Sackville's special populations participants give program an 'A' rating

Friendly people; fun games and activities; and plenty of learning opportunities - these are just a few of the reasons why Sackville residents with physical or mental disabilities say they love the town's special populations program and why they continue to keep coming back week after week.

"I would certainly give it an A rating," jokes Andrew Blanchard, who has been a participant in the local program for nearly nine months now.

With a variety of activities scheduled each week, the opportunity to learn new skills and the "friendliness of people in general," Blanchard says the benefits of the program are endless.

"I realize, for me, it's a great place to be," he says. "I fall into the bunch I'm with and they treat me well. And it's one of the only extracurricular activities we get."

Fellow participant Gene Douthwright agrees wholeheartedly.

"It gets me out of the house during the week . . . and it keeps me out of trouble. I'm not just walking the streets all the time," he says.

Douthwright, who has been involved with special populations for about two years, said he enjoys the weekly activities they get to take part in, especially bowling and swimming. And he particularly likes the interaction with others.

"I get to meet new people. I've made a lot of friends in special populations."

Janice Lirette, a long-time member of the local program, says she also takes pleasure in the comraderie that comes with getting to know people in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

"The people are friendly, nice and kind," says Lirette, who has been with Sackville's special populations for more than a decade.

For Deanna Cadman, who has been coordinator of the special pops program for more than 20 years, these admissions from her students confirm that the program is doing exactly what it's supposed to do.

"The aim of the special populations program is to increase the integration of people with physical and/or mental disabilities or special needs in community activities and to create new recreational opportunities when possible," Cadman explains. "And it's a great opportunity for them to meet new friends and to interact with friends and volunteers."

She says a number of weekly activities are included in the program line-up - such as walking club, music, darts, board and card games, movies, swimming, cooking class, and more - and she personally keeps in contact on a regular basis with the caregivers to determine the needs of the individuals.

Debbie Dupont loves the activities that keep her busy from Monday to Thursday.

"We do a lot of interesting things . . . like bowling, playing darts, pool. All that adds up," says Dupont, who also notes that the group also visits local art galleries, museums and downtown businesses from time to time. "It's just all around good for us."

Pam Griffin says being involved in special pops provides her a chance to get away from her troubles once in a while.

"When I'm having a bad day, they always cheer me up," she says of the other program participants, volunteers (made up of community members and Mount Allison students) and staff.

Griffin also has high praise for Cadman, who keeps the program running smoothly from week to week.

"Deanna is a major reason why I keep going to special populations. She's always cheerful and has a lot of charisma."

Do you have a disability and would like to participate in special populations activities? For information or if you have any suggestions for new programs or activities, contact Deanna Cadman, special populations coordinator at 364-4958 or d.cadman@sackville.com.