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Lions Foundation adds training for Autism Assistance Dog Guides Lions Foundation of Canada is expanding its training programs to include Autism Assistance Dog Guides for children and families living with autism. This new initiative will compliment the school's established four existing Dog Guide programs; vision, hearing, special skills and seizure response. As the fastest growing developmental disability in the country, autism is estimated to affect more than one in 165 people. Helping children four to 12 years of age, Autism Assistance Dog Guides provide safety, companionship and unconditional love for those in need. Spearheading this new initiative is Chris Fowler, who has worked with more than 300 families that have children with autism. In 1996, he co-founded the first autism service dog program and for several years has helped other schools worldwide train dogs to assist families living with autism. As well as providing comfort and consistency for both the child and their family, Autism Assistance Dog Guides provide calming relief for children in high anxiety situations and reduce the stress commonly experienced in public places. 11 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, July 22, 2009 NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER HELP IS ON THE WAY: Oakville firefighters attempt to rescue a `driver' trapped in a rolled over vehicle during the Central Ontario Regional Vehicle Rescue Challenge in Burlington on Saturday. KEEPING SENIORS INFORMED Our LivingW e l l Events are Open to the Public Thursday July 9 @ 2:00 p.m. Wednesday July 15 @ 12:00 noon Oakville firefighters win vehicle rescue competition By Carmelina Prete METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP The driver is trapped. She's conscious but scared. When she slammed on her brakes, her right foot got caught under the brake pedal. Rescuing her from the T-bone crash is further complicated by the pole that has gone through the car, from rear window to dashboard. Oakville firefighters rush to the scene. Their challenge is to free her. They have 20 minutes. Three judges watch their every move. Did they co-ordinate and assess the dangers on scene? Did they stabilize the patient? Are they using equipment safely and effectively? This scenario is one of more than a dozen mock crashes set up in the back parking lot of the Burlington Fire Department's headquarters on Fairview Street Saturday as part of the 2009 Central Ontario Regional Vehicle Rescue Challenge. Seven teams competed. Oakville took first place, qualifying the team for the North American Vehicle Rescue Challenge in Calgary next year. "This really takes our skills to a higher level," said firefighter Chad Hammer, Burlington's team captain. Hammer said the job of rescuing people from cars has changed dramatically in the 10 years he has been a firefighter because of changes in car technology. Staying current with vehicle manufacturers and the latest features is important, he said. "Car technology dictates to us how we go about cutting open a car." Airbags can go off during a rescue -- a potential risk to both the accident victim and firefighter. Hybrid cars have high-voltage cables, so firefighters risk being electrocuted when cutting into the vehicle. Peter Field, a judge at the event, called vehicle extrication an art. "It is an art because there's always a different way to get a patient out," said Field, a retired firefighter from Loyalist Township, near Kingston. "It's up to firefighters to figure out the best way." Competitions such as this one matter because the skills firefighters learn here at the competition are then taught to other firefighters and used in real life. The Butterflies of Southern Ontario Presentation · Monday July 13 @ 2:00 p.m. Come to Paris lunch and travelogue · Thursday July 16 @ 2:00 p.m. Bid Euchre Social Music and Art Appreciation Delmanor Glen Abbey is Oakville's premier retirement residence for active adults. We emphasize independence and individuality in a community environment that promotes an active mind and a sound body. In short, we believe in LivingWell and we'd like you to join us. All the events are free of charge. Just call 905 469-3232 to reserve your spot. People's Choice Award Winner 3 Years in a Row... Thank You Oakville! TM 1459 Nottinghill Gate just south of Upper Middle, west of Dorval