Dumbing Down Conversations

When I first started at the Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta, I will admit that I had very little knowledge of disabilities and specifically about cerebral palsy. I had very little interactions with anyone in a wheelchair or mobility issues, and really wasn't sure how the degree of comprehension some may or may not have. Looking back, I was slightly uncomfortable due to my ignorance, however the one thing I do know, is that I still treated them with respect and as equals.

Lately, I have witness several occasions that reminded me of my pre CPAA days, some of which have been disheartening and I feel it's important to educate our community on some of the misconceptions that people have towards individuals with disabilities. Just because someone is in a wheelchair, does not mean they aren't capable. They may have challenges, but intellectually, most often, they are a lot quicker and smarter than a lot of abled body people I know, and yet, we tend to dumb down the conversation. And this happens at every level, even with people who work for organizations that support the disability community.

So my dilemma is what to say to the person who really should know better? Is there a tactful way to tell someone that individuals with disabilities are capable of having regular conversations without the baby talk?

I think of it like this... In my everyday interactions, at the super market, getting coffee, or walking in the dog park, although I am unsure of anyone's level of comprehension, if I were to automatically take on a child like tone in conversation, do you not think people would look at me like I was a little strange? But that's not how I approach people. Instead, I assume a normal conversational mode, talk about the weather, basic small talk. So why would I treat people with disabilities any different? Once you have engaged in conversation, it's pretty easy to determine whether you need to adjust your style. So let's not treat people like children but rather like the equals they are. Disability or not. I know that if something happened to me where I was confined to a wheelchair, I would certainly not want people thinking I am intellectually incapable of holding a normal conversation.

I realize now that I need to speak up the next time I come across such occurrence, and hope that others will as well. Especially if it involves someone who works in s disability related organization. We need to be leading by example and not setting a bad example to the community.

A lesson in humility

This past Sunday, along with many Calgarians, I attend the city's largest street festival, Lilac Fest! I was thrilled to be able to attend, however this was more on a work level then a personal outing. And what a day it was!

CPAA was to be in charge of the recycling along 4th street, which meant we would need to set out 40 bins and empty as needed. (Our newest go green initiative) We rounded up our staff and volunteers, and pumped ourselves up for what we thought would be a gold mine of a day. Well...the challenges we faced!

Not only was it a challenge to find parking for a 1-tonne truck, but we realized the designated parking areas were underground and our truck would not fit. Thankfully, after running (literally) block to block, we were fortunate to have Shoppers Drug Mart let us take up their parking lot to set up operations.

Two bins at a time, we lined the many blocks with our bins and began to feel the excitement of the day. And then the fun began!!! It wasn't even noon and the streets were jammed packed with festival goers. Seeing as we only had one spot to bring the bottles to, we found ourselves lugging bags across 10, 12, 15 blocks, liquids leaking down our legs, being mistaken for homeless folk, sun beating down on us as we tried to manoeuvre through the crowds. But that wasn't even the best part... we had some competition...from the real homeless people of Calgary. Often, we would make our way to our bins, only to find the bag removed and it beginning to be refilled with a mixture of bottles and garbage. This is where I drew the line. Nowhere in my job description did it say that I would have to go through garbage to help the organization. Then, I looked over, and who's up to their elbows in garbage? Our very own Executive Director, Janice. Well...if that wasn't a statement I am not sure what is. Never, have I seen a person in a position of authority, go through garbage and recycling with such enthusiasm as our big boss. This was a lesson in humility!

So I rolled up my sleeves, picked up the pace, and decided that I didn't care what people around me thought, if I had to fish through garbage for a ten cent bottle...I was going to make a difference. At the end of the day, as I scrubbed the stickiness off my body in the longest shower I think I ever took, I not only realized how lucky I am for not being one of the homeless who has to pick through garbage for survival, but how very fortunate I am to be surrounded by such dedicated people. No act is too small to make a difference, and the people I work with proved that. Two of our dedicated Edmonton staff even woke up at 4am to make sure the truck was there to make it happen.

Vacation Villa Offers Stress-Free Vacation for Individuals with Disabilities

For many of us, packing up the car and heading for a weekend getaway can take minimal preparations. Head out to the cottage or book a hotel room, pack a cooler, bathing suit and some supplies and head out on the open road. But what if it wasn’t that easy? What if you were in a wheelchair?

Individuals facing mobility challenges aren’t as fortunate to be able to leave town for the weekend. There are so many things to think about such as…will the place be accessible? Can I get into the bathroom? Can the restaurants accommodate my needs? Not only are there limited vacation places with wheelchair access, but most importantly, as many individuals with disabilities live on assisted income, the cost of taking a vacation is just not feasible.

How can someone with a disability enjoy a stress-free vacation when there are so many things to think about? A vacation without limits is now possible at the Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta’s (CPAA) Vacation without Limits Villa in Gull Lake, Alberta. Located in the gated community of Raymond Shores Resort, the Vacation Villa has just celebrated its grand opening and ready for bookings!

Finally, a vacation rental property for families with special needs! The Vacation Villa will be Alberta’s first fully accessible, all inclusive vacation rental property available year round for members with disabilities as well as to non-members and the general public. A vacation spot where families with special needs are fully accommodated: ramps and lifts where they are needed, doorways that work, and lots of fun things to keep everyone happy.

The two bedroom, 950 square foot custom made, fully accessible recreational home, is fully stocked with all the equipment you will need, including a roll-in shower, ramp leading up to the back deck, a pool and hot tub lift, and accessible pathways for you to enjoy the great outdoors. Only a short drive from Edmonton or Calgary, and room to sleep 9 people, the Vacation Villa is the perfect destination for the whole family to enjoy some rest and relaxation at an affordable rate.

“We want to make vacationing as seamless as possible for our members,” says Janice Bushfield, Executive Director for the Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta. “Many individuals with disabilities face daily challenges and are in much need of a vacation but often don’t have the means or finances to do so.”

The Villa can be booked by individuals of all abilities at very reasonable rates, and subsidy is also available for qualifying CPAA members thanks to the Street Family Vacation Subsidy Program. The memorial fund was set up by the Street Family in honor of their late father who created fond vacation memories with his family and son who lived with cerebral palsy and felt it was important for other families to be able to spend quality vacation time regardless of ability.
For more information on the Vacation Villa or the Street Family Vacation Subsidy Program, please visit http://www.vacationwithoutlimits.ca/ or call CPAA toll-free at 1.888.477.8030.