The Estevan Diversified Services has accomplished a major goal and did something that not even the United Nations could do - publish a set of Humans Rights in a language that anyone can read and understand. Your Life, Your Rights, is a handbook written and published by the EDS to explain the human rights code to everyone in everyday language. Connie Wahlmeier, Resource Centre Supervisor for the EDS, realized the need for such a handbook when they were looking at their pamphlets for their clients and trying to explain their rights. 

"We realized that they were over anybody's head. When you look at Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, and try to read the human rights code, it's quite over your head and past anyone's reading capacity."

"The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission referred us to the United Nations Plain Language Rights and there were 42 rights and still then it wasn't plain language. So that's what we narrowed down to 20 clear language human rights."

They then reached out to the Estevan Comprehensive School art students to provide artwork for the project. 

"I felt, and so did Carol Cundall, our executive director, that we needed to have a visual to it besides the clear language. So we have written it in a language that from beginner to any age or ability should be able to read, or visually see it or have it described to them." 

Clients of the EDS also participated in manuscript and two were named in the book because of their contribution to certain wordings and ideas. 

"Because we decided to write a handbook as a guide just to help keep the conversation going and com eup with some examples for a direct service worker or an advocate who is working with the person. Or for the person themselves to go through the book and have a guide to help them think about it."

Interlake Human Resources collaborated from a distance and ECS 9 art students provided art work. 

"We wrote it for people with disabilities but other people have looked at it. Anyone can pick up this book. We've had newcomers interest, interest from schools."

As for the process and all the effort put in, Wahlmeier says that it was all worth it.

"It was a fantastic, eye opening experience about clear language and how we all have to learn what our words are saying and because of our English language, one word can mean eight different things and we have to watch what we are saying to anyone, because they can take it in a different context than what we mean."

"And it was a thrill working with clients and art students it was an exciting adventure all the way."

A BBQ lunch was held yesterday to help launch the book. 

Your Life, Your Rights can purchased through EDS phone or in person for $10 or online.