Disability advocate Tim Rose is attempting to fly to Cleveland to deliver a presentation on the importance of accessibility. But, ironically, he can't get there because a major airline is refusing to accommodate - or even brainstorm possible ways to meet - his needs. Although Air Canada is the only airline to fly there direct … Continue reading Air Canada Discriminates Against Wheelchair User
accessibility
Disabled People have better stories to tell
My proposed line-up of disability-themed movies: A group of crip sisters sharing stories of their struggles through the years, and how their crip sisterhood helped them through it. Maybe those crip sisters are on a spaceship, as part of a rebellion. Two young disabled people from divided houses fall in love. In an act of … Continue reading Disabled People have better stories to tell
Wheelchairs are Not Suitcases: a great opportunity for some #RealChange
Sign the Petition. Every time I fly I make a silent apology to my wheelchair. I leave the chair at the gate, fingers crossed, as I’m transported to the cushy seat on the plain with a small screen in front to distract me from what’s happening to my wheelchair in the cargo hold. For my wheelchair this … Continue reading Wheelchairs are Not Suitcases: a great opportunity for some #RealChange
Real Change means an Accessible Canada for All
#On December 3rd, let's remind Trudeau what an #AccessibleCanada4All looks like. Canada has a new government, and with that new opportunities for change, new potential, new possibilities. Among those possibilities is the Canadians with Disabilities Act. It seems that Trudeau has taken up the call, and made this potential Act a part of the mandate … Continue reading Real Change means an Accessible Canada for All
Disabled People making more waves than Election Candidates?
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?
“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
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
Sit Down, Fight Back 