- Language Guide
- Accessible Housing
- Helpful links
- Needs Network
- Board Members
Using language to change the way we think about disabilities, discourage discrimination and empower individuals
Most people are well-meaning and do not intend to offend persons with disabilities or to contribute to discrimination within society.
However, language can change the way we collectively think and feel about the subject matter based on our implicit biases and whether the language we are using elicits a "positive" or "negative" image or emotion.
Some people may be unintentionally using language that is demeaning or patronizing to people with disabilities. Below are some points to consider during your discussion.
A disabled person, a cripple, handicapped, special needs
Using language like this to describe a person with a disability can make them feel as if they are being defined by their disability instead of describing one characteristic of their physical or mental abilities. Addressing their disability as separate from their identity can encourage equality and inclusion.
Try: "People with disabilities," "Person with mobility impairment," "Person with a physical disability."
Crippled by, suffers from, inflicted with, challenged
What images and emotions come to mind when you hear that "John is crippled by cerebral palsy?" It would seem to immediately evoke an image of a person with a poor quality of life and an accompanying negative emotion. In reality, many people with injuries and disabilities live fulfilling lives.
Try: "Kumar has multiple sclerosis," "Costos has cerebral palsy," "Janine has muscular dystrophy"
Or
Describe the person's needs and omit the diagnosis: "Blake uses a power chair," "Aletha needs behavior supports."
Those poor people, disabled people, people like that
It is common for people to make sweeping generalizations and to stereotype. For example, "those disabled people sure have a lovely spirit, don't they?" While this may seem like a well-intentioned compliment, it separates people with disabilities from our communities, is exclusionary, and ignores an individual's whole identity. In reality, people with disabilities are part of the community; they live, work, raise children, go to restaurants, and enjoy sports and recreation where they live. They have interests and hobbies that are special and unique to them.
Try: "A member of my community," "A man in my neighborhood," "Someone I know who has a disability"
Confined to a wheelchair
This phrase brings about images and feelings of limitation and imprisonment. In reality, a person actually uses a wheelchair to enable and empower them to get where they need to go independently.
Try: "Uses a wheelchair"
APARTMENTS
Bevan Enterprises - 36 Centennial Drive, Charlottetown
(902) 892-8508
Bevan Enterprises has two wheelchair-accessible units at their Centennial Drive property in Charlottetown. There are currently no vacancies at this property, but individuals are encouraged to call to inquire about availability as Bevan Enterprises works on a case-by-case basis to fulfill the client’s specific needs.
CAPREIT Apartments - Charlottetown and Cornwall
(902) 892-2031
CAPREIT Apartments has several accessible units located at 10 By Way Avenue, Cornwall, and 517-521 Malpeque Road, Charlottetown. There are currently no vacancies, but CAPREIT welcomes individuals to call to inquire about the availability of units.
Killam Apartment REIT - Charlottetown
(902) 566-2490
PEI Housing Assistance - Various locations, Charlottetown
PEI Housing Assistance currently has two vacant accessible units available at the following locations:
- Rankin Court - 1 bedroom
- Christie Drive - 1 bedroom
The following accessible units are currently occupied but will be available through PEI Housing Assistance throughout the Charlottetown area:
- Champion Court - 1 bedroom (3)
- Duvar Court - 1 bedroom (2)
- Haviland - 1 bedroom
- Hemlock Court - 1 bedroom (2)
- Park Royal Court - 1 bedroom (3)
- Queens Court - 1 bedroom (2)
- Rankin Court - 1 bedroom (2) - VACANCY
- Spring Park Court - 1 bedroom (2)
- Cornwall - 1 bedroom
- Crapaud - 1 bedroom
- South Rustico - 1 bedroom
- Bella - 1 bedroom (2), 2 bedrooms (2)
- Charlotte Court - 1 bedroom (4), 2 bedrooms (3)
- Christie Drive - 1 bedroom (4) - VACANCY, 2 bedrooms (3)
RENOVATIONS
The Disability Support Program has expanded and is now called AccessAbility Supports. New supports offer more and better assistance to Islanders living with disabilities.
You can call 902-620-37
77 to start the application process where you will be assigned a community support worker. Your support worker can provide assistance with employment including coaching, skills training, and more. They will help you access supports and resources depending on the challenges you're facing.
Financial assistance for home renovation and personal transportation are available through this program for those who need it.
BUYING A HOME
Real Estate Agents
Kelly Lantz - Century 21 Colonial Realty, Charlottetown, PE
Cell: (902) 314-4714
Fax: (902) 620-0146
Office: (902) 566-2121
Kelly Lantz is a Century 21 Real Estate Agent located in Charlottetown who has experience accommodating clients with mobility issues. If you need help finding a home that suits your individual needs, Kelly will be happy to get to work for you.
note: If you are an agent who has experience working with accessible housing, let us know and we'll add your name to our list.
Transportation
The PEI Council of People with Disabilities offers a Designated Parking Permit program for $21 per year or $30 for temporary permits, provided the required forms are completed.
Drive-Ability: Driving rehabilitation services
Karla Crawford is an occupational therapist with a Masters degree in Driving Rehabilitation Therapy. She offers assessments to help determine your ability to return to driving after illness or injury, as well as rehabilitation services to guide you through the process. You can contact her at kcdriveability@gmail.com or 902-626-7591.
Refilling your gas tank can be a pain as a driver with mobility challenges. It can be difficult to get the attention of employees that may be too busy to assist you. That's why Shell has created an app for patrons with disabilities to help make that process smoother and faster. The fuelService app allows patrons to search for a location nearby and find a station that is available to help them refuel. The app then lets the station know when the patron has arrived, and provides the patron with an estimated wait time, after which the designated employee will exit the store to assist them.
Donna's Transport takes seniors and people with intellectual and physical disabilities to medical appointments in Summerside and Charlottetown. Hours of operation are from 7:00am-4pm Monday-Friday. Call 902-436-3394 for service.
United Summerside Taxi (Wheelchair accessible taxi available)
Summerside taxi company located at 15 Spring Street. Call (902) 436-4232.
Transportation service for the mobility challenged with competitive rates, flexible hours, professional drivers who are CPR and First Aid qualified, and lift-equipped vans. Located in Queens County, operating 365 days/year from 7AM - 11PM. Call (902) 894-3339 to access the service.
Careers & Education
Career Counselling at PEICOD
The PEI Council of People with Disabilities offers a cost-free career counselling service for individuals with disabilities to assess their skills, passions, and career values. If you are unable to return to your work in your field after spinal cord injury, you may want to seek out one of their employment counsellors who can help you find the right fit and explore a new path.
Government Assistance
The Disability Support Program has expanded and is now called AccessAbility Supports. New supports offer more and better assistance to Islanders living with disabilities.
You can call 902-620-3777 to start the application process where you will be assigned a community support worker. Your support worker can provide assistance with employment including coaching, skills training, and more. They will help you access supports and resources depending on the challenges you're facing.
Financial assistance for home renovation and personal transportation are available through this program for those who need it.
Fitness & Recreation
PEI's world-famous beaches are accessible now! Check out this link for details.
The Access2 Entertainment Card provides people with disabilities with either free admission or a significant discount for their support person at over 500 participating venues across Canada. You can apply on their website above.
ICORD is a world-leading health research centre located in Vancouver, BC that specializes in spinal cord injury. They have compiled a list of resources to help those with SCIs overcome barriers to exercise.
ParaSport PEI offers equipment loans, sport & recreation membership funding, athletics programs such as wheelchair basketball and sledge hockey, and more.
Travel
Wheelchair Jimmy (Wheelchair Accessible Travel & Leisure)
An information resource to help you plan wheelchair accessible trips, with hotels, restaurants, attractions and services rated for accessibility.
Information & Resources
SCI PEI YouTube playlist: Adjusting to Your Injury
Check out our curated playlist of helpful demonstrative and discussion videos on topics ranging from parenting to crossing obstacles to managing chronic pain.
American Spinal Injury Association
ASIA offers webinars, contests, and cutting edge research for the SCI community. This is an excellent resource if you would like more information on your injury, the rehabilitation process, and exciting new treatments.
Spasticity can control the life of a person with an SCI. The SCIRE Community provides us with valuable information on what we can expect.
Colleagues at the University of Victoria have a fascinating project to make photography more accessible. Be sure to check them out.
The new quarterly edition of the Spin magazine for June 2020 is available online now. This magazine produces content local to British Columbia but much of it is still relevant to the SCI community nationwide. In the newest edition, you can find information on gear and gadgets such as the ‘slick skis’ to help wheelchair users navigate snow and sand; new insights into the SCI condition and potential solutions such as online counselling services to help break the anxiety-pain cycle; information on COVID-19 as it pertains to people with disabilities, and more.
Wives and Girlfriends of Spinal Cord Injury
WAGS of SCI is a network of women caring for partners with spinal cord injuries. They are committed to outreach within their communities and creating a support system for the unique challenges associated with inter-abled relationships. WAGS hosts events and meet-ups, support groups, podcasts and online fitness programs. They have a wide range of resources available as well as insightful blog content. You can support and fund WAGS of SCI by purchasing their merchandise.
This is a webinar for professionals that was given on June 26, 2020 for members of the American Spinal Injury Association. In it Dr. Alexander describes important points to consider about sexuality for people with SCI/D. The purpose of the Sustain Our Abilities Channel is to provide an online
Follow interabled Nova Scotian couple Kev and Dee as they travel the world dealing with accessibility issues. See their latest video here!
This is our home for all of your disability-related needs: accessible housing, assistive devices, and various aids for daily living. We will be sharing listings for free or affordable resources here as we find them. You can also let us know if you are having trouble acquiring any necessities and we will see what we can find for you.
APARTMENTS
PEI Housing Assistance currently has two vacancies for 1-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments at Rankin Court and Christie Drive. Call 902-368-5770 to inquire.
ASSISTIVE DEVICES
Contact us if any of these items might be of use.
Wheelchair - We have a used wheelchair available for donation to whoever may need it and finds it suitable.
Bed Rail - One of our members has a bed rail he'd like to make available to someone who could us it.
SCI PEI's Board of Directors
Bonnie Caldwell
Jen Coughlin
Tony Dolan
Brian Doucette
John Morris
Melva O'Conner
Myrtle Jenkins Smith
Vaughn Smith