As the world keeps spinning, so do the wheels

I feel that I didn’t say enough last week about what’s happening in Ukraine. So, this week, I’ll discuss it a bit about it.

I’m not an expert on the subject. I keep up with the news as much as my mental health allows me, but that seems petty to me. People in Ukraine are losing everything now, and I’m complaining about not being able to mentally handle hearing about it.

One thought that keeps rolling in my head is, what’s going on with people with disabilities there? I haven’t heard a single word about PWD in Ukraine. I assume that PWD are living there, or were. I have absolutely no idea. I’ll have to do some research when I get a chance.

Also, if any of you have information or know a PWD living over there, please connect with me on social media. I would love to learn more.

If I were living there, I’d be worried about the building I was living in and if it’s even possible for me to board a bus or train to get to a safe location. I’d also worry about my caregivers and if I’d be stranded in my bed.

Sadly, stories such as that rarely get mentioned, but they should be included in all coverage.

Rolling along…

Lately, there’s been more talk regarding an increase in gas prices. Now, I don’t drive, but I am concerned.

As a PWD with 24/7 care, I rely on caregivers being able to get to my place. Some of them do drive. Whenever I hear about rising gases, I sometimes get a bit worried that over time, fuel will become too expensive for them to drive to work, especially for PSW.

When there’s a severe shortage of PSW, the last thing we need is fuel costs adding to the problem.

A rise in gas prices also affects those that use both public transit and taxis, and Uber. All of those services will also raise their prices in order to cover their costs. In turn, this will also lead to less money for those needing transportation to get to work.

So, even though some PWD don’t drive, we’re still affected by it, just like everyone else.

This also goes along with my crazy theory that people with disabilities are, in fact, people too.

In other news…

The Paralympic Games are underway in Beijing. As of right now, Canada has three medals.

One gold, one silver, and one bronze.

Ongoing coverage of the 2022 Paralympic Games can be found online through CBC, Sportsnet, and AMI.

For a complete schedule, go to: https://paralympic.ca/beijing-2022-broadcast-schedule

I haven’t checked it out yet.

Among my favourites include hockey and skiing events.

Good luck to all of our Paralympians in their events. Also, have fun, and be safe.

GO CANADA!

Last week, there was much discussion regarding local businesses in Centretown that were forced to shut down during the occupation. To assist small businesses that were affected, the Ontario government is providing up to $11.5 million.

Several business owners spoke out following the announcement, saying that the money wasn’t enough to cover their losses.

Now, I don’t own a business, and my math skills never seem to add up.

However, as a person with a disability, who has lived in Centretown for almost thirty years, I have a possible solution.

Make your store wheelchair accessible.

If a business isn’t wheelchair accessible, they’re not allowing certain customers in. Because of that, they’re missing out on money.

There are far too many businesses in Centretown that aren’t wheelchair accessible. I’m talking about bars & restaurants, coffee shops, clothing stores, small bookstores, etc. etc.

Just take a walk down Elgin, Sussex, or in the ByWard Market.

In some cases, it’s almost impossible to make their business wheelchair accessible due to the building’s age. That’s not always the case, though.

Many local businesses refuse to use portable ramps, such as the ones provided for FREE from StopGap. A small portable ramp will allow more customers into your stores.

More customers = more money

And that’s math that even I can understand.

PHOTO: iStock