What are you looking for?

If you're reading this blog, then you must have some interest in Spinal Cord Injury and other physical disabilities, whether you live with one yourself, know someone who does, or work in a disability-related field. No matter who you are, WELCOME, I'm so glad you stopped by.

What can we do for you? I'm not just being courteous, I really want to know what brought you here. Are you a member of CPA Ontario already? Used to be? Considering joining? What do you look for from a membership program? Have you been a member of another organization that really served your needs well?

As I hope you've seen, "Strength In Numbers" is the motto of CPA Ontario's membership program. CPA itself started back in 1945 when founding members G. Ken Langford and John Gibbons Counsell returned from the Second World War along with many other vets, newly injured and in need of guidance as to how they would move forward living with a disability. If you think we have it tough now, imagine 65 years ago, when there was significantly less awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities participating in mainstream society. Mr. Langford and Mr. Counsell recognized the power behind Strength In Numbers, and that's why they chose it as our motto and why it is still relevant today.

Have you ever tried to cross a street that was impassable because of obstacles? Have you entered a store where the aisles are too narrow and cluttered with poorly organized merchandise for you to pass? Of course, we all have--and we know too well the feeling of helplessness, either because the person in the store at the time is "just a part-timer", has no authority and can only pass on a message, and as for that obstacle on the street, just which department at city hall will actually take your call? The day-to-day challenges of living with a disability are difficult enough without having to fight for basic human rights every time you turn around, right?

This is the very core of the CPA Ontario Membership Program. Sure, saving money on goods and services is a nice perk, but we're here to help you achieve independence, self-reliance and full community participation. We have the connections and the expertise on our side, ready to go to work for you. What do you need help with? There's a good chance there are a lot of other people looking for the same thing, and all you need to do is tell us about it! Visit our advocacy page or read the advocacy blog if you want some background information on what CPA Ontario has done for you lately.

The more people who join CPA Ontario, the more weight our advocacy initiatives carry, whether it's with your local town council or the provincial legislature. Oh, and if, for you, membership IS all about the 5% savings on goods and services, but the company on your "wish list" is not on our Benefit Provider list, let me know what it is and I'll see what I can do.

So please, write and tell me what you're looking for from membership in CPA Ontario. I'm listening and working on your behalf!