PWD — more than meets the eye

 If you’re anything like me, you’re probably tired of hearing about the “C” word, and I’m not talking about cancer. This week, I’m taking a much-needed break from mentioning the “C” word. Recently, I received a new piece of medical equipment. I received a portable stand for my ventilator and

Para Transpo: The never ending battle for a smoother ride — part two

 In this second part of a two-part series on Para Transpo, I’ll be discussing the fare structure, issues surrounding the use of the Presto card, and other concerns. Plus, I’ll talk about ParaParity, a local advocacy group. Para Transpo Fare Para Transpo users have a few options when it comes

Para Transpo: The neverending battle for a smoother ride

 If you’ve lived in Ottawa for any length of time, you’ve probably seen a Para Transpo vehicle. In the first of a two-part series on Para Transpo, I’ll give an overview of how the service works. What is Para Transpo? Para Transpo provides door-to-door service for people with disabilities and

Introducing OLM’s new contributor, Ryan Lythall

 My name is Ryan Lythall. This is my first column for Ottawa Life Magazine, so I wanted to introduce myself. My story is a bit different than most. In 1975, I was born with a rare Neuromuscular condition called Nemaline Myopathy. NM causes muscle weakness, speech impairments, and respiratory problems.

The Real Costs of Informal Caregiving in Canada

 National strategy needed for unpaid caregivers in the workplace The phenomenon is not exactly marginal: according to a recently released government report, one in every three workers in Canada is assisting a chronically disabled person--many of them seniors--with transportation, household maintenance or day-to-day tasks. The 6.1 million employed workers who

“Look at me, not my chair”

 Peter Mackay, Justin Trudeau and Martha Hall-Finley participating in Chair-Leaders, a nationwide campaign with events taking place all across Canada. Life isn’t easy for people living with spinal cord injuries. One of the main issues has been and remains to be their mobility. Several things in today’s society make it harder for

In the Line of Fire: Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage

 Few things in life are guaranteed, including long-term disability (LTD) insurance plans. While long-term disability protection may be offered through an individual’s employer, not all plans are created equal. Basically, there are two types of LTD. The first is the Insured Benefit LTD where the plan sponsor (the employer) pays