Ah… the chance to write about something positive! As you may have heard, the 2018 Gerber baby is Lucas Warren. And he has Downs Syndrome. Hooray for broader representation. Hooray for another chance to confront and challenge bias. And hooray for something to celebrate. And take a moment to … [Continue reading] The Gerber Baby and Inclusion
Disabilities
What we can all Learn From the Toronto Police Video Discussion about a Woman with Down Syndrome
Every once in a while we get to pull the curtain back and see what people are really thinking and saying about others - sometimes even about us. And when it is less than flattering, we are always shocked, hurt, appalled. And we have every right to be, because ideally people (especially those in … [Continue reading] What we can all Learn From the Toronto Police Video Discussion about a Woman with Down Syndrome
Accessibility – what does it mean?
Recently I was in a restaurant having lunch with a colleague. The server came to tell us the specials and announced that the soup that day was vegetable, but added: “It isn’t totally vegan, because it’s made with a little bit of cream.” Pause. “So then, it’s not vegan at all,” I suggested. They … [Continue reading] Accessibility – what does it mean?
Meryl Streep’s Golden Globe Speech
I finally watched Meryl Streep’s acceptance speech for her Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globes. Wow... If you haven’t seen it yet, watch it or read it. It’s powerful. And so important. It's also heartwarming and inspiring to see someone use their position and privilege to make … [Continue reading] Meryl Streep’s Golden Globe Speech
ASL – a language all its own
I heard something last week while listening to Spark (on CBC radio) that created a shift in perspective. I love that! American Sign Language (ASL) is not the same as English. Which means that often the literacy rates of people who are fluent in ASL is low. Wait, what?! If you are having the … [Continue reading] ASL – a language all its own
A new look at a daily activity
On my run yesterday, I had to cross a busy street. This isn't unusual. But yesterday I noticed a new button at the crosswalk. It's likely not new, but it's the first time I noticed it. And I noticed it, because it beeped when I pressed it. The beep caused me to pause. If I had a visual impairment, … [Continue reading] A new look at a daily activity
Parapan Am Games – inclusion?
The Parapan Am Games started this past weekend in Toronto. And I find myself wondering, again, why the "para" games are separated and later than the "non para" games. The Pan Am Games came and went in Toronto amid much fanfare. Traffic was bad, but we heard about the medal count daily and there was … [Continue reading] Parapan Am Games – inclusion?
Accessibility on the Internet
I'm creating a new website and will be launching shortly. I'm really excited about it. And I'm also aware that it will be woefully inadequate for some. Given the work I do, that's painful for me. If you use a keyboard, if you use a mouse, if you can see, if you can read what's on a computer screen … [Continue reading] Accessibility on the Internet
In the Wake of Nelson Mandela’s Death
There are many things I could write about this week: How the sign language fiasco at Nelson Mandela’s memorial is an example of how bias keeps us from recognizing or acknowledging issues that for some people are so very vital. How the stigma of mental illness keeps it in the shadows, and prevents … [Continue reading] In the Wake of Nelson Mandela’s Death
Disabilities and the Workforce
Monday on CBC radio's Metro Morning, one of the topics was people with disabilities in the Canadian workforce - or rather the lack thereof (listen here). People with disabilities make up about 17% of the Canadian population, and experience higher unemployment rates (4x the national average), and … [Continue reading] Disabilities and the Workforce