Society for Manitobans with Disabilities

The SMD Self-Help Clearinghouse was established to support the operations of such organizations. It currently supports seventeen organizations like the Arthritis Self-Help Group, Manitoba Down Syndrome Society, Manitoba Brain Injury Association, Hepatitis C Society and Winnipeg League for Hard of Hearing. Over 1500 Manitobans are active members of these groups. Thousands more contact the Clearinghouse for information and services each year. Under the Clearinghouse umbrella, self-help groups share office space, office technology, a common reception area and administrative support. Without access to these resources many of the groups would not be able to continue their valuable work. Yet the SMD Self-Help Clearinghouse is much more than a communal office. Clearinghouse groups benefit from being able to share information and referral resources. They are able to share consulting and training services to help improve their day-to-day operations and the functioning of their boards. By pooling their knowledge, ideas and experiences, they are able to draw on each other's strengths and develop new approaches to common challenges. In addition, the Clearinghouse enables these small self-help groups to collectively make their voices heard, promoting, where necessary, institutional change, improvements in the healthcare system, or changes to the law.