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POGO > Articles by: Jamie Irvine
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Author: Jamie Irvine


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Successful Employment Through Targeted Hiring: A Survivor Experience

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Jamie Irvine


What is Targeted Hiring?
Targeted hiring is a type of initiative used by public and private organizations to address employment barriers and help with the under-representation of designated groups to achieve equal employment opportunities. This is accomplished by narrowing the pool of candidates to specific categories of candidates, such as individuals with disabilities. 

Q & A With a POGO School and Work Transitions Client 
Q: What can you tell me about your recent interview where you were successful in being hired? 

Client: I interviewed over the phone, which was nice as travelling can be difficult for me due to my disability. The questions were pretty much what I prepared for because my counsellor and I went through common interview questions and practiced them together over Zoom. We also discussed scenarios and did some mock interview style discussion. Because of this, I was able to answer the real interview questions with confidence. 

Plus, the interviewers were very informative about what to expect on an average day.  

Q: How is your employer being accommodating to you as a person with a disability in the workplace? 

Client: The general attitude of my workplace is genuinely team-oriented! I was asked if I needed a chair, and from day one, I have been greatly encouraged to ask for help. There’s even mental health support, which is quite a relief. 

Q: Was your POGO Counsellor a resource in this process? If so, how did they help? 

Client: My counsellor was very helpful during the whole process. Finding this job and ensuring my resume was in good shape, practicing for the interview, and ensuring I got placed at a store location I preferred is honestly going above and beyond. 

Posted in Transitions | Tagged targeted hiring, The POGO School and Work Transitions Program, transition

Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Day and Darwin

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Jamie Irvine

Darwin and his mom aka “The Boss”

Darwin recently turned 21, graduated high school, rang the end of treatment bell at CHEO and has been accepted into an Academic Assistance for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (AAADD) college program.

What was most exciting about ringing the bell?
I loved seeing all my favourite people from high school virtually on Google Meet. I saw Ms. Russett, and Ms. Coe, and the ladies in the office. All my favourite nurses came too. They helped me learn to count “1-2-3” before I had a needle!

.

What are you most looking forward too now that you are 21?
I want to learn how to use a debit card and get a job where I can wear a nametag and a vest. I want to work at Walmart at cash register #7 and at the Apple store.

What will you do in your C.I.C.E. college program?
I will learn to take the bus with my phone, using Google maps.  I want to learn about money math. At college I will see my friends and they have nice lockers.

Any shout outs to friends & family?
Thank you to my mom, she’s The Boss and always came to CHEO with me. The staff on 4 North were awesome. The Fire Safety Officer, Richard, came to teach me the rules about fire safety. I also did a FaceTime with Liam from the Ottawa Fire Dept. about river safety. I loved seeing my CHEO teacher, Ms. Nancy. She’s awesome and I learned to use assistive technology. Every day I wrote a page in my book with Book Creator.

Posted in In the News | Tagged childhood cancer survivors, survivorship

Let’s Talk about Scholarships

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Jamie Irvine

With the rising cost of living, the thought of paying for post-secondary tuition can feel overwhelming. The additional expenses of textbooks, transportation, equipment, meal plans, etc., add more causes for anxiety. To support the cost of post-secondary education, various scholarships and bursaries are available. Resources specifically for cancer and brain tumour survivors are also available. Let’s explore the options below!

Post-Secondary Education Scholarships and Bursaries
Scholarships and bursaries are available based on academic performance, athletic excellence, community involvement, and financial and life circumstances. Some are made available to specific groups such as cultural communities, clubs, high schools, etc. They do not require repayment.

Your POGO Transitions Counsellor, post-secondary financial aid offices or your high school guidance counsellor are great resources to consult when applying.

Helpful Links:

https://studentawards.com/   https://www.scholarshipscanada.com/   www.disabilityawards.ca

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provides government funding for student loans and grants. A grant is money you don’t have to pay back, while a loan is money you start repaying after school completion. Both are provided by the provincial and/or federal government and are based on your financial situation.

Regarding OSAP, you may need to start paying back your loan six months after your study period ends. Refer to the OSAP Aid Estimator below to determine your loan eligibility. Even if you only qualify for a small loan, this can lead to other scholarship and bursaries within the program, so it’s worth applying for.

Helpful Links:

OSAP website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program

OSAP Aid Estimator: https://osap.gov.on.ca/AidEstimator2223Web/enterapp/enter.xhtml

Read Should I Apply for OSAP? https://www.pogo.ca/should-i-apply-for-osap/

2023 Scholarships for Childhood Cancer and Brain Tumour Survivors

Most of these scholarships require a medical letter from your hospital confirming your diagnosis. You can usually get this through your POGO AfterCare Clinic. Let your POGO Transitions Counsellor know if you need help getting this letter.

NATIONAL SURVIVOR SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

SCHOLARSHIP  AWARD AMOUNTELIGIBILITYAPPLICATION AVAILABLEDUE DATE
Childhood Cancer Canada Survivor Scholarship$1500
OR
TEVA $5000
Undergraduates apply for $1500 
TEVA $5000 is for graduate students in health sciences programs
March 1April 30
Brain Tumour Education AwardUp to $5000You were diagnosed with a brain tumour before age 25 and are currently between 16 and 30 years of ageSpring 2023TBD
Emmy Duff Scholarship Foundation$2000You are a very active volunteerOctober 2022May 27, 2023
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award$7000 each year for up to 4 yearsYou are beginning to study or already studying toward your first undergraduate degree or diploma; you have made a significant positive impact on your communityNovember 1December 1
The Lorna Rosenstein Youth Volunteer Leadership Award$1500 awarded directly to the recipientYou are between 14 and 24 years old, impacted by cancer and have shown volunteer leadership in the communityApril 2023May 18, 2023

REGIONAL SURVIVOR SCHOLARSHIPS

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD AMOUNTELIGIBILITYAPPLICATION AVAILABLEDUE DATE
ChildCan
(London)
$1000You reside within certain boundaries around the London areaAprilTBD
Sandra Allen Memorial Education Award
(Hamilton – McMaster Children’s Hospital)
$2500You are from a Help A Child Smile registered family, are being or have been treated for cancer (or are a sibling of a patient) at McMaster Children’s Hospital and you demonstrate community leadership; You are
under the age of 30
Spring 2023TBD
Shine Bright Bursary
(Northern Ontario)
$1000You are a resident of Northern Ontario (north of Parry Sound) and are a childhood cancer survivor or survivor’s siblingTBDTBD
Leucan (Quebec patients)$1000 – $2000You are a Leucan child member, have been diagnosed with childhood cancer and are enrolled in Secondary IV, V, or a post-secondary study program, or in a special education programTBDTBD
Xerox/POGO Transitions Scholarship at George Brown College$1500
*Please contact your POGO Transitions Counsellor for more information
You are a POGO Transitions client and a current student at George Brown CollegeVariesVaries

Written by Sharon D’Souza
POGO Counsellor Toronto
Posted in Transitions | Tagged The POGO School and Work Transitions Program

Q & A with our newest POGO Counsellors

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Jamie Irvine
Questions asked by POGO counsellors Sarah and Helen

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE A POGO TRANSITIONS COUNSELLOR?

Sharon: My mom is a cancer survivor and we are infinitely grateful for the supportive care provided at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. She works as a teacher, and I witnessed her transition back to work after treatment. I saw that a smooth transition to school or work is possible with the proper support and access to the right resources. I wanted to work as a Transitions Counsellor to contribute to that support system that all cancer patients should have access to. Olivia: I have seen firsthand how difficult and heartbreaking a cancer journey can be; I wanted to be a Transitions Counsellor to hopefully make the journey a little bit easier for folks. Also, I am a bit of a nerd and love to get my hands on any new piece of learning or education, and I was intrigued by the idea of being able to encourage others to develop a love of education as well!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT YOUR ROLE?

Sharon: The people. Everyone is dedicated and passionate about the work they do. I am beyond honoured to be part of this team. Olivia: Being able to connect with and build relationships with so many people.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST ONCOLOGY WORD/TERMINOLOGY YOU HAVE HAD TO LEARN?

Sharon: There are several; medulloblastoma was one. Olivia: I don’t know about the hardest, but I think one that surprised me was Sonic hedgehog.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST SURPRISE WORKING WITH SURVIVORS?

Sharon: A pleasant surprise was how many survivors prioritized new hobbies. Quite a few mentioned how post-treatment sparked a curiosity to try new things such as pottery, playing a new instrument, joining a book club etc. Hearing about the joy and empowerment of learning a new skill was beautiful. Olivia: I’m not sure if I was necessarily surprised by anything. Coming into this role, I didn’t know what to expect and made a conscious effort to come open-minded and see everyone as a unique individual regardless of diagnosis.

DOGS OR CATS?

Sharon: Team dogs, always. Specifically, golden retrievers. That energy and enthusiasm is contagious. Olivia: Dogs all the way! Cats are too cold. Plus, my dog Walter, the basset hound, is just about the best animal out there, so I have to vote dogs!

WINTER OR SUMMER?

Sharon: I’m an avid hiker, BBQ apprentice and frequent beach-goer, so summer will always trump winter for me. Olivia: Summer! I love going to the beach, being at a cottage and swimming in the ocean or a pool.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PUMP-UP SONG RIGHT NOW?

Sharon: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor. It’s a classic!Olivia: My favourite pump-up song on the radio is I’m Good by David Guetta and Bebe Rexha, but my tried and true song to pump me up is Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen.

Posted in Transitions | Tagged The POGO School and Work Transitions Program

Should I Apply for OSAP?

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Jamie Irvine

What is OSAP?
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a mix of loans and/or grants funded by the provincial and federal government to help you pay for post-secondary school. The program is open to full-time and part-time students.

How do I know if I am eligible for OSAP?
While many of our clients say they are not eligible for OSAP because their parents’ income is too high, we recommend using the OSAP Aid Estimator to estimate what you could receive. Many clients are surprised that they are actually eligible. Plus, even if you are only eligible for $1, this may allow you to access other types of funding. Individuals with disabilities, for example, may be eligible for more grants, such as the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment (CSG-DSE) and/or the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD). A doctor or neuropsychologist must complete an “OSAP Disability Verification Form” for you. Your POGO Transitions Counsellor can help facilitate this.

 *TIP: If an estimate is not yet available for your school year, try using the previous year or try again in the spring.*

I don’t want any loans after post-secondary school. Why would I apply for OSAP?
If you are eligible for grants, you can request that you receive the “Grant Only Funding,” essentially meaning that you’ll receive grants but not the loan portion of OSAP. Typically you do not have to pay back grants. However, this would change if you are not taking the minimum course load, you decide to withdraw from your program or if your application is reassessed to show underrepresented income, for example. Speak with your financial aid office in advance if you’d like the “Grants Only Funding.” See the OSAP Aid Estimator link above to see if you would be eligible for grants.

I need the loans portion of OSAP to pay for school, but I’m worried I won’t be able to pay these back after I graduate. What are my options?
First, repayment of student loans has been a little bit easier these past few years with interest on federal loans being waived for the COVID-19 pandemic. This was set to expire on March 31st, 2023; however, at the time of this writing, the Canadian government recently passed a Bill to eliminate this interest permanently. Remember, this does not apply to provincial loans, and some interest will still be accrued.

You also may be eligible for the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). Your eligibility is based on your family size and income. There are two stages: “Interest Relief” and “Debt Reduction.” For “Interest Relief,” the government may pay some or all of the interest accrued on your loan. For “Debt Reduction,” they will either lower or eliminate the required monthly payments for six months. You must apply for RAP through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) and reapply every six months.

Applying for OSAP can be overwhelming and stressful, so don’t hesitate to contact your POGO Transitions Counsellor, who can help you better understand the process or connect you with your school’s financial aid office.

Helpful Link
Let’s Talk About Scholarships!


Written by Lindsay VanSickle
POGO Counsellor London


Posted in Transitions | Tagged survivorship, The POGO School and Work Transitions Program

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