Ryan Lythall
One thing that has always frustrated me about politics is the lack of concern given to persons with disabilities (PWD). Back in 2018, I took a shot at changing that in the municipal election.
A big reason was to bring awareness to issues affecting PWD. I wanted to improve Para Transpo and make public transit accessible to everyone. While I didn’t win the election, I did manage to bring awareness to PWD.
After that election, a friend reached out to me on Facebook, informing me that The Centretown BUZZ was looking for someone to write about PWD and some of the challenges we face, particularly in Centretown.
At first, I was flattered and genuinely surprised that I’d even be recommended for the job. I was nervous, but I gave them my permission to give my name. To be honest, I didn’t think I’d hear back.
I met (then-editor) Marna at a coffee shop. While it was challenging to communicate because it was loud, we still managed to have a good chat, and I could ask additional questions through email and social media.
The rest, as they say, is history. I have been writing a column for The BUZZ since 2019.
Over these three years, I’ve met countless readers in Centretown and in other areas of the city. I have truly enjoyed hearing how my words have had an impact, which has made my decision to pause my monthly column for the paper a lot tougher.
I have decided to roll away, at least for the time being. Between ongoing staffing shortages with my PSW and nurses and taking care of my mental health, I have very little energy.
Since 2020, I’ve also been writing weekly for Ottawa Life Magazine and I will continue with this weekly column. I encourage you to check it out.
Until next time, thank you, Centretown BUZZ, for giving me the space to talk about people with disabilities, share our stories and show that PWD are people too and not any different than you.
PWD have families, jobs, partners, friends, hobbies/interests, concerns, thoughts/ideas, struggles, good days and bad days. Whatever YOU deal with, WE do also and THEN some. The only difference is how others perceive PWD.
We are all on the same journey. It shouldn’t matter whether we’re in a wheelchair or a scooter, or how we look, act, or think.
I hope that by the time I return, Ottawa will have a mayor who truly understands and listens to everyone.
While we haven’t personally met, Catherine McKenney and I have had several discussions through social media regarding wheelchair accessibility and Para Transpo.
That’s what a mayor is to me.
A mayor should listen to all, no matter how much money they have or their status.
Together with others in our community, we can make Ottawa a great city. A city accessible to everyone.
This isn’t a goodbye. I hope that, once things settle down, I can return to The BUZZ at least periodically. I will say that the door is being left wide open, and as you all know, I love open doors. They tend to make the journey a lot easier.
Feel free to reach out. I’m never too far away.
Follow Ryan on Twitter: @rolling_enigma