A community is democratic only when the humblest and weakest person can enjoy the highest civil, economic, and social rights that the biggest and most powerful possess. - A. Phillip Randolph 1969 Polio protest for the right to live independently For the first time since the pandemic was declared I am now sitting at Kanpai … Continue reading The Contrarian Community of Calgary
Tag: access
Change is Constant, Accept That
Deep thoughts on activism Good Monday morning. There comes a time when we have to focus on the betterment of those around us and back off from saving the world. When you have been involved in activism as long as I have, it can be hard to hand over the reins of "change". It is … Continue reading Change is Constant, Accept That
Busy With Purpose
"There's a moment where you have to choose whether to be silent or stand up" - Malala Yousafzai Making the best in a bad situation, something many disabled are good at. I have spent the last 4 months running from pillar to post with little direction, teetering on the edge of frustration continually, constantly researching … Continue reading Busy With Purpose
For God Sake Wake Up
"I think complacency is what you allow it to be" - Draymond Green Sadly a forced reality for too many people I cannot express the level of my anger right now. It's Thanksgiving and suppose to be a joyous day spend with loved ones (or those close) celebrating the things we are thankful for. Instead … Continue reading For God Sake Wake Up
Thanksgiving 2019
"Legacy is not what I did for myself, it's what I'm doing for the next generations" - Vitor Belfort Thanksgiving Day is upon us and one constant I hear every year is "why is the Canada Thanksgiving not held at the same time as the American one?". For those that don't know the reasons are … Continue reading Thanksgiving 2019
Syphoning Hope
"When I was young my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for having been there" - Jim Henson I think most people are born with a certain amount of hope. I believe I was born with … Continue reading Syphoning Hope
It’s the Not the Attention We Receive That Counts, it’s the Attention We Pay
"When you pay attention to boredom it gets unbelievably interesting" - Jon Kabat-Zinn I became a fan and follower of Jon Kabat-Zinn early in my career as a mental health therapist. His teachings not only contributed to my job performance but blended well into my every day life. Living with a disability while maximizing ones … Continue reading It’s the Not the Attention We Receive That Counts, it’s the Attention We Pay
Redefining Social Justice – Part 2, Knowing Your Place is Not Knowing your Role
"Never fry bacon wearing a tank top on while sitting in a wheelchair" - Ancient Chinese Proverb I have always considered myself a political "centrist". There isn't a political party that hasn't presented a few platform I agree with and others I don't. But that is alright, that is what makes me a centrist and … Continue reading Redefining Social Justice – Part 2, Knowing Your Place is Not Knowing your Role
Is Home Where You Live…
"Perhaps home is not a place but simply an irrevocable condition" - James Baldwin Have you ever had one of those mornings where you wake up and the first thought out of your head is "damn it". And you start to question why you had to wake up? Well that was how my day began and … Continue reading Is Home Where You Live…
A Hostage of Circumstance
"The biggest restriction to independence for the disabled is the perception of retaliation for speaking out" - Terry Wiens (2018) I am so pissed off right now I need to speak out. I have been a hostage of circumstance for the past four years and I'm tired of it. I own part of the responsibility … Continue reading A Hostage of Circumstance
A Poster Child's Perspective 