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Just doing my best to roll with the punches
Let’s start off with some good news that I’d like to share. Last week, I was finally able to book an appointment to get the Covid-19 vaccines. My first one will be on April 27, and my second one is set for August. As of this writing, I don’t know
Tracheostomies and ventilators — every breath it takes
Above: Medical ventilators like this ICU artificial lung ventilator are used in hospitals. (PHOTO: ISTOCK) Over the past year, there has been much conversation regarding ventilators. This, of course, is primarily due to Covid. Topics range from hospitals having a short supply of ventilators and the fear of using one.
Winds of change: personal attendant care and shortages
This week’s column may seem a little different to some. Things are a little stressful around here. Thankfully, it has nothing to do with my health, at least not my physical health. A few weeks ago, I briefly mentioned the ongoing possibility of having to go to the hospital or
The pandemic isn’t over yet. Stop pretending that it is.
When I first heard that Ottawa was being put in the red zone, I wasn’t surprised. However, when I found out about restaurant restrictions being loosened, I kind of rolled my eyes and wanted to bang my head against the wall. Perhaps it’s for the best that I’m physically disabled
27 years later and how things have changed
On March 16, 1994, I left the Children’s Hospital Of Eastern Ontario after living there for nineteen years, and I moved into my own place. For most, being nineteen years old and moving into their own place wouldn’t be a big deal. Many people have done it and for the
One person’s story of being in isolation due to Covid
Recently, I was chatting to a long-time friend of mine about Covid-19. They live in a local care facility. Out of respect for their privacy and any possible ramifications, I won’t mention their name or where they live. But I did want to share their story partly because it’s rarely
Trust us. We know what is best for us.
After successfully avoiding mentioning the “C” word last week, I have some news to share regarding Covid. A few days ago, I received an email asking me if I was ok with giving my contact information to Ottawa Public Health to be put on the list to get the vaccine.
PWD — more than meets the eye
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably tired of hearing about the “C” word, and I’m not talking about cancer. This week, I’m taking a much-needed break from mentioning the “C” word. Recently, I received a new piece of medical equipment. I received a portable stand for my ventilator and
Reopening doesn’t mean it’s accessible to everyone
As I’m sure you’re all aware by now, Ottawa is set to reopen on Tuesday, at least in a limited form; businesses such as restaurants, gyms and salons will be allowed to reopen with restrictions. Last week, I discussed how I thought it was too soon. I still feel that
Reopening Ontario — is it too soon?
With the stay at home order set to expire on February 9th, discussion began as to what Doug Ford’s next step will be. Much of the talk seems to center with Ford taking a regional approach to reopening businesses. Areas of Ontario where Covid-19 case numbers are decreasing would slowly
Lights, camera, and rolling — part two
Above: Maddie Ziegler (left) plays a non-verbal teen on the Autism spectrum in the movie Music. Last week, I talked about movies and TV shows that featured at least one physically disabled actor or actress and how there aren’t nearly enough people with disabilities being used in productions. This week, I’ll be
Why Rick Hansen should be the next Governor General of Canada
Above: Rick Hansen (PHOTO: RICK HANSEN FOUNDATION FACEBOOK) On January 21, 2021, Julie Payette resigned as our Governor General after a workplace review conducted by the Privy Council Office found evidence of harassment of civil servants in the GG’S office. With the GG’s sudden departure, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs
Lights, camera, and rolling — part one
Above: Actor/writer Ryan O'Connell plays a gay man with cerebral palsy in Special. Ever since the pandemic started, I’ve had more time to watch shows and movies, both new and old. Recently, I came across a show on Amazon Prime Video called Loudermilk. At first glance, I wasn’t sure about it, but
Wishes — failures — realities for the disabled
OPINION — There is a heated debate going on here in Canada about medical assistance in dying (MAiD) because of the changes proposed in Bill C-7, a bill that currently sits with the Senate for review. Several articles have been published in OLM in the past few weeks on the
Persons with disabilities need accommodations and supports, not medically assisted death
By Robin Acton As the mother of a young woman with an intellectual disability and the wife of someone with a significant physical disability, I know full well the value and meaning of their lives. Their lives, like my own, are defined by who they are, who they love, their
Winter in Ottawa — delivering independence
Judging by the amount of snow that fell over the weekend, I think we can all safely say that it feels more than Winter. With all this snow on the ground, it means that people with disabilities, particularly those with mobility issues, have an even more challenging time getting around.
Don’t you forget about PWD
By now, most people have heard or watched what happened last week in the US. Meanwhile, here on the local front, Covid-19 numbers continue to rise, and Quebec has implemented a curfew to lower the case numbers. I admit that I don’t understand how a curfew is going to improve
The R-word takes away people’s humanity. We all need to stop using it.
By Al Etmanski Some of you may have heard it on the playground. Others might have used it in jest. I'm not going to write it. I'm just going to call it the R-word because it's that disgusting. It's a slur against people with intellectual disabilities that you will see
Stop telling people with disabilities they might be better off dead
By Lisa Bendall Senators are currently deliberating the passage of Bill C-7, which would amend medical assistance in dying (MAiD) to allow assisted suicide for people who aren’t near death. Not all people, mind you; just people who happen to have disabilities. While many of us fear that this bill
It is a new year — be kind and unwind
Happy 2021! I hope you all had a good NYE, and you’re enjoying the new year so far, at least as much as you can. As I’m typing this, we’re still on lockdown, and the number of people with Covid-19 continues to rise. In that regard, we’re not off to
A look back at 2020 and what I’ve learned
The new year’s almost here. In a few days, we’ll all be rolling into 2021 together. My original topic this week was to take a look back at 2020. The more I thought about it and browsed online; I noticed that others beat me to it. Also, let’s face it,
Growing up in a hospital — holiday edition
Full disclosure. My brain is on semi holiday mode. In a way, it sounds strange for me to say that considering the year that it’s been. Physically, 2020 wasn’t busy for me, but it was hectic for me mentally and emotionally. I couldn’t do most of the typical things that
Covid vaccine and the race to the front of the line
As I’m typing this, the long-awaited and much talked about Covid-19 vaccine is on its way to Canada. Starting Tuesday, December 15, 1500 people in Ottawa will be among the first to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. This week, I’ll be taking a look at the rollout of the vaccine
Bill C-7 is a matter of life and death for persons with disabilities
By Nicolas Rouleau PHOTO: CAMPAIGN LIFE COALITION By cavalierly hurrying through Parliament and limiting debate on legislation to expand access to assisted suicide in Canada (Bill C-7), the Canadian government is fast-tracking the deaths of persons with disabilities. Up until now, medical assistance in dying (MAiD) has been limited to
Tis the season to help others in our community
A listing of organizations that rarely get mentioned that need your support To say that 2020 has been a challenging year seems like a vast understatement. Many have lost jobs, loved ones, and in some cases, their homes. These issues have also profoundly affected people with disabilities but are rarely
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