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Tag Archive for: disability

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Personal Injury Advertising – A Picture is Worth….

Julie Entwistle, MBA, BHSc (OT), BSc (Health / Gerontology)

I was recently at a stoplight in Hamilton, stuck behind three busses spanning three of the four lanes in front of me.  All three were covered in ads for three different law firms, all personal injury.  Drive another block and there are anywhere between four to eight billboards again advertising personal injury services.  Some are soft, subtle and warm.  Others are creative, catchy and cleaver.  Then there are those that are more fear-mongering, “in your face”, and aggressive.  Whatever the style, message or format, clearly these ads represent the culture of the advertising firm, leaving the “buyer” to choose the approach that best might meet their needs.

Now the focus of this blog is to not bash the way lawyer advertising has evolved.  If signs in parking garages, washrooms, bars, hospitals, or on busses, benches and billboards work, go for it.   Lawyers are intelligent people, if the ROI on these investments is not paying off, I assume they would find an alternative.  However, I do know that within their own community, through events I have attended and articles I have read, that many firms are being criticized for the approach they are taking with the more aggressive “you don’t pay until we win” mentality.  Also, the fear-mongering approach directed at a population of vulnerable and often disadvantaged people can be viewed by many as distasteful.  Honestly, I think the public are becoming somewhat desensitized to the vast number of ads marketing the same thing and the more these ads surface, the less impactful they become.  But as a business owner, I can understand the intense competition in the industry and respect any professional who invests in their business, or themselves, to make a buck.

Where I think these ads need to improve, however, is in the representation of people with disabilities.  Some ads get this perfectly.  They show everyday survivors (presumably “real” past clients) doing the things they love, or “living” after their tragedy.  That, to me, hits the nail on the head.  Others though use images that are transparently “fake” and confuse the message.  Taking a photo of a fit, young(ish) person in Lululemon clothing who looks like they are ready for the Paralympics but is sitting in a clunker wheelchair from the 70’s just doesn’t jive.  The image is flawed and the message is lost.

As an advocate for people with disabilities, I would like to see a movement of “real” people with “real” disabilities center-stage for these ads, and in any ad for that matter, that is trying to represent this population.  Why?  Because it is easy for a non-disabled person to sit in a wheelchair for a photo, but the reverse is not true in that a person who actually uses a wheelchair cannot just “stand-up” to pose as a “non-disabled person” for a photo shoot.  So, let’s give the money spent on stock-photos, modeling and the resulting income to the population of people that “live” these problems, not to regular people who don’t truly represent.

And yes, I am guilty of this as well.  In searching for website stock photos we found several where the person in a wheelchair is standing in the next image.  Or, the one where you see the back of my husband sitting in a wheelchair to capture the image of a once real, but now needed-to-be-simulated, client-Julie interaction.

In searching for a way to better support the community of disabled persons, and to ensure the photos we use in our own media align with “real” people, we came across these sites which sell “true” stock images:

Lawyers working in personal injury – I hope you will join the movement to improve the representation of “disabled people” in your ads to, if nothing else, better support that community financially, realistically and appropriately in your advertising.

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The CNE Disability Policy Change – What the CNE Did Wrong

Julie Entwistle, MBA, BHSc (OT), BSc (Health / Gerontology)

For years the CNE has allowed people with disabilities and their attendants free admission.  Last year they announced that the policy would end for 2016 in that those with disabilities would be required to pay.  Attendants would remain “free”.

Recently the Toronto Star published an article confirming the change in policy.  The CNE explains that the new policy will: respect “the dignity and independence of all of our guests, including those with disabilities.” However, advocates note that people with disabilities can struggle to earn competitive wages which limits both resources and opportunities, and can result in social and community isolation.  Those advocates give this change a “thumbs down”.

As an occupational therapist and business owner, I think the CNE has made a few mistakes in making this change, and in articulating it.  Here’s why…

I love this comic sent to me by Occupational Therapist Jacquelyn Bonneville:

comic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, if equality is about “sameness” then the CNE has wrongly lumped the community of people with disabilities into the “equal” category.  Yet, it is easy to understand that people with disabilities can have increased difficulties making competitive wages and can be marginalized and secluded based on reduced resources and opportunities for participation in many aspects of daily life.  So, by the CNE saying that the policy respects “the dignity and independence of all our guests” they have wrongly lumped “all guests together” when not “all guests” are equal.  The previous policy was more equitable in that it leveled the playing field in a sense by allowing a more “equitable” experience for people of different means.

Essentially, then, the human issue is that the CNE may now be financially excluding a community who needs leisure more than the average person.  Literature supports leisure participation for all, but even more so for people that have reduced options to take on other commonly productive roles like paid work, volunteering, or even school or parenting.  The previous policy was compassionate and fair, the new policy is not.

From a business perspective, the CNE made another mistake.  They failed to make a logical argument for the change and opened themselves to greater scrutiny.  If they wanted to change the policy because that was a sound business decision (like expenses could no longer support it, they were having a hard time administering the policy, there were privacy and disclosure issues for customers in asking for the free admission, or felt the policy only met the needs of physically disabled people and not people with more “invisible disabilities” etc), then that is different.  In that case, the CNE should have simply said “we have reviewed the policy and while we understand and apologize for the impact this change may have on certain members of our community, our board felt it was in the best interest of the operations and sustainability of the CNE to no longer offer free admission for some customers”.  Or something.  Then, they could have used the announcement as an opportunity to advertise that they will continue to offer the $6 after 5pm fare on Monday to Thursday to keep it financially accessible to a wide range of consumers and that attendants of people with disabilities would remain free.

Of course, they could have been more creative in the first place by developing a “middle ground” policy similar to Hamilton’s Affordable Transit Pass (supports people receiving ODSP or Ontario Works), or could have progressed the policy for a year to “voluntary pay” for people with disabilities to recognize that some can afford it, and may want to pay like “everyone else” at entry.

So, knowing that my readership includes people with disabilities, if the CNE is no longer in the cards for you, or you feel the need to boycott because of the policy change, here are some other “disability friendly” places to consider:

·        Check out all the places that are included in the Easter Seals Access2 Card including:   The Royal Botanical Gardens, The AGO, The ROM, Ontario Science Center, Ripley’s Aquarium, The CN Tower, Great Wolf Lodge and more.

·        The Toronto Zoo offers 50% off admission for people with disabilities.

·        Canada’s Wonderland also has disability-friendly policies, contact them directly for discount information.

·        This resource includes other Toronto Attractions that offer a discount for disabled persons.

I am sure there are others, and if you might qualify for discounts or attendant admissions, consider contacting any park or location before you go to inquire.  I hope that these links will provide my readers with disabilities, or their friends and families, a good start for summer exploring. 

 

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Pre-Peeled Oranges: Think Before You Judge

Recent chatter on the web has pointed a finger at pre-sliced, pre-packaged foods such as apple or orange slices – deeming these as lazy, unnecessary and wasteful.  However, for many people living with illness or disability, these items are extremely helpful and necessary.  Check out the following from NPR to learn more about how prepared fresh foods, such as pre-peeled oranges, can make a difference in the lives of many.

NPR:  Pre-Peeled Oranges: What Some Call ‘Lazy’ Others Call A ‘Lifesaver’

Photo Care of:  worldofvegan.com

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Think Before You Speak

Have you ever been in that uncomfortable place of wondering what to say to someone with a disability?  That cognitive and emotional process of wanting to offer support, but not wanting to offend?  Or worrying about offending by offering support?  Or worrying about offending by not offering support?  It can be a conundrum.  Check out the following from SCI Ontario that discusses disability word choices.  And take a look at our previous post:  “Mind Your Mouth—The Language of Disability” for even more tips.

SCI Ontario:  The Quick and Dirty on Disability Word Choices

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Students Learn a Valuable Lesson

Recently, in an exercise to gain empathy for a young student, the principal at Holy Family elementary school in Whitehorse tried an interesting experiment.  To allow students to realize what they often take for granted, the principal had students take turns in a wheelchair for a day.  While students were only offered a glimpse into what life is like for their fellow student, many felt the experiment helped them gain some perspective and were able to better empathize with their classmate.  Check out more on this story from CBC News.

CBC News:  Whitehorse students see what life is like in a wheelchair

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Travelling With Disabilities

Travelling with a disability is not easy.  It requires planning, a supportive attendant, and an open mind.  March break is around the corner and for months my clients have been asking me about travelling with a disability.  Here are some pointers:

1.    Book the trip with a travel agent who specializes in disability, either by interest or circumstance (some have disabilities themselves), if you can.  These agents understand that “accessibility” is not an inclusive term, and with personal experience, or feedback from other patrons, they can customize the trip to meet the needs of your unique situation.  Check out www.accessholidays.ca as an example.

2.    Planning goes a long way.  Send pictures of your equipment, measurements, and get pictures and measurements in return.  Disclose the nature of your disability if you are comfortable with that, and be clear about what you can and cannot do.

3.    Travel with an attendant.  On a trip to Alaska there was a man from our town also on the boat who had a mobility impairment.  He did not have an attendant with him and was constantly asking other patrons to help him.  They were willing to comply, but at times his needs were not met, and it would have been best for him and the other travellers if he had someone with him who understood these and was trained to assist him with the same.

4.    Look at all your equipment options.  Can you rent something smaller or lighter that might be easier to lift, will fit into narrower places, or can you rent devices when you arrive?  I just provided a client with photos of devices, different from the ones he uses daily, that he could consider renting to facilitate his upcoming overnight to a waterpark with his children.

5.    Become informed.  Check out these government resources. Did you know that in Canada, if you have a disability and are flying domestically, you may be eligible for extra seating, support, or your attendant can fly for free? Learn more from Westjet.  Or that Easter Seals offers a Disability Travel Card for buses and trains?  Also, if you have a disability and require someone to assist you through an airport to the gate, or at the gate through security and customs, there are special passes that can be obtained for this.  In Florida there is a rehabilitation program for people with spinal cord injuries that includes “project airport” and this takes wheelchair uses through an airport, onto a plane, and helps them understand how they can successfully manage this despite a physical impairment.  Many magazines (Abilities for one) often has articles on accessible travel and these highlight many different places that are great to visit, and some of the things to think about before you leave or when you arrive.

6.    Talk to an Occupational Therapist.  Occupational therapists have a wealth of knowledge about how people with different conditions can adapt their environment or equipment to manage.  Consider seeking our expertise if you are embarking on a journey outside of your typical space.  Together we can discuss strategies and solutions that can help ensure your vacation is successful.

Safe travels!

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Mind your Mouth – the Language of Disability

Julie Entwistle, MBA, BHSc (OT), BSc (Health / Gerontology)

Have you ever been in that uncomfortable place of wondering what to say to someone with a disability?  That cognitive and emotional process of wanting to offer support, but not wanting to offend?  Or worrying about offending by offering support?  Or worrying about offending by not offering support?  It can be a conundrum.

I recently left a client meeting and one of the other providers was a wheelchair user.  As we ventured to the parking lot we stopped at her car.  As we were finishing our conversation she proceeded to engage in the process of transferring into her vehicle.  Not wanting to provide help without her request or permission, and not really knowing if she needed it in the first place, I simply said “I know you do this all the time but if you need a hand please let me know”.  I figured it was the best way for me to acknowledge that I could help if she needed or wanted it, but that I didn’t want to assume she could not be independent.

I have had many clients tell me about situations in the community where people have made comments, or engaged in actions that are blatantly disrespectful.  I had one client enter Walmart in his wheelchair and the “Greeter” put a sticker on him saying “I am special”.  He was livid.  Or, at a recent course we watched a video of a client with quadriplegia trying a community outing for the first time since his injury.  As he struggled to manage his wallet and bank card the cashier was visibly annoyed.  Granted she was young, but clearly had no patience for this man that was struggling and her actions were clearly not going to make him feel any better.  On top of being compassionless, she didn’t offer him any assistance either.

Ontario has made some great strides in the domain of customer service.  Not only are commercial buildings to be accessible to people with mobility impairments, but now employers are responsible for training their staff on how to appropriately and effectively provide service to people of all abilities.  This is a great step in the direction of helping all people know how to manage service situations that require compassion, patience and understanding.  We have previously blogged about the Accessibility Legislature in Ontario and you can find that information here:  “Accessibility In Ontario.”

So, have you ever wondered how to navigate those waters?  Have you ever used the words “confined to a wheelchair” or “wheelchair bound”?  Do you understand the difference between handicap and disability?  Do you know how use of words like “cripple, invalid and retard” have changed over time to now be generally unacceptable ways to reference someone with a disability?  For people in wheelchairs, the wheelchair actually allows them freedom of movement.  It returns to them a level of function they lost when their legs stopped working.  For many of them, the ability to be independently mobile is not “confining” and does not make them “bound”.  It is now proper practice to put the “person” before the “disability” and to describe their situation as you would their hair color.  For example, “Julie has brown hair” has the same application as “Julie uses a wheelchair”.  How could I be offended by such a statement of fact?  I recently came across the following resource called “Watch Your Language” and find this is an excellent tool to help people that may not have regular contact or training speaking to or about people with disabilities to understand the nuances of language surrounding this topic.

But I think the most important thing to remember here is that not all disability is visible.  It is never good practice to speak negatively, disrespectfully or rudely about anyone.  Doing so just reflects poorly on you.  Remember that everyone has a story and the one you might make in your head about that person or their situation may not be accurate.  As Stephen Covey always said “talk about people like they are present”.  In the current movie Cinderella, I love the advice she gets from her dying mother: “have courage and be kind”.  Words to live by.

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Self-Managed Attendant Care

Did you know that in Ontario there is a direct funding program for people with disabilities?  This program allows people with disabilities to independently manage their own attendant care.  Those who meet the eligibility requirements will receive monthly funds which allow them to hire and schedule attendants of their own choosing, on their own timeline– thus providing more independence and control.

For more information on this program please check out the video attached and visit www.dfontario.ca.

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Hidden Disabilities

For many of us “seeing is believing,” but what about the things we cannot see?  Millions of people across the world suffer from “hidden disabilities” such as brain injuries, autism spectrum disorders, mental illness and more.  Though these disabilities may not be visible on the outside, they are serious and life altering. Laura Brydges, a Canadian living with the effects of brain injury, has started a campaign to create a hidden disability symbol to bring awareness to those who live with these disabilities.  Check out this article from Brain Injury Society of Toronto’s blog (BIST) and help Laura in her quest to make this symbol recognized around the world.

Brain Injury Blog Toronto:  Is it the right time for a hidden disability symbol?

 

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Toronto International: Accessible Travel Information

Are you heading away this March Break?  Leaving from Toronto Airport?  Do you have a disability or need special assistance?  Consider the following helpful tips and contact information to make sure your adventure goes smoothly:

Planning Ahead

Plan your trip in advance with these helpful travel links:

Travel countdown

Travel checklist

Parking

  • Terminal 1 is equipped with a total of 83 designated disabled parking spaces on all levels, except on level 8.
  • Terminal 3 is equipped with a total of 39 designated disabled parking spaces located near the elevator lobbies or hotel entrance on all levels.
  • Long-term parking reduced rate lot, which is located across from Terminal 3, on Airport Road, provides 39 designated disabled parking spaces near the exit booth and Automated People Mover (APM) tower/station.
  • Passengers departing or transferring between Terminal 1, 3 or Long Term parking lot will be required to take the APM to the appropriate terminal.  The APM is fully accessible and operates 24/7.

From the Car to the Plane

Airport Customer Assistance Program (ACAP) @ Toronto Pearson:

  • Provides point-to-point transportation and assistance for persons with disabilities as well as for others who require assistance.
  • Terminal 1 is equipped with information/courtesy phones, available 24 hours a day. These are Identified with the international accessibility pictogram and a white “I” on an orange background (used at Pearson to denote customer service points), which are clearly visible throughout the departures level inner curb, as well as with intercoms throughout the parking garage vestibules.

Services:

  • Terminal 3: services consist of wheelchair and attendant assistance throughout Terminal 3 from the garage or the curb to the seat of the aircraft.
  • Terminal 1: services are offered from the garage or curb to the airline counter or to the seat of the aircraft depending on the airline.
  • This service can be pre-arranged by calling (416) 776-ACAP (2227), by emailing acap@gtaa.com or completing the request for assistance form under the Special Assurance link.

Storage of Mobility Device While Boarding:

  • West Jet: 1-800-538-5696
  • Air Canada: 1-888-247-2262

Need More Information? 

Airport accessibility

Toronto Pearson Airport

Or call:

  • Terminal 1: Terminal Information Services at (416) 247-7678
  • Terminal 3: Terminal Information Services at (416) 776-5100

For more travel tips and information please refer to our Travelling with a Disability post for more on accessible travel.

Have a wonderful vacation!