42 - Wednesday, February 8, 1989 - North Shore News —— Special feople> Special Needs —— BRIAN CRUIKSHANK works on bis computer at the Neil Squire Foundation, researching issues which affect the disabled. Cruikshank, 2 Iswyer, was stricken with polio at age eight and has limited movement of kis limbs and head. LOSS? See us for good hearing i aid service — sales, repairs, batteries and advice. ASK ABOUT OUR TRIAL SERVICE. North Western Hearing Centre Open Tues. - Fri. 9:30 - 5 Sat. 9:30 - 1. Closed Mon. 985-5552 1910 Lonsdale North Vancouver MEDICAL SUPPLY LTD. SALES — RENTALS — REPAIRS RS ¢ TENS FOR PAIN CONTROL * BATHROOM SAFETY AIDS © POWER SCOOTE! © WHEELCHAIRS * HOSPITAL BEOS = = 3 Set ale may. aaa PB Pome & REHABILITATION " ARSE SPECIALISTS ® EASY LIFT CHAIRS 669-9588 1662 HOMER, — casera "NORTH SHORE HOME SERVICES SOCIETY a non-profit society serving the North Shore since 1963. We offer HOME NURSING PROGRAM Provides care in the home with a private duty nurse HOMEMAKER PROGRAM Provides skilled Home Support Workers for nousehold maintenance, personal care assistance and meal preparation. RESPITE PROGRAM Provides companionship to housebound individuals and relief to caregivers responsible for a family member. CONGREGATE MEAL PROGRAM Provides a hot nutritious meal two evenings a week in the company of other seniors. HOME EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM Provides users in an emergency situation with a device to call for help 24 hours a day. S For more intormation on how these services can help you cail: 984-9511 NEWS photo Neil Lucente Lawyer helps others reach thei THREE DAYS a week, Brian Cruikshank leaves his West End apartment and makes his way to the Neil Squire Foundation in North Vancouver by way of a Handydart van. Cruikshank, a lawyer, was stricken with polio at age 8. The tragedy left him without the use of his limbs, and for the last 36 vears, Cruikshank has had to rely on a respirator to help him hreathe st ight Now the 44-year-old works part-time, doing legal research into issues that affect the disabled for the Neil Squire Foundation, a North Shore organization which helps to integrate disabled people with the use of modern techno- logy. With the limited movement in his head, Cruikshank can access‘a computer by using a mouthstick. Although his story is full of ac- complishments, Cruikshank’s first steps to independence four years ago weren’t easy. Especially not after living in the secure surroun- dings of Pearson hospital for 30 years of his life. “I wanted to get away from an institution,’ Cruikshank recalls. “There were more support services available which made leaving at- tractive. But I left with a great deal of apprehension because of my respirator.’’ Despite his initial fears, Cruikshank left the hospital and moved into a Vancouver co-op. The decision to work wasn’: as difficult for Cruikshank as for some, since he had already worked for various organizations while at- tending law school, including for the B.C. Human Rights branch and the Civil Liberties Association. After graduation in 1983, Cruikshank articled for a downtown law firm and worked on a six-month contract for the At- torney General of B.C. He opened a small private practice but closed it after six months before joining the Neil Squire Foundation. ‘*I love working,’’ says r potential Cruikshank. “it’s better than sit- ting at home. 1 would recommend it to all disabled people if they can do it, if they have the stamina.”’ Getting hired can be difficult though, because of discrimination against the disabled in the workplace, says Cruikshank. “Some employers are fearful about hiring someone with 2 disability. They’re not sure what they czn do and that’s what they base their decision on.’’ One area Cruikshank would like to see change is transportation for the disabled. “I'd like to see beiter transportation and service. Con- ventional buses should be meade wheelchair accessible.’ Polling booths are another area which should also be made ac- cessibie for the disabled. ‘When I went to vote in the civic election last year I had to vote on the street,’’ he says. Cruikshank is currently in- vestigating whether disabled people should control provincial funds paid to their live-in attendants. THERE’S NO NEED TO LEAVE THE NORTH SHORE At Davie’s Pharmacy we provide you with a complete selection of assistive devices and health care equipment PLUS We are now offering IN HOME GRAB BAR INSTALLATIONS and EVEREST & JENNINGS WHEELCHAIRS INCLUDING PREMIERE 2 LIGHTY WEIGHT MODELS OUR CUSTOMERS WHAT THEY REQUIRE Free Delivery in North and West Vancouver DAVIE’S MEDICAL SUPPLY DAVIE'S PHARMACY 1401 ST. GEORGES, NORTH VAN 985-8771 145 West léth St, North Van 987-180