http://www.bccpd.bc.ca/docs/tr-janfeb06web by Ann Vrlak

On the Move

The Coalition of HandyDART Users (CHU) is working on behalf of riders to advocate for a better custom transit system in the GVRD.

If you want to know more about our work, or want to receive a full copy of our report, Engaging the Future: Making handyDART a TransLink Subsidiary, please contact us. There are sections of the report published in this Transition. You can also download a copy from the BCCPD website at

http://www. bccpd.bc.ca/s/ CurrentCampaigns.asp.

TR-HD-InsCovweb2

Working on Making handyDART a TransLink subsidiary Better ride availability Uniform policies and standards Coordinated service throughout the GVRD Stable environment for employees Contact CHU c/o: BC Coalition of People with Disabilities Margaret Birrell: 604-875-0188 Jane Dyson: 604-872-1278 or jwd@bccpd.bc.ca 204-456 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R3 Fax (604) 875-9227

2/13/06, 5:11 PM

Transition is published four times a year by the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities. Subscriptions are $20/year. Founding Editor Richard A. Watson

Admin Assistant Kathlean Pronovost

Editor/Layout Ann Vrlak

Alternate Formats Val Stapleton Eleanor Pasholko

CHU Logo carol weaver Cover Design Fiona Gamiet

Volunteer Coordination Janis Walsh

Mailout Proofreaders Coordination Eleanor Pasholko Florence Corbett Jane Dyson We welcome articles, graphics, creative writing, et al. The editors reserve the right to edit and/or withhold material from publication. BC Coalition of People with Disabilities 204-456 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R3 (604) 875-0188 • TTY (604) 875-8835 Fax (604) 875-9227 Transition only: trans@bccpd.bc.ca BCCPD: feedback@bccpd.bc.ca

features Editorial by Tom McGregor ......................................... 2 Letters to the Editor ....................................................... 3 CHU’s position on GVRD handyDART ........................ 4 Do the Right Thing by Jane Dyson ............................. 5 CHU working on community’s behalf ........................ 6 Around BC with handyDART by Karen Martin ......... 9 If it’s broke: Fix it ......................................................... 10 With a little help from my friends by Shelley Hourston .................................................... 12 We’re in their hands ................................................... 16 On the road with Robert by Anneke Wijtkamp ................................................... 18 One big family .............................................................. 20

news The Kids want to come to your block ........................ 8

We’re glad to see Transition material republished, with credit to “Transition, BC Coalition of People with Disabilities” and the edition date.

Input needed for WDI resources .............................. 17

Editorial Statement: The views and opinions expressed within the pages of Transition are not necessarily those held by the total membership or Board of Directors. The material presented herein is meant to be thought-provoking and to promote dialogue. Transition is a forum to share information within the disability community, and with government and the general public. It is also an opportunity for people with disabilities to display creative talent.

Peace begins with me by Ted Kuntz ........................ 24

Newsbits ....................................................................... 22 New breed of teachers’ pets ..................................... 23

special In Memoriam: Hilda Thomas and Lori Sheppard ... 14

CHU logo designed by carol weaver http://www.carolweaver.com

Disclaimer: Any firm or company advertising in Transition is for our readers’ benefit and does not constitute an endorsement by the BCCPD. Privacy Statement The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) respects and upholds an individual’s right to privacy and the protection of their personal information. The BCCPD is committed to ensuring compliance with British Columbia’s Personal Information and Protection of Privacy Act (PIPA). The BCCPD will inform people what personal information it collects about people and why. It will store information securely and identify who has access to the information it collects. It will inform people what information will be shared, with whom, and why. BCCPD Privacy Officer: Mei Ng (604) 875-0188; Alternate: Jane Dyson (604) 872-1278; privacyofficer@bccpd.bc.ca. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No.40051676

January/February 2006 Transition

by Tom McGregor

his edition of Transition focuses on an innovative proposal for change made by the Coalition of HandyDART Users (CHU) in November 2005. Most readers will know handyDART is our shared-ride door-todoor custom transit service for wheelchair and scooter users and people unable to use conventional transit without assistance. The disability and seniors’ communities who use the service are growing rapidly and in 2004 there were 1.14 million handyDART trips in the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD). The service had 274 vehicles and a budget of $21.5 million. The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) has been working closely with CHU since 2004 on ideas to improve the GVRD’s handyDART service. While visitors to our region frequently comment on the accessibility of our transit system compared to others in North America, local riders are less enthusiastic and many say the service is failing them. HandyDART users find the booking system too complex, wait times unacceptable and availability of rides across the GVRD insufficient. HandyDART is supplied by 7 operators in 8 different “zones” across the region, with different operating hours, booking rules and policies. This fragmented system is extremely frustrating for riders to understand and use. Every 3 years, operators must bid for the contract to provide handyDART in the various GVRD zones. It was during this tendering process in 2004 that handyDART users and groups representing them came together and formed CHU. They saw it as an opportune time to speak out about the flaws caused by the multi-zone system and

While visitors to our region frequently comment on the accessibility of our transit system compared to others in North America, local riders are less enthusiastic and many say the service is failing them. other problems they were experiencing with the service. In November 2004, CHU produced a brief entitled Equal Service: a Better Vision for handyDART. The paper called for a review of handyDART and for a plan that would streamline the system across the GVRD and remove the jurisdictional boundaries or zones. TransLink announced in April 2005 that all handyDART contracts would remain in place until December 2006 while it developed an “Accessible Transit Strategic Plan” through a broad consultation process. This was a great success for CHU and represented an excellent opportunity for the community to work with TransLink to improve handyDART. Since TransLink’s announcement in April, CHU has been working to design a model for handyDART that it believes will benefit both riders and TransLink. CHU representatives have attended two TransLink workshops as part of the community consultation for the Accessible Transit Strategic Plan. The most recent was in November 2005 and CHU was encouraged by the fact that TransLink appears to be moving towards the establishment of a more streamlined system for handyDART in the GVRD. Shortly after TransLink’s November workshop, CHU completed a paper

January/February 2006 Transition

entitled Engaging the Future: Making handyDART a TransLink Subsidiary. The paper is featured in detail in this Transition. CHU proposes that handyDART be operated as a permanent subsidiary of TransLink rather than by contract companies. It would have the same financial and operational relationship to TransLink as the Coast Mountain Bus Company or West Coast Express subsidiaries, while consumer input would be assured by a Board comprising one-third handyDART users nominated by community organizations. CHU is convinced that model will result in a much--improved custom transit service in the GVRD. To date, more than 60 community groups have told CHU that they support its vision. And while CHU’s proposal is for the GVRD, the subsidiary model has the potential to work in other jurisdictions. We are optimistic that BC can have the best custom transit system in North America, but the province must provide sufficient resources for this to happen. The BCCPD regularly receives reports from across BC that the handyDART service is falling behind demand as the community of users grows. A major reason for this is that the overall budget for custom transit has not kept up with the growing need. This shortfall must be urgently addressed. With adequate funding and innovative planning, handyDART can be what it was designed to be over 20 years ago: a true door-to-door, dial-aride service for all people with disabilities and seniors who need it. ■ Engaging the Future: Making handyDART a TransLink Subsidiary, prepared for CHU by Ann Vrlak, is available on the BCCPD Website at www.bccpd.bc.ca under Current Issues and Programs.

January/February 2006 Transition

DEAR EDITOR I filed a complaint against Air Canada in April 2004 because of failure to provide requested wheelchair assistance. My main concern was not the specific incident, but the ongoing poor and unpredictable assistance I received on virtually every flight with them. Recently, the Canadian Transport Agency (CTA) ruled in my favour (that there was an “undue obstacle”) and will be requiring Air Canada to make policy and procedural changes. If you are interested in details, you can see the 19-page decision at http://www.cta-otc.gc.ca/ rulings-decisions/decisions/2005/A/AT/724-AT-A2005_e.html. I’m very excited by this decision. The CTA did a beautiful job of summarizing the issues–anyone else filing a claim can use the language from this decision. Air Canada has to respond by February 2006 and they’ve always asked for extensions in the past, so it will take time for the case to play out. But it makes all the time I’ve spent on the various submissions worthwhile. Please share this information with anyone that is concerned about accessible transport. SINCERELY, DR. DOROTHY RIDDLE, CMC DEAR EDITOR: On behalf of the CUPE BC Committee against Racism and Discrimination (CARD), I’d like to express our pleasure with the performance of the Kids on the Block at our committee meetings. All of the CUPE participants enjoyed the exciting performance while being educated about the experiences of people with disabilities. The Kids on the Block were pure fun after a long day of meetings. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hopefully there will be other occasions in the future for CUPE BC to show the Kids on the Block. YOURS TRULY, FRANK LEE CO-CHAIR CUPE BC CARD COMMITTEE ■

CHU’s position on GVRD handyDART

Here is the first in a series of articles in this Transition from CHU’s report on custom transit.

The Coalition of handyDART Users (CHU) prepared the report, Engaging the Future: Making handyDART a TransLink Subsidiary, to coincide with TransLink’s Accessible Transit Strategic Plan review being undertaken in 20052006. We see this review as an ideal opportunity to make tangible progress on the long-standing problems in the GVRD custom transit systems – problems which CHU believes are the inevitable outcome of a particular point of view. Namely, we believe TransLink views custom transit service for citizens who need it as a marginal and temporary need. CHU believes it is this underlying point of view that has held back a comprehensive, long-term commitment to custom transit in the GVRD, one that sees this service as something for "us," rather than for "them." The "us" being all of us: our families, friends or colleagues who may need this service tomorrow because of disability, injury or becoming less mobile through aging. Our position is that the establishment of a single TransLink subsidiary to operate custom transit in the GVRD is the most visionary move TransLink could make. A subsidiary would consolidate what has been created to date and allow us to innovate and build for the future. With one integrated service many of the chronic problems, which the current custom transit structures have simply not been able to resolve, would be alleviated or even eliminated. The key improvements would include: • A vastly improved, coordinated, quality service for riders.

Our position is that the establishment of a single TransLink subsidiary to operate custom transit in the GVRD is the most visionary move TransLink could make. • Increased service capacity to meet growing demand. • A single subsidiary to consolidate service throughout the current 8 zones. • Uniformity of policies, standards of service, hours of operation and all other operational issues. • A stable environment for employees that fosters training and development, fair working conditions, long-term service and service excellence. • The ability for TransLink to longterm plan for all aspects of operations, including technologies; integration with other modes of transport; administrative, managerial and operational efficiencies; and, cost recovery for medical trips from the Ministry of Health. HandyDART was originally established to fit the needs, demographics, technology and awareness of the day. We are in a very different world today. It is time for custom transit to catch up and reflect today’s realities – and develop the ability to meet those of tomorrow. CHU sees this review as TransLink’s opportunity to set a new course that will make the GVRD a world class model for an integrated custom transit system, including a

January/February 2006 Transition

model for the "world" that will be watching during the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics. With a subsidiary to control custom transit, TransLink would also be in the position to offer unprecedented support to events that reflect our region’s community values, such as the Terry Fox Run, Remembrance Day and Canada Day events. TransLink has committed partners in the disability and seniors communities, and within the employee sector, who have a world of expertise to contribute to the development of a new

HandyDART was originally established to fit the needs, demographics, technology and awareness of the day. We are in a very different world today. subsidiary. The Coalition of HandyDART Users is ready to be part of any advisory body during the current review. We welcome the opportunity to be part of developing a new vision and structure with TransLink. ■

Do the Right Thing: Support the Woodlands Group by Jane Dyson In August 2002, BC’s former Ombudsman Dulcie McCallum submitted her disturbing report The Need to Know: Administrative Review of Woodlands School. The review found Woodlands residents had been victims of systemic physical and sexual abuse. Ms McCallum made a number of recommendations in her report. She said that a restitution process should be implemented, a second phase of investigation be conducted and a public apology made by the government acknowledging abuse occurred. To date the government has refused to act on Ms McCallum’s recommendations. Its stated position is that there were “a few bad apples” at Woodlands and that those people can be sued individually. This contradicts Ms McCallum’s findings and places an impossible burden on individual former residents. In October 2005, we sent community groups across British Columbia a paper entitled Do the Right Thing: Government Restitution for Former Residents of Wood-

January/February 2006 Transition

lands School and a letter of support for them to complete. The paper has been produced by the We Survived Woodlands Group to promote community awareness and support for Ms McCallum’s recommendations and to convince the provincial government to acknowledge the systemic abuse at Woodlands. The BCCPD is supporting this campaign. We would like to thank the 145 groups who have written in support of Do the Right Thing. We would also like to thank the individuals who have written to support the campaign to convince the government to implement Ms McCallum’s recommendations. The former residents of Woodlands School deserve justice for the wrongs that have been done to them. They need the support of the community. We urge you to register your support of Do the Right Thing if you have not yet done so by returning the support letter we sent you. If your organization did not receive a copy of Do the Right Thing please call me at 604-872-1278. ■

CHU working on community’s behalf by Ann Vrlak

Since last summer, representatives have been participating in TransLink’s community consultations.

he last year has been a promising one for handyDART users and advocates for better service. On the community side, the Coalition of HandyDART Users (CHU) has been working hard to put together a report on the good, bad and the ugly about the service. On the provider side, TransLink initiated an Accessible Transit Strategic Plan review with goals the community could fully support: “to develop a comprehensive understanding of all the issues, opportunities and challenges related to creating transit that’s accessible for everyone” (TransLink CEO, Pat Jacobsen). Couldn’t have said it better ourselves. So far, TransLink has held two workshops on the Plan attended by CHU representatives, as well as other riders, contractors and employees. Vision Workshop (June 2005) The first brainstorming session about what the best accessible transit system would look like and which issues need to be addressed to get us there. Alternatives for the Future Workshop (November 2005) An opportunity to review the issues raised in the first workshop and hear an update on TransLink’s work on them. A text summary of the June workshop was circulated to participants for the second workshop, along with an excellent, simple-to-follow graphic summary of the main issues participants raised, and current handyDART statistics and models used in other jurisdictions. Our compliments to Clive Rock, Director of TransLink’s Strategic Planning, and his staff for simplifying

complex information and for their research into the issues of interest to the group. The November workshop was an interesting one that tightly focused on issues near and dear to CHU members’ position on handyDART. Here are some of the highlights from the handout prepared by TransLink. They will look very familiar to riders and these issues are also reflected in the articles in this Transition from CHU’s report. Participant issues from June workshop • increase service availability (about 75% of trips are “subscription” trips: high priority trips that are consistently booked for medical, school or work reasons) • make booking easier • better consistency/coordination across the region • integrate more with the conventional system • knowing drivers is important • need consistent policies and procedures TransLink also researched other jurisdictions’ custom transit systems and provided simple graphics to describe how they work. The graphic at the top of the next column represents how the current GVRD handyDART system is organized with one body providing funding and oversight (TransLink) which then funnels down to eight handyDART service providers that manage everything from eligibility to scheduling to door-to-door service. It is this multi-contractor

January/February 2006 Transition

GVRD handyDART > 8 Service Providers Funding & Oversight Eligibility & Registration Reservation & Scheduling Service Delivery

system which CHU criticizes in its report. Another graphic of the Greater London, UK system (below) was provided. It most closely resembles the model CHU is proposing. One central body, Transport of London, manages everything including funding, registrations, reservations, scheduling and service. The six Service Delivery dots in the diagram are depots, not separate providers. Greater London > 1 service provider, 6 depots Funding & Oversight Eligibility & Registration Reservation & Scheduling Service Delivery

The handout also summarizes the following key points: • need for centralization to better meet user needs and crossboundary trips • current system does not allow for scheduling efficiency • need to look at alternative service delivery models • difficult to have a stable or excellent service with short-term contracts for operators. Those who attended the November workshop felt optimistic that TransLink had reflected well the concerns and ideas of those at the earlier

January/February 2006 Transition

workshop. And, there were signs that an entirely new model, such as the one proposed by CHU, is on the table for consideration. Next, TransLink will prepare an Access Transit Plan draft for review by the community at a third consultation workshop in early 2006. Stay tuned to future Transitions, and/or community bulletins from CHU for more on how handyDART may be changing. ■ Graphics from workshop materials prepared by TransLink.

25 years ago.... Transition, June 1981 [Please note the outdated language in this piece!] “In January, 1981, the Lions Society for Crippled Children announced its withdrawal of transportation services to handicapped adults in the Vancouver area...A newly incorporated organization, Pacific Handicapped Transit Co-operative, submitted a bid to the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) for the service and was awarded the contract... The Pacific Handicapped Transit Co-operative was organized by five executive members of the BC Coalition of the Disabled [now BCCPD]... The awarding of the contract to Pacific represents one of the first times a user-operated society has been granted responsibility for a handicapped custom transit system.”

BCCPD UPDATE

The Kids want to come to your Block!

The Kids on the Block is an international troupe of near life-size puppets that look and act like real children. These engaging puppet characters each have their own unique personalities and distinctive appearances. In their programs, the Kids share their experiences with using a wheelchair, coping with the loss of a family member, dealing with a school bully and many other issues. Their candid discussions help to promote understanding. The Kids on the Block can come to your community celebration, festival, conference, Early Childhood/Special Education program, elementary school, nursing training school or summer camp. BCCPD currently offers 16 Kids programs for presentation, including

Supporting the Kids Founding Partner The Kinsmen Foundation of BC & Yukon Sustaining Partners BC Rehab Foundation Vancouver City Savings Credit Union British Columbia Ministry of Attorney General Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch Performance Partner Variety - The Children’s Charity of BC Program Partners CKNW Orphans’ Fund Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of BC Friends of Kids on the Block BC Nurses’ Union Sisett & Company The Tyler Dawson Group of Companies Special Project Sponsor United Way - Community Innovations Grant

Bullies and School Safety, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disabilities, Childhood Cancer and many more. Single presentations cost $550 in the GVRD and $650 outside the GVRD. This cost is used to defray puppeteer fees and travel expenses. A big thank you to the following organizations that sponsored Kids on the Block performances in 2005! ~ The Jewish Family Services Agency, Vancouver ~ The Powell River Association for Community Living ~ First Nations Training and Consulting Services, Saanichton ~ United Way, Trail ~ BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils ~ Life Style Equity Society, Kelowna ~ Kinette Club of Coquitlam ~ Kinette Club of Juan de Fuca ~ Kinette Club of Penticton ~ Kinsmen Club of Cranbrook ~ Kinsmen Club of Golden ~ Kinsmen Club of Victoria ~ Kinsmen Club of Windermere ~ Mission Association for Community Living ~ The Thompson Nicola Family Resource Society ~ The Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference ~ The Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of BC ~ The BC Association for Community Living ~ Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) If you want to support the Kids on the Block programs, please contact our Program Coordinator at 604–875–0188 or email at kob@bccpd.bc.ca. You can also learn much more about the Kids on our website at www.bccpd.bc.ca. ■

January/February 2006 Transition

Around BC with handyDART by Karen Martin Under BC Transit’s Municipal Systems Program, there are 69 transit systems: 24 conventional transit systems, 14 custom transit systems and 31 paratransit systems (some of which are accessible to people with disabilities). The Greater Vancouver Regional District transit system comes under TransLink, and the Victoria metropolitan area transit system comes under the Victoria Transit Commission. BC Transit considers the 14 custom transit systems to be “pure” handyDART services. These 14 handyDART services operate in the following regions in BC: Vancouver Island, Greater Vancouver, Thompson/ Okanagan, Northern BC, Cariboo/ Chilcotin and the BC Rockies. Eight of these areas have populations where over 30% are people with disabilities and seniors. These areas are: Alberni/Clayoquot Chilliwack, Kelowna, Kitimat, Kootenay Boundary, Nanaimo, Penticton, Vernon and Victoria. The service hours of handyDART in these regions varies. All of them offer service within business hours Monday to Friday. Evening and weekend service is either limited or nonexistent which limits the activities people with disabilities who are dependent on handyDART can participate in. There are only two areas under BC Transit that offer service seven days a week and those are Chilliwack and Kitimat, with handyDART in Kitimat running until 7:30 pm every day. The other handyDART service that is avail-

January/February 2006 Transition

Under BC Transit’s Municipal Systems Program, there are 69 transit systems: 24 conventional transit systems, 14 custom transit systems and 31 paratransit systems. able seven days and evenings a week is the Victoria metropolitan area. The fares for handyDART range from $1.50 to $2.50 per ride. Two of the services charge a fare for attendants. Each of the 14 handyDART systems under the BC Transit Municipal Systems Program are operated by single contractors. The Victoria area handyDART is also operated by only one contractor. ■

final version

If it’s Broke: Fix it

This article summarizes the major problems that affect the quality and safety of handyDART service.

The service problems and inefficiencies caused by the multi-contractor, multizone system – and the short-term operator contracts – are well known to riders and community service agencies. Not only are they familiar, but they have remained virtually unchanged for more than a decade. We see these issues as inevitable outcomes of the current structure, rather than the fault of any particular player. Briefly, here are the major problems that affect the quality and safety of service provided to riders.

Service does not meet demand HandyDART prioritizes trips for medical, work or post-secondary education needs. We do not argue with these priorities, only that there is too little service left over for the host of other reasons people want to travel: to do volunteer work, take a night class, visit family, see a movie, go to a meeting– the list is varied and personal. These priorities, and the limitations they place upon us, make some of us feel we are seen as very narrow human beings indeed. In a 2001 memo, Larry Ward, TransLink former Senior Vice-President, said it very well: “No other group in the community is required to explain why they need to make a trip to a transit service provider.” The Charter of Rights and Freedoms prohibits discrimination based on disability and CHU believes that discrimination exists in the GVRD because of inadequate transportation for people with disabilities and seniors. Statistics from a few years ago put the

percentage of unmet trip requests at only 1% to 2%. However, this number does not reflect reality because many handyDART users do not try to book rides when they know they will be turned down. HandyDART users need and are entitled to a service that meets their varied transportation needs.

Short-term contracts Every three years, each handyDART contract in the GVRD is put to tender. From the riders’ point of view, this practise puts our interests last. Contractors compete by lowering bids by any and all means which plays out as a “race to the bottom” in service quality. When contracts change hands, this translates into a loss of employee seniority, experience and skill. In addition, employees are not guaranteed a job when contracts shift to a new operator. In fact, TransLink contributed to the problem several years ago by eliminating BC Transit’s established policy of guarantees of employment in the Request for Proposal tendering process. Riders want well-trained, experienced drivers who are familiar with a broad range of disabilities and health conditions. A system that discourages employee longevity and skill-building affects the quality of service we receive. There is also no incentive for innovation in the short-term contract system. Business will not make longterm investments of time and money to improve the service for a contract they may lose in three years.

January/February 2006 Transition

Multiple zones and multiple contractors Currently, handyDART is one of only 3 transit branches TransLink operates by contractor, rather than through a permanent subsidiary. The GVRD area is served by 7 separate handyDART contractors over 8 zones. Transportation for people with disabilities and seniors among the various zones is hopelessly complicated and extremely frustrating. In the GVRD, we see 7 contractors with varying hours of operation, booking restrictions and policies. The service to riders falls woefully short of a reasonable level of access across boundary zones. Many people with disabilities and seniors have particular needs that make timely, efficient service a matter of safety, not only convenience.

being refined in years to come. A GPS system would be sophisticated enough to respond to a GVRD-wide network and react to minute-to-minute adjustments that are part of the daily routine of setting handyDART routes and using vans efficiently. A single subsidiary would be best positioned to invest in and upgrade technology that will vastly expand the capabilities of the system.

Lack of vision All of these shortcomings are both the cause and effect of a lack of vision. The ability to plan for the future, for innovation, for excellence, are all limited. Though considerable financial and human resources are devoted to handyDART, they are spent juggling the status quo of multiple-zones and contracts. We believe a single subsidiary would allow these resources to be focused on a better vision, system-wide problem solving, coordination and excellence in service. ■

Stifling technological innovation Prior to the recent introduction of the Trapeze dispatch software for handyDART providers, custom transit had been using the same software for 20 years – an example of how the current structure stifles technological innovation. Now, we are hearing from riders, agencies and drivers that problems are emerging with the routes and timelines generated by Trapeze. If experience is our guide, these problems will be addressed slowly and ineffectively because of the multicontractor system. There is no motivation to look at the whole system and find a broad-based solution. Global Positioning System (GPS) software is available for real-time dispatch and will no doubt continue

January/February 2006 Transition

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BCCPD UPDATE

With a little help from my friends Having “social support networks” is so important, that Health Canada* has listed it as number two in the twelve “key determinants of health”– those things that make us healthy or unhealthy. By Shelley Hourston When was the last time you thought about the relationship between your friends, family and neighbours and your health? Most of us tend to feel happiest when we have a network of people to share life’s ups and downs. Having “social support networks” is so important, that Health Canada* has listed it as number two in the twelve “key determinants of health”—those things that make us healthy or unhealthy. An important benefit of social support networks is information sharing. We can all think of people who are “mini experts” in one area or another. In the mid-1970s, Dr. Eva Salber was working at the medical school at Duke University in the US. She began to notice that people were very comfortable talking to mini health experts in their communities. During her research in North Carolina, she went around the community asking people, “Who do you know around here who gives good advice on health matters—other than doctors?”** Dr. Salber discovered that the names of 39 people were mentioned over and over again. The 39 mini experts answered 6,000 requests for help each year. These mini experts were effective because they knew the person’s situation, family, language and

culture. They were able to see and understand the whole person, and people were comfortable talking to them. Dr. Salber believed that when people have a health problem, they try to manage it themselves. If necessary, they ask family members, friends and neighbours for advice. They might also get information from newspapers, magazines or TV, but they do not see a doctor until they have tried other sources of help. Around the world there are many similar mini health expert programs. They are all based on the strength of social networks. These mini experts are sometimes called “patient navigators,” “community health workers,” “promotoras,” “peer helpers,” “community health representatives,” or “community health advocates.” Programs like these are models for the BCCPD’s Consumer Health Information Advocate (CHIA) program. CHIAs are trusted community mini experts who provide health information to others in their communities. CHIAs are interested in making social networks— friends and neighbours in your community—stronger and healthier. For details about the CHIA program, contact Shelley or Claire at BCCPD. Email wdi@bccpd.bc.ca or phone 604-8750188 (toll free 1-877-232-7400). ■ *For more about the key determinants of health, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s “Population Health” at http:// www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/ determinants/index.html#key_ determinants. **Dr. Salber’s work is described in an article by Tom Ferguson called “The Invisible Health Care System.” Health World http://www.healthy.net/scr/ Article.asp?Id=1016.

January/February 2006 Transition

What is the Price of Not Knowing? Many people with disabilities (and their caregivers) are missing out on valuable disability tax credits and significant refunds. What you need to know → Tax legislation and qualifying requirements are now much more considerate of people with disabilities and their caregivers, however, many people are still misinformed about their eligibility for Disability Tax Credits (DTCs). → Anyone with prolonged and marked restrictions on their daily activities should investigate their eligibility for unclaimed tax benefits. → Many people fail to establish eligibility for tax credits and refunds because they lack professional assistance. This assistance is crucial for maximum results - particularly where family members are involved. → Most people with low incomes can transfer eligible disability tax credits (refunds) to a family member who pays taxes. → Age and whether you can work is not a factor for qualifying. → Children can qualify for DTCs, and benefits, including refunds, can accrue to their parents. → Many DTC applications are denied by CRA and financial results are not maximized for a variety of technical reasons. → Tax refund claims can apply up to 10 years retroactively for eligible applicants. In a self-assessing system you have to know what to ask for and how to ask for it.

Ask us for a free tax review and find out what you may be missing Finally, there is a service where experienced and concerned accounting professionals will review your medical and tax situations to clarify your options and determine if you qualify for any Disability Tax Credits. This service extends to family and caregivers. The tax review can be initiated by you or a family member. There is no risk, obligation or fee for the tax review. Do not hesitate to take action. Results can be very rewarding.

How to obtain a free tax review • For a telephone review or personal interview call Toll Free 1-866-829-4446 or 604-629-1919 in the Lower Mainland. • Visit www.taxwise.ca/taxaid to complete and submit a simple profile form. Look for the “Online Tax Review” link.

What our clients have said “Your work was bang on and it was a real comfort to have such competent service. I am very pleased with the results.” P. Latour “I want to thank you very much for your diligence and very hard work. That [re]fund put us on cloud nine. Our gratitude goes out big time.” O. Stefanik

Attention: Organizations that assist people with disabilities. Call us to arrange for a free Tax Reduction Clinic for your members. We have worked with many organizations.

Call Toll Free 1-866-829-4446 • Lower Mainland Residents call 604-629-1919 Ken Lagasse Chartered Accountant • Regional Accounting Firm (Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto) Vancouver Office 395-3665 Kingsway NW corner of Boundary Rd. • www.taxwise.ca/taxaid

January/February 2006 Transition

in memoriam

Hilda Louise Thomas 1928-2005 Hilda was a well-known and respected leader in her community where her strength and stamina over five decades inspired others to work for a more just future for Canada and the world. An articulate speaker and writer, she never hesitated to initiate and participate in social and political debate. As an environmentalist, Hilda was part of the successful fight to preserve the beautiful Jericho Lands and Pacific Spirit Park from development so that they may be enjoyed by generations to come. As a peace activist, she worked for years with those opposed to the Vietnam War. Always a staunch feminist, Hilda was a tireless advocate for a woman’s right to choose and was part of the long, and ultimately successful, campaign to remove abortion from the Criminal Code of Canada. A long-time member of the New Democratic Party, Hilda was a founding member of both the Federal and BC Women’s Rights Committees. Hilda also lent her considerable skills to a number of organizations in the health field. In recent years she devoted many volunteer hours as researcher, writer and parliamentarian for the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities. She also held classes in public speaking for members of the disability community and worked with 14

Theatre Terrific, a theatre troupe of people with disabilities. One of the facets of her life that will be most fondly remembered by many is Hilda’s contribution to the music of British Columbia. Musically active since childhood, she sang with the folk group The High Riggers in the 1950s that she co-founded with her husband Phil. In the last moments of her life, the family and friends gathered around her sang a song written by Hilda. The last verse of Hilda’s “Days Like This”: So the seasons change with our life’s turning Snow falls down like music in the night And wrapped within the warm cocoon of winter Now we know that time must have its flight. At Hilda’s request, donations may be made to the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities, #204, 456 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R3.

Lori Sheppard It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Lori Sheppard in November 2005. A longtime resident of New Westminster, Lori was a dedicated advocate for people who are visually impaired. Her overwhelming enthusiasm and infectious “can do” attitude made her a friend to many throughout the Lower Mainland. As President of PAWS International, Lori appeared at many media events and on numerous radio and television programs to promote awareness of people who have Living Assistance Dogs. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jeff West, her parents, Susan and Paul Sheppard and her sister, Kerry. Donations to the Lori Sheppard Memorial Bursary at PAWS International are gratefully accepted. PAWS International 209-88 Tenth Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 6H8. ■

January/February 2006 Transition

Your Membership is Valuable The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities is a province-wide, non-profit organization run by and for people with disabilities. We are an umbrella group representing people with all disabilities and our strength comes from membership support. On behalf of people with disabilities in BC, we will continue striving to fulfill our Mission Statement.

Mission Statement The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities was founded upon the belief that: • people with disabilities want and are entitled to equal opportunities in all the activities and privileges that other Canadians take for granted, • full inclusion of people with disabilities within our communities is a fundamental necessity for a diverse, productive and economically vibrant social environment, and • people with disabilities have the right to expect equality, fair treatment and respect. Because of these beliefs, the purposes of the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities are: • to use education, advocacy and special projects to work toward the dissolution of the physical, attitudinal and systemic barriers in our society that deny us equal opportunities, • to provide a coherent voice for the cross-disability communities in BC, • to share information with and support other self-help disability organizations with common goals, and • to carry out our mission and projects within a self-help model.

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Membership Form I accept your invitation to join the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities and enclose my Membership Fee of $12 (groups and individuals). I am also sending along a tax-deductible donation of $ _____________. BCCPD has a charitable tax number; donations over $10 are tax deductible.

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Privacy Statement The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) respects and upholds an individual’s right to privacy and the protection of their personal information. The BCCPD is committed to ensuring compliance with British Columbia’s Personal Information and Protection of Privacy Act (PIPA). The BCCPD will inform people what personal information it collects about people and why. It will store information securely and identify who has access to the information it collects. It will inform people what information will be shared, with whom, and why. BCCPD Privacy Officer: Mei Ng (604) 875-0188; Alternate: Jane Dyson (604) 872-1278; privacyofficer@bccpd.bc.ca

January/February 2006 Transition

We’re in Their Hands The two things that handyDART users care about the most are: 1) expanding the availability and flexibility of rides, and 2) a safe and professional service with well-trained drivers. Custom transit employees are the people we interact with every day. Drivers have a job that is very distinct from that of conventional bus drivers, including: • Experience, training and sensitivity with a range of disabilities, conditions and impairments. • Provision of a door-to-door service. • Planning custom routes. • Safety and securement of passengers. • One-on-one attention for passengers. For handyDART riders, the employees we most appreciate are those with experience and sensitivity. These are qualities and abilities that drivers develop through serving customers with a variety of needs over time. This is why it is CHU’s position that longevity and training of employees is crucial to a safe, quality service for us – and why we are proposing a permanent subsidiary. The instability of the current contracting process undermines staff longevity.

Employee Training CHU urges TransLink to extend the current five-day training handyDART drivers receive. Custom transit drivers need a range of specialized skills to serve and ensure the safety of passengers with varied needs. 16

Standardization is currently an issue regarding ongoing training because some contractors routinely send drivers for refresher courses–and some don’t. Therefore, expanded and standardized training for all staff will improve continuity of service, safety and staff satisfaction–and will also provide insurance for TransLink against potential liability.

HandyDART is Here to Stay It has been suggested that “the answer,” or at least “an answer,” to custom transit woes may lie in more handyDART riders using conventional transit. This suggestion may seem reasonable on its face, but we ask: • Who are the people “absolutely” unable to use conventional transit and how will this be measured? • Riders who use both handyDART and conventional transit do so depending on the availability of accessible conventional routes, access to the destination from the bus stop and whether or not they are travelling with a companion. We should not be limited to one mode of transport to the exclusion of others. HandyDART, of course, continues to have the unique character of being a specialized door-to-door service. It is an indispensable piece in the network of supports for people with disabilities and seniors that facilitates our contributions through work, school, volunteering and simply being in our communities.

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CHU’s position is this: we oppose any GVRD transit strategy that is based on a significant shift of people from the handyDART service to conventional buses. Conventional bus operators are trained to handle passengers with mobility impairments, but their schedules allow little time for individual attention. There are many handyDART users whose level of disability requires more accommodation than time allows on conventional buses. CHU’s position is this: we oppose any GVRD transit strategy that is based on a significant shift of people from the handyDART service to conventional buses. People need custom transit for a host of reasons from physical to cognitive impairments, community accessibility, safety and freedom of choice. We believe there will always be a need for a stable arm of TransLink that operates custom transit. With the upcoming demographic bulge of seniors we will be seeing in the Lower Mainland in the next 20 years, the need for a more efficient system will only grow, not diminish. Instead of limiting choice, we should be looking at expanding it and benefiting all transit users. We also need a quality door-todoor service as an alternative to taxi services. Any person with a disability who uses taxis knows that some taxi drivers do not welcome passengers with disabilities during busy periods. Some drivers see the extra loading time as time they could be using for other fares. HandyDART will always have a place in a multi-modal, choice-based transportation network. ■

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input needed for wdi resources BCCPD’s Wellness & Disability Initiative is developing new publications on sexual health information and we are looking for input from the community. You can help us make these resources accurate and effective by telling us: • Where have you gone when you needed information on sexuality and sexual health? • What were your experiences–good or bad– when talking to your doctor about sexuality and sexual health? Do you have suggestions for coping with the following challenges? • Not knowing where to go for accurate sexual health information • Embarrassment about talking to a doctor or other information source about sensitive subjects • Health care providers seeming embarrassed when you ask questions about sexual health • Feeling afraid that your health care provider won’t respect your privacy • Lack of time to ask your questions Your comments can be anonymous if you prefer. We would welcome your input by email at wdi@bccpd.bc.ca or by mail to the Wellness and Disability Initiative. Please contact us by the end of March.

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On the Road with Robert by Anneke Wijtkamp

“Our route today will complete a circle,” Robert said while leading me up 57th from Cambie Street. As we walked up the sidewalk, Robert explained that we would make our way to our final destination in downtown Vancouver and then catch a bus that will carry us down Cambie again back to where we started from. Robert sure knows his stuff. Robert Ponto has been a courier for the BCCPD for 20 years and, over the course of his volunteer position, he has fine-tuned his routes by studying them beforehand and through trial and error. He carries with him packages to be delivered to a variety of locations including libraries, lawyer’s offices, community centres and health agencies from Burnaby to Kitsilano and downtown to East Vancouver. Robert works three days a week, arriving promptly at 8:30 a.m. prepared to stay as long as he is needed. He told me that sometimes he arrives at work not knowing where he will be sent. I asked him if he worries about that—about not being able to prepare for each trip in advance. He

answered easily, “I learned a long time ago not to spend too much time worrying about the unknown. It just takes you down a negative path. So I don’t waste a lot of time thinking about things that haven’t happened yet. Instead, I just get out and do.” Have I mentioned yet that Robert is blind? His disability, however, definitely does not slow him down. He keeps “doing” everyday anyway. As I followed Robert down the stairs after completing our first delivery, I asked him why he chose to be a courier. Robert explained, “It just evolved. I really like the feeling of accomplishing something every day and learning new things. When I first moved to Vancouver, I spent a lot of time getting to know the city and so when the position became available, I had a solid knowledge of how to get around.” Since Robert relies primarily on the bus system for his transportation, he knows the city’s bus schedules and routes back to front. As we boarded the bus back on Cambie, the driver asked Robert where he wanted to go. Robert told me later that most drivers are helpful, but he often counts the stops anyway. After we disembarked on West Pender, however, it was all up to Robert. As I followed behind with my head buried in my notepad, Robert walked with certainty, clicking his cane in front of him, telling me when to turn right and left until we reached the address. Once inside the building, a woman ran up behind us reminding Robert to be careful not to fall into the elevator. He patiently thanked the woman for her consideration and told me that most times he finds it comforting that people try to help him (even though he has everything under control).

January/February 2006 Transition

“I learned a long time ago not to spend too much time worrying about the unknown. It just takes you down a negative path. So I don’t waste a lot of time thinking about things that haven’t happened yet.” Robert told me that some of the greatest obstacles he faces are parking lots, icy conditions—and negative people. “The first two are harder to avoid, but I can choose the people who influence my life. That’s why I surround myself with a core group of supportive and positive friends.” As we left the building, Robert also told me that working at the BCCPD fit in perfectly with his own life philosophy. “I consider myself to be a solutions-based person. I don’t waste time on problems, but focus my efforts on solving them. I also enjoy helping people. The Coalition is all about solutions and helping people too.” Robert’s philosophy on life is truly inspiring—and the fact that he gets out there everyday and overcomes his challenges is remarkable. I asked him about who he considers to be the greatest influence in his life. “Definitely my mother, he replied. “She was very independent and positive. Selfless too. She never wanted to burden others with her problems. She was a great role model to me.” At the end of our trip, as I followed Robert into a neighbourhood café for lunch, I asked him how he felt about the fact that he is an inspiration to others. Robert shrugged and replied, “I don’t really think about it. I am not out to impress people. I am just living my life doing what I want to do.” ■

January/February 2006 Transition

Mary Williams Memorial Core Volunteer Fund The BCCPD has established the Mary Williams Memorial Core Volunteer Fund to support and expand our core volunteer program. BCCPD’s core volunteers provide crucial support to our many programs and Transition magazine. We gratefully accept donations to the Fund; a tax receipt will be issued for all donations of $10 or more. “There is life after disability. I’m not my spinal cord injury and I’m not my wheelchair. I’m still Mary. I have a great quality of life; not just a good one, but a great one.” Mary, April 2001

❑ Please accept my tax-deductible donation of $________ to the Mary Williams Memorial Core Volunteer Fund. ❑ Please call me for a credit card donation. Tel: _________ Name _____________________________________ Address ___________________________________ City___________________ Postal Code __________

Thank you for supporting the Fund.

One Big Family CHU believes that the key opportunity for TransLink’s Accessible Transit Strategic Plan is the establishment of a single subsidiary for custom transit across the GVRD. The handyDART subsidiary would have the same financial and operational relationship to TransLink as other subsidiaries, such as Coast Mountain Bus Company, SeaBus and West Coast Express. The TransLink Board would be responsible for: • Establishing the subsidiary, along with its Board and Chair. • Setting policies and service standards. • Approving transportation plans. • Monitoring the performance of the subsidiary. To meet TransLink’s commitment to consumer input, one-third of the handyDART Board should be users nominated by community organizations. We recommend 3-year terms to develop continuity and momentum in the Board’s advisory and management activities. The custom transit systems we have had since the early ‘80s have all laboured under the burden of the temporary. Given the current and expanding percentage of the GVRD population who need custom transit, it is difficult to justify this approach from a strategic or economic standpoint. In TransLink’s Resource Guide, the Community Shuttles are defined as systems that exist where service does not warrant a commitment of conventional buses, at least until a sufficient level of ridership develops. Even so, the Shuttles are run by a subsidiary, rather than contractors. HandyDART, on the other hand, has been in existence for over 20 years, with the current GVRD population at about 2

The TransLink subsidiary model would benefit everyone: riders, TransLink and employees. million people, 26% (or 520,000) of which are seniors or people with a disability – and it is still run by a variety of contractors. One permanent subsidiary responsible for custom transit would create the ultimate win-win-win situation for all parties.

Riders • Quality service through one central body with current, realtime dispatch technology. • Reliable, consistent service across the GVRD. • Standardized policies, procedures and hours of operation throughout the GVRD region. • Improved safety and quality of service, through employee stability, training and experience. • Increased availability of service for “non-priority” rides, e.g. volunteering or trips to visit family and friends.

TransLink • One company permanently operating custom transit, eliminating the need for repeated tendering for multiple zones, contract evaluations, collective agreements and negotiations. • Ability to bring the company under the umbrella of TransLink’s operational structures and policies for easier administration.

January/February 2006 Transition

To meet TransLink’s commitment to consumer input, one-third of the handyDART Board should be users nominated by community organizations. • Impetus to seek out and develop state-of-the-art dispatch systems that can oversee the entire GVRD region. TransLink has the expertise through its Intelligent Transportation Systems subsidiary – which “pursues technology options to improve the efficiency of roads and transit” – to identify, operationalize and customize a real-time Global Positioning System (GPS) for dispatch. • Cost efficiency in all aspects of operation through consolidation of capital costs, administrative costs, supervisory level positions, vehicle lot rentals, employees, operational efficiencies and technologies. • Ability to plan for seamless integration with other TransLink services: conventional buses, SkyTrain, West Coast Express and Sea Bus. • Ability to long-term plan for changes in service needs, emerging technologies, demographic fluctuations and integration with evolving conventional modes of transit. • Incentive to set up well-equipped, cost-effective facilities for custom transit operations. • Create greater opportunities to develop long-term plans, such as cost-recovery for medical trips through the Ministry of Health.

January/February 2006 Transition

Employees • Security of one permanent employer with employment policies, and wage and benefits agreements. • Enhanced training and regular standardized skill upgrading. • Ability to gain experience through stable employment. • Greater ability to have input into the system over time through an ongoing relationship with their employer. The ability to integrate seamlessly with other modes of transit is one of the great strengths of a single subsidiary. Other jurisdictions are having success in developing custom transit systems that are well-coordinated with other modes of transport. Another strength is the ability to expand service for riders beyond medical and work/education-related trips. CHU questions if our Charter right to be free from discrimination is fulfilled by a system that can get us to school, but not to visit family. Yet another strength lies in acknowledging that custom transit is not only a service for people with disabilities, but just one part of a needed transportation infrastructure for all of us. As one writer from the European community put it: “benefits from improvements in transport accessibility are accrued not just to the disabled and aging communities, but to all clients of the transport system.” ■

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newsbits New book by PLAN Institute The Company of Others is the most recent creative collaboration by the award-winning writer/photographer team of Sandra Shields and David Campion. This book is a moving collection of intimate personal stories and poignant photographs. Each conveys, with stunning simplicity, the power and potential of caring relationships to reduce loneliness and isolation. The Company of Others profiles the lives of five individuals who, by virtue of age, disability or life circumstance, DENIED DISABILITY find themselves BENEFITS FROM YOUR on the margins of DISABILITY INSURER society. Each AND UNABLE TO WORK? person has their own circle of If you answered yes, the Disability Law caring friends and Team of Watson Goepel Maledy LLP can relatives that help you today! provide them Our team of Julie Fisher and Sarah with love and Hentschel of BC Law Firm Watson support. The Goepel Maledy LLP and Norm Cuddy of relationships are Manitoba Law Firm Tapper Cuddy LLP reciprocal and and member of ME/FM Action Network can advise you of your options and mutually enrichprotect your rights so you can focus on ing. your health and get the benefits and By combinpeace of mind you need. ing expressive For your FREE initial legal consultation photographs with contact our Disability Law Team at: sensitive storytelling, The company 604-688-1301 (lower mainland) 1-866-669-3696 (toll free) of Others wgm@wgmlaw.com uniquely captures the universality of our yearning for Let us help you. connection. At Take action today! the same time, it illuminates the

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One-on-One Support for Family Members Do you have a family member or close friend with a mental illness? Would you like to talk to another person who has been there? The BC Schizophrenia Society, Family Peer Support Buddy Program is available to match you up with someone who also has a family member with a mental illness. This person (who is not a counsellor) will lend a friendly ear on the telephone or in person. Family Peer Support Buddies volunteer to provide listening and support via telephone or in person on a weekly basis for up to 3 months or 10 contracts. The service is for support only, not crisis help or counselling, and the coordinator is available to provide additional referrals as required. For more information, please call Carolina Romero 604-247-1884. â&#x2013;

January/February 2006 Transition

New breed of teachers’ pets help children learn by Ben Feller

oss, as the students call him, embodies a new breed of reading teacher in public schools. He’s great with kids, patient and likes to have his ears rubbed. He’s a dog. Every Tuesday at Washington Grove Elementary, students who struggle with reading get a private session with Ross, an Irish Setter, or with Tucker, a Golden Retriever. For about 30 minutes, each child reads to one of the two trained therapy dogs. No teachers or other students are in the room. The animal’s handler guides the lesson, but even she poses her questions as if the dog is the one who wants answers about the story. Unusual? Sure, school leaders say, but the students seem inspired. “They like the non-judgmental character of the dog,” said Barbara Murgo, the human partner in the therapy team with Ross, whose formal name is Rossini. “If they make a mistake, the dog isn’t going to correct them,” Murgo said. “The dog is not going to laugh at them. It’s just going to listen and love every word they say.” The READ teams—Reading Education Assistance Dogs—are redefining teachers’ pets across the US. The dogs and their handlers are being welcomed into schools to help children overcome their fear of mistakes. For years, besides being companions, dogs have been trained to help people who are visually impaired, sniff for explosives and provide a soothing visit for hospital patients. Now they’ve found a niche as listeners.

January/February 2006 Transition

“If they make a mistake, the dog isn’t going to correct them,” Murgo said. “The dog is not going to laugh at them. It’s just going to listen and love every word they say.” Feel-good folly? No way, said Kathy Brake, the principal at Washington Grove. She found two teachers at her school who were willing to try out the program. They chose four students to receive extra help each week. One of them is 10-year-old Fernando Arellano. During a recent lesson, he confidently made his way through a book on dinosaurs, stumbling mainly on names that could stump adults, too. Ross rested on a blanket, sometimes watching Fernando, sometimes not. When the dog’s attention drifted, Murgo tried to keep him involved, asking: “What do you think, Ross?” After the half-hour passed, Fernando was allowed to brush Ross, the reward that ends each session. Murgo said the young boy has made huge progress since the start of the school year, when he read so fast he didn’t stop for periods. ■ Excerpted from the Sun, November 25, 2005

Peace Begins With Me by Ted Kuntz, M.Ed

Peace Begins With Me: An inspirational journey to end suffering and restore joy was born out of my own experience of searching for peace. I have a son named Joshua. Joshua was born healthy, but became disabled early in life due to the toxic effects of a childhood vaccine. For years, I held the belief his disability was unacceptable. I experienced significant hurt, anger and fear. I spent the first five years of

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Joshua’s life in a state of war. I was angry at the world. I believed I could experience peace and joy only if my son’s condition improved. In the meantime, I felt powerless. Then, one day, I had an epiphany. I came to the realization I needed to accept my son just as he is. This meant accepting his disabilities. I learned to appreciate there were gifts in this turn of events, valuable lessons for me to learn. Gradually my firmly entrenched beliefs and attitudes began to shift. I discovered a new way to see my son’s condition and myself. This change allowed me to experience peace and joy again. I discovered peace is within reach if I allow my beliefs and attitudes within to change. Previously, peace was possible only if my external world was in alignment with my expectations. Gandhi captured the secret of peaceful living beautifully when he said, “Be the change you want the world to be.” Another lesson I learned during my journey with my son is that I spent much of my life resisting reality. I resist reality whenever I make statements such as: “It shouldn’t be this way” or “That accident should never have happened” or “There should be no war.” Most people, myself included, seem to be of the opinion that the act of resisting will change whatever it is we are resisting. I finally recognized any resistance is futile. The act of resisting doesn’t change the object of my resistance. It does, however, change me. It changes me into someone who is angry, frustrated and resentful. Excerpted from ‘Peace Begins with me.’ For more information and copies, go to www.peacebeginswithme.ca. ■

January/February 2006 Transition

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