My birthday speech from June 2013

As 2013 draws to a close, I'd like to share a speech I delivered on the big birthday bash I had more than six months ago. This is the first time I'm sharing it with people outside of the party environment. I think this speech is also a good way to close out the year. See you next year.

Hi, thank you all for coming to my 40^th birthday Open House. Just to let you know, this speech is going to be 40 minutes long...

First of all, I want to thank my parents for allowing me to give them the best 40 years of their lives. I know they couldn’t have functioned without me. I believe my life would be very different without them.

Throughout my life I have been motivated to seek new challenges and build a social network. This was long before there was ever a Facebook. I am proud of the many acknowledgements and achievements I’ve received. What I’m most proud of is being able to experience many things and make the most of what I have. I’m also happy to have been able to persevere through all the good and bad times. I look forward to whatever lies ahead, both personally and professionally.

(At this point, I take a few minutes saying thanks and expressing gratitude and appreciation to all the guests. I address them all individually, and tell them how much they have meant to me over the years.) 

A few days ago, another relative of mine, who isn’t here today, emailed me and wrote, “Time speaks to us as your 40th birthday will. 40 is the end of youth, but it is on the youthful side of old age.” This may be true, but I intend on keeping the energy and spirit of youth in me alive for as long as possible. I don’t want to grow up to the point of losing my sense of fun and spontaneity. I wish to maximize what I have, and share it with others.

I am blessed and thankful for having reached this milestone, and also for all the days that came before. I hope we will continue to maintain strong ties for the next 10 years, if not the next 40.

My thoughts on the changes to Disney's park policies

Last October, Disneyland and Walt Disney World made major changes to their park policies in regards to servicing visitors with disabilities. I've been asked to give my thoughts on this situation since I happen to be a person with a physical disability. To this day I'm not sure I'm the most informed person to comment on this confusing situation. I can only go by the two days I spent at the original Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California earlier this month.

First I will explain what brought about these changes. They resulted from some people with disabilities, allegedly, who hired wealthy people to abuse the privilege of jumping past the line-ups for the rides. (I say 'allegedly' because some of these people may not have been legitimately disabled, but I can't make these judgments since I wasn't there.)

When I got there two weeks ago, I did not experience any ill treatment from park staff. The only thing that made me squirm was getting photographed by a staff member when my parents and I were entering the Disney California Adventure park. Taking photos of guests is standard procedure for everybody, and I think it has to do with matters of security.

The Disney parks and resorts in California, Florida and France, based on my personal (and limited) observations, have treated me well. It's true I'm no longer allowed to skip through the lines, as a result of these changes, but I'm okay with that. I want to be treated as an equal everywhere I go.

I didn't go on many rides during my second-ever visit to Disneyland, but let's face it, I'm older than I was the first time and am not the same physically as I was in my younger days.

Some attractions do not require people to transfer out of their wheelchairs due to the availability of modified carts. This includes It's a Small World, my all-time favourite. That was the first attraction we went to in the original Disneyland park during our second full day in Anaheim.

One criticism I have are the high ticket prices. They keep going up every year. I agree with people who aren't planning to go on rides ought to be charged a smaller ticket price. It's a complicated issue, and I don't have all the answers or solutions. Most theme parks do not offer much price flexibility, so this is seen as another standard practice.

Chances are I will not be visiting Disneyland again in the near future. It's not due to any feelings of animosity or resentment. It is a matter of personal economics. In the event I have a family of my own (and a better personal income), I will find a way to return.

I loved being at Disneyland again, and I have no regrets about going back.

Roy Orbison remembered, 25 years later

A classic Nelson Mandela quote (courtesy of Tesh.com)

C.S. Lewis remembered 50 years later

Fifty years ago today, everything changed

The Kid President sings!

Movember 2013

Once again, for the second year in a row, I am doing the Movember challenge. Once again I am going to grow a moustache in order to raise money for cancer research throughout November. I also want to promote men's health. Last year I raised $100, and I anticipate the total to go up a little higher this year. I'm excited!

You can check out my new Mo Space page at www.mobro.co/donaldbarrie . I will be updating it frequently.

C'est l'Halloween

A personal Lou Reed memory

Last Sunday, October 27, legendary rocker Lou Reed died of liver failure at the age of 71. While I don't have any of his music, I am familiar with some of his work solo and with The Velvet Underground. I saw Lou Reed live once, when he was among several famous artists to open the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

The concert took place in Cleveland on September 2, 1995. Here is a clip from that concert, where Reed performed his classic "Sweet Jane" with Soul Asylum. It was one of the highlights of the evening.

Yesterday I tweeted a message to his Twitter account, saying, "Rest in peace, and thank you for the music."

Power wheelchair soccer: the most prominent sport?

When I was younger, in the days before I took up power hockey, I briefly played power wheelchair soccer at my school, Sunny View. I remember playing it during gym class and occasionally over the lunch hour. I didn’t pursue it further because I found playing power hockey more enjoyable.
However, this sport has caught on in many circles internationally, and I am amazed to see its growth in the years since graduating from Sunny View.

Power wheelchair soccer is played with an average of four players per team on the floor (unlike in standard soccer where there are 11 players per team on the field). There are coaches and officials like in standard soccer games. All players have bumpers attached to their footrests, which act as footrest protectors. Bumpers also make it easier to ‘kick’ the ball. When I played I only used my plates and wheels to kick the ball. The ball itself is the size of a regular soccer ball.

Wheelchair soccer is a variation of association football. The wheelchair can be motorized (i.e. power chair) or manual, however you can’t have both types on the floor at the same time. Both power and manual wheelchair soccer is played in organized leagues in the USA.

In Canada, the sport has caught on in British Columbia and Quebec. There is one acquaintance of mine in Vancouver who has played power soccer for about six years. He tells me there are teams throughout BC who play competitively as members of the BC Power Soccer Association. To my knowledge, there presently aren’t any wheelchair soccer leagues in the province of Ontario.

Internationally, power chair soccer is played in the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Japan, Portugal, Switzerland and Australia. International rules have been laid out by the FIPFA (Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football Association), based in France, where the sport was introduced in 1978. According to the FIPFA, the concept of ‘power soccer’ was introduced in Canada in 1979.

I have read from more than one source that power chair soccer is the most prominent of all power chair sports. If this is true, how come it hasn’t caught on in Ontario, Canada’s most populated province?

The Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (CEWHA) used to have a Vancouver Island division (I remember when it formed), but it folded a few years ago, partly due to the growth of power soccer.

I’m hoping this blog will stimulate interest and dialogue, especially for readers in Ontario. Power chair soccer can yield the same recreational and social benefits as power hockey (and other wheelchair sports for that matter). Perhaps attempting the sport at a school gym or local fitness facility could generate more interest in developing an organized league. The more sports there are for those of us with disabilities, the better.

Hockey remembrances

My earliest memory of playing hockey was while I was a 13-year-old student at Sunny View Public School. My mom was afraid I would get hurt easily because of my brittle bones. I respected her concerns, and I understood the risks involved. However it did not kill my desire to play. Most of the people in my circle of friends did not object to me playing. I attempted other sports, like T-ball (a variation on baseball), volleyball and soccer. But the only sport I truly excelled at was hockey.

One of my favourite moments in wheelchair hockey came during my graduating year in 1988, when my team and I won the school’s league championship. It validated for me that I was accepted by my hockey peers, and could blend in well in the sport. The championship win boosted my confidence in staying active in the sport.

 A year before I graduated from Sunny View, I joined the Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association. They met 1-2 times a week at the old Bloorview building. It was fun joining some of my schoolmates in this league, and also getting to meet other players from throughout Toronto, and sometimes from other parts of Ontario as well.

During the 2004-05 season, I wanted to give back to the league by coaching in their junior division. The average ages of the players in this league ranged between the ages of 10 to 17. When I was invited by the coordinator to coach a team, I took on the challenge despite the fact I had no previous coaching experience. The kids and I clicked immediately, and they always expressed appreciation and gratitude every time my assistant coach and I encouraged them to shoot the ball high and not give up.

One player in particular told me years later that my coaching helped his game and gave him the confidence to advance into the post-teen level. His name is Brandon, and he continues to play as a defenseman in the Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League.

Five years ago, in 2008, I left the CEWHA to join the TPWHL. All the seasons I played in this league were good. The one I cherish most was the year my second team came back from personal losses to win the 2010-11 championship. Perhaps it was settling into adulthood that made it work while still possessing the spirit of childhood. Whatever it was, it was a solid foundation that carried us through our three seasons together. The mutual respect and camaraderie that existed between us certainly helped.

Throughout my time playing wheelchair hockey, I was either a forward or a defenseman. Nothing gave me a greater thrill than being able to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Scoring the occasional goal felt even better. There was even a game I recall where I played as a defense, forward and goalie! We won that game!

One of the major skills I developed as a player was being a team player. Being a team player doesn’t just involve showing up on time and playing alongside your teammates. More importantly, it involves being an active listener and observer. These skills I have transferred on to other areas of my life, including places of employment.

My years in hockey also improved and expanded my social life. Hockey to me isn’t just about playing the game. It’s also about having fun and breaking out of the isolation many people with disabilities experience.

I’ve played with many people, at Sunny View, the CEWHA and later in the TPWHL. Some are still active in the sport, and some are not. I value all the personal and professional relationships that have resulted from my participation in wheelchair hockey, past and present.

Whether I am playing hockey or taking part in some other recreational activity, I hope I will always stay connected to the community born out of my years playing and coaching wheelchair power hockey.

Rob Reiner remembers Jean Stapleton at the Emmys

Johnny Cash remembered, 10 years later

John Ritter remembered, 10 years later

The Unbreakable Wyse Family

The family who motivated and inspired me to write a blog about them at the end of last year has now received coverage in this week's issue of People magazine!

Keith and Cheryl Wyse, founders of Agape Family Life House, adopted four girls from China who were born with brittle bones (i.e. osteogenesis imperfecta). The People article shows how these four bright and happy children possess unbreakable spirits, and have also lifted the spirits of everyone around them.

I met them all in July 2012, and I have maintained some contact with Keith since then. 
The family's story moved me so much I go so far as to declare Keith and Cheryl living saints. They rescued these children and have provided them with unconditional love and a higher quality of life.

Here is a sample of their People profile. I bought the magazine today (it has Katie Couric on the cover). The expanded version has more details about the family and extra photos of the kids. It's a very inspiring read. I recommend picking up a copy before they're all gone.

Why do Americans and Canadians celebrate Labour Day? (video)

A song about Martin Luther King I heard as a child

Okay I know this is a day late. This morning I rediscovered a song from a Sesame Street record I had as a child. It is exactly as I had originally remembered hearing it. Brother Kirk was a folk singer and civil rights activist. "The Ballad of Martin Luther King" is the only topical song on the album.

 

50 years ago today, somebody shared a dream

A Tiny Poem to the World from Kid President

Getting involved with the Equal Grounds Training Project and the EyeWriter Demo

On Saturday, July 6, I took part in a pilot project and a product demonstration with a group of people at Ryerson University. Most of the participants, including myself, are tech-savvy and also seeking greater access to employment.

Terrence Ho, a business analyst with Bombardier Aerospace, started the Equal Grounds Training Project in response to the lack of employment opportunities offered to me and others living with disabilities. His passion to help others has largely stemmed from volunteering at a young age.

The day’s workshop began with some getting-to-know-you exercises, followed by role-playing and one-on-one discussions on personal skills and interests transferable to a professional environment.

After the workshop, we all took turns testing a demo of the EyeWriter. This is an eye-tracking computer program for people who are paralyzed or have difficulty using a mouse or keyboard. The software program was originally created for graffiti artist Tony ‘TEMPT’ Quan, who lives with ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease). EyeWriter uses inexpensive cameras and vision software to track a person’s eye movements. The latest version of EyeWriter (3.0) continues to be in the early trial stages.

The day concluded with a dinner and a discussion on the next steps for the Equal Grounds Training Project. A follow-up workshop is planned for August 10 and 11.

Long-term goals are for us to host and take part in a TEDx conference next year, and to further develop the EyeWriter or other assistive-related technology.

On turning 40

Two weeks ago today (June 23), I celebrated a milestone I wasn't sure I would ever experience. In the weeks and months leading up to my big day, I expressed interest in throwing a party. So many family members and friends came to share my 40th birthday with me. My party quickly has become one of the highlights of my year, and of my entire life so far. I know that God has blessed and strengthened me through all the joys and challenges I have faced. I am thankful for everything I've been allowed to have.

Facts About Monty Hall

Me with Monty Hall in 1994

During the weekend, Monty Hall received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in daytime television. The Daytime Emmy Awards honoured him in a TV career that has lasted over 50 years. 

I met Monty Hall back when he used to host a series of annual Variety Club Telethons that were broadcast throughout Ontario during the '80s and '90s. At 91 years old, he has aged well, and continues to be involved on the new Let's Make a Deal as a consultant.

Here are some facts about Monty Hall:

- He was born Maurice Halperin Jr. on August 25, 1921 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

- He is the son of Orthodox Jews who owned a slaughterhouse in Winnipeg 

- He graduated from high school at the age of 14

- Graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba in 1945

- He has been married since 1947, with three children

- He changed his name while a disc jockey on CHUM radio in Toronto during the late '40s

- Well-known for his many philanthropic interests with organizations such as Variety Club

- Was a radio analyst for the New York Rangers hockey team during the 1959–60 season

- He hosted the game show Let's Make a Deal from 1963 to 1991

- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1973

- He was awarded the O.C. (Officer of the Order of Canada) in 1987 for his services to broadcasting

- Inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2002

- Inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007

- Ranked #4 on GSN's list of the Top 10 Game Show Hosts of All Time

My memories of Jean Stapleton

 

Jean Stapleton was one celebrity I had the pleasure of 'meeting' via Twitter in 2011. I've always been a fan of hers and of her Edith Bunker character on All in the Family (1971-79), one of my all-time favourite TV shows.

I was surprised when I discovered she had a Twitter account. She was 88 years old at the time, and had been retired for the past decade. Not being absolutely sure it was her official account or whether it was an imposter, I sent a message expressing my admiration for her. 

Six months later, I got a reply, and it made my day!

I wrote to her a couple more times after that. I told her how sad I felt when I watched the Archie Bunker's Place episode that dealt with Edith's death. She replied that by 1980, she felt the need to move on to other roles. I told her she did well, post-Edith, and liked her in the musical Something's Afoot (it was one of the first projects she took on after retiring the character). When she wrote about the time she met singer Etta James just before her death in 2012, I said I also liked her, and saw her perform once in Toronto. 

Shortly after we exchanged those messages, she closed her Twitter account. Stapleton died of natural causes on May 31, 2013, after living 90 wonderful years. I remembered her in a tweet the next day as "a sweet, classy lady." Rest in peace Jean, and Dingbat, xoxox.