On this episode, I am joined by Rose Finlay. She had a catastrophic spinal injury as a teenager that left her as a quadriplegic, which has left her fighting ableism, government officials and to have her basic needs met.
We discuss the myths of disability coverage in Canada and how challenging it can be to find consistent caregivers. Rose has applied for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) not because she wants to die but because she isn't able to afford the necessary staff, medical care or essentials to her like a power wheelchair which puts her life at risk in alternative ways. In Ontario, it can take 8-10 months for the initial funding to be approved and often results in a denial, which leads disabled people who are already suffering to hire a lawyer to fight to get funding. MAiD is more accessible in her province than disability funding.
TW: sexual assault, suicide
Rose has a GoFundMe for a powerwheel chair: Fundraiser by Rose Finlay : Wheelchair1derWoman Needs a Power Wheelchair (gofundme.com)
Rose Finlay (@wheelchair1derwoman) | Instagram profile
Blog — W1W (wheelchair1derwoman.com)
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Ashley (@filledupcup_) | Instagram profile
