\u201cEvery day is a challenge when you are in a wheelchair,” says Rick Mason, a member of the Power Cord program at the Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being.<\/p>\n
It is DIS\/ABILITY Awareness Week at Brock.<\/p>\n
To help increase understanding of this important student-led initiative, members of the Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being who participate in the Power Cord Exercise Program, share some of their day-to-day accessibility challenges and misconceptions about people with disabilities.<\/p>\n
Power Cord is a wheelchair accessible program that customizes exercise specific to individuals with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and amputations.<\/p>\n
Mason says as soon as he leaves the house, there are barriers. Three of the major accessibility issues he faces on a regular basis are at\u00a0businesses that don’t have parking for accessibility vans, an accessible entrance or handicap washroom facilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany people in Niagara do not realize when they park on or too close to the yellow lines beside a handicap parking space; they could be preventing someone from getting in or out of their vehicle. Often, I\u2019ve had to wait for the person next to me to finish their shopping and move their car before I can get my ramp down to get back in my vehicle. It is very frustrating.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mason’s wife Jackie says there are also misunderstandings among business owners about what a barrier-free washroom is. She says many believe having a larger stall is enough. What every business should have, that would be more helpful, is a companion washroom, where a caregiver can go in and assist.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are times when my husband (Rick) has gone into a public washroom and either, not been able to close the door or has gotten stuck in the stall and I\u2019ve had to go into the men\u2019s room to help him.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Power Cord members agree there appears to be a lack of patience in Niagara for individuals who require aids for movement.<\/p>\n
Several Power Cord members feel there is a general lack of understanding about disability issues. For example, not every person with a disability is in a chair or uses a walker at all times.<\/p>\n
Power Cord member Jasmine Rees says multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most misunderstood diseases.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have MS, some days are good and I can walk upright and other days, I can\u2019t even feed myself because I cannot get out of bed. I\u2019ve had people accuse me of \u2018faking\u2019 sick because I don\u2019t look like what they think a disabled person should look like. My MS symptoms can change from day to day. Just because I am having a good day today, tomorrow is no guarantee,\u201d says Rees.<\/p>\n
When asked how being diagnosed with MS\u00a0has changed her life, Rees says, initially it impacted her sense of value as a person.<\/p>\n
\u201cMS has changed my life in a lot of ways, I\u2019ve had to sell my house and I\u2019ve lost a lot of friends, not only because I had to cancel on so many social opportunities, but also because it was hard for them to see me change. Today, I may \u2018look\u2019 more able-bodied than some other Power Cord members, but multiple sclerosis is unpredictable.\u201d<\/p>\n
To learn more about physical and invisible dis\/abilities and student experiences on campus, all are welcome to attend ABLE\u2019s Accessibility Forum on Thursday, March 3, from 1-2 p.m. in WH207. Child and Youth Studies Professor John McNamara will help set the tone by presenting on some key issues.<\/p>\n
Please RSVP at via Facebook at A B L E Awareness Breaks Limits For Equality.\u00a0Twitter: @ABLE4Equality #ABLEBrockU #NoDISinABILITY<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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