Thomas Exler: 'It's not what happens to you, it's what you do about it'

Robert Hill: 'It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves'

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385172/fan_mail/new] We all know that as a disabled person, we have many mountains to climb. In Robert Hill's case, this is not just a metaphor - he is the real deal as a mountain climber with an Ostomy. Robert was diagnosed with Crohn's and Colitis when he was 23 years old. He led a very adventurous life and this diagnosis devasted Rob. He found meditation very helpful, as suggested by his brother. Once he got his Ostomy, he went into Ostomy supply sales. He realized that most people were not even that aware how a person with an Ostomy functions, nor do they notice as much as the person themselves do - in other words, it is not something to be self conscious about, and who cares (as Rob says). Rob climbed 7 mountain summits - a feat impressive in itself, but more challenging with an Ostomy, There are also some advantages to having an Ostomy pouch and mountain climbing - Rob explains this in a candid manner. We feel that this episode we have put together is very interesting and inspiring, whether you have an ostomy or not.

Albert Ruel: 'If you think you can, or if you think you can't - You're right.'

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385172/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Steve talks with Albert Ruel from British Columbia. Albert started to lose his vision in his early 20's; and then lost it completely by the time he was 34. He devoted the rest of his career to the disability, non-profit sector; previously he was in Forestry. Albert was inherently afraid of the dark, and he feared the day when his sight would be completely gone - but he actually felt a sense of relief, which he didn't expect. There was no more adjustment for him. Albert has lots of words of wisdom, not only if you are newly blind, but good advice for any of us. Albert worked for the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) in different capacities, as well as the CCB (Canadian Council for the Blind), and various other non-profits, from fundraising to technical. Albert currently lives in Parksville, BC where he is happily retired, but remains busy in his community doing volunteer work and enjoying his life staying active and engaged.

Amanda Lockitch: Disability without Poverty

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385172/fan_mail/new] Steve and Chris talk with Amanda Lockitch. Amanda has a background in theatre, film, teaching and public speaking. She is currently the Research and Outreach Manager for the non-profit organization Disability without Poverty. They are a rather small but collaborative group, based all over Canada, comprised mainly of individuals with their own disabilities. Disability Without Poverty (DWP) was established when activists across the country united to combat poverty related to disabilities. The main goal is to get the word out about the Canada Disability Benefit. Individuals with disabilities in Canda are roughly 27% of the population, and we will all likely be in that group in the future due to aging or other unforeseen circumstances.  Amanda has some chronic health conditions herself but does not fit the disability category (as she defines it). She has a son on the autism spectrum, who was diagnosed at the age of 2.  Disability Without Poverty [https://www.disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca/en]

Marie Leblanc: In survival mode 24/7

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385172/fan_mail/new] Marie LeBlanc is a Canadian artist (photographer, performance, video) and an advocate for environmental sensitivities. Marie lives with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and Lyme disease. Her MCS makes her extremely sensitive to various exposures including: cleaning products, perfumes, electrical devices and the most devasting - mold. Her disability has forced her to live unconventionally in a van to protect Marie from the exposure to chemicals found in conventional housing. Marie has made it her life's work to advocate for herself and others by bringing attention to this rare disorder. She has collaborated with people and groups to raise awareness about MCS through her art.  Marie LeBlanc - Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba [https://aanm.ca/member-profiles/artist-profiles/marie-leblanc/]

John Cooper: Supporting Amputees through Physical Therapy

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385172/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Steve talks with John Cooper from Columbus, Georgia, who is a Physical Therapist Assistant working with the lower limb loss community. John has a particular passion for the work that he does and continues to practice his passion for the last 18 years. John talks about his grandfather, and how his recovery from brain surgery fueled John's passion to help others in rehabilitation. John tells the story about travelling with a below the knee amputee to a conference in Las Vegas, and what he learned from that trip. John also talks about support and how mental rehabilitation can be just as helpful as physical rehabilitation. He enjoys motivating his clients by giving them high fives, fist bumps and sharing the joy and satisfaction in their accomplishments.