Connect with us

Anglais

Mother of adult with autism calls Alberta’s support system ‘broken’

Published

on

[ad_1]

A Calgary mother says she can no longer take care of her grown son with developmental disabilities, and she’s been fighting for years to get the provincially-funded support he needs to live on his own.

Lisa Matthews describes her 24-year-old son, who has autism, as gentle, artistic and fun-loving. But at six feet three inches and 450 pounds, Nicholas Matthews also faces many challenges.

« I’m afraid I’m going to find him dead in his room, » she said.

Lisa says her son struggles with depression and an eating addiction, and he spends most of his time in his bedroom working on art projects.

There have been violent outbursts and he has even attempted suicide.

« For 4½ years, we’ve been begging and pleading to get help to get Nicholas living outside of our house. »

Nicholas Matthews’ parents say they’ve been waiting for a supportive living arrangement for him through Alberta’s PDD program for more than four years. (Submitted)

While they do have funding for help inside their home, the family has been asking the province — through its Persons with Developmental Disabilities program (PDD) — for a supportive living arrangement so Nicholas can live on his own with some help.

But, according to Lisa, they’ve been faced with a barrage of setbacks, including high turnover of PDD staff. Nicholas has had six different caseworkers in four years.

« The system is a mess. There’s too much turnover. There’s too much transition … it’s broken, » she said.

To make matters worse, Lisa and her husband, Art, say they’re now struggling with physical and mental health problems they attribute to chronic stress. Art has heart problems, which required triple bypass surgery a year ago, and Lisa struggles with depression and a health condition that is still being investigated by doctors.

« [I’m] feeling helpless and hopeless because I don’t know where we go from here » she said.

Long waits a growing concern

A decade ago, Lyndon Parakin, executive director of Autism Calgary, would hear from one or two families a year in this situation.

He now hears from as many as five families per month.

« Unfortunately it’s becoming more common, » said Parakin, adding he worries about the toll these long waits for service can take on individuals and their families.

« Sometimes matters get so bad that they’re having to go to the hospital to get some help because there’s risk of harm to themselves and others, » he said.

« It becomes wearing. Your own mental and physical health is at risk, » said Parakin.

Parakin says the province needs to create a better way of transitioning people with autism to different types of care and supports as parents age or are no longer able to cope.

Lyndon Parakin, executive director of Autism Calgary says long waits for supportive living arrangements through PDD are becoming more and more common. (Jennifer Lee/CBC)

Province responds

According to the province, 60 to 70 Albertans are currently eligible for, but not receiving services through the PDD program, which is currently under review.

« [It] would not be my experience that things take that long. If the family needs supports, we would be looking to provide supports as soon as possible, » said Roxanne Gerbrandt, executive director of the disability services branch with the department of community and social services.  

She says four years is not a typical wait for a supportive living arrangement.

« How long that takes to find a right match can depend person-to-person based on the uniqueness of their needs or even the complexity of their needs, » she said.

Other factors can also play a role in wait times, according to Gerbrandt, including specific location requests, requirements that a home be on one level, safety concerns, and finding the right supportive roommate.

« Sometimes we can offer family supports that they may or may not choose to accept, » she said.

‘I’m done. I’m so tired’

While it won’t discuss specific cases, it appears the province has a different account of how long Nicholas Matthews has been on the wait list.

In a recent email to Lisa, a government official stressed the PDD team has been working with the family for just over a year to find a supportive living arrangement and that a possible placement was identified earlier this year, but turned down.

According to Lisa, they were concerned the placement wasn’t a good fit and were unable to arrange a time to view the home.

Several hours after CBC News first requested information about their case, the province contacted Lisa about two more potential homes, but she says neither worked out and the search continues.

If a home isn’t found soon she says she may consider a drastic step — dropping her son off at a police station or PDD office.

« [We] can’t continue on the way we’ve been going. I’m done. I’m so tired, » she said.

[ad_2]

Source link

قالب وردپرس

Anglais

Nostalgia and much more with Starburst XXXtreme

Published

on

By

Get a taste of adventure with Starburst XXXtreme based on the legendary NetEnt Game. The nostalgic themes are sure to capture fans of the classic version as they get treated to higher intensity, better visuals, and features. The most significant element of the game is its volatility. Patience will not be an essential virtue considering the insane gameplay, and there is a lot of win potential involved. It retains the original makeup of the previous game while adding a healthy dose of adrenaline. 

Starburst Visuals and Symbols

The game is definitely more conspicuous than before. The setting happens over a 5-reel, 3-row game grid with nine fixed win lines, which function if a succession from the left to the right reel is present. Only those players that that attain the highest win per bet line are paid. From a visual standpoint, the Starburst XXXtreme slots illustrates lightning effects behind the reels, which is not surprising as it is inherited from the original version. Available themes include Classic, Jewels, and Space. The game is also available in both desktop and mobile versions, which is advantageous for players considering the global pandemic. According to Techguide, American gamers are increasingly having more engaging gaming experiences to socialize to fill the gap of in-person interaction. Starburst XXXtreme allows them to fill the social void at a time when there is so much time to be had indoors. 

Starburst XXXTreme Features

Players get to alternate on three features which are Starburst Wilds, XXXtreme Spins, and Random Wilds. The first appears on reels 2,3, or 4. When these land, they expand to cover all positions while also calculating the wins. They are also locked for a respin. If a new one hits, it also becomes locked while awarding another respin. Starburst XXXtreme offers a choice between two scenarios for a higher stake. In one scenario with a ten times stake, the Starburst Wild is set on random on reels 2,3, or 4, and a multiplier starts the respin. The second scenario, which has a 95 times stake, starts with two guaranteed starburst wilds on reels 2,3, or 4. it also plays out using respin game sequence and features. The game also increases the potential with the Random Wilds feature to add Starburst Wilds to a vacant reel at the end of a spin. Every Starburst Wild gives a random multiplier with potential wins of x2, x3, x5, x10, x25, x50, x100, or even x150.

The new feature is sure to be a big hit with the gaming market as online gambling has shown significant growth during the lockdown. AdAge indicates the current casino customer base is an estimated one in five Americans, so Starburst XXXtreme’s additional features will achieve considerable popularity. 

What We Think About The Game

The gambling market has continued to diversify post-pandemic, so it is one of the most opportune times to release an online casino-based game. Thankfully Starburst XXXtreme features eye-catching visuals, including the jewels and space themes. These attract audience participation and make the gameplay inviting. The game also has a nostalgic edge. The previous NetEnt iteration featured similar visuals and gameplay, so the audience has some familiarity with it. The producers have revamped this version by tweaking the features to improve the volatility and engagement. 

That is characterized by the potential win cap of 200,000 times the bet. Starburst XXXtreme does not just give betting alternatives for players that want to go big. The increase of multipliers also provides a great experience. If the respins in the previous version were great, knowing that multipliers can go hundreds of times overtakes the game to a new level. 

Players should get excited about this offering. All of the features can be triggered within a single spin. Whether one plays the standard game or takes the XXXtreme spin route, it is possible to activate all of the features. Of course, the potential 200,000 times potential is a huge carrot. However, the bet size is probably going to be restricted and vary depending on the casino. It is also worth pointing out that a malfunction during the gameplay will void all of the payouts and progress. Overall, the game itself has been designed to provide a capped win of 200,000 times the original bet. 

Continue Reading

Anglais

‘We’re back’: Montreal festival promoters happy to return but looking to next year

Published

on

By

In downtown Montreal, it’s festival season.

In the city’s entertainment district, a musical act was conducting a sound check on stage Friday evening — the second day of the French-language version of the renowned Just For Laughs comedy festival. Tickets for many of the festival’s free outdoor shows — limited by COVID-19 regulations — were sold out.

Two blocks away, more than 100 people were watching an acoustic performance by the Isaac Neto Trio — part of the last weekend of the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique, a celebration of music from the African continent and the African diaspora.

With COVID-19 restrictions continuing to limit capacity, festival organizers say they’re glad to be back but looking forward to next year when they hope border restrictions and capacity limits won’t affect their plans.

Charles Décarie, Just For Laughs’ CEO and president, said this is a “transition year.”

“Even though we have major constraints from the public health group in Montreal, we’ve managed to design a festival that can navigate through those constraints,” Décarie said.

The French-language Juste pour rire festival began on July 15 and is followed by the English-language festival until July 31.

When planning began in February and March, Décarie said, organizers came up with a variety of scenarios for different crowd sizes, ranging from no spectators to 50 per cent of usual capacity.

“You’ve got to build scenarios,” he said. “You do have to plan a little bit more than usual because you have to have alternatives.”

Continue Reading

Anglais

MELS new major movie studio to be built in Montreal

Published

on

By

MONTREAL — MELS Studios will build a new film studio in Montreal, filling some of the gap in supply to meet the demand of Hollywood productions.

MELS president Martin Carrier said on Friday that MELS 4 studio construction will begin « as soon as possible », either in the fall or winter of next year. The studio could host productions as early as spring 2023.

The total investment for the project is $76 million, with the Quebec government contributing a $25 million loan. The project will create 110 jobs, according to the company.

The TVA Group subsidiary’s project will enable it to stand out « even more » internationally, according to Quebecor president and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau. In the past, MELS Studios has hosted several major productions, including chapters of the X-Men franchise. The next Transformers movie is shooting this summer in Montreal.

Péladeau insisted that local cultural productions would also benefit from the new facility, adding that the studio ensures foreign revenues and to showcase talent and maintain an industry of Quebec producers.

STUDIO SHORTAGE

The film industry is cramped in Montreal.

According to a report published last May by the Bureau du cinéma et de la télévision du Québec (BCTQ), there is a shortage of nearly 400,000 square feet of studio space.

With the addition of MELS 4, which will be 160,000 square feet, the company is filling part of the gap.

Carrier admitted that he has had to turn down contracts because of the lack of space, representing missed opportunities of « tens of millions of dollars, not only for MELS, but also for the Quebec economy. »

« Montreal’s expertise is in high demand, » said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, who was present at the announcement.

She said she received great testimonials from « Netflix, Disney, HBO and company » during an economic mission to Los Angeles in 2019.

« What stands out is that they love Montreal because of its expertise, knowledge and beauty. We need more space, like MELS 4, » she said.

There is still not enough capacity in Quebec, acknowledged Minister of Finance, the Economy and Innovation Eric Girard.

« It is certain that the government is concerned about fairness and balance, so if other requests come in, we will study them with the same seriousness as we have studied this one, » he said.

Grandé Studios is the second-largest player in the industry. Last May, the company said it had expansion plans that should begin in 2022. Investissement Québec and Bell are minority shareholders in the company.

For its part, MELS will have 400,000 square feet of production space once MELS 4 is completed. The company employs 450 people in Quebec and offers a range of services including studio and equipment rentals, image and sound postproduction, visual effects and a virtual production platform.

Continue Reading
Styles De Vie7 mois ago

MAPEI Canada inaugure l’agrandissement de son usine à Laval, au Québec

Styles De Vie7 mois ago

Le Gala Elles reconnaissent célèbre les femmes remarquables de l’industrie de la construction

Styles De Vie7 mois ago

Préparez votre maison pour l’hiver afin d’éviter les réclamations d’assurance

Styles De Vie7 mois ago

Quatre façons de commencer à travailler dans le domaine des ventes

Styles De Vie7 mois ago

La Commission indépendante soutient le recours de la Cour suprême contre le déni des droits des non-francophones par le Québec

Styles De Vie7 mois ago

Justin Trudeau est un raciste contre les Noirs et les Premières Nations – 14 signes

Styles De Vie7 mois ago

Enfants aux études loin de la maison : Trois conseils pour veiller à la santé de leurs finances

Styles De Vie7 mois ago

Règles et règlements que toutes les entreprises canadiennes doivent connaître

Styles De Vie7 mois ago

Épargnez pour l’avenir grâce à nos trucs financiers pour la rentrée

Styles De Vie7 mois ago

Efficacité énergétique: 10 façons économiques de l’améliorer

Actualités2 années ago

Ces légendes du baccara vous dévoilent leurs secrets

Affaires2 années ago

Retard de vol : le devoir de la compagnie envers ses passagers

Anglais3 années ago

Nostalgia and much more with Starburst XXXtreme

Opinions3 années ago

Même les jeunes RÉPUBLIQUES se lassent du capitalisme, selon les sondeurs américains — RT USA News

Opinions3 années ago

« Aucune crise climatique ne causera la fin du capitalisme ! »

Opinions3 années ago

Innovation : le capitalisme « responsable », faux problème et vraie diversion

Opinions3 années ago

Vers la fin du Capitalocène ?

Opinions3 années ago

Le “capitalisme viral” peut-il sauver la planète ?

Opinions3 années ago

Livre : comment le capitalisme a colonisé les esprits

Opinions3 années ago

Patrick Artus : « Le capitalisme d’aujourd’hui est économiquement inefficace »

Anglais5 années ago

Body found after downtown Lethbridge apartment building fire, police investigating – Lethbridge

Santé Et Nutrition4 années ago

Comment aider un bébé à développer son goût

Anglais5 années ago

Head of Toronto Community Housing placed on paid leave

Styles De Vie5 années ago

Salon du chocolat 2018: les 5 temps forts

Anglais5 années ago

This B.C. woman’s recipe is one of the most popular of all time — and the story behind it is bananas

Santé Et Nutrition6 années ago

Gluten-Free Muffins

Santé Et Nutrition5 années ago

We Try Kin Euphorics and How to REALLY Get the Glow | Healthyish

Anglais5 années ago

Man facing eviction from family home on Toronto Islands gets reprieve — for now

Anglais6 années ago

Condo developer Thomas Liu — who collected millions but hasn’t built anything — loses court fight with Town of Ajax

Anglais5 années ago

27 CP Rail cars derail near Lake Louise, Alta.

Anglais5 années ago

Ontario’s Tories hope Ryan Gosling video will keep supporters from breaking up with the party

Styles De Vie6 années ago

Renaud Capuçon, rédacteur en chef du Figaroscope

Mode5 années ago

Paris : chez Cécile Roederer co-fondatrice de Smallable

Anglais5 années ago

Ontario Tories argue Trudeau’s carbon plan is ‘unconstitutional’

Anglais5 années ago

100 years later, Montreal’s Black Watch regiment returns to Wallers, France

Anglais5 années ago

Trudeau government would reject Jason Kenney, taxpayers group in carbon tax court fight

Styles De Vie5 années ago

Ford Ranger Raptor, le pick-up roule des mécaniques

Technologie5 années ago

Los Angeles poursuit The Weather Channel pour atteinte à la vie privée

Affaires5 années ago

Le Forex devient de plus en plus accessible aux débutants

Anglais4 années ago

The Bill Gates globalist vaccine depopulation agenda… as revealed by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Trending

slot server jepang
judi slot pulsa