CDRP

CDRP (The Children’s Developmental Rehabilitation Programme) is an organization that helps disabled youth to live their lives to the fullest. It offers teen groups, an adolescent clinic, a support with goal setting, and a Youth Advisory Council.

In the past, I have taken part in CDRP functions. Although I am a graduate client, I wanted to know what was new since I left. Andrea, an occupational therapist, is very knowledgeable about CDRP. “We run a variety of programs at CDRP that let teens get together with other teens.” She feels that the biggest challenges teens face are having to deal with “people’s attitudes and misconceptions about people with disabilities.”
Andrea describes how the teens at CDRP love the overnight independence program that is run in the summer. “We get them involved in planning the topics we discuss and we get them to set and work towards their own goals.”
When I participated in the Cool Cruisers summer day camp program, I really enjoyed it. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to travel to Toronto, and learn how to use public transit independently because of where I live in a more rural area. My skills were really tested, and I overcame fears. I learned that it is important to advocate for yourself and your needs.
Andrea recommends www.abilityonline.org, a monitored website that allows youth with disabilities to meet and discuss topics that are important to them.