I started working at 6 AM yesterday on a blog for Disability Alert and a new handout. At 9:30 AM I was rushing to get to the PEI Human Rights Commission hearings into the 4 families of autistic children. By 1 PM my computer froze and I left with no handouts for the Legislature.
“…most people in a wheelchairs are substantially weaker than non-disabled adults. It’s like assaulting a child versus a man.”
Michael and I set up the Stop Taking Money From People in Wheelchair signs on Richmond St. and sat leisurely in the afternoon sun. Reporters bantered with scepticism over the Chester as mafia don tape. I pointed out that most people in a wheelchairs are substantially weaker than non-disabled adults. It’s like assaulting a child versus a man. I only have 30% to 35% of my adult muscle mass. After discussion of the impact of a battering on a person with a disability one said “I didn’t realize that.”
As the politicians passed on their way to the Legislature, we wished them well. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, except for Chester who appears brittle and worn. Several asked for the daily handout. “It’s your day off,” we told them. We watched the Question Period but it was tepid.
Michael gave me the video from the day before. It was pretty well a Jason Lee advertisement. He has quite a bit of intelligence and charm. As usual I posted it on YouTube. It’s hard to believe we have posted 29 videos on a few months. Of the Tour of Hope series, Currie Tonight from Poole’s Corner is the most popular.
I tried to get a nap but it was pretty short before the time came to go to Elmer MacFadyen’s nomination convention. The paper said Hillsborough Community Center which was deader than a doornail. We wandered around Hillsborough Park until we spotted Chester’s thug, Mr. Tims so we followed him right to the Carrefour. How ironic.
While Michael filmed, Elmer said I got a lot of places for a fellow in a wheelchair. We talked amiably for a bit. It was a small crowd. One man talked to us about his wife’s disability and CPP application. I offered to help with the paperwork if they got turned down, gave him my card.
Stu MacFadyen passed by on his way inside. Stu was particularly encouraging, said the politicians need people like us to remind them of what’s important. Last winter, he said the same thing in WalMart one night. He has a strong social justice conscience. A little encouragement goes a long way.
As the sun went down, the meeting started. Michael and I gathered up the signs, ourselves and went home. I still had to practice “Chimes of Freedom” before Baba’s started. Another day of spreading the news about disability on PEI ended.
Video at 11.
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