We let them down - Letter to the Editor - Winnipeg Free Press - Wed. July 8, 2009

The article Police probe death in Wolseley (July 8) wake-up call for government to provide the necessary supports and services that persons with disabilities need so that in the future incidents like this are less likely to occur. Where was the staff? This is, after all, a halfway house for persons with disabilities. Over the years I have come to know several individuals who reside at the Madison. The vast majority of the tenants are good people. Many have mental health issues and would, i my opinion, greatly benefit from some one on one support. I find this type of support lacking in the mental health field. Medication alone isn't enough. We need to provide better supports to help ensure that people don't fall through the cracks.

In many ways persons with disabilities are no different than the rest of us. They want to live in an environment where they feel safe and secure. And that's something we all want.

HARRY WOLBERT

Winnipeg

Great day for disabled - Letter to the Editor Winnipeg Free Press - Friday June 12, 2009

Your article Barrier busting wins praise struck a chord with me. It isn't often that I find myself congratulating the government for anything. But June 4 was a great day for persons with disabilities living in Manitoba. I was one of those present for the unveiling of the government's strategy called "Opening Doors." It will go a long way towards breaking down some of the barriers which persons with disabilities face on a daily basis.

Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh was right when he said that "everyone has abilities" and that "this is about barrier busting." The announcement was a really good start.

The government's heart is definitely in the right place. But at the end of the day the disability community needs to continue holding the government's feet to the fire. Good intentions alone won't

bring down barriers. Neither will saying all the right things.

HARRY WOLBERT

Winnipeg