Tag: Ableism

Quadriplegia

Something about the label “quadriplegic” and being considered a “quad” was something that never felt right. Not for any other reason than I felt it failed to give my ability proper description. In terms of I how used to view the term as a description of a disability more than anything.

When I think of a person who suffers from quadriplegia I tend to picture people I’ve shared time with in rehab. Individuals who, for the most part have a fair amount of difficulty moving most of their body below their neck. Not that I saw it as degrading or insulting. Honestly I just thought of myself not fitting into, what I perceived as the classification.

I realize how flawed my interpretation of the condition was, and yes I’ve rearranged the way in which I look upon it and myself. Continue reading Quadriplegia

Different and Proud

Self-Portrait

I’m often asked if I’m up to date on advances scientists are making on spinal cord research? Honestly I don’t know much about my injuries. Nor do I know, or have much interest in what “they” could do to “fix” me. Mostly on account of I’ve always seen my situation as something that just happened to me. A modified part of an existence that I needed to learn to deal with if I ever hoped to continue to live a productive life.

I don’t or have I ever considered myself as broken. Just altered. Of course I appear different than most blokes on the street. But no matter how hard or soft you look, everyone is different. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re better than me on account of an assumed “inability.” No matter how fair that assumption may appear to be. And by no means does that mean I’m better than you. Continue reading Different and Proud

Educational Barriers

Q: What efforts do you feel you have made in educating the dominant or mainstream Canadian society and what barriers if any do you feel you have met in attempting to do so?

Well my original answer mainly revolved around mention and the purpose of this blog as an “educational” tool. To provide people some context into why I am the way I am. Both physically and mentally. And while this blog is still greatly relevant in such an endeavor, my friend made me consider something I don’t ever spend time mulling over.

That is what seeing me going about my business in life potentially provides another. She reminded me about what others see when I’m out. And what me “being out” actually means. And getting an opportunity to “interact with me is a valuable experience.” Her words, not mine. Continue reading Educational Barriers

Society and treatment

Q: How do you see you have been viewed by the dominant or mainstream Canadian society since your accident and how has this evolved over time?

A: Generally most people are quite accepting and genuinely (assumed) nice to me. That said, no-one is totally sheltered, I encounter “ignorance,” on occasion. Specifically from people who don’t know how to and go out of their way not to take the time to interact with me. But perception goes both ways, kid. When people choose to carry on as such I interpret them as possessing a somewhat closed mind. Frankly it has nothing to do with me. It’s their problem, not mine. I can’t control my “perception,” nor would I wish to. All I can hope to do is to change peoples impressions with my innocent charm… Continue reading Society and treatment