See My Ability: I am a small voice but to be reckoned with
Kelsey Ferrill | CBC Communications | Posted: November 20, 2019 4:30 PM | Last Updated: November 20, 2019
Mindy Butalia shares her story about seeing the world through a different lens after having a stroke.
CBC Calgary is featuring different Calgarians to showcase the diversity that lies within our city. The campaign is called See My Ability and aims to create awareness and bring disability to the forefront where it usually isn't. You can also follow along on our Instagram and with the hashtag #seemyabilityyyc.
These are the lives of real people with real, compelling stories to tell. We hope these stories shine light on the diverse faces that make up Calgary and highlight that there is lots to be learned. Read the first story in the series below.
Thank you to everyone who shared their story. Your story matters.
Mindy, 72
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Before my hemiplegic stroke, I didn't even know what a stroke was. It's the unknown until it happens to you.
It happened all of a sudden without any warning about 3 years ago. My right side was affected and it changed my whole life.
From being very independent, I am now wholly dependent on other people. I had lost my speech, had difficulty swallowing food, couldn't get up from bed, and had trouble walking and standing.
My daughter said 'mommy, you can not look after yourself.'
Her husband and my grandson, they look after me and that brought me to Calgary.
My daughter is an angel.
I couldn't walk, I couldn't talk. She was prepared for the worst. She was going to get 3 home care persons to look after me around the clock. I needed only one. Now I have home care who is great, loving and caring.
I have recovered very well but losing myself as a productive human being, mother, grandma and mother-in-law was not what I had envisioned.
I had to settle for the new norm, which is progressing.
There is nothing wrong with using a wheelchair. It gives me independence.
I am a recent graduate of ARBI (Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured) here in Calgary.
This is not the end of the world, what we are going through- Mindy Butalia
Calgary is home to a lot of disabled people. I didn't know that.
I was surprised that on every corner you will find an access bus. Even in my neighbourhood there must be 3 or 4. It is a small neighbourhood but I see busses pick up kids, grown ups, all sorts of people.
Disability is not confined to one section, it is all over the place. When I go on the access bus, I discover all kinds of people.
Not enough is done for this sector. About 5-10% of the population has a disability and more are going to come. Around 2030 there will be more disabled people because the population is getting older and there aren't enough resources. The government wants to cut funding but that is not the way to go.
I like to help people. Maybe I can not help myself the way I want to but other people, I want to give them hope all the time.
This is not the end of the world, what we are going through.
Along the way family, ambulance personnel, doctors, nurses and therapists have shown me what humanity is. Service to others has been my motto and they have reinforced that in me.
Sometimes there are people who do not want to help. For example, I had a home care supervisor at my house and instead ot talking to me, she was talking to the home care person.
They think just because you had a stroke or you go through something that you can not do things. Of course I can not write but I can do things. I can think, I am an accomplished person.
Why do they think like that? We have to break the stereotype.
Continue to live to your best ability, that is very important. - Mindy Butalia
See My Ability is a campaign that champions diversity and inclusion. Do you have a story about what it is like to live with a disability in Calgary? Please email kelsey.ferrill@cbc.ca to share your story.