Rants Raves and Recommendations
Feb 2, 2017
ATMs should be designed so that people in wheel chairs can use them .
Feb 2, 2017
Canada needs consistency in terms of legislation and building codes across the country. One of the biggest things that needs to change is attitude towards those with disabilities and that starts with our leaders in government. More education and training needs to be given, not just in the health care field but to the public in general. More information needs to be given to the public. Most importantly, any federal legislation that is enacted regarding accessibility and inclusiveness MUST be enforced at all times, regardless of which political party is in power.
Feb 2, 2017
I find that most people have their hearts in the right place. There are things that would help out to make things a little easier.
First of all my Physiatrist recommended that I get out of my two storey home. I had been there for 20 years but my physical condition was deteriorating to the point that stairs were difficult and dangerous.
I bought a bungalow. Almost perfect home. I had to do a few things but with a few ramps, I could go all around the house and yard. It cost me with the moving and real estate fees about $20,000. On my income tax I was only able to write off as a medical expense $2000.00. Ouch.
Next, I purchased a van to help with my electric chair. I was able to write off as medical expense $5000. Better, but know where near the cost of the vehicle.
The obvious issue is that these write offs are not even close the the cost. Second, these are considered 'medical expenses'. If you have little or very low income the write off is of little help.
With an aging population we are going to face some very serious issues regarding mobility and accessibility. Universal design techniques will be essential to cope with these issues.
People are funny about disability. They are embarrassed and/or sometimes too proud to accept the notion or the appearance that they might have issues. A program that made the disabled more human, more like the guy next door and not something to be ashamed of would go a long way.
Another thing is disability insurance. It has been a god send. However, at 65 it ends. It was the lions share of my income. My income will be cut in half at retirement.
I don't want to whine. I have been very fortunate. I am 62 years old and I have been disabled since I was 18. I have had lots of time to come to terms with this. Other people might not have the time necessary to process their situation. Coming to terms with and acceptance of your health or lack thereof is important.
It is hard to state things in generic terms because most issues are very personal. I hope that some of the information given above will give you some insights into issues facing disabled people in general.
First of all my Physiatrist recommended that I get out of my two storey home. I had been there for 20 years but my physical condition was deteriorating to the point that stairs were difficult and dangerous.
I bought a bungalow. Almost perfect home. I had to do a few things but with a few ramps, I could go all around the house and yard. It cost me with the moving and real estate fees about $20,000. On my income tax I was only able to write off as a medical expense $2000.00. Ouch.
Next, I purchased a van to help with my electric chair. I was able to write off as medical expense $5000. Better, but know where near the cost of the vehicle.
The obvious issue is that these write offs are not even close the the cost. Second, these are considered 'medical expenses'. If you have little or very low income the write off is of little help.
With an aging population we are going to face some very serious issues regarding mobility and accessibility. Universal design techniques will be essential to cope with these issues.
People are funny about disability. They are embarrassed and/or sometimes too proud to accept the notion or the appearance that they might have issues. A program that made the disabled more human, more like the guy next door and not something to be ashamed of would go a long way.
Another thing is disability insurance. It has been a god send. However, at 65 it ends. It was the lions share of my income. My income will be cut in half at retirement.
I don't want to whine. I have been very fortunate. I am 62 years old and I have been disabled since I was 18. I have had lots of time to come to terms with this. Other people might not have the time necessary to process their situation. Coming to terms with and acceptance of your health or lack thereof is important.
It is hard to state things in generic terms because most issues are very personal. I hope that some of the information given above will give you some insights into issues facing disabled people in general.
Feb 2, 2017
I was injured in a fall in February 2014. The fall occurred in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I was in hospital there for a couple of weeks and then transferred by air ambulance to Sunnybrook Hospital, and subsequently to Lyndhurst Hospital in Toronto where I was a patient for six months.
Although I received great medical treatment in both medical facilities in Toronto, I cannot say the same for the preparation and procedure for discharge. I, as a patient, was totally unprepared as to how to prepare for discharge and what protocol to follow.
Firstly, due to the procedure dictated by the government of Ontario, I was discharged from Lyndhurst with little or no preparedness to cope with the outside world. I was discharged and my physiotherapy sessions came to an end.
Little did I know that upon discharge that being denied physiotherapy at that time was a denial of the treatment that was most critical with respect the rehabilitation of the patient. In other words, the most necessary treatment at the critical moment was denied.
Yes, I could have arranged my own treatment privately had I a) been able to afford to pay $125 to $150 to pay for it privately since the government rids themselves of any responsibility when it is most required and and/or b) been made aware of the absolute necessity of continuing physiotherapy and how critical it is for the patient's recovery.
Accordingly, as a result of government regulations, the patient is forced to transition themselves from absolutely full treatment to not at all without the patient being aware of the consequences.
Although I received great medical treatment in both medical facilities in Toronto, I cannot say the same for the preparation and procedure for discharge. I, as a patient, was totally unprepared as to how to prepare for discharge and what protocol to follow.
Firstly, due to the procedure dictated by the government of Ontario, I was discharged from Lyndhurst with little or no preparedness to cope with the outside world. I was discharged and my physiotherapy sessions came to an end.
Little did I know that upon discharge that being denied physiotherapy at that time was a denial of the treatment that was most critical with respect the rehabilitation of the patient. In other words, the most necessary treatment at the critical moment was denied.
Yes, I could have arranged my own treatment privately had I a) been able to afford to pay $125 to $150 to pay for it privately since the government rids themselves of any responsibility when it is most required and and/or b) been made aware of the absolute necessity of continuing physiotherapy and how critical it is for the patient's recovery.
Accordingly, as a result of government regulations, the patient is forced to transition themselves from absolutely full treatment to not at all without the patient being aware of the consequences.
Feb 2, 2017
I was injured in a fall in February 2014. The fall occurred in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I was in hospital there for a couple of weeks and then transferred by air ambulance to Sunnybrook Hospital, and subsequently to Lyndhurst Hospital in Toronto where I was a patient for six months.
Although I received great medical treatment in both medical facilities in Toronto, I cannot say the same for the preparation and procedure for discharge. I, as a patient, was totally unprepared as to how to prepare for discharge and what protocol to follow.
Firstly, due to the procedure dictated by the government of Ontario, I was discharged from Lyndhurst with little or no preparedness to cope with the outside world. I was discharged and my physiotherapy sessions came to an end.
Little did I know that upon discharge that being denied physiotherapy at that time was a denial of the treatment that was most critical with respect the rehabilitation of the patient. In other words, the most necessary treatment at the critical moment was denied.
Yes, I could have arranged my own treatment privately had I a) been able to afford to pay $125 to $150 to pay for it privately since the government rids themselves of any responsibility when it is most required and and/or b) been made aware of the absolute necessity of continuing physiotherapy and how critical it is for the patient's recovery.
Accordingly, as a result of government regulations, the patient is forced to transition themselves from absolutely full treatment to not at all without the patient being aware of the consequences.
Although I received great medical treatment in both medical facilities in Toronto, I cannot say the same for the preparation and procedure for discharge. I, as a patient, was totally unprepared as to how to prepare for discharge and what protocol to follow.
Firstly, due to the procedure dictated by the government of Ontario, I was discharged from Lyndhurst with little or no preparedness to cope with the outside world. I was discharged and my physiotherapy sessions came to an end.
Little did I know that upon discharge that being denied physiotherapy at that time was a denial of the treatment that was most critical with respect the rehabilitation of the patient. In other words, the most necessary treatment at the critical moment was denied.
Yes, I could have arranged my own treatment privately had I a) been able to afford to pay $125 to $150 to pay for it privately since the government rids themselves of any responsibility when it is most required and and/or b) been made aware of the absolute necessity of continuing physiotherapy and how critical it is for the patient's recovery.
Accordingly, as a result of government regulations, the patient is forced to transition themselves from absolutely full treatment to not at all without the patient being aware of the consequences.
Feb 2, 2017
Seamless accessible transit that includes aircraft, railway, roadway and ferry. Start by installing accessible elevator, ramps at all Via Rail Stations including Guild wood Station.
Travellers should have access to safe pathway in public spaces therefore, minimum shinny slippery surface like marble floors. Optimal utilization of trains and buses by customizing routes to accommodate Travellers lifestyle. Perhaps smaller bused and traincars with frequent tailored trips. Our transportation system needs to be updated for our technology based society perhaps a page from the Uber model where demand is driven by the customer. This will save on gas and energy and the environment by switching the large empty buses (ie. double deck empty GO buses) to smaller models. Wheel trans work well for people in Toronto but not available to serve residents in rural communities.
Finally safe affordable fully accessible transportation should be available to all Canadians regardless of where you live in this great country of owners.
Travellers should have access to safe pathway in public spaces therefore, minimum shinny slippery surface like marble floors. Optimal utilization of trains and buses by customizing routes to accommodate Travellers lifestyle. Perhaps smaller bused and traincars with frequent tailored trips. Our transportation system needs to be updated for our technology based society perhaps a page from the Uber model where demand is driven by the customer. This will save on gas and energy and the environment by switching the large empty buses (ie. double deck empty GO buses) to smaller models. Wheel trans work well for people in Toronto but not available to serve residents in rural communities.
Finally safe affordable fully accessible transportation should be available to all Canadians regardless of where you live in this great country of owners.
Feb 2, 2017
How can the TTC subway system be allowed to discriminate against a wheelchair? It's 2017 and still no plan for compliance at Islington station!
Feb 2, 2017
1.Why don't Real-estate agencies have accessible housing lists.
2.Should #Pwd's get the same bus fare rate as a senior citizen, we both live on limited income(poverty)!
Just saying:)
2.Should #Pwd's get the same bus fare rate as a senior citizen, we both live on limited income(poverty)!
Just saying:)
Feb 2, 2017
Being a complete paraplegic, I get frustrated when I see handicap parking spaces always taken by people who could physically access other spaces nearby. I believe establishments should have wheelchair only spaces. Kind of like when Lowes displays accessible van only signs. But people with regular vans take them. My concern is that people in wheelchairs that actually drive, need the extra width of a handicap spot. I think the ministry should make wheelchair only spots and permits. The other problem is that all the current permits are free. I don't mind paying for mine if I have a guarantee.
Feb 2, 2017
Not all places are accessible like private school or older building. My solution to this problem is simple fix it or move. I am tired of asking is your location accessible every time I call a place.