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"

RESTAURANTS

EVENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

OUTDOORS, FITNESS & RECREATION

SPAS & SALONS

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

AccessAbility Supports

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.

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

www.teamlantz.com

www.twitter.com/KellyLantz

kelly@teamlantz.com

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

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.

Shell fuelService app

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.

United Summerside Taxi (Wheelchair accessible taxi available)

Summerside taxi company located at 15 Spring Street. Call (902) 436-4232.

Pat and the Elephant

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.

Government Assistance

AccessAbility Supports

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 National Parks

PEI's world-famous beaches are accessible now!  Check out this link for details.

ICORD Exercise Resources

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.

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.

All about spasticity

Spasticity can control the life of a person with an SCI.  The SCIRE Community provides us with valuable information on what we can expect.

The Spin Magazine

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 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

Wheelchair - We have a used wheelchair available for donation to whoever may need it and finds it suitable.

SCI PEI's Board of Directors

Bonnie Caldwell

Jen Coughlin

Tony Dolan

Brian Doucette

John Morris

Melva O'Conner

Myrtle Jenkins Smith

Vaughn Smith