For those of you who might not know, we're having a federal election here in Canada. I'm not a huge fan of electoral politics. I think there's much more that we can do to influence social policy than cast our votes, and let's be honest, the choice between three white one-percenters in 2015 says a … Continue reading Disabled People making more waves than Election Candidates?
Activism
“Here in Canada, we won’t see your disability”…unless we can profit from it.
The Parapan Am Games, August 2015. I was at the Torch Relay a few weeks ago, and one of the speakers, a well-known member of the disability community, and founder of a disability organization said, “Here in Canada, we won’t see your disability”. My jaw dropped. I wanted to believe that he hadn’t just said … Continue reading “Here in Canada, we won’t see your disability”…unless we can profit from it.
This election, it’s time for an Canadian Disabilities Act
This election, it's time for an Canadian Disabilities Act*. From coast-to-coast across Canada, disabled people and organization have been breaking down barriers without the support of or federal government, the individualized "solutions" miss the mark; access to society and quality of life is not created through tax breaks and savings plans. Now is a time … Continue reading This election, it’s time for an Canadian Disabilities Act
Why Canada needs more Disability Stories
I grew up in a small town of about 6000 people in rural Ontario. There were a few of us with disabilities in the area, but a small enough number that it was possible for those of us within that group to be at least vaguely familiar with each other. One I remember very clearly … Continue reading Why Canada needs more Disability Stories
Disability…the final frontier for marriage equality?
This week Americans finally achieved marriage equality, and my fellow Canadians cheered (and quietly gloated over the fact that we've had it for the last ten years). While this is truly awesome, it also tugged at a small quiet chord of pain for myself and many others. Amongst the cheers, some quiet whispers: we're not quite … Continue reading Disability…the final frontier for marriage equality?
Helen Henderson
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
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
Sit Down, Fight Back 