Trans Canada Stories is about sharing trans stories and celebrating trans people and allies, from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
In episode 7 'AccessAbility Week and Toilet Talk', we’re shaking it up a little, in the spirit of celebrating equity and inclusion.
This week is National AccessAbility Week!
The theme of this year's Accessibility Week is Forward Together: AccessAbility and Inclusion for All.
It runs nationally from Sunday, May 26 to Saturday, June 1, 2024, to celebrate:
- the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities in Canada
- the work of allies, organizations and communities that are removing barriers
- ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and disability inclusive Canada
Physical accessibility is a major component of inclusion work, but we always have to consider less obvious barriers to creating welcoming environments. Today, we’ve called in an expert, and she’s unstoppable when it comes to her valuable contributions and leadership, advocating for accessibility, life and laughter.
Michelle Mahoney was born with a condition that limited mobility in her arms, hands, and knees, and she was born with clubbed feet and a dislocated hip. The doctors told her parents she would probably never walk.
Flash forward to 1995 … when Michelle graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with what she likes to refer to as a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Independence. After working at Dalhousie University for 23 years, Michelle now sits on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals Nova Scotia, and Easter Seals Board of Canada as the Nova Scotia representative.
She is also the Accessibility Officer at University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Michelle is an avid surfer, enjoys downhill skiing, and waterskiing, and enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends, and her dog, Gus and in this episode we're talking about accessibility both visible and invisible and the inequities of needing to pee.