A bright light in the disability community has left us. Well maybe she hasn't really left us. I didn't know Helen well, but I did have the honour of working with her a little bit. One day, she was encouraging the work I was doing with the Toronto Disability Pride March, and I couldn't quite … Continue reading Helen Henderson
Disability Movement
The Grocery Shopping episode
My attendant mentioned that she hates grocery shopping with me because people stare at her with pity. I can’t say I blame her, it happens every week. What I did find strange was that she’s been working with me for a year, and only mentions this today. Maybe because when I backed out of the … Continue reading The Grocery Shopping episode
Some thoughts on Disability, Privacy, and Privilege
Privacy has a bit of a different meaning for me than most people. I hire people to help me shower and help me dress. This is not something I am ashamed of, or that makes me less than anybody else. I’m ok with it, partly because I’ve always had to live with it, but mostly because … Continue reading Some thoughts on Disability, Privacy, and Privilege
New Toll-Free Number for Reporting AODA Violations
We need to send a clear message on the importance of AODA Enforcement by using this toll-free number when we see a violation of the Act. To report an AODA violation to the Government, call 1-866-515-2025. TTY: 1-800-268-7095 The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) became law on June 13, 2005. Under this landmark … Continue reading New Toll-Free Number for Reporting AODA Violations
Why Disabled Canadians should care about Bill C – 51
Today I was asked why disabled people should be concerned about bill C-51. This was my response : I'm not sure I'm understanding your question, are you saying that the serious potential for the violation of human rights is not a concern of the disability community? "Demonstrating without an official permit or protesting despite a … Continue reading Why Disabled Canadians should care about Bill C – 51
Ableism, not Assisted Suicide, is what we need to work against
Update January 23, 2016: Now that the panel has released its recommendations earlier this week, ableism in Canada is once again rearing its ugly head. Allen Mankewich, co-chair of the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities, responded to one such example in the CBC this week. The Supreme Court decision on assisted suicide brings up a … Continue reading Ableism, not Assisted Suicide, is what we need to work against
This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Let’s Remember our Rights
In 2010 Prime Minister Stephen Harper ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This historic document recognized specific ways that disabled people are often left out of society such as Access to Justice (Article 13), Living independently and being included in the community (Article 19), Education (Article 24), Adequate standard … Continue reading This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Let’s Remember our Rights
A Call for Wheelchair Repair Regulations in Canada
My message to Health Canada. I welcome your thoughts. Are wheelchair repair companies subject to any formal regulation or accountability in Canada, and if not, why is that? I am a disabled Canadian who has used an electric wheelchair throughout my lifetime. I have continually received appalling service from my repair company, including charges for … Continue reading A Call for Wheelchair Repair Regulations in Canada
No Shame in Falling
I hate falling. It serves as reminder to me that no matter what I do or what I accomplish, my body will at some point let me down, and that pisses me off. If you`re reading this and thinking there`s a lot of internalized ableism in there, you`d be right. So why do I feel … Continue reading No Shame in Falling
Solidarity with the elevator workers strike
As of the end of May, there are no talks planned in the strike that's seen 1,400 Ontario members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors striking for more than a month with no end in sight. According to Ben McIntyre, business manager for the IUEC Local 50 in Toronto, the union's deal with the … Continue reading Solidarity with the elevator workers strike
Sit Down, Fight Back 