The following is courtesy of Easter Seals USA.

Everybody’s fighting some kind of stereotype, and people with disabilities are no exception. The difference is that barriers people with disabilities face begin with people’s attitudes - attitudes often rooted in misinformation and misunderstandings about what it’s like to live with a disability.

Myth 1: People with disabilities are brave and courageous.
Fact: Adjusting to a disability requires adapting to a lifestyle, not bravery and courage.

Myth 2: All persons who use wheelchairs are chronically ill or sickly.
Fact: The association between wheelchair use and illness may have evolved through hospitals using wheelchairs to transport sick people. A person may use a wheelchair for a variety of reasons, none of which may have anything to do with lingering illness.

Myth 3: Wheelchair use is confining; people who use wheelchairs are ‘wheelchair-bound’.
Fact: A wheelchair, like a bicycle or an automobile, is a personal assistive device that enables someone to get around.

Myth 4: All persons with hearing disabilities can read lips.
Fact: Lip-reading skills vary among people who use them and are never entirely reliable.

Myth 5: People who are blind acquire a ’sixth sense’.
Fact: Although most people who are blind develop their remaining senses more fully, they do not have a ‘sixth sense’.

Myth 6: People with disabilities are more comfortable with ‘their own kind’.
Fact: In the past, grouping people with disabilities in separate schools and institutions reinforced this misconception. Today, many people with disabilities take advantage of new opportunities to join mainstream society.

Myth 7: Non-disabled people are obligated to ‘take care of’ people with disabilities.
Fact: Anyone may offer assistance, but most people with disabilities prefer to be responsible for themselves.

Myth 8: Curious children should never ask people about their disabilities.
Fact: Many children have a natural, uninhibited curiosity and may ask questions that some adults consider embarrassing. But scolding curious children may make them think having a disability is ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’. Most people with disabilities won’t mind answering a child’s question.

Myth 9: The lives of people with disabilities are totally different than the lives of people without disabilities.
Fact: People with disabilities go to school, get married, work, have families, do laundry, grocery shop, laugh, cry, pay taxes, get angry, have prejudices, vote, plan and dream like everyone else.

Myth 10: It is all right for people without disabilities to park in accessible parking spaces, if only for a few minutes.
Fact: Because accessible parking spaces are designed and situated to meet the needs of people who have disabilities, these spaces should only be used by people who need them.

Myth 11: Most people with disabilities cannot have sexual relationships.
Fact: Anyone can have a sexual relationship by adapting the sexual activity. People with disabilities can have children naturally or through adoption. People with disabilities, like other people, are sexual beings.

Myth 12: People with disabilities always need help.
Fact: Many people with disabilities are independent and capable of giving help. If you would like to help someone with a disability, ask if he or she needs it before you act.

Myth 13: There is nothing one person can do to help eliminate the barriers confronting people with disabilities.
Fact: Everyone can contribute to change. You can help remove barriers by:
• Understanding the need for accessible parking and leaving it for those who need it
• Encouraging participation of people with disabilities in community activities by using accessible meeting and event sites
• Understanding children’s curiosity about disabilities and people who have them
• Advocating a barrier-free environment
• Speaking up when negative words or phrases are used about disability
• Writing producers and editors a note of support when they portray someone with a disability as a ‘regular person’ in the media
• Accepting people with disabilities as individuals capable of the same needs and feelings as yourself, and hiring qualified persons with disabilities whenever possible

Easter Seals provincial members offer a range of active living and accessibility programs and services for people with disabilities.

The most famous are Easter Seals camp programs which annually serve more than 6,000  children with disabilities at 22 locations  across the country.  The summer camps have what you would normally expect: camp fire stories and songs, swimming, kangaroo court, structured activities and so on. Some even include a climbing wall, high rope course and giant swing - all fully accessible to kids with disabilities. Easter Seals camps also offer a counselor to camper ratio of three to one.

Other services include year-round sport and social opportunities, as well as the provision of specialized mobility and access equipment such as mobility aids, assistive technology, adaptive computers, augmentative communication devices and adaptations to homes and vehicles for wheelchair accessibility.

To find out more about Easter Seals programs and services in your province, please click on one of the following:

Easter Seals Alberta

Easter Seals British Columbia

Easter Seals Manitoba

Easter Seals New Brunswick

Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador

Easter Seals Nova Scotia

Easter Seals Ontario

Easter Seals Prince Edward Island

Easter Seals Quebec

Easter Seals Saskatchewan

Your company wants to make a difference and offer employees fun and challenging team-building opportunities.

Easter Seals produces a number of exciting and unique national and provincial events to put your company’s name behind. Whether it’s to party with a purpose or be a superhero for Easter Seals kids, Easter Seals delivers media intensive events that bring people and teams together in a fun and challenging environment.

To find out how Easter Seals can meet your corporate needs, please contact Lisa Van Arem at 416-932-8382 x 226 or lvanarem @ easterseals.ca.

Resources:

Easter Seals Sponsors

National Easter Seals Events

Easter Seals In-Store Campaigns

Provincial Events:

Easter Seals Alberta

Easter Seals British Columbia

Easter Seals Manitoba

Easter Seals New Brunswick

Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador

Easter Seals Nova Scotia

Easter Seals Ontario

Easter Seals Prince Edward Island

Easter Seals Quebec

Easter Seals Saskatchewan

As you prepare your will, please consider making a lasting legacy by helping to ensure an accessible future for Canadians with disabilities. An Easter Seals fundraising professional is happy to assist you.

To find out more, please contact Lisa Van Arem at 416-932-8382 x 226 or lvanarem @ easterseals.ca

Easter Seals Alberta 2009 Ambassadors

Easter Seals British Columbia 2009 Ambassadors

Easter Seals Manitoba 2009 Ambassadors

Easter Seals New Brunswick 2009 Ambassador

Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador 2009 Ambassador

Easter Seals Nova Scotia 2009 Ambassadors

Easter Seals Ontario 2009 Ambassadors

Easter Seals Prince Edward Island 2009 Ambassador

Easter Seals Saskatchewan 2009 Ambassadors

Easter Seals BC Ambassador for 2008-2010

Natasha Kaweski, 2009 Easter Seals BC Ambassador

Natasha Kaweski

Natasha Kaweski of Delta, BC is 13 years old and no stranger to Easter Seals Camp - she’s been attending for the past seven years! She lives in Delta with her mom, dad, brother, two sisters and six cats. Natasha was born with Morquio syndrome, which occurs when the body is unable to produce specific enzymes, causing dwarfism. Her brother Damien also has Morquio’s and is an Easter Seals Camper as well.

Natasha is very excited to begin her tenure as an Easter Seals Ambassador. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up and is looking forward to perfecting her public speaking skills, which she will put to good use as she shares her love for Easter Seals Camp with everyone. She likes reading, sewing, arts and crafts and swimming, and of course, just hanging out with her friends.

Nathan Bragg, 2009 Easter Seals BC Ambassador

Nathan Bragg

Nathan Bragg is a veteran Easter Seals Camper, and his outgoing personality, boundless enthusiasm and sincere dedication to the Easter Seals cause made him the perfect representative.

Nathan was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of three. He doesn’t let CP slow him down, though - Nathan is an active, energetic kid and he has made Camp Squamish his summer destination for the past 8 years.

“Camp is his life,” Nathan’s mom says. “He would go every day if he could!” Nathan cites Camp Squamish as “one of my favourite places in the world…it never gets dull.”

At camp his favourite activities include hanging out with his many friends (he’s the life of the party!), swinging on the big swing (”The big swing is amazing - going up 60 feet in the air is as exhilarating as it is scary,” he proclaims) and swimming. Nathan is also a bit of a prankster - look out for practical jokes whenever he’s around! When he’s not having a blast at camp, Nathan resides in Maple Ridge, BC, with his family and two dogs. You might find him reading, playing video games, spending time with his friends or tearing up the local basketball court. When he grows up he wants to be a journalist, sports commentator or lawyer.

Nathan is an incredible example of the positive impact the Easter Seals Camping Program has had on children with disabilities across the province.

“Camp means a lot to me and it has helped in many ways,” Nathan says. “It has given me friends! It has given me laughs. It has given me a sense of belonging, but most of all it has given me the advice to focus on ability instead of disability, and has taught me that I can do anything.”

Watch for Nathan as he represents BC’s Easter Seals Kids at various Easter Seals events, including the 24 Hour Relay for the Kids and the Easter Seals Regatta and Festival.

Zak Madell, Easter Seals 2009 Youth Ambassador for Southern Alberta

Zak Madell, Easter Seals 2009 Youth Ambassador for Southern Alberta

Fifteen-year old Zak Madell is a remarkable young man whose viewpoint is life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it. Attitude is everything.

Easter Seals Alberta is proud to announce Zak as the 2009 Easter Seals Youth Ambassador for Southern Alberta.

Zak is a grade nine student from Okotoks, AB. At the age of ten, Zak developed a bacterial infection which spread throughout his system causing septic shock. His body was able to protect his brain and heart, but other organs suffered the effects of the toxins and lack of oxygen. Much of his tissue did not survive and, as a result, he required amputation of his legs and fingers. Today you can find Zak getting around in a custom-made wheelchair.

Zak attended Easter Seals Camp Horizon in 2008. His favorite activities at camp included the giant swing and the zip line. Zak also enjoyed playing power hockey with friends and camp counsellors. “When I’m at camp, I get to do things I normally would not get a chance to do. I get to meet new friends and try new things,” said Zak.

Zak has a passion for community involvement. His wish is to see more accessible sporting events, entertainment and recreation facilities for people with disabilities. His dream is to be able to one day walk on prosthetics and to attend university to get a science degree. He would also very much like to return to camp one day as a camp counsellor.

As a practicing musician, Zak can play the trombone and is also learning to play the electric guitar.

Kyle Zieger, Easter Seals 2009 Youth Ambassador for Northern Alberta

Kyle Zieger, Easter Seals 2009 Youth Ambassador for Northern Alberta

Easter Seals Alberta is proud to announce twelve-year-old Kyle Zieger as the 2009 Easter Seals Youth Ambassador for Northern Alberta.

This year, Kyle was recognized in his community and received a Citizen Award for his positive attitude.

Kyle was diagnosed with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at the age of five. DMD is a muscular disease that affects the body in many different ways. In Kyle’s case, he has limited strength and mobility. Kyle walks in small distances to help maintain his strength, but uses his power wheelchair for most of his daily needs.

In 2008, Easter Seals financially supported the conversion of an accessible vehicle to accommodate Kyle’s power wheelchair. The conversion costs were approximately $35,000, not including the initial costs of purchasing the new vehicle.

“The contribution that Easter Seals made has made all the difference,” says Kyle’s mother Donna. “It has opened up new doors to new environments for Kyle and our family.”

The Zieger family was able to visit Johnston Canyon in Jasper National Park for the first time. Now Kyle can keep up with his friends in activities and has the confidence to move around and go places like never before.

Kyle has a great sense of humour and a positive and indomitable spirit. In his spare time Kyle likes drawing and writing short action-hero fiction stories. He also enjoys doing research projects on animals and wildlife. Kyle hopes to one day be an animal researcher.

Jennifer Lozinski, Regina Easter Seals Ambassador.

Jennifer Lozinksi, Regina Easter Seals Ambassador

Fourteen-year-old Jennifer Lozinski is the Regina Easter Seals Ambassador. Jennifer has cerebral palsy and sometimes uses a walker or wheelchair to get around. Some of Jennifer’s interests include spending time on Facebook, listening to her favourite artists such as Avril Lavigne and Hedley, and hanging out with family, especially her twin sister Michelle and both her grandmothers.

Jennifer knows first hand that Easter Seals programs help to develop self-confidence and independence for children with disabilities. “Jennifer has an awesome sense of humour,” says her father, Dave. While at Camp Easter Seal, Jennifer enjoys boating and shopping in the town of Watrous. She has also made many friends at Camp.

Rupan Sambasivam, Saskatoon Easter Seals Ambassador

Rupan Sambasivam, Saskatoon Easter Seals Ambassador.

Rupan Sambasivam is the Saskatoon Easter Seals Ambassador. He is an active twelve-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. He participates in activities both during and after school. Rupan was named School Safety Patroller of the Year at Forest Grove School for the 2007/2008 year. He is a sports enthusiast; in particular, Rupan is a big fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He has also travelled to Australia, Norway, France, and the Caribbean with his family.

At Camp Easter Seal, Rupan enjoys the activities at the Recreation Centre and thinks the camp counsellors are great. “Kids with disabilities are just like all kids - they like to play, learn new things and hang out with friends. That’s what it’s like at Camp Easter Seal.”

Easter Seals Ambassadors have a very important role with Easter Seals Saskatchewan. Throughout the year, our ambassadors represent children with disabilities at Easter Seals fund raising events within the province. Jennifer and Rupan each exemplify that special Easter Seals spirit - ‘the focus on ability, not disability’. Each one has participated in and benefitted from the programs offered by Easter Seals Saskatchewan: Camp Easter Seal, Summer Fun, and Adaptive Technology Services.

Allison Onslow, 2009 Manitoba Youth Ambassador

Allison Onslow, 2009 Manitoba Youth Ambassador

Eleven-year old Allison Onslow loves to fly - remote control airplanes, to be exact. This is a favourite hobby that she shares with her dad. She loves it some much she is a member of the Perfect Circle Flying Club.

Allison has other interests as well: riding horses, singing, dancing, playing guitar, keyboard and the harmonica. One day she hopes to play power wheelchair hockey when she can maneuver her chair.

Allison, who was born with cerebral palsy, has been very active with Easter Seals Manitoba/SMD Foundation. For Allison, being the 2009 Manitoba Youth Ambassador gives her and her family a sense of learning, self esteem and confidence. Allison has met so many wonderful people through the various
campaigns and events. This is her way of giving back for all the good work that Easter Seals and SMD has done over the years.

Allison has participated in Easter Seals/SMD Leisure & Recreation programs by attending day camps over the past three years.

Casey Mackay, 2009 Provincial (Ontario) Easter Seals Ambassador

Casey Mackay, 2009 Provincial (Ontario) Easter Seals Ambassador

Casey MacKay is a young man who strives to help others at every opportunity. This 12-year-old helps out at his school in the office and in the classroom. Casey’s career goal is to be a paramedic.

“I really want to help people. I picture myself saving people who are hurt by getting down to their level and helping them up,” said Casey, who wears leg braces for walking and uses a wheelchair for distances.

As the 2009 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador, Casey wants to tell people how Easter Seals really does help kids with physical disabilities succeed. “A lot of kids don’t even have wheelchairs. They need to get around even if they can’t walk. Without this we’d be glued to one spot. We’d miss all the fun in this world.”

Casey has a great support network that includes his dad, mom, older brother Adam, and friends. For three years now, he has played hockey for the Mississauga Crusaders and looks like any other hockey player in full equipment, with regular skates and stick. When Casey started playing hockey he had his hockey stick taped to his walker. Now he’s out on the ice without the walker, just some assistance from his dad. Casey’s brother, Adam, is also on the ice every week volunteering by helping other kids on the team.

Casey is a big Leafs fan and has attended the Maple Leafs Skate for Easter Seals Kids event at Air Canada Centre for the past six years. His favourite Leafs player was Boyd Deveraux (because he liked the sound of his name), but Casey proudly wears his # 60 jersey for his best buddy Carlton the Bear, mascot for the Leafs.

Casey has had the opportunity to attend fully accessible Easter Seals Camp Woodeden and welcomed the chance to challenge himself by playing sledge hockey and learning archery.

When asked about what he looks forward to as one of the 2009 Provincial Ambassadors, Casey replies, “I like busy days and meeting new people.”

Kaitland Clapp, 2009 Provincial (Ontario) Easter Seals Ambassador

Kaitland Clapp, 2009 Provincial (Ontario) Easter Seals Ambassador

Eleven year-old Kaitland Clapp swims, plays soccer and likes sailing. She is also a great singer and is learning to play the alto saxophone in school. Her younger sister, Madison has been known to complain about the noise when Kaitland practices the sax. It is hard to believe that this is the same child who was called ‘the miracle baby’ by the doctor when she was born.

Kaitland was born premature with a number of health issues, which meant countless visits to doctors, specialists and therapists. Kaitland learned to walk at the age of two, but had to wear a hockey helmet because she was having severe falls. At age four she had an operation that involved severing her left leg and rotating it, so that she could walk without tripping herself. She still feels quite a bit of pain in her legs during growth spurts. Kaitland has also had a spinal tap operation and continues to experience seizures, which doctors can’t completely explain the reason for.

Tammy Konning, Kaitland’s mom, tells how her daughter used to say, “Mom, why am I different? Why me, mommy?”

Mom’s response was always, “Because you can handle it.”

And handling it she does, at every opportunity. Kaitland only uses a wheelchair for long distances and is confident running on the soccer field with her leg braces. She has had the opportunity to water ski and go tubing at a friend’s cottage and learned how to sail at an Easter Seals Regatta event in Picton. This summer she hopes she will have the chance to attend Easter Seals Camp Merrywood near Perth, Ontario.

“I’ve never been to camp and I’d like the chance to go sailing again. You don’t need your legs to do it, so you can just relax and be like everyone else,” said Kaitland.

Kaitland has a couple of ideas for future career plans. She would like to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a kindergarten teacher. Like her fellow Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador, Casey, Kaitland is also thinking of becoming a paramedic because “it would be cool to help people.”

As the 2009 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador, Kaitland wants to tell other kids with physical disabilities to “keep trying and you will succeed.”