An End to Isolation

By Raymond D. Cohen

At the end of January I found myself cloistered in a room with a most interesting group of people. We represented a sampling of like-minded organizations from across Canada. The matter at hand was equally interesting. The question before us: How can we expel loneliness and isolation from the day-to-day lives of Canadians – particularly Canadians who are “labelled” – particularly Canadians with disabilities?

The discussion in some ways emanated from Al Etmanski’s article, “Sentimental Journey,” which appeared in the Winter 2004 issue of ABILITIES. That article was a reflection of the collective experience of many caring people who, over a number of years, have tried to break down some of the barriers segregating people with disabilities.

The discussion was frank and poignant. The innovators around the table were all very committed, and collectively we knew that whatever we had tried to do in the past on this particular issue, it had not been enough.

Sure, some organizations within some communities during some period of time have been able to accomplish good things – but on the whole, in spite of the nationwide advances brought about by increased technology and greater physical access, people with disabilities too often are still not mainstream contributors. And the mainstream is all the poorer for it.

Much of the discussion surrounded issues of rights of equal citizenship, and for a great deal of the day we found ourselves placing hope in the hands of the next generation of decision-makers – the children.

It struck us that while loneliness is a major issue faced by many adults with disabilities, it is critical to focus on children as the means to remedying this issue in the long term. It is important to foster in families that “home feeling” so necessary to full community participation. Current research clearly indicates that the social, emotional, physical and intellectual environments that a child is exposed to in the early years of life has a profound impact on his or her life growing up – and the extent to which he or she will feel empowered to participate in and contribute to the world.

Incidentally, this issue of ABILITIES certainly acknowledges the importance of empowering children with disabilities and their families. Within these pages you will find inspiring stories by parents who cherish their children with disabilities (pages 22 and 25); you will read about strategies to prevent bullying (page 28); and you will uncover valuable resources listing books, websites and organizations that can help you help your children (pages 23 and 29). Our cover theme, “Ode to Joy,” reflects the delight these children bring to our lives – regardless of their disabilities.

Now back to that discussion that took place a few weeks ago. Through the course of that day, as we contemplated how Canadians might work together to reduce isolation and loneliness among persons with disabilities, we arrived at a place that felt to me to be common ground. It was understood that Canadians are, in fact, good neighbours – both in a global sense, and when it comes to sharing with the folks next door. In principle we felt that all citizens, with disabilities or not, have the right, and often the compulsion, to search for belonging and meaning, to look for and experience mutuality and reciprocity, to have the opportunity to contribute.

We decided that this matter really needs input from a larger group than the one engaged in our dialogue. We felt that people should have the opportunity to tell their stories, and that organizations and communities across the country should be able to offer the programs, strategies and techniques they have found useful to break down barriers, relieve isolation and facilitate inclusion.

We came away committed to invite others to join our discussion and search for solutions. We want to broaden the circle. This is your invitation, whether you are an individual with a story to tell, or an organization with an experience to share. We want to know the ways in which you have managed to diminish isolation and foster inclusiveness in your world.

In the next issue of ABILITIES we will announce a website for you to visit to learn and share more. For now, if you would like to stay in touch with or contribute to this process, please e-mail me at ray@abilities.ca, using the subject line “Include Me,” and I will add your name to the list of people who will be notified of next steps.

Together, we can create more inclusive communities.