Accessible Living
This is a place where we can post pictures and explanations about what makes our homes and our lives accessible or not accessible. We can talk about Universal Design or about the simple gadgets that help you day to day. By sharing what works for us, we are providing our peers with possible solutions to their problems. Likewise, by sharing an issue, we can benefit from the vast knowledge and experience of our peers in the disability community. MacGyver’s abilities pale in comparison to the problem solving prowess of those living in a barrier filled, ableist world. Let's put our expertise on display!
Please Note: we may include our names on these pages, everyone else will be identified as “Contributor” or “Peer” unless express permission has been given. If you have any comments or feedback on anything posted, please contact us.
Subject: Accessibility: Why living with a Spinal Cord Injury is so Hard in Public Settings
Posted: June 8th, 2023
Accessibility: Why living with a Spinal Cord Injury is so Hard in Public Settings
Melanie: I struggled with where to post this. It could fit under more than one heading… but this is where it landed today. Kayley Lawrenz’ essay “Accessibility: Why living with a Spinal Cord Injury is so Hard in Public Settings”, featured on the Spinal Cord Injury Canada site, covers a lot of ground. These spaces are important for people to share their experiences so that others do not feel alone and so that the rest of us can educate ourselves, check our ableism and do better.
SCI Canada: Kayley Lawrenz is a 25-year-old undergraduate psychology student at the University of Saskatchewan. Kayley identifies as a cisgender woman with she/her pronouns. She is a public speaker, research assistant, blogger for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Canada and aspires to become a clinical psychologist. She also volunteers for an organization dedicated to helping those who have experienced trauma and sexual assault, and as a peer mentor for people with new SCIs. A few of her accomplishments include awards for her public speaking, being asked to lead her own research study, and earning high enough grades to apply for honours in university. Kayley has been living with a C6 cervical SCI since the age of 16 and has a wide range of knowledge and experience regarding life with a disability. She has a passion for sharing her education and amplifying her voice, and others, to increase awareness and education on social issues for the betterment and equity of those most marginalized in society. Outside of work, she loves to do puzzles, play games, train with her adorable dog and go on adventures with family and friends. Education, psychology, public speaking, and equity are her main passions in life.
Subject: The Magnificent Margaret Conquest
Posted: May 5, 2022
The Magnificent Margaret Conquest
Melanie: You know when you meet someone and they feel like a kindred spirit... a sister? Yep. That's how I felt when i met the magnificent Margaret Conquest. She speaks her mind and she lives her life without apology. She is generous with her time, is willing to share and actively supports community. You will find my chat with her on the Periods page. Once I go through some of our other recorded chats... there will be more Margaret on other pages.
Brittney Neunzig is EmpoweredPara. She too supports community by sharing. Check out her website EmpoweredPara and her EmpoweredPara YouTube Page.
Brittney started Mondays With Margaret and she's made a YouTube playlist. As of the day this was posted, there are 3 videos on the playlist: Quadriplegic Kitchen Tour, Meal Prep With Margaret/Quadriplegic Making Lunch and Quadriplegic Bathroom Tour, Transfers and Tips For Independence. To view this playlist, click HERE.
SCI Alberta also created a video featuring Margaret called Margaret's House Modifications. To check this video out, click HERE.
Thank you for sharing Margaret!
I am striving to connect with a variety of people in order learn about our differences and varied experiences in this world. Representation matters. If you would like to connect with me... please do. I want to hear what's on your mind and in your heart.
Subject: Building a Better FreeWheel
Posted: May 5, 2022
Building a Better FreeWheel
Melanie: There are so many great minds designing and building items to make the world an easier place to navigate. Check this one out!
SCIBC: An inside look at how BCIT and ICORD researcher Dr. Jaimie Borisoff is taking one of the most popular wheelchair add-ons ever created to the next level.
Subject: AccessTO
Posted: May 5, 2022
AccessTO
Melanie: AccessTO is a not for profit organization evaluating accessibility. To have a catalogue of places that have been vetted... to plan a day or night out and not have to look at google maps or make calls to clarify what a location means by accessible? Wow. Wish I could click my heels together 3 times and make this available in every city. It does not bridge all the gaps and they acknowledge this. How do you eat an elephant?
AccessTO: An organization that was created after a group of health professionals felt that there was a need for more in-depth reviews of the physical environments in our community. Until a more universal approach to construction is implemented in Ontario we feel reliable, verified and quantitative information about accessible spaces is of great importance. Being social can be a challenge for anyone, especially as we emerge from the Covid-19 global pandemic. People with physical disabilities often face barriers as they try partake in social activities others take for granted. We hope that you will come to trust AccessTO when planning your events and social outings and that by seeing out logo in a restaurant window you it will remove any fear or anxiety of visiting that space. We understand that accessible means something different for every individual. We will continue to try and have a diverse pool of contributors posting to the site and when furthering the development of our criteria list that we use when writing our reviews.
Subject: AODA Requirements for Healthcare Providers
Posted: May 5, 2022
AODA Requirements for Healthcare Providers
Melanie: The people in charge of healthcare facilities are supposed to be following the 5 standards currently in place. So why are there so many people not able to access pelvic exams because the examination tables are inaccessible? What health ramificationas has this caused? What is the cost? This is just ONE example. There is so much to fix and make right.
A July 22, 2019 post by Greg Thomson: Currently, the AODA only has five standards that organizations must follow to become more accessible to Ontarians with disabilities. Committees are in the process of developing more standards to prevent or remove accessibility barriers that current standards do not address. One of the standards that does not exist yet is a healthcare standard. A committee has been created to make recommendations about what a healthcare standard should include. In the meantime, however, there are still AODA requirements for healthcare providers to follow.
Subject: SCIBC “A Matter of Style: Adaptive Clothing Option in BC”
Posted: May 5, 2022
SCIBC “A Matter of Style: Adaptive Clothing Option in BC”
Melanie: Here is some information on adaptive clothing. Derek Jezewsky is a Canadian distributor for Kinetic Balance. Some very interesting products. I would like to balance this post with other adaptive clothing manufacturers with a more accessible price point. Variety in style and price is important.
Call Out: If you know anyone in the adaptive clothing business, let us know! Including those people designing and creating out of their own homes!
SCI BC: Coquitlam’s Derek Jezewsky has always enjoyed dressing and looking smart. With his new business, he’s overjoyed to be helping other peers discover—or rediscover—their own fashion sense.
Subject: How to use the Telestik
Posted: May 5, 2022
How to use the TeleStik
Melanie: We have 3 of the "grabbers" around the house, but this looks like it could be a good addition. Have you ever used one of these? What tools do you have around the house?
TeleStik: Allows you to retrieve hard-to-reach items without requiring significant grip strength or dexterity. And it gets in tighter places than other reachers because of its sleek design and clever sticking mechanisms.
If you have experience with this product, let us know!
Subject: Frog Leg Mobility
Posted: February 7, 2022
Frog Leg Mobility
Melanie: Our friend Phil sent us the link to Frog Leg Mobility so we could share it with everyone. Thanks Phil! Click on the link at the bottom to visit their site and watch a video on how the "lasso" can be used to "wrangle" your legs.
Frog Leg Mobility: LegLasso™ is lightweight and durable, allowing users to reposition their legs when they spasm or become uncomfortable. LegLasso™ can be used with ease while lying down, eliminating the need to sit up or thrash around in order to roll over. LegLasso™ was originally designed for spinal cord injury patients, but are effective for anyone with limited lower body or leg mobility (e.g. those living with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, etc). LegLasso™ is great for people that worry about developing bedsores and can give people with impaired use of their hands the chance to be more independent.
If you have experience with this product, let us know!
Subject: Dwell: Caterpillar Cost-Effective Apartments
Posted: February 7, 2022
Dwell: Caterpillar Cost-Effective Apartments
Melanie: Wallace and I love quonset huts. We have considered getting one and building an accessible home. We have since decided to renovate our current space instead. But the beauty of the quonset style building still calls to us. My sister Meagan sent us a link to this article... and I think this is really something to look at when it comes to access and cost.
Check out this funky design by clicking on the link below.
Dwell: A Massive Metal “Caterpillar” Brings Eight Cost-Effective Apartments to Detroit.
Send us your ideas for accessible living... we'd love to hear from you.
Subject: Brantwood Community Services: HubScrub and Seating Clinic
Posted: February 7, 2022
Brantwood Community Services: HubScrub and Seating Clinic
Melanie: I Have lived in the Brantford area for most of my life. As a teenager I worked and volunteered for some amazing organizations in the community like Lansdowne Children's Centre and Jayne Laycock School. At that time, Brantwood Community Services was known as Brantwood Residential Development Centre. To learn more about their fascinating history, click HERE. The ability to adapt and change with the times is vital… for us as individuals and for organizations like Brantwood. They provide an amazing service to our community. Their Mission Statement is "Brantwood empowers people of all abilities to have a life of their choosing".
They also provide Mobility Services to the public by offering a Seating Clinic and The HubScrub. To view their page, click HERE.
To access their services, call them directly at (519) 753-2658 x 146.
The HubScrub is AMAZING, it will clean and sanitize your mobility devices. I was able to find a YouTube video to show how these machines work and added a link at the bottom of this post. When they first purchased this machine, it became part of the skills development and training program. The clients accessing the services of Brantwood could be trained on the operation on the HubScrub. Unfortunately, funding comes and goes for programs like this, but the service is still available for a very reasonable fee. By utilizing their Mobility Services, you get what you need and you support an important community organization.
Sometimes we can wonder how much impact we can have when there is so much going on in the world that is beyond our control. That's when it's helpful to pull back and look at what and who is directly around you. By supporting organizations in your community, you are creating a ripple effect that can have a broader impact. We can also influence others and encourage them to do what they can as well.
Tell us about your local organization’s mobility services so we can share the resource with everyone.
Subject: HandiCup
Posted: February 4, 2022
HandiCup
Melanie: Our friend Pip sent us the link to this product called the HandiCup. Pip swears by it. Wallace has not tried it yet as it will not work with his current chair. When he finally gets his new one, we will revisit this.
It is a very versatile holder and was created by Chris Stigas - who uses a chair. To read about his story, click HERE. We love promoting useful products and resources, but it's even better when we can support people with disabilities who create these products and resources.
Check out HandiCup and the reviews by clicking on the link below.
HandiCup: HandiCup™️ is a wheelchair cup holder attachment that works for people with full or limited hand function, so that they can successfully and independently access a beverage on the go! The design is thermos and coffee cup friendly, with an adjustable bottom that attaches to all power and manual chairs, no tools required! Simply slide the handle under the seat cushion and you’re all done! It’s 100% Canadian designed and made with patent pending in Canada.
Subject: From Where I Sit: Busting Five Myths of Universal Design by Brad McCannell
Posted: November 10, 2021
From Where I Sit: Busting Five Myths of Universal Design
Melanie: I was looking for articles on accessible housing and came across this article on Universal Design by Brad McCannell (June 8, 2018). He does a great job at debunking the myths associated with inclusive Universal Design. It seems so logical, doesn't it? Design and build for ALL abilities. The sad fact is that attitudinal barriers remain...
Brad states: People with disabilities can only achieve full and equal citizenship if everyone can take advantage all aspects of the built environment. ‘Access’ is being able to get into an arena to watch a game - inclusion is being able to get into the arena and play in the game. Inclusion is the natural outcome of meaningful access.
How true… enjoy the article!
Subject: DIY Hand Crank Table
Posted: February 19, 2021
DIY Hand Crank Table
Wallace: We were looking for a table for my hand crank, but what’s out there to buy was expensive and did not match our aesthetic. Melanie and I designed and built this DIY hand crank table out of plywood and metal pipe. We can exercise together. I go on my hand crank and she uses the treadmill that is tucked under the couch.