Having A Disability Is Like A Dance Class

As I reflect on 47 years of having a disability and how far people say we have come as a disabled community, I realize we have truly not come that far. Yes, we now have wheelchair parking spots, wider door ways, International Day of Disabled Persons that says we exist on December 3^rd each year, and people are now becoming interested in the Para Olympics more.  However, the truth is having a disability is like participating in a dance class. We seem to take one step forward and two back in anything we do.

 The disabled community operates in silos against each other, depending on their disability, rather then working together toward a common goal. This works for society. As long as we are fight amongst ourselves, how can we expect main stream society to take our issues seriously, when as a community we can not identify a common issue together?  This slogan “Nothing About us Without Us” is nothing more then a warm fuzzy feel good catch phrase that belongs on a ten dollar T-shirt or should have been the title of a 80s after school TV special.

 The real truth is we should take some lessons and learn from members of the LGTBQ community. They work together toward solving a problem and see their issues through to a positive conclusion.  The LGTBQ community has made great advances in equality and celebrates their accomplishments with Pride week and a parade.  The closest the disable community gets is, a day once a year, which lets everyone know we are disabled. The celebration ends in just a few hours with a nice light lunch.

So as 2016 comes to a close, I put a challenge out to the disabled community. Let’s make 2017 the year we destroy the silos and work together as a united community toward some positive successes. We need to make everyday a day to be proud to have a disability.  I also think its time we had our own parade.  I put out this challenge to Rachel Notley and Justin Trudeau.  Come sit in a wheelchair and wheel in our parade, because DAM IT, WE ARE HERE, WE ARE DISABLED AND WE ARE DONE NOT BEING HEARD.      

Hear Me! Hear Me! - How your group or organization can work together to have your voices heard by your elected government officials

Many people get intimidated at the thought of having to contact their elected government official with a problem. It does not have to be intimidating and sometimes can be easier when you undertake it as part of a group.  Elected officials appreciate receiving letters and other feedback from their constituents as this feedback allows elected officials to be aware of issues that are important to their constituents.

Letters versus e-mails:

With technology today, it is easy to send an e-mail; however, your efforts will be maximized with a written letter. Type your letter out and personally sign it in ink. The extra few minutes this will take will speak volumes with the reader and show that you really care about the issue you are writing about.

Make certain to indicate clearly the reason you are writing in the first paragraph of the letter. Also be sure to proof read your letter for grammar and spelling

Be concise and clear:

There's always been debate about how long your letter should be. I always find it best if your letter is a maximum of two pages. Longer letters tend to ramble and lose effectiveness.  However, letters that are too short may not contain enough pertinent information to merit a response in the opinion of the reader.

Multiple issue letters:

Make certain that your letter only deals with one issue. If you have more than one issue to discuss with your elected official, write a separate letter for each issue.  For example, if writing about condominiums, concerns about health care would be better addressed in a second letter.

Be nice:

A letter that is not polite is not likely to be read or responded to. However, a letter that expresses dissatisfaction on an issue in a diplomatic fashion is more likely to solicit a response from your elected official.

Anatomy of a letter:

 A well constructed letter should include the following:

• A clear concise introduction that indicates the reason you're writing the letter and perhaps what you hope to achieve.
• Clearly identify your concerns.
• Let the reader know why the matter is important to you.
• Clearly identify a particular action or result that you would like to see taken.
• Politely request your elected official reply to you in writing with an answer.
• Thank the elected official for taking the time to read your letter and wish them a great day.

Addressing your letter:

When addressing a letter to an elected official, it is important to address them properly. For example if you're writing to the Prime Minister, you should address them as the Right Honorable Prime Minister and then their name. Elected officials holding the position of Premier or a cabinet minister should be addressed as honorable and the letter should begin with “Dear” Premier or Minister.  MLA's and MPs should be addressed as Mr. or Ms. followed by their surname and then MLA or MP.

Always follow up:

If your letter receives a response from your elected official, you should always follow up with a thank you letter letting them know you received the response and appreciate their efforts. This kind of gesture may help set you apart from the other letters they receive every day. If you ever need the help of your elected official again, they just may remember this will act of kindness.

Group letter writing campaigns:

In some cases a group of individuals are united behind a particular cause, such as the case with many condominium corporations, it may be advisable to initiate a group letter writing campaign. Often times when this is undertaken, one form letter is drafted with each individual in the group signing and forwarded their own copy to the elected official. You may choose each member of the group to write the letter in their own words using the same underlying themes. They sign and then forward the letter on. Letter writing campaigns of this nature show elected official that there is solidarity behind a particular issue and is of concern to a large group and deserves attention.

The same advice on clarity and concise language continue to apply however. 

Interesting facts about contacting your elected officials:

Many people do not realize that there is no postage required when mailing a letter to your MP or MLA. Just put the envelope in your closest mailbox.

Quick and easy links to help you locate your MLA or MP in Alberta

Members of the legislative assembly of Alberta:

http://www.assembly.ab.ca/net/index.aspx?p=mla_home

Members of the Parliament of Canada:

http://www.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx

For more information about Wayde Lever please visit his website at www.waydelever.ca

Seniors and Suds’ We Have to Raise a Stink

Finding ways to improve the quality of life of Albertans WITHOUT INCREASING
SPENDING is high on my list of priorities. As I outline below, we will be able to
address an astonishing low standard and improve the basic dignity felt by seniors and
disabled Albertans by encouraging innovation and efficiency.

Our current government funds care facilities and sets policy and standards for these
facilities to meet in such documents as:

Supportive Living Accommodation Standards
Long-Term Care Accommodation Standards
Continuing Care Health Service Standards

amongst other documents.

While there are standards and requirements in respect of nutrition, water temperature
and building codes, there is a surprising lack of regulation in respect to bathing. In
plain language, it is up to the care facilities and service providers to determine how
much bathing a person requires. If a person wishes more bathing, they are required
to pay for such access. Unfortunately for many seniors who I have met with, this
policy manifests itself into only one bath or shower per week - and the accompanying
reduction in personal dignity.

This is unacceptable. My experience over the past nine years as Chairmen of the board
of a non profit society that looks after the housing and care needs of seniors and people
with disabilities provides valuable insight. I am well aware that through acute
business practice and innovation that care facilities are able to provide a minimum
of two baths per week within their facilities WHILE OPERATING UNDER THE
SAME FUNDING STRUCTURE.

Setting such minimum standard will place positive pressure on service providing
organizations to become more efficient in the delivery of their services. Because I come
from that industry, I know that this change can be met without cutting back other core
services.

I will not accept any argument to the contrary.

If I am honored with the task of being the next MLA for Edmonton Highlands Norwood,
I commit that one of my first tasks will be to address the standards regarding care for our
seniors and people with disabilities to address minimum bathing requirements within our
care facilities.

I am proud to live in the best province in Canada. I have every confidence that we can

make long-lasting fundamental practical changes that will show our seniors the respect
for all their contributions to this great province and allow them to live the remaining
years with the dignity they deserve. I hope these changes will allow parents of persons
with disabilities to know when the time comes that their child requires more care than
they can provide, there is a care facility they can feel comfortable leaving their loved one
knowing they will be looked after.

I have every confidence that we can continue to show all Albertans tangible examples of
making our system and services more efficient while providing better results.

-Wayde Lever
Wildrose Candidate – Edmonton Highlands Norwood

To learn more about Wayde, to express support for this proposal, request a sign or donate
to his campaign, please visit www.waydelever.ca.