Trisha Clarkin of Charlottetown had bad experiences with the Disability Support Plan. Trisha is a positive, outgoing Islander with a disability who serves as a volunteer in many organizations. She is on the Board of the PEI Council of the Disabled, and is President this year. She also runs a small business in art and design and has a booth at the Farmer’s Market, except during the winter. Trisha tell it in her own words:
‘I was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy just before my 30th birthday, I was terrified. It was extremely difficult to let go of being independent. My scooter gives me mobility and allows me a level of independence that I lose if not for it. As anyone who uses an aid understands, the aid becomes part of you.
The DSP people don’t encourage their use, let alone finance the purchase of scooters for disabled people. I had to finance 100% of my scooter.
I remember how difficult it was to take that first step to using a walker. Once I did, I was pleased with my new mobility. It made doing things possible. And for a disabled person, being able to do something is about the sweetest thing on earth.
I continue to use my scooter 5 years later. I still use my walker at home. For being transported in a car, I have a manual chair that the DSP surprisingly supplied for me 3 years ago.
When my original walker wore out and needed replacement, the DSP people wouldn’t even return my call. Thank God Muscular Dystrophy Canada came to my rescue! They covered the cost of replacing my old walker with a new model.
I have a number of other unhappy stories with the DSP but this is enough for today.
Tomorrow we will feature Trisha again on the ‘War on Scooters.’
Leave a Reply