Disability Positivity

Everyone looks forward to the summer months, going to cottages ,vacations, hanging out with friends, and not having to go to school. Whatever age you are, you want to make sure everyone(disabled or not) is included in this decision. We all deserve to have a fun summer, no matter what!  Having lived experience myself, I know how challenging it can be to find things to do once you reach disabled adulthood.

Throughout my life so far, I have tried and tested many camps. However, most aren’t for my age group, or don’t spark my interest. Luckily, I was able to find some day and overnight camps that fit my needs. The main activity I found were the Easter Seals Camps.

Easter Seals has two different overnight camps for people with disabilities. One is Camp Merrywood and the other is Camp Woodeden. Camp Merrywood is located in Perth Ontario,on a beautiful peninsula stretching out into Big Rideau Lake. Some of the things you can do at Merrywood include fishing, canoeing, sailing, arts and crafts, and life skills . Woodeden offers programs such as swimming, arts and crafts, pottery, music and drama, life skills and sports such as sledge hockey, archery, wheelchair basketball, lacrosse, badminton, a nature trail with Yurts for overnight sleep-outs and an accessible high ropes course

Each  one is known for special programming with one offering water activities such as  sailing and canoeing and the other offering a climbing wall and a high ropes course. I like both of these Easter Seals camps for different reasons, so I can’t choose a favourite!  

Besides those two camps, Holland Bloorview offers two day camps, which I went to when I was younger. One was the Access Boom sailing program, and the other was Spiral Garden.

When I got too old for the Holland Bloorview sailing program, I asked the organizer if they knew of another program like this  in Toronto, and she said there was one in  Hamilton and West Toronto. After that, I looked into the program in West Toronto, and it turned out  I was eligible for the Able Sail program.hen my parents and I visited the club,  I was pleasantly surprised by how well they considered accessibility needs. They even have electric lifts to help get people into boats! 

Even when it’s not summertime, it’s important to stay active and get outside as much as you can, whether you have physical challenges, like myself or not. Going for a walk, roll sail or bike ride are all good ways to get your daily exercise. It’s not just important for your physical health, it’s equally important for your mental health as well, and you can make it as boring or fun as you want.