Reclaiming Our Bodies and Minds (Disability Oppression Action Conference).

Hey Everyone!!

So February and March have been busy months. There is much I want to blog about but, of course finding the time is always a  challenge! 

Today though, I wanted to write about a conference. On March 16^th I attended and presented at Ryerson University’s Reclaiming Our Bodies and Minds (Disability Oppression Action Conference). This event was hosted by RyeACCESS and The Ryerson Student Union (http://www.reclaimingourbodiesandminds.com/workshops/). It was a great conference bringing together: community members, activists and academics. I really enjoyed meeting people and learning from them. I presented:  

"When academia, lived experience come together: reflections on the medium of blogging and the connection between lived experience and social".  

The presentations were divided into streams my stream was: Disability in Post-Secondary Education. The description of my paper was as follows:

Description:  This paper reflects on my experience as a co-blogger on a disability issues blog: “East meets West – Sam & Jo’s Perspectives” (http://eastmeetswexx.blogspot.ca). I wish to think about how critical analysis provides access to a discourse which creates a language of liberation for activists.  To explore this I will reflect on how Jo Kelly and I came to be bloggers. I wish to use my relationship with Jo as an example of how the activist and academic community are intertwined.  To further investigate my experience I will think along with disability scholars such as Irving  Zola, Tanya Titchkosky , and Rod Michalko.

This was my bio (Fancy eh?)

Facilitator Bios:  Samantha Walsh is a disability scholar, activist and has experience within the professional service sector.  She is currently a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Toronto-OISE In the department of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Social Justice Education (HSSSJE), formerly Sociology and Equity Studies.  Samantha completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology at the University of Guelph. She also holds a Master’s degree in Critical Disability Studies from York University. She is also the co-host of a blog “East meets West-Sam and Jo’s perspectives: A Canadian perspective on disability issues in Canada and around the world”.  Website: http://eastmeetswexx.blogspot.ca/

The presentation was an hour long which is a very long time to present an academic paper so; I decided to do something a little different. I do not usually do workshop style presentations. Normally, I do academic panel presentations. In an academic structure you just read the paper or do a power point presentation.
I tried to create a community conversation by reading two examples of blog posts by myself and Jo. I also used open ended conversations to try and facilitate communication and generate ideas about blogging as a tool for activism. I was quite pleased by the results this yielded: A community conversation that brought together many rich perspectives on disability, access and the community at large.

I feel honored to have had the opportunity to present at and attend such an amazing conference. I think this is the future this is where change is happening when critical theory, academia engages with activists and people who live out experiences of marginalization, change and self empowerment. I was inspired to make my research my relevant to those whom do not have the opportunity to sit with me in school.

Thank you RyeACCESS and The Ryerson Student Union for giving me such an amazing opportunity and reminding me that without action theory is nothing and without theory action is nothing (I am sure someone else said that because, I am not that eloquent, I can’t remember who…).  This was the reminder I didn’t even know I needed that community engagement is invaluable to the process of social change.

What a great way to spend a Saturday!!

SAY WHAT but also WHEN: Thinking about context, language and disability

Hi everyone,

I think it’s interesting Jo published a blog on “words that make her barf” because, I recently read two online articles that made me consider that exact same thing.  The first one was “A Letter To the Guy Who Harassed Me Outside the Bar ” (http://www.rolereboot.org/culture-and-politics/details/2012-12-a-letter-to-the-guy-who-harrassed-me-outside-the-bar) by Emily Heist Moss. The second “How to Talk to a Normal: A guide for the rest of us” (http://www.disabilityandrepresentation.com/2013/01/28/how-to-talk-to-normal-people-a-guide-for-the-rest-of-us/) by Rachel Cohen-Rottenberg. Both articles made me think of many things but, specifically the experience of being approached by strangers on the street. I was then further motivated to write my thoughts down because I thought it would make a fantastic addendum to Jo’s post on words.

Heist Moss’s article is really well written. She brings up several really astute points about: ”Rape Culture” within western society. She is also able to bring to light how we as a society have normalized the objectification and public humiliation of women so much so that it is ubiquitous within western culture. Heist Moss gives space to a really important discussion of the social position of women and gender relations. I don’t wish to take away from that. Further, at some point I would like to complicate the discussion by thinking about what it means to gain the public attention of men (or lack thereof) as a woman with a visible disability. However, the point Heist Moss made that really struck me was her discussion that the “catcalling” is ongoing and so frequent that it has no novelty. Further, she is able to connect the harassment to the notion that the women receiving the taunt do not know the true intentions of the men and thus must prepare for the worst. She contends the harassment is not just the work or a few rude individuals by rather the manifestation of a cultural zeitgeist.   It was this point that made think “that’s my issue with ongoing questions and comments from strangers about my disability”.  I am greatful to Heist Moss for finally making this manifest to me. I have literally spent years trying to pin point why sometimes I like to answer questions and sometimes I don’t.   

Here it is: Much like Heist Moss writes in her article the guy who harassed her outside the bar is one of many men (that week) who have harassed her. This interaction for her is on-going and irritating. This is my experience with intrusive questions and comments. For example: Many people are surprised I can drive (I am very grateful I can drive and recognize many people disabled or not can’t), however on any given day 3 or 4 people will stop me to inquire: how I drive? To say it’s really great I can, or tell a story about someone they know who is disabled…etc… My irritation with this is two-fold: the first much like Heist Moss’ experience with men harassing her, people stop to ask me about driving all the time. So unfortunately if you are the millionth person I am going to be annoyed. Further, I find when I am annoyed this is then interpreted as “people with disabilities don’t like to talk about their disabilities ever…so just don’t”. I find it interesting that in my experience there is not a lot of thought given to the context of this situation. As it’s my blog I am going to point out the difference that context makes. Yes, I get asked lots of questions about my disability and yes sometimes it is annoying. However, if we are friends and you have a question that is very different than someone interrupting my shopping to ask how I pee. If I want to participate in something and we need to think of how to adapt it? It makes sense that you would need to know what my disability is and what I can do. If knowing about my disability helps you support me to do something, or brings us closer together it makes sense.  However, if you don’t know my first name it is weird that you want to know about my body. If I am doing something that you would not normally talk during (peeing, changing, having a conversation with someone else, eating dinner in a public place not with you and you have to walk across the room to speak with me) this is not an appropriate time or place for you to ask. Further if you are simply inquiring for your own information this is annoying. This is annoying because it usually happens when I am running late or trying to do something.   

To make my point clear here  are two examples. I recently took a cardio boxing class. The class is designed for people who can walk, run and jump. The instructor is also a spinning instructor whose class I take. We are friendly and she knows me. When I approached her about taking the boxing class, she said she would need to know more about my “situation” and then apologized because she didn’t know the right word. I said “situation” seemed like a good enough word and went on to explain my experience of disability so we could think about adapting the class. While I appreciate her tact in broaching the subject of my disability, I didn’t mind answering her questions because, we know each other and there was relevant context. Alternatively, I recently had someone randomly ask me if I live with a helper, and who pays my rent? I have never met this person. I assume they live in my apartment but, really don’t know. I was rude to this person because it is none of their business how I live or who pays my rent. Further, I am annoyed at this person’s query because it implies again that disability somehow troubles the human experience. We don’t question how other young people live. We assume they are independent and paying their own rent.  This person’s question is a reminder that I am not understood as quite human.

  

This leads to my second irritation about answering disability related questions and how it relates to Heist Moss article. Much like how her experience of harassment by men makes manifest that we live in a sexist rape drive culture where women still struggle for respect; the fact that it is novel to the general population I can drive or live by myself makes manifest we still live in an ablest cultural where being disabled causes someone’s capacity to be human and do “everyday things” is still questioned.  This cultural confusion that disability somehow negates or blurs personhood is the thing I would say I struggle with the most as a disabled person. This far out ways any bodily limitation I may experience. I don’t want people to assume my friends are my care takers.  If I am out with a group of girl friends I want to be read as such. I often find myself doing things to assert my legitimacy as a person and worrying that people are or are not perceiving me as such.

It is a mix of this concern over not being seen as fully human and thinking about the context of disability related questions. That led me to really appreciate the article: “How to Talk to a Normal: A guide for the rest of us”  by  Rachel Cohen-Rottenberg. Here’s the link again: http://www.disabilityandrepresentation.com/2013/01/28/how-to-talk-to-normal-people-a-guide-for-the-rest-of-us/

Cohen-Rottenberg’s article is a satire flipping the script so to speak. Her writing imagines what would happen if we approached those we read as “normal” non-disabled in the same way we as a society approach disabled people. I really like her writing because it is a playful commentary that highlights how we must remind the general population of the humanness of people with disabilities. It illustrates the absurdity of this odd gap between disability and the human condition. Further to that Cohen-Rottenberg’s whole blog is a great collection of pieces on disability and representation, much of it subversive humor.

I am grateful to both of these authors and Jo for providing me with an opportunity to think about my interactions with people and my disability.

Thank you  

THE RENT IS TOO DAMN HIGH

Hi Everyone!!

So I got sick with that flu that’s going around! My sister has taken the liberty of writing a “Guest blog” post. Thank-you Desiree (My sister). I know  this is not a good sign that I have only written two post and already I am finding other people to write for me. However, it was a great topic! Des and I were discussing finding housing as someone with a disability. We both thought it would make a great topic of blog conversation. A quick biography of my sister: Desiree is my twin we both use wheelchairs and live in Toronto (but on different sides of the city). Des has a bachelor’s degree and a diploma n Human Resource Management. We are friends :-)  

Housing is pretty much a problem for all wheelchair uses or really anyone with some sort of accessibly need.  Unfortunately I can only speak for my experience in Ontario. Most of my experience in finding housing has been in Toronto, In Ontario and for sure in Toronto there is a shortage of affordable housing in general. The waiting list for financially subsidized housing in Toronto is about 8years and that is if you don’t need a wheelchair accessible apartment. .  I was lucky when I initially moved out because I was leaving to go to school out of town. This was good because I just lived in the wheelchair accessible residence of my university and then again at college. However, when I graduated I quickly became aware that, the task of finding a place to live would be a challenge.

I did know that if you bought a condo or house that was currently being built or going to be built you could request it be wheelchair accessible, basically making it how you like it . I know people who have done  this and its AWSOME! One of my life’s goal is to have a home built to my liking. However, currently I cannot afford to buy property. Further, many people not just people with disabilities are not in a position to purchase a home or condo. Many people rent or share accommodations with roommates.   When I moved out of my school’s residence; I contacted the Independent Living Center of Toronto (CILT).  CILT, was also able to give me information about how to apply for financially subsidized housing. They also had a data base of people who were looking to sell or rent wheelchair accessible spaces (apartments, condos, houses).  I found an apartment at a co-op.  Co-ops are a great thing to look into if you need to move and don’t have a lot of money.  

Co-ops are cooperative housing, so everyone who lives in the co-op helps out.  The tenants own the building and maintain it because, everyone in the building helps out the rent is usually slightly lower than market rent. As well sometimes co-ops have subsidizes or grants you can apply for to reduce the cost of your rent.  Co-op also value having a diverse community of people. Therefore, they usually have accessible units that often go unfilled because the co-op can’t find anyone who is disabled.  As I said before Co-ops are good because they are all about community so quite often they will know of services that may be useful, or you may have neighbours who are willing to help you out.  For example: when I moved into my co-op I got information about a local out reach organization and several other community supports. Further, because the building is more community based and there are tenants meetings, social etc.. it is easier to meet people.

Eventually, I did end up applying for financially subsidized housing. Toronto’s process is fairly easy. You do it on line and then mail in a photo copy of your ID and proof of citizenship or residency. You can also go to the “Housing Connect” office and someone there can help you fill out the application. I was lucky enough to get a really nice apartment in about 3 months. I did ask the lady who phoned me to let me know of my apartment why it was so fast. She told me they are working on building more accessible houing so that was why. 

I really like my apartment. It is exactly where I want to live, it is down town and near a lot of useful stores and by a subway witch is handy. I don’t drive and the door to door transit program in Toronto for persons with disabilities requires 24hours notice. You have probably noticed throughout the blog I have used the word “lucky”, that’s exactly what I am lucky. I have basically won the lottery of affordable accessible housing. One of the reasons for this is I “just” require accessible space and can afford to pay someone to help me with the things I have difficulty doing (Cleaning and sometimes laundry). There are many other people with disabilities who require assisted living support to live on their own. The waiting list for those apartments is super long. I can’t really speak to that but, Toronto has a really good transitional program for people who think they may want to move out on their own . I don’t know much about it but I will post a link at the end.

  I know many people who are not in good living situations. Lots of my friends who have disabilities still live at home with their parents BLAH (no offense,  Mom I love you) . There are a number of issues with accessible housing. Sam could likely to speak to the systemic issues of this. It really seems as though accessible housing is a bit of a treasure hunt and options can be limited.  It is my hope that sharing my experience and some resources can perhaps make it less difficult for others.

Thanks

Des

Des’ Housing Resource List

Centre For Independent Living Toronto: http://www.cilt.ca/default.aspx

     365 Bloor Street East, Suite 902, Toronto, Ontario  M4W 3L4

Phone: (416) 599-2458
Direct Funding Hotline: 1-800-354-9950
Fax: (416) 599-3555
TTY: (416) 599-5077

email: cilt@cilt.ca
website:www.cilt.ca

This a great starting point for gaining my resources and perspectives on living independently.

Co-op Housing Foundation: http://www.coophousing.com/

This is a good website to find contacts for local co-ops that maybe looking for people to rent accessible spaces. They may also be a more affordable housing option

Toronto Community Housing: http://www.torontohousing.ca/

This is the website that you would contact if you were looking for financially subsidized housing in general or that is also accessible. People are also able to live in Community Housing if they are not looking for subsidized rent they, also have access to accessible spaces at market rent.

The Gage Transitional Program: http://www.westpark.org/Services/GTIL.aspx

This is the transitional program that supports people with disabilities to coordinate support to live on their own.

The Independence Program: http://www.hollandbloorview.ca/resourcecentre/growing_up/HB_programs.php
This is a great program for Teenagers who are thinking about moving out
A three-week residential program for youth 17–21 years who want to work on skills for independent living. This program is run out of Ryerson University Student Residence in downtown Toronto.
Contact
kgalley@hollandbloorview.ca

Jeff Kerr, Accessible Home Finder: http://www.accessiblehomefinder.com/jeffrey-kerr.php

This is a fantastic resource for people looking to buy an accessible home or condo. Sam has met with Jeff a couple of times to discuss home ownership. She will likely buy with him when she finally can afford a down payment.

I Just Want to Go Out: Thinking About Accesss and Social Attitudes

Hello,

Given the fact that the idea of the blog is an East and West perspective; I thought it might be interesting to do a post occasionally on some of the resources I have found useful as disabled 20 something (well at least for a few more months).  I am in Toronto right now. I am blown away at how difficult it is to find accessible places to eat, and drink.  I find this interesting and frustrating all at the same time.

I find a lack of accessible social space really interesting on two levels:

#1

I question what happens to the social position of disability (what people think of disability) when spaces or activities we commonly use for social gatherings (dates, parties, etc) are inaccessible?   I colleague of mine once commented: “we can build ramps and put in elevators but, we can’t legislate attitudes”. I thought this was an interesting comment. I understand that there is no way to control one’s opinion. However, I often think the connection between what seems like common ignorance and a lack of access are linked. For example: I often meet people whom are surprised to see me out at a pub or night club. This is often denoted by the greeting “it’s so good to see you out” and some sort of gesture to my wheelchair. This is ignorant! This comment irritates me beyond belief.  If you think about it in a broader context though “it is good to see me out”. Many (Not all) of the pubs and clubs in Toronto are inaccessible, or are accessible but, the bathroom is down stairs.  So Yes it is good to see me out because it is likely I have had to traverse a  set of stairs, or refrain from using the bathroom just for the opportunity to attend that social space. It is because of this lack of physical access that I think the amount of visibly  disabled patrons is low. I question how this affects social attitudes. If one is never seen, the assumption or “story” that emerges is that, that population just does not exist or would rather not attend the particular space. We can think about this for other marginalized groups. Think of  when leaders of organizations or communities announce that there are no people in their community who identify as LGBTQ? People only become visible when you create space both socially and literally for them.  If the spaces that are commonly used for social gatherings and social events: where we meet people, where we go on dates, are inaccessible how do we imagine disabled people as part of the social fabric? Recently I went out with a young man who said he would choose the restaurant and call to see if it was accessible.  He struggled to find a place that was accessible. When we finally met up. He was exasperated at how difficult it was, and annoyed that after considerable effort we were still eating somewhere, where I could not pee. To paraphrase he asked “where do you eat?”, “Where do you go on dates?”. When we deny someone access to a common space we not only physically exclude them but, we exclude them from our social discourse. This breeds ignorance and confusion about how someone exists in the world. 

#2.

  I think it’s interesting that when we commonly talk about access we talk about the built environment. I know I have just spent considerable time reflecting on the built environment but, my point is that I think when we think about the built environment we must think about it in concert with other factors of access. Not only is the build environment an issue but, financial access to typical activities is an issue for disabled people. If we stay on the topic of a night out on the town. Accessible transportation is often more expensive, or more time consuming than typical forms of transportation. Disabled people often use their own personal resources to negotiate an inaccessible infrastructure. For example: maintaining a personal car despite living somewhere with a subway  (that is only partially accessible or not at all), or investing in a power or all terrain wheelchair to handle snowy conditions. All of this takes a toll on personal finances if it is even possible financially. Moreover often relatively inexpensive activities for able bodied people are often costly to adapt. For example many of my friends run. Most of them bought a pair of mid-price running shoes (about 100 bucks) and downloaded a “learn to run app”. on their phones. If I want to “run” I have to invest in a racing chair and seek out a club to teach me.  My point being that accessibility is multi-faceted and can be more than ramps. 

These are two of the reasons I find questions of access so fascinating. I think access aids in social imaging of disability. Moreover, I think it is more than just ramps. It speaks to the matrix  of  issues that disabled people negotiate.

I find the lack of access frustrating because, while it is interesting to theorize….

I JUST WANT TO GO OUT!!!

My solution: well not comprehensive is to head to the blogousphere (is that a word?) and check out “Tasting Toronto On Wheels”. I really like this blog.  The author Marlene Benedicto a journalist and food critic who uses a wheelchair, reviews Toronto hotspots for their food and access! Check it out: 

www.tastingtorontoonwheels.me

NB: Many of my ideas about social imagination, social postilion and notions of creating space are animated by the work of  Dr. Tanya Titchkosky. Much of it influenced by the book:

Titchkosky, T. (2007). Reading & writing Disability Differently: The Textured Life of

Embodiment. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.