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There is some question of the propriety of city council refusing to meet in caucus with representatives of the local professional firefighters‘ association, following that request by the firemen. It would seem â€" and council should give the firemen the benefit of the doubt â€" that there was some intent to set the wheels of negotiation back in motion when the firemen made their request. And the first step they saw necessary to that was some straightforward discussions and private communication with city council. Both sides could simply air their views about a protracted dispute that is headed towards provincial arbitration on a 1981 contract for the firemen. They want to meet in caucus, of course, because it‘s a wage and personnel matter to be discussed â€" but not negotiated, according to our understanding. So, what‘s wrong with that? Discussing the issue faceâ€"toâ€"face couldn‘t do any harm and council needn‘t actively negotiate in a formal way during such a meeting. Councillors may not like the tone of the letter sent by the firemen, suggesting some change in the conduct of city business, and they may find the firemen‘s demands unreaâ€" sonable. Council is a municipal court of types, and city business has to be conducted in a cool, dispassionate way. _â€" But that doesn‘t mean they should get on their high horse, go through their ‘"we‘re insulted‘‘ routine and refuse to meet a delegation of city employees on an urgent matter. PAGE 6 â€" WATERLOO CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1981 Our area has a long and wellâ€"known tradition of community service and assisâ€" tance to the needy both locally and around the world. One of the most recent contributions is set out under guidelines, adopted by the Regional Municipality on January 29. They are entitled ‘"Communiâ€" ty Support Services and Residential Acâ€" commodation for the Physically Handiâ€" capped in the Waterloo Region." The report was prepared by the Associated Planning Group for Physically Handiâ€" capped Adults of the Waterloo Region Social Resources Council. _ The group has presented an overview of existing community based support and housing services. Its recommendations cover the development of new services to meet the needs of the disabled and handicapped in our area. Among the suggestions, are provisions for the creâ€" ation of the position of Coâ€"ordinator of Services for the Physically Handicapped Individual. The guidelines call for a Standing Case Committee to review the needs of individuals and an Appeal Comâ€" mittee to insure a fair hearing for all. One month after the Council‘s guidelines were released, the federal Government news» anes as30¢â€"41â€"0n Hear firemen out WALTER McLEAN published every Wednesday by Fairway Press. a division of Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo Record Ltd . owner 225 Fairway Rd S. Kitchener. Ont Waterigo Chromcie office is located onZnd rigo: of the 0 W Sports buiding opposite Waterioo Square Parking on King Street or in Waterioo Square Open Monday to Fnday 9 00 a m to 5 00 p m address correspondence to Waterloo office 92 King St South. Waterioe. Ont . telephone 886â€"2830 o Manager: â€" Bill Karges Editor: Phil Jalsevac subscriptions $14 a year in Canada $16 a year in Ur‘ted States and Foreign Countries was presented with the report of the Special Committee on the Disabled and the Handicapped. The report, entitled "Obâ€" stacles," contains 130 recommendations which would, if implemented, make the lives of disabled Canadians more meanâ€" ingful and productive. Building on the three principles of participation, responsibility, and selfâ€"help, the sevenâ€"member, allâ€"party Committee aimed its work at the following objecâ€" tives: â€" achievement of adequate income; â€" support for promotion of selfâ€"help efâ€" forts; â€" provision of technical aids and communiâ€" ty support services such as attendant care and intervenor services; â€" equal benefits and protection under the law; , â€" equal opportunity of access to public buildings, facilities and programs; â€" equal access to a full range of opportuniâ€" ties in employment, housing, educatior., transportation, recreation, communicaâ€" tion and information; â€" provision of community support services to reduce or eliminate the need for institutional care; Publisher Manager: Editor: establisheqa 1854 Dealing with the handicapped Paul Winkler There has already been one important indication that the Government is planning to take some action on the Committee‘s recommendations. Earlier this year, the Liberal majority on the Constitution Comâ€" mittee agreed to allow a Progressive Conservative amendment to the proposed Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. The amendment, passed unanimously, adds physical and mental disability to the list which forbids discrimination on the grounds of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex or age. The change will result in all public buildings and transportation being made accessible to disabled persons. One very encouraging initiative has recently been taken in the private sector. In the March 7 edition of major newspaâ€" pers across the country, the Robert Simpson Company inserted a very special Fashion Supplement. What is unique about this catalogue is that, for the first time, three paraplegics are shown along with the professional models. The Canadian Paraâ€" plegic Association reports that another major retail chain is planning similar â€" improved quality of life for disabled persons who live in institutions. I would be pleased to supply anyone interested with a copy of the ‘"*Obstacles" report. Please telephone my Constituency Office in Waterloo Square (885â€"4900) or write me (postage free) at the House of Commons. Both offices are accessible to wheelchairs. The implementation of the recommenâ€" dations in both reports depends on your action and mine. _ Both the Social Resources Council‘s Gy,'uzelines and the Special Committee‘ Report are very similar in both their general aims and the specific recommenâ€" dations they make. What they both basiâ€" cally point to is that for too long society has tended to shut the disabled out of everyday life. Whether we have erected physical or social obstacles, it is high time to do away with all barriers and ensure that individuals are permitted to move as close to the normal routines of our society as is possible. â€" regardless of handicap. The emphasis should be shifted to ability, instead of disability. material. The Association reminds me in a recent letter, that integration is one of the main themes of this United Nations International Year of Disabled Persons.