Medicine Hat CAN

Communication Card for Drivers and Police Officers A new tool is available to assist with facilitating effective communication between drivers and police office...rs. A visual communication card has been developed to support communication between police officers and individuals with communication challenges and those who are not yet proficient in the English language. The idea for this communication card came from the community after a similar tool was created in Edmonton. Using the Edmonton card, which focused on the communication needs of people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, the Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (ACDI) felt that there would be value in also including the needs of others who have communication barriers. After speaking with agencies and services whose staff or clients might benefit from a communication tool like this, a committee was formed. ACDI brought together a small working group to create the communication card, including representatives from each of the following organizations; Medicine Hat Police Services (MHPS), Speech-Language Pathology department with Alberta Health Services, Saamis Immigration Services Association, and Brain Injury Relearning Services. The visual card is intended to aid with effective communication at traffic stops by allowing police officers to point to what they need from the driver as well as indicate what violation has occurred, and in turn the driver can point to the best way for the officer to communicate with them. The client group we work with, sometimes have language barriers and may not understand the official wording used by officers during a traffic stop, says Marie-Claude Scahill, Manger of Settlement, Saamis Immigration. This tool will reduce some of the stress, for both the officers and the person being pulled over, by breaking down barriers for both parties involved. It is also a very good educational tool for our newcomers as they transition into driving in Canada. All members of the MHPS have been issued cards and are encouraged to keep the card in their vehicle. The cards have also been distributed to current Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada students and newly arrived newcomers under the Resettlement Assistance Program through Saamis Immigration as well to local AHS Speech-Language Pathologists and members of the Deaf/hard of hearing communities. Above all, communication is about giving and receiving information. Visual supports, such as picture symbols, can be a valuable tool for people with communication challenges, augmenting their ability to independently share and understand information, says Carolyn Maynes (Speech-Language Pathologist with Alberta Health Services). During high stress situations (for example, during traffic stops), communication often becomes more challenging. With that in mind, this card was designed to benefit those with hearing loss and various other language deficits by allowing them to more effectively and efficiently communicate with others. The fundamental purpose of the MHPS is to serve and protect the community, says Inspector Brent Secondiak. To accomplish this, we must be aware of the needs of various groups to ensure we are providing accessible and responsible policing services to all people in the community equally. We commend the community stakeholders who were involved in the development of this card for their efforts to increase awareness and bridge potential gaps in service delivery. For more information or to access a copy of the communication card contact Leslie Jerry, Community Inclusion Coordinator by phone at 403-502-8086 or by email at [email protected]. See more

Who's in the Driver's Seat? Internet Safety.

Routines are so important for a harmonious home! Give our Navigators a call if we can help you develop and implement routines for your family! All services are ...free and confidential! 403-526-7473 #bridgesfamilyprograms #medicinehat #medhat #cypresscounty #redcliff #thishappenshere #sevenpersons #acadiavalley #irvineab #alberta #oyenalberta #ralston #suffield #dunmore

Internet Dangers that Parents need to be aware of

Sending messages of a sexual nature is a concerning trend we're seeing with youth. Here are some tips to talk to your kids about sexting. We'd love to help with... questions to ask, the law in Alberta, and how to protect your kids- give us a call! 403-526-7473 #bridgesfamilyprograms #medicinehat #medhat #cypresscounty #redcliff #thishappenshere #sevenpersons #acadiavalley #irvineab #alberta #oyenalberta #ralston #suffield #dunmore

Naloxone Training - Day & Evening sessions

We hope everyone had a good COVID Christmas and Happy New Year. We are well rested and excited to start our new semester with you. Nurturing Parenting Workshops..., Triple P Tuesday's, Grandparents Group, Nurturing Father's group, and Active Parenting Teen are all starting this month! Call 403-526-7473 or e-mail us at [email protected] or [email protected] to register or for more information. These will be offered on ZOOM until COVID restrictions are lifted. See more

Be YOUth Calendar for November, please sign your youth up and share!

Have a legal question you'd like advice about? Spots are available at our next Legal Clinic on January 19th! At your free appointment, you can speak confidenti...ally with a lawyer about your matter. You'll get advice about how the law may impact you, and next steps to help you move forward. Give us a call at 403.712.1021 for more information or to see if you qualify. See more

The Be Active Online Challenge is back for November! Are you looking for ways to keep active? Check out the Be Active Online Challenge for your chance to try new activities and win fantastic prizes!... https://sites.google.com/view/beactivechallenge/home

The Body Shop in Medicine Hat Mall has teamed up with the Medicine Hat Women's Shelter Society as a location to drop off hygiene and care donations. Stop in... with your donations and support a local cause Medicine Hat Women's Shelter Society #donations #medicinehatmall #medicinehat #YXH

Our world can be extremely challenging and sometimes the thought of navigating these waters can you make you feel like you will forever be stuck in a place of l...oss and despair. We just wanted to remind everyone that if you, or someone you know is experiencing this, there are always resources and support available to help and support you through these dark times. Kids Help Phone (ages 2-29) -Call (24/7) 1-800-668-6868 -Text (24/7) CONNECT to 686868 ConnecTeen (Youth) -Call (24/7): 403.264.8336 - Text (daily): 587-333-2724 -Online chat: www.calgaryconnecteen.com Distress Centre (All Ages) -Call 24/7- 403-266-4357 -Online chat: https://www.distresscentre.com/ Hope for Wellness (Indigenous service for all ages) -Call (24/7) 1-855-242-3310 -Online chat: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ If you have any questions about these programs, or to be connect to other mental health supports please do not hesitate to ask, we are here to help!

Cultural Addictions Counselling and Parent/Caregiver Education for January 2021! All activities via zoom until further notice. Should you have any questions ple...ase do not hesitate to reach out! New program of interactive online fitness with the whole family or a break from everyday life! Starts January 21, 2021. Apologies for any confusion!