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

Bias and oppression

Q: How do you think bias, oppression, etc. can best be addressed at an individual, community or policy level in Canada?

A: Simply by encouraging everyone to open their eyes and ears to the world around them.

I’ve learned to look on the world differently than I’d been taught to while growing up. Through that of experience. Lessons that would of otherwise been impossible to effectively learn without having lived through my accident.

I’m the person I am today because everything that has happened to me. And yet I still live to laugh. In all honesty I couldn’t tell you why that is. But it is. Continue reading Bias and oppression

Feelings

Q: What bias, oppression, etc. do you feel towards others and/or do others feel towards you as a result of your accident and do you feel this has changed on an individual, community or policy level since your accident?

I try, very hard not feel any serious preconceived emotions toward anything. If what you’re asking is do I feel anger towards “God,” my answer is simply no. I’d rather use my energy productively. And believing in a God is, in my opinion everything but a valuable use of time.

And before you assume my lack of belief stems from what happened to me, I assure you it has not. In fact being through everything I’ve been through has only strengthened my resolve. Trust me. Continue reading Feelings

Support and services

Q: What support services were the most/least beneficial to you and why?

I honestly couldn’t break it down to any specific services. I really had to think about this question before I arrived at a semi-workable answer. And the answer isn’t quite as specific as I’d have hoped. Oh well.

I believe my “support” and whether it has benefited me, either positively or negatively, simply boils down to whether it was obtained independently, or through a so-called “service provider.”

I didn’t have much control with any “formal” service entity. I was at the mercy of the service and what they’re able to provide at any given time. At least where PSW services go. They were not very flexible and, either unwilling, or unable to deal with change. Like if a staff member was sick, or unable to “report for duty,” not once were they able to provide me a back-up. And given this relations were often strained as a result. A person’s care is, inevitably personal and important. As it should be. I expected dependable help, but was provided anything but. Continue reading Support and services