Voices

Bill Russell: The Possibilities Project Opened My World

Bill Russell is a resident of St. Thomas, Ontario who is surrounded by his loving wife Sharon, children and grandkids. He has worked for TD Canada Trust for over 18 years as a mortgage and credit specialist. While battling cancer, in 2022 a new mass was discovered pushing against...

Back to School : Accessibility Plans 101

Are you heading back to the classroom this fall? Universities and Colleges all have Accessibility Services departments for students to prepare for the duration of their studies. This first step begins with connecting with the accessibility coordinator to determine the process to ensure accommodations are in place. Often during...

SCIO Adaptive Waterskiing Day

Making waves this summer! The summer heat was on at SCIO’s annual Adaptive Waterski event. As the temperatures rose under the summer sizzle, so did the excitement of many participants, who experienced firsthand the exhilarating experience of gliding across the water. Coaches and professional water-skiers were on hand to...

Accessible Travel Series: SCI Travel and Accessing Accommodations

Travelling with a disability shouldn’t limit your wanderlust! It’s essential to ensure accessibility and inclusive accommodations when planning your adventures. From wheelchair-accessible rooms and ramps to tactile signage and audio guides, there are options available to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable.   Examples of accommodations and services: Wheelchair-accessible...

Accessible Travel Travel Series: SCI and Technology

How technology is making travel accessible Calling all adventurers! Join us on a journey of accessible travel and discover how technology is revolutionizing the way people with disabilities explore the world.   Mobile Apps: Planning your next trip? Embrace the power of mobile apps that provide valuable accessibility information....

Accessible Travel Travel Series: Discover Amazing Destinations for People with Disabilities!

Accessible Travel: Discover Amazing Destinations for People with Disabilities! Top Ten Planning your next adventure? Explore these incredible destinations around the world that offer accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities. Let’s dive into some accessible locations that will leave you in awe! Singapore: Singapore is renowned for its...

Accessible Travel Series: Tips and Tricks!

  Hello, fellow travellers! Planning a trip with a disability? Today, we’re here to share valuable tips and tricks for accessible and safe travel. Let’s ensure your journey is filled with joy, comfort, and unforgettable experiences!   Research and Plan Ahead Thorough research and planning are key to a...

Remembering David Onley, A Mentor, Friend and Champion of SCIO

David Onley is a familiar name across SCIO’s community, and one that invites delightful memories for many. The former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario devoted his life to enhancing accessibility in the province, and indeed, Canada, with no shortage of admirers and mentees in the disability community. Mr. Onley was...

The Benefits of Activity-Based Therapy

Anita Kaiser: The Benefits of Activity-Based Therapy Anita Kaiser is a fourth-year Ph.D. student at the University of Toronto. She sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) in 1996 due to a motor vehicle collision which broke her neck. With over a year spent in the hospital relearning fundamental aspects...

On the Journey Together

Sharon Russell understands firsthand that navigating an SCI in the family can be an overwhelming journey that simply can’t be faced alone. A year ago, her husband Bill sustained an SCI....

Looking Back to Look Forward

People with lived experience are the best source of information about day-to-day living and can also talk about the emotions associated with sustaining a spinal cord injury. That is the basis of our Peer Program....

Navigating SCI as a Family

“We don’t talk often enough about the impact that an SCI has on the family’s mental health as a whole...”...

National AccessAbility Week: The Highs and Lows

Each year, National AccessAbility Week highlights the importance of inclusion and accessibility in our communities, workplaces and culture as a whole. From fierce change-makers leading the way toward a fully inclusive world, to fashion brands becoming more disability-friendly, there are many reasons to celebrate the progress we are making...

Filling the Toolbox

When you are struggling with poor mental health, there are many different tools you can use to help you....

Finding the Light on Dark Days

When you are passionate about helping others overcome challenges and barriers, and you work for an organization that is dedicated to the same, it is more than a job, it is a vocation....

Sherry Dai: On Motherhood, Family and Disability

There are many titles that Sherry Dai has in life. Among them are daughter, wife, University of Toronto graduate and mother of two. Sherry has a keen interest in political science and the humanities and loves crafts and baking – especially tarts, which happen to be an all time...

From the Community: I Almost Died from Reusing Catheters

Stephen Hill was born with spina bifida and has lived his entire life with a disability. Today, the 69-year-old struggles with numerous health complications, including a spinal leak and persistent urinary tract infections due to insufficient catheters. “I have no coverage at all for catheters, so this is an...

Online Access to Essential Services Proves to be a Barrier for People with Disabilities

Derek Moxam resides in a rural part of the province on Manitoulin Island. Accessing even essential services can be difficult for someone living with a spinal cord injury as a high-level quadriplegic. Derek was injured eight years ago and the systemic barriers to essential services are proving to be...

5 Ways to Practice Self-Care This Month

5 Ways to Practice Self-Care This Month When was the last time you took to unwind or do something that brings you joy? The age-old saying, “Stop and Smell the Roses,” isn’t just a mantra on chalkboards and in inspirational texts – there is a lot of truth and...

You May Not Be Out of Time

Limitations Periods When Severely Injured: You May Not Be Out of Time When you have been seriously injured as a result of an accident, you might look to the legal system to initiate a claim. However, personal injury lawsuits are subject to a general limitation period which restricts the...

Dustin Gawne: Reaching New Highs

Dustin Gawne is a 39 year old father of two from Ridgetown, Ontario whose story of overcoming addiction while adjusting to living with a disability is both gripping and uplifting. Prior to a single vehicle collision seven years ago, where he sustained his incomplete SCI, he remembers being the...