Day in a wheelchair teaches how daunting life can be

Bill Brownstein

My arms are burning. My shoulders are throbbing. I am going around in circles, banging into walls, people and pets, all that can get in my path. I can’t even make it into my bathroom, let alone shower, shave or excrete. I can’t make coffee, because I can’t reach anything in the kitchen.

My futility level has hit a new high, and I’ve spent a little less that an hour in a wheelchair.

In the end, I spent most of Victoria Day in a wheelchair; not because of any recent disability, but in an effort to get a sense of what those restricted to wheelchairs must contend with on a daily basis here. It was pretty much a nightmare. The major difference, of course, is that I was able to walk away from my nightmare at the end of the day. But my heart will forever go out to those who can’t do the same at the end of their day.

I was one of several participants – from Global TV, CJAD, and Standard Life, among others – in the Chair Aware Challenge, being conducted this month to raise awareness and funds for the Action Centre, a LaSalle-based non-profit organization that assists and seeks to empower adults with disabilities.

My home and work environment are not wheelchair-friendly. So on this day, stairs have become a life-threatening obstacle. In fact, just about everything has become a daunting obstacle. I almost do a double gainer trying to get down to my basement office, sliding on my butt down the stairs. But even that proves far easier than crawling back up, using only my hands and shoulders.

Dog No. 1 is trembling with horror, avoiding the wheelchair. Dog No. 2 is more defiant, growling at the chair and attempting to bite the wheels.

The wizened cat is clearly befuddled and keeping her distance.

And yet being inside is a breeze compared with what awaits me outside. I am already aware our métro system is not accessible to wheelchairs, although the MTC does have a bus service for the disabled.

I have decided to wheel over to the Pepsi Forum to catch a flick at the AMC. Normally, this would be an eight-minute walk. Today, it will take 45 minutes, and that’s with my mate, a registered nurse, by my side in case the wheeling gets rough. And it does.

Forget the burning arms and throbbing shoulders – and now the blisters on my hands – I can’t even keep the bloody chair straight on the sidewalks. I have to use my left hand as a rudder on one wheel to keep me from veering onto the street and my right hand to turn the other wheel. I am getting nowhere fast.

Crossing streets, even with lowered sidewalks and traffic lights, is terrifying. I have between 15 and 25 seconds to make it. That only sounds like a luxury. It’s not. It’s a panic situation. First, I must make eye contact with motorists about to make turns, because they don’t seem to notice anyone not on their eye level. Once that’s accomplished, there’s the dash across the intersection, and almost every time I make the last few lengths thanks only to my companion pusher. There’s no jay-rolling here. And heaven help you if you have to negotiate a speed bump.

Oh yeah, the able-bodied think their lives are at risk at pedestrian crosswalks. Try them in a wheelchair. At the corner of St. Marc and Baile Sts., one of the most dangerous pedestrian crosswalks in town, only one car of the 25 that passed me stuck in the middle actually stopped for me – as Gazette photographer Dave Sidaway can attest.

I finally make it to the AMC multiplex, which, mercifully, is fully accessible to wheelchairs. An elevator with signals I can reach takes me up a few floors. The theater has a designated area for wheelchairs. Next door is a massive washroom, also able to accommodate wheelchairs.

Never have I been so content to sit through such a pedestrian comedy, RV. Even Robin Williams, annoying at the best of times, seems like a blessing now. Two hours of down time can do that to someone in a wheelchair.

There aren’t many entertainment options out there for the wheelchair-restricted. Action Centre’s Kevin Harrison, who has spent 15 of his 31 years in a chair, tells me there is only one bar-resto in the bar-resto-rich area of Crescent St. that can handle a wheelchair – Dundee’s.

On a work level, it’s far more frightening. You’re flat out of luck in most older and smaller downtown office buildings.

Following the movie, I decide to head across the street to Alexis Nihon Plaza for a little shopping at the PharmaPrix. Entering the drugstore is no problem, but everything on my shopping list seems to be on shelves far out of my reach. Fortunately, a clerk comes to my rescue and fills out my shopping list for me.

The able-bodied tend to be either courteous or oblivious. For every person who offers to help, push or carry, there are those who refuse to look at or acknowledge you. The best, though, was the well-dressed panhandler trying to hit me up for spare change.

After mistakenly assuming a side entrance to Alexis Nihon would be accessible for wheelchairs and then returning to the main entrance to exit, I prepare for the long roll back home. Again, the trek is fraught with all manner of hazards.

Back home, I want to stay put, even if I can’t access the loo and if dog No. 2 can’t stop growling or biting the wheels. Anything beats having to contend with the real world in a chair.

The Action Centre’s Harrison says that’s precisely the plight of the physically disabled. Going outside is such a production that many would rather deal with cold, hard isolation inside instead.

Add that, he mentions, to the poverty that afflicts most of this city’s disabled served by the Action Centre. And then you might get a bit of an idea just how challenging life can be.

Appeared in The Gazette on 2006-05-24

Westmounters get a lift from Action Centre activities
Marilynn Vanderstay


For most, the arrival of summer means picnics, outdoor sports, boat rides and other outings.

For the severely physically and mentally challenged in the Anglo community, however, it often is just a continuation of days of isolation and boredom.

Westmount resident Gwen Norsworthy has found a solution to those lonely days in the Action Centre, a multi-purpose activity centre offering leisure activities, training and social interaction to people living with a cognitive or physical challenge.

Every Wednesday, Norsworthy gets up looking forward to the afternoon where she will have an opportunity to be part of an interesting activity such as t-shirt painting, and will have an opportunity to visit with friends. “I really look forward to Wednesday afternoons,” she says. “It is a nice break from sitting alone at home with my cat.”

Norsworthy worked as an operating room aide at the Montreal Neurological Hospital until the epilepsy, which has plagued her life since she was a young child, became unmanageable. She has been participating in programmes at the Action Centre since it was opened in February 1999. The Action Centre is the only centre for physically and cognitively challenged individuals on the island of Montreal that caters to the Anglophone population by offering all services in both official languages.

For many like Norsworthy, however, it is the only weekly outing they get to participate in where they get to talk to real people other than the ones they see on their televisions. For some, it has been the first social interaction since the onset of their challenge. The Centre is member driven, using focus groups to determine the schedule of activities that include social events such as outings and sports, learning activities such as computers and crafts and information sessions about issues such as ‘knowing your rights’. This spring activities have included outings o a sugar shack, wood burning courses, and movie and bowling nights.

This summer the members have asked for a lot of outdoor activities that will include picnics, a boat ride at the Old Port, and sports. One of the more popular sports is boccia, a ball game more adaptable to people in their wheelchairs. Two weeks ago, Centre member Sylvie Maheu took home the gold medal in the ‘Défi Sportif’, an annual Olympic quality special games event held in Montreal and participated in by physically and cognitively challenged contenders from 18 countries.

“Sylvie was so happy when she won,” said Manon Brideau, one of the Centre’s coordinators. “She was beaming. One of the important aspects of the centre that we try to achieve is to build self-esteem and that did it for Sylvie. She is still beaming.”

Unfortunately, the funds for the centre are running low and by the end of the summer, the bank account will be empty. Former Westmount city councillor Sally Aitken has been very involved with the centre and is working to create some fund-raising opportunities to get the community of Montreal involved in saving the centre.

Those interested in visiting the Action Centre, located at 1260 Richmond Street in Point St. Charles, can call 931–0404 for details.

Appeared in the Westmount Examiner on 2001-05-24

Le Centre Action accueille les personnes handicapées physiques de l’île de Montréal
Situé au 2214, avenue Dollard
Pierre Boulanger


Saviez-vous qu’il existe à LaSalle un centre spécialisé pour les handicapés physiques? Fondé en 1998 par Lise Daigneault van de Velde, le Centre Action a d’abord occupé des locaux à Pointe Saint-Charles. En avril 2002, on procédait à l’inauguration des nouveaux locaux au 2214, Dollard, face au centre commercial Place Newman.

Lors de la séance du conseil d’arrondissement du 3 février, M. Daniel Jarry, lui-même handicapé, a profité de la période de questions réservée au public pour sensibiliser les élus et les citoyens à l’existence du Centre Action pour les personnes handicapées physiquement provenant de tous les coins de l’île de Montréal. Il a précisé que le Centre Action a toujours besoin de bénévoles et a lancé une invitation à la population. Il suffit de communiquer au 366–6868 ou de se rendre sur place.

Losqu’elle a créé le Centre Action, Mme Daigneault van de Velde souhaitait rejoindre les personnes ayant une déficience physique ou cognitive afin de les aider à atteindre une meilleure qualité de vie. C’est le seul centre bilingue de ce genre sur toute l’île de Montréal qui offre des activités éducatives, culturelles et de loisirs. Outre le partenariat avec la Commission scolaire de Montréal qui assure les cours d’informatique, il y a les arts plastiques, le ciné-club, des activités récréatives, etc.

Ayant eu l’occasion de prendre part aux cérémonies d’ouverture du Centre Action en avril 2002, la présidente du conseil d’arrondissement, Mme Manon Barbe, a parlé « d’un beau centre et de gens qui accomplissent un travail remarquable. Soyez assurés que le conseil d’arrondissement vous donne tout le support nécessaire à vos opérations. »

Paru dans Le Messager LaSalle le 2003-02-09

Centre Action serves the island of Montreal’s physically handicapped
Pierre Boulanger


Did you know that LaSalle has a centre for the physically handicapped? Le Centre Action, which was founded in 1998 by Lise Daigneault van de Velde, is located at 2214 Dollard, across from the Place Newman shopping centre.

At the February 3rd borough council meeting, Mr. Daniel Jarry, who is handicapped himself, took advantage of the public question period to call the attention of elected officials and residents to the existence of the Centre Action for the physically handicapped from all parts of the Island of Montreal. He explained that Centre Action needs volunteers and extended an invitation to the local population. Phone number: 366–6868.

When le Centre Action was created, Mrs. Daigneault van de Velde hoped to reach the physically or mentally handicapped, to help them achieve a better quality of life. This is the only bilingual centre of its kind on the entire Island of Montreal, offering educational, cultural, and recreational activities.

In addition to its partnership with the Commission scolaire de Montreal, which provides computer courses, the centre also offers plastic arts, a cine-club, recreational activities, etc.

Appearing in the LaSalle Messenger on 2003-02-09

Centre Action : Un centre qui porte bien son nom
Anonyme

On peut dire qu’il s’en passe des choses au Centre Action. On pourrait dire que ça « roule ». Une atmosphère accueillante et chaleureuse, une programmation impressionnante par sa variété et par la participation de ses membres, c’est assez pour réchauffer le cœur!

Prenez par exemple Claude Sabbah, au Canada depuis 40 ans, qui s’occupe d’organiser les transports pour les membres de auprès de la STM. Il connaît tous les membres, qu’il interpelle sans vergogne sur une variété de sujets généralement considérés trop délicats, ne se gêne pas pour exprimer sa pensée sur toutes les questions posées et tient mordicus à son autonomie.

Il résume en quelques phrases sa vision de la condition humaine, « Faut se battre. Moi, je considère que j’ai vécu presque pour deux! Il y a des gens qui aiment se planter là, d’autres comme moi qui prennent le bâton pour avancer. »

Ou si vous préférez, considérez ceux qui prennent moins de place mais qui par leurs gestes dégagent une chaleur comme Henri van de Velde, membre du CA, co-fondateur du Centre Action avec son épouse Louise Daigneault, responsable du journal et membre du Club social. Comme Jean-François Couture, réceptionniste au Centre, et Daniel Jarry, président du comité social, et comme la directrice, Celina Hasbun et Paul Donovan, qui s’occupe de l’impressionnante salle d’ordinateurs du centre. Sans oulier ceux qui charment par un simple sourire comme Marie Tulugak, Annie Nugent et Lucie Brisseau.


Statistiques vitales :

Organisme communautaire autonome.

MISSION : L’épanouissement des personnes handicapées.

BESOINS : Des bénévoles pour accompagner lors des sorties, une infirmière, une meilleure cuisine, une reconnaissance officielle de l’arrondissement, des partenaires pour faciliter l’intégration sociale des membres du centre.

PROGRAMMATION : Cours et ateliers : français, peinture, cuisine, arts plastiques, informatique, musique, éducation physique, jeux divers. Sorties variées

COMITÉS : Club social opéré par les membres pour organiser des activités et des levées de fonds pour les financer.


Conseil d’administration : 13 personnes. Paul Glenfield, président. Nombre d’employés : une directrice, deux préposés, une adjointe, un agent de développement (temps partiel).

Membres : 100. Budget d’opération : 170 000 $. Financement : Dons, subventions salariales, levées de fonds. À vendre : crayons, t-shirts.

Paru dans Le Messager LaSalle le 2004-09-12

East End Kids Embrace the Disabled
By Sabrina Marandola


So far, only East End students have had the opportunity to meet members of Centre Action, an activity centre for people with physical or cognitive disabilities, and they say the experience has changed the ay they perceive others.

“They told us what they do at Centre Action. I was moved by the talk because they’re in wheelchairs, and I never thought about it before—just because you’re different, it doesn’t stop you from doing what you want to do,” said Amanda Russo, a 14-year-old student from John Paul I High School.

Rocco Speranza, spiritual and guidance animator for four East End schools of the English Montreal School Board, is behind the Centre Action initiative.

“I invited them to come in and speak to the students to help sensitise them to the issues of discrimination, acceptance, togetherness, unity, caring and kindness,” Speranza said, adding that students are so moved by the guests, they ask how they can volunteer at Centre Action.

“I really want to visit them,” said Michael Scalera, 13. “Maybe some of them have no family, and they would have company if I went.”

Daniel Jarry, Centre Action’s public relations director, was healthy before he suffered a stroke in 1987. Today, his mobility is impaired. Jarry volunteers at Centre Action.

“Centre Action was the only place to meet people like me and be able to talk to people like me,” Jarry Said.

Centre Action is a bilingual, non-profit organisation that holds activities for disabled people, such as arts and crafts, painting, exercise and cooking. An average of 40 people attends the centre, located in LaSalle, everyday.

Centre Action, which has five employees, receives 90 percent of its funding from private donations. The other 10 percent comes from government programs or fund-raisers.

Jarry visited about 50 Dante Elementary students in St. Leonard on Tuesday, and he says the message he shares with kids is an important one.

“We tell them we are normal [and] we need to be treated like normal people,” said Jarry. “Just because we are in a wheelchair, we’re no different than they are.”

Celina Hasbun, the director of Centre Action, says the school visits have been very fulfilling.

“The kids really listen. They take it to heart and they are much more receptive than we think they are,” Hasbun said.

Appeared in The East End Suburban on 2005-03-31

Remise de contributions à des organismes de LaSalle Soutien à l’action bénévole
Auteur inconnu


Mme Monique Jérôme-Forget, présidente du Conseil du trésor et députée de Marguerite-Bourgeoys à l’Assemblée nationale du Québec, a tenu à remercier sincèrement tous les citoyens qui œuvrent depuis des années dans l’action bénévole.

Le 15 novembre dernier, Mme Jérôme-Forget a profité de l’occasion pour remettre une contribution à plus de 100 organismes dans le cadre du programme de « Soutien à l’action bénévole ».

Que ce soit des organismes communautaires, des associations d’ainés ou sportives, des clubs sociaux ou autres, tous ces bénévoles sont préoccupés autant par le bien-être des gens, par la lutte à la pauvreté que par l’épanouissement des jeunes.

Mme Jérôme-Forget a souligné l’importance de l’action bénévole et encourage les gens de tout âge, jeunes et moins jeunes à donner de leur temps à ceux qui en ont le plus besoin dans la société.

(Texte sous l’image) Remise de chèque au Centre Action de LaSalle. De gauche à droite : Celina Hasbun, Daniel Jarry (en fauteuil roulant), Henri Van de Velde et la ministre Monique Jérôme-Forget.

Paru dans Le Messager LaSalle (date inconnue)

Elegant event benefits Action Centre
Social Notes
Veronica Redgrave


The Action Centre, the only bilingual day centre for handicapped adults in Montreal, celebrated its fifth birthday with a soirée that honoured Mary and David Culver for their philanthropic work. Sandra Schlemm, committee chairperson, welcomed guests to the elegant Atwater Club, where the party was held. The event’s co-hosts, Global TV’s Jamie Orchard and Ginger Petty, were thrilled with David Culver’s announcement that he would establish a fund for the centre.

Present were committee members Annemarie Bertrand, Sue and Charles Cavell, Leslie Frankel, Rosemary Hoppenheim, Sue and David McConnell, Eddy Miller, Suzanne Rinfret-Moore, Sam Pelc, Leonard Schlemm, Diane Soroka, Karen and Peter Velan and Anna and Michael Vineberg. Enjoying the delicious goodies were Binny and Ravi Mehra, Yves Hébert and Simon Tooley, Marc Bibeau and Barbara and Bill Molson.

Amused by Mel Hoppenheim’s aucteneering style were Nanette and Philippe de Gaspé Beaubien, Isabelle Court and François de Gaspé Beaubien, Allana and Vincent Damphousse, Diane and Aldo Bensadoun, Leslie and Brian Dunn, Lori and Stephen Shiller, and the Culver children Diane, Mark and Andrew. The festive event raised $200 000 for the Action Centre.

(Image caption) Mary Culver (left), David Culver, Sandra Schlemm, Ginger Petty and Kevin Harrison (front), were among the guests who raised money for the Action Centre at the Atwater Club.

Appearing in the Montreal Gazette (date unknown)