Ya, so, I was reminded recently that it has been almost 14 years since our now 33-year-old daughter moved from our home. Check that – five of those years, she actually lived in an apartment we built for her, above our garage. But, it’s been 14 years of letting go for me, and living away…
Funding advocacy a matter of education
How many readers would be grateful for more funding for their family member who lives with an intellectual or developmental disability? If you’re someone who would appreciate more funding, read on. First of all, I’ll state up front, that our daughter receives funding from the Government of Ontario. Is it enough to support her in…
Asset-based perspective changes status quo
I just had a conversation with yet another person who is feeling sick about the lack of funding for their adult person who lives with multiple challenges. Their cry, “What are we going to do!!?” makes me heart-sick! And prompted a wee rant, I’m afraid. 🙄 I belong to various disability-related Facebook groups, as…
Focus on “Can-List” sets GPS
Wow! This article about the “Can-List” sure brings back memories!! I remember our daughter’s first IPRC in elementary school, at age 5 …. there were 13 people sitting around the table – therapists, resource teacher, teacher, educational assistant, vice principal, principal .. and me. The first item on the agenda was for…
Communicating positive assumptions often a challenge
Omgeezers! Even now as I’m into my seventh decade, I still have so much to learn! Despite having a university diploma in both French and English literature … despite having studied languages … despite the study of English grammar being my absolute favourite suject in elementary school … despite having worked for a news company as…
Passion and vision translation – more work to be done, team members sought
WARNING! Long Post Alert … but, if you have a hope for and belief in something better, I hope you’ll read to the end. By Linda Doran Viscardis I’ve been thinking …. How long has it been that I’ve been so clear about my passion? How long have I had a vision of making a…
Segregation, congregation may be easier, but do not foster strong, healthy community
I’d love to see our local City Council, and our many and varied citizens, having animated conversation about all of this on a regular basis. It’s in having these important conversations that seeds of change are sown, germinated and, ultimately, harvested.
ALOHA – the fundamentals of caring, or an excuse to remain detached?
What to do when you can’t sleep …. I woke up early – too early – and thought that, if I turned on a Net Flix movie that I’ve seen before, I’d drift off to dreamland. I chose The Fundamentals of Caring, with Paul Rudd and Craig Roberts. As I watched this simple film –…
#BellLetsTalk … let’s talk about it!
Well, yesterday was #BellLetsTalk day … and I feel free to write about something that is near and dear to my heart …. mental health. We should not feel confined to only one day per year, and so much has improved as far as the stigma of mental health issues is concerned, but …. I feel…
Mind over matter
Originally posted on The Food Issue:
I can’t help but look back on the past 365 days (plus a week!) as well as ahead, toward a new year. What went well, what not so well? What will I focus on in the days ahead? Some might call this the making of a New Year’s Resolution. I’m all about new…
Balance is Power
Definition – Balance: mental and emotional steadiness (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) So, today, I’m driving away from my neighbourhood store, with my many organic foods packed neatly in my reusable cotton bags, when the word “balance” comes unsolicited to mind. I am seeking balance in my life. I am shopping as close to home as possible, so I…
Grass-fed Meat Loaf
Ingredients: -1 lb grass fed ground meat -1 tbsp coconut oil -3 stalks organic celery -1 stalk organic broccoli -green onions -1 cup gluten free oatmeal -1/2 cup ground teff or flax seed -1/2 cup sunflower seeds – 3/4 cup nutritional yeast -130 g of organic gluten free Quinoa and vegetable Soup (or other soup…
Strong Healthy Community 