At this time, I would like to say a great big Happy Father's Day to all the fathers I know, and specifically to my father Paul, a man who has been through a lot and keeps on keeping on.
Whether it was getting me to push myself on the grass to train for track competitions when I was a kid, or singlehandedly commandeering a walker to outfit it with skis so that I could cross-country ski in Rundle Park, my father always made sure that I had unique experiences when growing up, even though I had a disability.
It's only when we reach adulthood that we realize just what our parents gave up to give us the material and non-material things we cherish. I remember that it used to bug Dad when we'd be in a store and a clerk would go, "Oh, you're in a wheelchair. Would you like a candy?"
Since I was seven or eight at the time, what do you think I said?
But now I understand why it bugged Dad. Because now that kind of societal thinking bugs me.
So thank you Dad, for that lesson, and countless others.
I love you.
Your son,
Michel
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Edmonton's Two-Tiered Transit
I love my city.
I could not imagine living anywhere else.
But in a very short time, my fellow disabled transit users and I may not be able to afford to get around in Edmonton.
And this is why.
As I have mentioned before, the city charges us $85.00 per month for a pass. Meanwhile, seniors pay about $30.00 for a pass they use all year.
A few years ago, Edmonton Transit appeared to solve the problem for disabled transit users, by offering us a $30 transit pass. But it comes with an important and disheartening stipulation:
It can only be used on the low-floor transit buses...and not on the disabled transit service, where it is needed most.
Mayor Stephen Mandel, that sounds like two-tiered transit to me.
Your Worship, I would like to compliment you on what you have done for the city of Edmonton. You have done much to revitalize this city with actionable plans, whereas your predesessor was full of big ideas, often without the plans to realize them.
But I also know that the two-price, restrictive pass scenario pits those who can`t pay the extra against those who can, and all because some users can`t get on the low-floor bus.
We are not asking for extra money, Mr. Mayor.
All we are asking is for one reasonable price for the passes. That way, any Edmontonian can enjoy our city, regardless of mobility issues.
Your Partner In Life
I could not imagine living anywhere else.
But in a very short time, my fellow disabled transit users and I may not be able to afford to get around in Edmonton.
And this is why.
As I have mentioned before, the city charges us $85.00 per month for a pass. Meanwhile, seniors pay about $30.00 for a pass they use all year.
A few years ago, Edmonton Transit appeared to solve the problem for disabled transit users, by offering us a $30 transit pass. But it comes with an important and disheartening stipulation:
It can only be used on the low-floor transit buses...and not on the disabled transit service, where it is needed most.
Mayor Stephen Mandel, that sounds like two-tiered transit to me.
Your Worship, I would like to compliment you on what you have done for the city of Edmonton. You have done much to revitalize this city with actionable plans, whereas your predesessor was full of big ideas, often without the plans to realize them.
But I also know that the two-price, restrictive pass scenario pits those who can`t pay the extra against those who can, and all because some users can`t get on the low-floor bus.
We are not asking for extra money, Mr. Mayor.
All we are asking is for one reasonable price for the passes. That way, any Edmontonian can enjoy our city, regardless of mobility issues.
Your Partner In Life
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