Manitoba Accessibility Stories

Awareness & Understanding

By Frances Sinclair-Kaspick

I am Frances Sinclair-Kaspick, a First Nation Cree woman who was born physically disABLED. I was born in Kenora, Ontario and at the age of three, my family moved to the Winnipeg’s North End, as I required ongoing medical attention for my disability. This decision to move to Winnipeg was very important for my health and wellbeing. 

From the time I was born, I have encountered many barriers to daily living, including attitudinal and structural barriers. These have resulted in people thinking and acting on false assumptions towards me, and in me receiving unequal access or being excluded because of unfair policies, procedures, or practices. These barriers are frustrating, and have made me feel as if I am excluded and sitting on the sidelines of life. They have taken away my dignity as a human being, and I have been made to feel as though I am a second-class citizen.

The experience of leaving one’s home community to receive support for a disability is not unique to only me. Many Indigenous peoples with disABILITIES are forced to leave family, friends, and their homes in rural, remote, and northern communities, and to move to urban centres in order to access medical and accommodation services. Disconnected from the support of family and far from home, the move to urban centres can be isolating for Indigenous peoples, especially those with disABILITIES, where many people may even experience homelessness and feel a loss of spirit.

Prior to and during COVID-19, people with disabilities have been underrepresented in many aspects of daily life. People with disabilities are at greater risk of health complications due to COVID-19, and yet have been overlooked by the health system and in decisions that affect their health. People with disabilities across Canada have worked to have their human rights upheld during the pandemic; and have shared their experiences and concerns publicly.

Indigenous peoples are also disproportionately affeted by COVID-19. Indigenous peoples access health care systems that many people use daily, although Indigenous peoples have much different experiences. We have learned about the discrimination, racism and mistreatment experienced by Indigenous peoples at the hands of medical staff and centres. This has been well reported by the media before and during the pandemic.

As a Cree woman with a disability, I am well aware of the barriers that have prevented people like me from receiving good care. During October 2020 and 2021, I have been a regular outpatient at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre. I require regular medical attention, and during this time, I have received respect, kindness, quality consideration, and great medical care from the medical staff.

For example, my personal facemasks have been modified with an elastic for my disABILITY that allows me to easily and independently put on or remove the mask. When entering the hospital, COVID procedures require me to wear a hospital-provided facemask where the elastics are placed around the ears, which is difficult for me to use own my own. However, staff have respectfully assisted me with this. I have also had positive experiences with friendly volunteers who are willing to assist me in a wheelchair from the taxi to and from my appointments.

There are also physical aspects of healthcare facilities that I have found to be positive. Buildings that feature elevators with bright lighting and brail buttons, as well as non-skid flooring, metal rumble strips, and information available in different formats about entrances, exits, and services, have helped make access to healthcare more accessible for many people. Especially in the winter months, snow removal in walking areas and ramps, as well as clean entrances free from debris and puddles are very helpful. Structural barriers can be easily removed, and benefit all people.

I am grateful for my positive experience, and thankful for the good help that I have received. As I continue to access services, I hope that I do not become a statistic to racism in the healthcare system. I firmly believe that more focus must be placed on awareness and education of unconscious bias, racism, and prejudice. Experiential learning opportunities for prospective medical students, current medical professionals, and all healthcare staff would benefit all people who access healthcare services, especially Indigenous and non-Indigenous people with disabilities. To create an inclusive society, we must all learn to acknowledge and welcome the diversity of all peoples, and to treat each other with equal dignity.