Lockdown! I’m so over it. Who’s with me? This global pandemic has put a definite crimp in my style, and I’m ready to chalk it up to one of those milestone, once-in-a-lifetime events that I’d rather put behind me. But wait! Maybe I should just sit quietly in the COVID-19-induced stillness for a bit. Eyes…
Tag: disability
Introversion, The Titanic, and the commitment to forge ahead: What may come from consistency and persistence
I’m an introvert. Who’s with me? If you are, you’ll understand that my inclination is always to be on my own, or, at least, in very (very) small groups. But, I believe, even we introverts have a duty to use our voices, to speak up loudly and clearly on behalf of those whose voices often…
Be Impeccable with Your Word
Recently, I was reminded about the importance of effective communication. I consider myself to be a good communicator━not great, but good━but there are times when I could definitely do better. This last little while, I could have been doing better. Being the mom of two amazing humans, one of whom is a young woman who…
We’re living in the 21st Century—right?
It’s August, 2019. Very clearly, some of us are living in the 21st Century. But, some others? I’m not so sure. How many of you manage your family member’s financial affairs? Don’t you just love it when, each month, everything falls into place as it should? With no surprises? No issues? No frustrations? I like…
Certainty is possible, even in uncertain times
Jeremiah 29:…
Listen. Learn. Take action. Watch “amazing” happen!
They say that when the student is ready the teacher will appear. Well, I guess the student is ready. Because, over the past several months, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of getting to know a 43-year-old man who has become my teacher. This man, while in the process of defining and taking the actions…
In the company of others … community grows
So, last evening, there were nine of us at the weekly Pub ‘n Pint gathering, at a local watering hole. And, oh, what a lively gathering it was! Each week, unless there’s a holiday, or someone is sick, I plant myself in the pub with my pot of mint tea and wait to see who…
Being “in the moment” brings me full circle
by Linda Doran Viscardis I love it when I am able to be in the moment, rather than worrying about where I’ve been and where I’m going. Invariably, when in the moment for longer than just a few seconds, I am blessed. Something amazing happens, and I find myself shaking my head in wonder. This…
Setting GPS early makes living away possible
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…
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.
Strong Healthy Community 