Susan P. Gibson September 21, 2010 Hello Kristin and Milena, I have thought much about what we discussed yesterday, and even the voices we used when talking on the sidewalk outside of Aceart. I missed some of what was said by passersby because I need new hearing aides. Which, as we shared stories and comparisons of what is available for required disability supports and for vocational equipment between provinces, has so far been denied to me as an artist and trainer who manages multiple disabilities. As you wrote in your faux job order, a liaison would have to slide through red tape and squeeze over, under or through the systemic barriers, just to enable artists with disabilities to even compete in the cultural market place, or be in the arts positions that cultural identity. The arts industry does not yet understand disability and those mandated to provide services to citizens with disability(in our shared experiences) have little idea about being an artists, art making processes or working of our cultural industry. Much education, I believe is needed. Which is why the work being done on art and disability, access and Terrigal Accommodation is so important. Which leads me, Kristin, to your bus ride notes and your well written story of the man in the wheelchair who needed help. What you did, pushing past your own comfort zone, challenging your own knees to address the needs of another human being is part of what I see as Disability Culture. That capacity to empathize with another and do whatever is in you, to improve their situation, has been my typical experience within the disability community. Which is why it is so hard for us to understand individuals in positions of power who do not even try or who dismiss us. This is clearly demonstrated by the situation with those police officers, the man in the chair using sniff and yourself. Terrigal Accommodation starts with human empathy. I have been glad to write today as I wanted to participate and this process allows me to avoid the weather or the drive. An easy and workable Terrigal Accommodation. I will be following your progress. Take care. Susan P. Gibson
