An Annual General Meeting was held last week for one of Weyburn's newest boards, Inclusion Weyburn.

The group formed only in 2017, but they have accomplished a lot in three short years, providing opportunities for those with intellectual and physical disabilities through a number of community partnerships. Board President Jackie Wilson says they couldn't do what they do without their board of specialized of leaders.

"This is just such a great group of members that we have, because, between the group of them, they cover most of our public elementary schools, the Learning Support teachers from those public schools in Weyburn, and we also have the Learning Support teacher from the Weyburn Comprehensive School," she noted. "So they come equipped with lots of knowledge and experience, and they know our young people, and they're anxious to help, they give so much time, and they know what to do."

"They, along with some classroom teachers who work within our division," she continued. "They just bring so much expertise to this, that helps to make our camp the success that it is. It just meets the needs of the individuals who are a part of it."

She said these experts can also train staff in the regulation tools for different learning disabilities.

"They know what tools they need for regulation, they're able to train the staff in what different learning disabilities might be like, and best practices for supporting these individuals," Wilson explained. "They just bring so much to the table."

She said these board members also mentor Inclusion Weyburn's young staff throughout the summer throughout their camps.

"I think it's a real plus with being in a city the size of Weyburn, with people who know our individuals and kind of know each other or know each other well," she commented. "They know their noses are all pointed in the same direction and they just work together so well. And they see this need and they're just right on board with giving what they can to help."

While their board has its solid base of those committed to providing inclusive programming for those with physical and intellectual disabilities in Weyburn, there is one area their board has found themselves in need of finding a fresh face. Wilson said their board Treasurer Tara McLeod has stepped down, which wasn't a position they were able to fill during the AGM.

"Tara McLeod was so, so good," noted Wilson. "I really relied on her heavily, with Revenue Canada, business, and as well as all of the treasurer business she did. She was good. So she is leaving some big shoes to fill. We are looking for someone who would help us with that."

Wilson said the board is accepting of new members who show interest, so if someone enjoys crunching numbers who would like to serve on their board, they can get in touch with Inclusion Weyburn to discuss joining their board. UPDATE: The Inclusion Weyburn board has, since the original publication of this story earlier today, found someone to take on the role of Treasurer. 

She said as far as programming is concerned, they are always open to suggestions from other boards and committees.

"We've depended on teamwork to collaborate and come up with three partnerships in Weyburn," she shared. "Our partnership with The Family Place gives us camps for three to five-year-olds. Our partnership with the Weyburn Leisure Centre has given us spots for 10 or more children aged six to 12 at their Fun in the Sun Camp, and now we're working on a partnership with the Weyburn Group Homes to create camps for teens and older. That's something relatively new and we're just working on it. But absolutely we're open to working with other committees because that seems to be the best way to go."

She added that their group's members are currently enjoying the All Abilities Soccer Program being offered through Weyburn Soccer Association.