In 1998, I was teaching middle school students in Minnesota. I wasn’t aware that Australian sociologist Judy Singer and American journalist Harvey Blume were discussing the idea of individual differences in brain variation and neurodiversity. What I did know at that time was Parker Palmer’s book The Courage to Teach. His words, written then, echo…
When I started my post-secondary schooling You Can’t Say ‘You Can’t Play’, written by Vivian Gussin Paley, was on the syllabus for my first education class. Paley was an American primary school teacher and early childhood education researcher who took a special interest in observing the non-directed experiences in the classroom and the corresponding conversations…
Back in May of this year, journalist Meagan Gillmore wrote the article “What one man needed for a second chance at life.” The story features an update on Michal Kaliszan, an individual born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Michal first caught public attention through his GoFundMe campaign in 2022 when he tried to raise money…
If you’re new to my column, two of our four kids, Rachel and Janneke, are disabled teens who live with significant needs that require complex care. Recently, the dietician assigned through the home and community care agency asked for updated weights of the girls. When Rachel and Janneke were younger (and lighter), I would hold…
I have a sweet memory of driving with Ralph from our home in the city to his brother’s place, the family farm. It was a late summer evening, with the sun about an hour from setting. I remember it being the kind of warm temperature that begs for windows to be rolled down. We could smell…
We live in a friendly neighbourhood where everyone knows you – by your dog’s name. It took us more years than we are willing to admit to learn Cooper and Gracie’s owner’s name (Steve), and we talk with Jersey’s owners (names not yet known) through the fence often. For over nine years, we were Luna’s…
The other day, a friend excitedly shared her latest method for falling asleep. We were gathered in a coffee shop one Saturday morning, discussing the aches and pains of being middle-aged. We’ve morphed over the years from beers in the evening to coffees in the early morning because, well, we’re too tired to stay up…
World Sleep Day is held each year in March, and it aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through education and better management. Canada’s population is not immune to sleep challenges across the lifespan, and these issues can impact wellbeing, productivity and overall quality of life. In June 2022, the Government of…
Sunshine, good coffee and incredible scenery. For seven days in December, I was able to enjoy the beautiful country of New Zealand’s North Island. Our second-born child currently lives in Wellington on a holiday work visa, and it had been 566 days since I had hugged my kid. Cue our team of nurses, a willing…
With October long behind us, the bright colours from the trees around our home have faded, and their leaves gather on the ground. In the next few weeks, the snow will come and create both beauty for the eyes and barriers for the wheelchairs. So for now, I bundle Rachel and Janneke in their warm…
When I start getting Rachel and Janneke ready for their day, one of the first things I do is ask, “What do you want to wear today?” Often, I am simply answered with a smile. Sometimes they can give me an indication with eye gaze if I present two options. Their eyes might rest longer…
Hacked. Though the term seems somewhat harsh, even aggressive with little attention to detail, much of the care with our family has involved several life hacks that have made life easier for our girls. Living with a disability or a specific physical challenge in a world created for the able-bodied requires resourceful solutions. Henry Claypool, a consultant…
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