Summary
"Susan Sontag once observed that we all hold dual citizenship in the realms of health and illness, a sentiment echoed by Mia Farrow. Farrow poignantly noted, “Any minute, the passport for the land of the well can be revoked, and you find yourself in an entirely different world.”
By Stephen Pate – Susan Sontag once observed that we all hold dual citizenship in the realms of health and illness, a sentiment echoed by Mia Farrow. Farrow poignantly noted, “Any minute, the passport for the land of the well can be revoked, and you find yourself in an entirely different world.”
The brink between wellness and disability is but a nanosecond away. Statistically, one in seven Canadians will experience disability in their lifetime, be it through accidents or illness.
In my youth, I associated disabilities primarily with diseases like polio, which affected me, or with tragic accidents that led to conditions such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. These instances, along with a multitude of medical and accidental causes, contribute to the spectrum of disabilities we see today.
What measures can we take? Beyond exercising caution and maintaining a healthy diet, securing comprehensive disability insurance is critical. It’s essential to find a policy that extends well beyond the typical two-year coverage, as many insurers promote their plans as all-encompassing until the fine print reveals otherwise. If you’re facing a disability, ensure you apply for disability leave before leaving your job, as coverage often requires you to be employed at the time the disability occurs.
The need for a robust safety net for those with disabilities is undeniable. With a significant portion of the population affected, this issue transcends individual concern. The urgency for solutions is increasing, particularly as the Baby Boomer generation ages into periods of higher disability risk. Given their track record, it’s unlikely Boomers will overlook the pressing need for better support systems.
Mia Farrow, an acclaimed actress and humanitarian, has made significant contributions both on and off the screen. With a filmography that includes classics like “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” Farrow has also been a vocal advocate for human rights and humanitarian causes as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Her resilience as a polio survivor, coupled with her advocacy for post-polio awareness, underscores the importance of the discussion on disability and support systems.
Originally published July 4, 2009
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