Ay, PAY for the HEIGHTENED AWARENESS of the community needs of the disabled is one of the many benefits now being realized on the other side of Rick Hansen’s monumental wheel around the world. And that makes G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre consultant Ed Desjardins very happy indeed. “*The International Year of the Disabled, in 1981, was a very suc- cessful year in heightening the awareness of the needs of the disabled, but no mechanics were put in place to provide continuing programs to sustain the momen- tum brought about,’’ said 67- year-old Desjardins. ‘‘Rick has recaptured that momentum."’ A 30-year North Vancouver res- ident, Desjardins lias been quietly building momentum of his own since a spinal cord injury in World “War II changed his life direction. A lengthy list of his professional memberships and awards of distinction includes a 1975 ap- pointment as a member of the Order of Canada; an honorary doctor of laws degree awarded by UBC in i981 for distinguished ser- vice in the ficid of rehabilitation and health care administration; recipient in 1974 of the B.C. Health Association’s highest award for distinguished service to hospi- tals;'and a distinguished service All Here’s a deal that just won't quit. A juicy, — tender steak, cooked just the way you. like it. Combined with an endless supply of our tender, golden shrimp. All-you- can-eat. Top things off with your choice of potato, and ~ Come hungry, By MICHAEL BECKER News Reporter citation award received in 1986 from the Canadian Paraplegic Association. In 1947. Desjardins, along with 13 others, founded the Western Society for Physical Rehabilitation with a principal goal of the society establishing a rehabilitation centre for severely disabled adults and children with physical disabilities. The goal was realized with the construction of the G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre in Van- couver, The Western Rehabilitation Society is celebrating its 40th an niversary this year. In 1948, Desjardins became manager of the centre and remain- ed in that position until he retired from it in 1979 to become a con- sultant for the facility. “‘We have made enormous strides in many areas, such as treating people with disabilities and social accepiance. We've developed many technological items which contribute to the in- “This deal just won’t quit’ — Monty Hall Sfeak: Chickens 1070 Marine Dr. North Vancouver it’s Steak and eat Shrimp. Seafood» Sabacl dependence of the disabled. But we must continue to remind ourselves that there is still a great deal to be done,” he said. Desjardins points out that the chronic unemployment rate for the disabled remains an abysmal 50 to 90 per cent. ‘‘Disabled people con- tinue to be among our nation’s poor,’ he said. On the up side, Desjardins rates the North Shore as ‘‘very prog- ressive’” in terms of providing for the community needs of the disabled. On a provincial level, Desjardins is active on a standing advisory committee to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, providing his expertise and advice in moulding section 37 requirements for the disabled, which are written into the B.C. Building Code. ‘As it stands, we have one of the leading building codes for the disabled in North America,"" said Desjardins, active in the area since 1950. And the work continues. For the future, Desjardins would like to see tax and other incentives to retrofit existing buildings to ac- commodate the disabled as weil as to improve home support services, housing and transportation op- tions. a visit to our famous all-you-can-eat FRESHTASTIKS® Food Bar. An ever- changing BONANZA of soups, salads, breads and desserts. - Atcour special price, it's not just \ adeal, it’s a steal. 1987 BONANZA Restaurants SES aa a cemerers | NEWS photo Mike Waketlold NORTH SHORE residents Stan Stronge (left) and Ed Desjardins both have devoted many hours to the disabled. Sironge, Rick Harsen’s men- tor, is a director of the Man in Motica Tour and president and rehabilitation consultant of the hiapie Leaf Wheelchair Basketball Socie- ty. Desiardins is a founder of the Western Rehabilitation Society. FACILITIES & SERVICES EXCLUSIVELY FOR WOMEN » e@ INDIVIDUAL LOCKERS “e LIFECYCLE AND FAN BIKES © PRIVATE DRESSING BOOTHS © AEROBIC CLASSES * NO-BOUNCE AEROBICS * CUSHIONED WOOD FLOOR © FREE-WEIGHTS © WHIRLPOOL © SAUNA © PRIVATE SHOWERS LIMITED TIME OFFER! simasiaer #.