K-W Habilitation Services (KWHS), in partnership with University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy students, hosted our first Health and Wellness Fair specifically for people with intellectual disabilities, their families and support people.
This year’s Health Fair project generated a great deal of interest and involvement throughout the community. Approximately 130 enthusiastic people attended this event at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex on June 11, 2009. Twenty display booths and several presentations provided valuable information concerning health, wellness and community connections. Even though this “fair” didn’t have any Ferris wheels or carnival rides, the visitors enjoyed the informative exhibits, interactive presentations, and the opportunity to connect with friends. Door prizes were ‘raffled’ off using the tickets participants received by visiting the health booths and presentations. These special prize draws not only generated a lot of excitement, but also motivated participants to learn about, and try, new things related to health and wellness. Thanks to the sponsorship of Gary Binkle, a “Talking to Your Doctor” booklet, developed specifically for this population, was also distributed at the fair. The attendees commented on how they learned new information and enjoyed all the great ‘stuff’ that was handed out!
Other highlights of the fair included…
- the “working out with Laura” exercise sessions;
- a UV camera that showed skin damage on your face from sun exposure;
- an interactive lung exhibit that allowed participants to “pump up” a set of lungs;
- “Drumming with Duane” sessions that captivated an enthusiastic group;
- an amazing display of colourful artwork from the Art programme;
- practical health education covering topics as foot care, healthcare products, alopecia, occupational therapy, cancer prevention, diabetes information, services for those hard of hearing, and dental care;
- valuable wheelchair tune-ups and tips; and
- informative social exhibits dealing with safe dating, and opportunities to participate in sports within the community.
Our unique partnership with the School of Pharmacy began in 2008 and has allowed K-W Habilitation Services to connect with pharmacy students by getting involved in various projects we otherwise would not be able to do without their support. We feel, through initiatives such as this event, that we are helping to build a stronger, healthier and more inclusive community. This year’s Health Fair was an amazing opportunity for KWHS to connect with the university community as well as various health care organizations within the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Much was learned throughout this process! Not only did the pharmacy students get the chance to learn about our organization and the strengths and needs of the people we support, but it was also wonderful for those who use our services to get the chance to meet future community leaders and health care providers. Such co-operation benefits not only this community but also the communities the students eventually will settle in. The University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy is to be commended for its vision in connecting students with the community. A special “thank you” goes to the pharmacy students, Andrea Staruch, Jelena Okuka, Oksana Szymanska, Paul Sniuolis and Victoria Sergeant for their support in making our first Health Fair a success! |
