair sport administrators/leaders (pre-COVID) to understand strategies for overcoming barriers and facilitating quality powerchair sport experiences.
- Online surveys with administrators/leaders at healthy living, recreation, and/or sport organizations to understand barriers to providing quality powerchair sport programming.
The purpose of the study is to learn about how to design and deliver high-quality powerchair sport initiatives and as such, better understand how to improve and initiate the development of powerchair sport.
Visit https://cdpp.ca/get-involved to learn more.
CAF Annual Grant Program: Open for Applications
Leave a CommentThe Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) 2022 Annual Grant Program is now open for applications!
The Challenged Athletes Foundation’s mission is to serve people with physical disabilities through sport and fitness with meaningful grants. The foundation’s flagship grant program aims to remove the barriers that exist between adaptive athletes and their pursuit of sport and fitness.
Individuals worldwide with permanent physical disabilities are eligible to apply for the CAF grant. Teams, organizations, etc. are not eligible to apply. Medical documentation of disability is required. For more information on eligible expenses and application details please visit the CAF Grants webpage.
CAF is offering THREE grant categories this year. You may only choose one category to apply for. More details for each category are below.
• Sport Expense Grant – provides recipients with monetary funds to be used for sport-related expenses
• Equipment Grant – select one piece of equipment from our list of preferred vendors
• Athletic Prosthetics Grant – request lower limb running prostheses offered by our global prosthetics partner, Össur
2022 Annual Grant Period – Timeline
The 2022 CAF Grant Period runs from Sept 1, 2021 – Jan 31, 2023
Sept 1, 2021: 2022 Grant application opens
Nov 5, 2021: 2022 Grant Application closes
March 15-31, 2022: Grant Award notifications sent out
March 15, 2022 – May 31, 2022: Grant Award Acceptance & Distribution period
May 31, 2022: Deadline to accept 2022 grant
January 31st, 2023: 2022 Grant Period closes. Monetary grants must be spent, and receipts uploaded
Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.challengedathletes.org/grant-faqs/
For any questions, please reach out to cafgrants@challengedathletes.org.
Casting Call: Youth Ages 9 – 17
Leave a CommentArdoise & Co and Wookey Films are seeking kids and youth interested in finding solutions to accessibility needs as part of a kids/family documentary series developed for Accessible Media Inc. Please see full details below.
Are you between the ages of 9 and 17 and want to address an accessibility need that would make your day-to-day life better with the help of technology? Feel like being part of a tv series that showcases inclusion and diversity?
Wookey Films is casting for a series that plans to follow a small tech team as they meet and work with young persons with disabilities across Canada to develop and build products and devices to improve quality of life.
If you or someone you know fits the profile, please email Catherine@ardoiseandco.com