Neil Squire Society

Neil Squire Society

Neil Squire Society logo
Formation	Neil Squire Rehabilitation Society: June 19, 1984 Neil Squire Foundation: January 15, 1985 Neil Squire Society: October 18, 2004
Type	Non-profit organization
Legal status	active
Headquarters	Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Location	Fredericton, New Brunswick, Moncton, New Brunswick, Ottawa, Ontario, Regina, Saskatchewan, Burnaby, British Columbia
Region served	Canada
Executive Director	Dr. Gary Birch
Staff	45 Nationally
Volunteers	75 Nationally
Website	http://www.neilsquire.ca/

Neil Squire Society is a Canadian national not-for-profit organization that empowers Canadians with physical disabilities through advocacy, computer-based assistive technology, reseach and development, and various employment programs.

History

Neil Squire Society began as a result of founder Bill Cameron's efforts with his relative Neil Squire. When Neil was paralyzed from the neck down in a car accident in 1980, Bill created a “sip-and-puff” machine to allow Neil to communicate using Morse Code. Soon thereafter, Bill and a small group of volunteers began teaching other rehabilitation patients to use computers to enhance their independence. This marked the creation of the Neil Squire Society’s first program, Computer Comfort.

After Neil’s death in 1984, this group decided to name their new organization in his honour. The group was originally incorporated as the Neil Squire Rehabilitation Society, then the Neil Squire Foundation. The group went through one more name change and is now Neil Squire Society.

Headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, Neil Squire Society now has offices in Moncton, Fredericton, Ottawa, and Regina.

Programs and services

Computer Comfort

Running since 1981, this program actually predates the Neil Squire Society. It offers one-on-one computer tutoring at no cost in a supportive, client-centred environment, to adult clients who wish to develop basic computer skills. Clients who participate in the Computer Comfort program have the option of receiving a donated, completely refurbished computer for their home as well as ongoing technical support. The Computer Comfort program is also available to Canadians with disabilities, regardless of geography or mobility, via the use of distance learning.

Employ-Ability

The aim of this free program is to prepare Canadians with physical disabilities for future employment, volunteer or training opportunities based on the clients individual goals and needs. In this 12-week program, clients meet in a classroom setting to learn a variety of employment related skills such as writing resumes and cover letters, enhancing their comunication skills, and using assistive technology to make them more employable. Once the client is working, they receive ongoing support and follow-up to ensure that they are comfortable in their work environment and confident in their new job or volunteer position. The Employ-Ability program is also available to Canadians with disabilities, regardless of geography or mobility, via the use of distance learning.

Job Focus

This free program offers one-on-one planning and employment services to help clients reach their emploment or volunteer goals. The staff at the Job Focus program assist clients in creating a tailored employment plan that may include clarifying the clients employment goals, identifying their transferable skills, and assesing their needs in regards to employment. Once they are ready, Job Focus clients are referred to an Employment Specialist who works with them to secure a volunteer placement, part-time or full-time employment. As with the other programs, Job Focus clients receive ongoing support after they have found work.

Neil Squire Solutions

A for-profit social enterprise, Neil Squire Society Solutions provides workplace ergonomic and assistive technology solutions for individuals and employers. Clients of this program begin with an assessment in one of the Neil Squire Society’s state of the art Assistive Technology for Employment Centre (ATEC) labs where they are matched with and trained on the assistive technology that best suit their needs.

Technology Accessibility Group

One of the major focuses of the Neil Squire Society is the development of technologies that enable persons with disabilities to be fully involved with society. The Technology Accessibility Group (TAG), the Research and Development arm of the Society, facilitates the development of these technologies.

The Technology Accessiblity Group has been responsible for many advancements in the field of accessibility. Because of these projects, over the last 25 years the TAG has built a strong international reputation for its work in creating technologies and solutions to enable persons with disabilities to achieve their potential.

References

http://bctsvp.com/about/grantees/neil-squire-society

http://saintjohn.cioc.ca/record/HDC1493

http://www.uregina.ca/cxc/index.php?id=79

http://www.wimba.com/customers/customer-spotlights/neil_squire_society_and_wimba

http://www.canadahelps.org/charityprofilepage.aspx?charityid=s87692

http://www.linkedin.com/company/neil-squire-society

http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/04/16/idUS178590+16-Apr-2009+MW20090416

http://www.drcvictoria.com/resource/neil-squire-society

http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Newsfeed/Article/131275368/201105121855/Neil-Squire-Society-Nikki-Lamb-Recognized-at-30th-Annual-Women-of-Distinction-Awards.asp