P.A.C.E.

Man in wheelchair with rollerblading child

Here is some feedback from PACE alumni:

People with disabilities exist throughout the world. People with disabilities are heterogeneous that is because of the type of disability, the scope of disability is different from one individual to another individual. Other people's understanding of disabilities also vary from culture to culture, place to place and from time to time.

Let's take myself as an example. From the culture I came from, having a disability even in one area is a big deal. A blind person or a deaf person with impaired hearing or a person with any physical or emotional disability is thought of being completely dependent, incapable of functioning in society. The society thinks any person even only with one kind of disability needs help in every area of his daily living. Therefore, there is no chance for people with disabilities to know their strengths and weaknesses or to exercise their independence.

I think and wish this will change with time and with level of awareness. Even though I am from that culture and had the same attitude and experience, PACE has changed my understanding completely. I have seen people with disabilities function very well in their society. Even when it comes to assisting them with daily living, the level of help they need, kind of help is unique to the individual. There are people who need full assistance in their daily life. There are also people who need a little bit of assistance. Whatever the scope of their disability the help presented to them should be their choice too.

Mabrat Bekele

I would like to say thank you to all of the ILRC, to all the instructors, that we have had, for helping us, we gained more knowledge and understanding even though we get so crazy sometimes and not listen, Still you guys are there with no hesitation of believing in us. You taught us to do the right things. Without you guys we would not get HERE I really appreciate it and I will treasure it for the rest of my life. Once again thank you for the wonderful experience.
Thanks to PACE for giving me the chance to be one of the students here. That is the great thing in this program THE STAFF. Being in the PACE program is a very unforgettable experience for me. I have no regrets for quitting my full time job to be here.
I would like to thank all the trainers and staff at ILRC for being patient to train us how to become good ILAs. All the trainers are so wonderful. I could never forget the five weeks I have spent in this program. I enjoy every minute that I am in this program. THANK YOU ALL.
Big bouquet to you all for making us feel so welcomed regardless of backgrounds and homelands and cultures.
Author Unknown

I was working a retail job for about four years, when I decided that it wasn't the career for me. At the end of the day, helping people with clothes shopping wasn't challenging or rewarding anymore. I know I wanted to do more but soon realized that I didn't have the proper training.
One day, while at the shopping mall with a friend, a young lady with a disability approached us and asked if we might be able to assist her with some things. After assisting her she began information us about the Independent Living Resource Centre and the PACE program. She suggested we apply.
Well, after getting accepted into the program I realized it was completely different than my old job, it was better!
The program was an intense 5 weeks long but went by really fast. Near the end of the course I had many job offerings and decided on the Qu'Appelle Housing Project run out of the ILRC.
Now I enjoy being at work and being able to use the skills I've learned. The job is truly rewarding because I can go home at the end of the day knowing I helped make someone's day easier.
Edith Lemus

P.A.C.E.

December 17, 2019

About Personal Attendant Community Education (PACE)

What is PACE?

PACE trains able-bodied persons to become Independent Living Attendants (ILA's).

PACE is a recognized curriculum developed, designed and delivered by people with disabilities to promote consumer choice and control in daily decisions that impact their lives.

Why is PACE needed?

People with disabilities and seniors have expressed their rights to live in the community and their desire for control over their lives. PACE adds a very unique skillset, one that is central to consumer control for those supporting community living options.

What are the benefits of consumer directed training?

Consumers are in control of their care
Improved quality of life for consumers
Opportunities for employment and more community involvement
Centralized training unites people, organizations, and resources
Flexibilty in provision of supports
Reduced training costs and need for institutional living

What does PACE training include?

Independent Living Philosophy
Personal Health Information Act (PHIA)
Role of the ILA
Disability Awareness
Home Management
Safety - WHMIS
Personal Care
Anatomy and Physiology
Assistive Devices
Communications
Body Movement & Positioning
First-Aid / CPR
Awareness of Environment
Abuse
Mock Routines / Wound Care
Mental Health First Aid
Cultural Diversity
Disaster Management
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
Community Consumer Directed Training
and more added routinely

How long is the training?

The training is five weeks long. It runs Monday to Friday with classes from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily. Community training hours are early morning, afternoon and evening.

Graduate Prospects?

Follow-up surveys indicate over 90% success rate in obtaining employment in this field. Employment opportunities include Self-Managed Care, Home Care, private agencies, and Independent Living models.