Tinker Asking Public To Address Needs Of Disabled

Tinker Asking Public To Address Needs Of Disabled

Friday, August 22, 2008 at 14:12

A northern advocate for the disabled will be touring several northwest Saskatchewan communities next week to promote a campaign he’s calling “From Compassion to Action”.

Gary Tinker has cerebral palsy, and is perhaps best known for the 650-kilometre walk he embarked on from La Ronge to Regina in 1989 to raise awareness about issues facing people with disabilities.

Tinker is using preparations for next year’s 20th anniversary celebration of his walk to get communities to think about what actions they can take to address the unmet needs of the disabled.

The Pinehouse resident says there’s still more that can be done to raise the quality of life for northern people with disabilities — but he’s pleased with what has been accomplished.

He notes he never used to have access to physiotherapy services in La Ronge, and there was a time when there were no access ramps in northern Saskatchewan.

His walk spurred the creation of the Gary Tinker Federation — a group that’s dedicated to making sure the disabled have access to training and employment.

Tinker says the organization has assisted hundreds of clients.