From left to right: Shelly Bacheler , Kim Schell and Christian Legaspi. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW)

By Kenneth Cheung

THE OVERLOOKED

‘Treat everyone the same’: BRSI advocates for inclusion and equality for people with disabilities

Dec 4, 2024 | 5:23 PM

Dec. 3 is recognized as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. While it might seem like just another Tuesday to some , for Battlefords Residential Service Inc (BRSI), it was a day to raise awareness amongst the community for the often ‘overlooked.’

“If you see people with disability, just treat everyone the same, like a normal person, that’s all,” said Christien Legaspi, manager of the support living program at BRSI, “because they’re also a normal person. It’s a bit different, but we all have a life.”

BRSI is a non-profit organization that provides residential and support services for individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities. To provide comprehensive support for its clients, it offers six group homes, a Supported Living program, and a Day Program.

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission highlights that disability is a common aspect of life, affecting nearly everyone eventually. As for now, 22.2 per cent of Saskatchewan residents aged 15 to 74 report living with some form of disability.

While some might think taking care of the disabilities is a laborious job, Legaspi noted that he has been having a ‘good time.’

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“We are always making friends and having a good time with each other. Always all the time, even if I’m not working, I can still manage to find time to be with them,” he noted.

He pointed out that instead of saying ‘I feel sorry for you’ to people with disabilities, the best people can do to approach them is just a simple ‘Hi, how’s it going?’

‘I don’t treat them special. I’m treating them as normal people because they have a normal life, right?” he stated. “It’s not because they have disabilities and they are different. There are times when they are smarter than us.”

Among the 46 clients they serve, Shelly Bacheler has been with them for almost 21 years.

“I enjoy this community. I like living here. I know a lot of people. My family and friends are here, and yeah, I really like it,” she said.

Throughout her childhood, she faced challenges in a special education class, particularly in elementary school. However, things started to improve for her in high school, where she found more support, especially from her parents.

“My friends accepted that I was in that special ed class, and they didn’t look at me differently.”

“My mum and dad just told me to keep going and try harder. My dad was always making sure I got good grades and that my handwriting was good. If he didn’t like what I wrote, he made me do it over again,” she said.

Bacheler pointed out that the center provides her with a wide range of engaging activities and outings, from craft shows and grad sales to camping trips where she even caught a fish, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

“It’s been a lot of memories, but not sure if I have a favourite one. I have lots of favourite ones,” she said.

While she has enjoyed all the fun times at the center, what she cherishes most is baking and cooking for the supper club, pointing out that her culinary skills have improved significantly since she became involved.

“It’s like what Shelley said, we are more about fun; we do have personal issues, but every time in a supper club, we’re all together; it’s always fun and happiness,” Legaspi added.

Reflecting on her years at BRSI, Bacheler feels that the organization has truly become a sanctuary for her.She believes It has helped her foster a deep sense of belonging and personal growth, enabling her to thrive as an active community member.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com