Elizabeth Profile Banner
Elizabeth Profile
Elizabeth

@blind_kindness

1,744
Followers
1,740
Following
39
Media
7,871
Statuses

🇨🇦
Joined July 2020
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Shattered 😭 Another disabled friend has taken their life. Faced with eviction and knowing his disability couldn't be managed on the streets. His last words "I'll take the only choice I have left. I'll take my final sleep in my own bed" You were so loved my friend ❤️
780
3K
16K
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
Doctor: How is prescription ____ working for you? Me: I wasn’t able to get it. It’s not covered. That’s why I made this appt to discuss an alternative please. Doctor gets angry and lectures me. Me: Doctor, your anger is misdirected. Perhaps you should direct your anger towards
45
171
3K
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
the govt. I’m a sick patient proactively fighting to be well. Trying my best with what I have. My fight shouldn’t be with you. Doctor walks out the room…..
26
54
2K
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Thank you to everyone sending condolences. ❤️ I urge all of you to use your voices for change. Please don't let another life be lost to systems that don't provide adequate basic needs or care. Dave's life mattered! The disability community so desperately needs you. 🙏
11
193
1K
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
in. My guide dog led me the long way around so we didn’t have to pass directly by the man. I trust my dog whole heartedly and trust his judgement. He definitely didn’t want us near this man and felt a strong need to put himself between me and this man. I’m so blessed ❤️🙏
34
21
1K
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Hi everyone. I'm overwhelmed by the attention my Tweet is receiving. To those who aren't aware, I'm blind and using a screen reader. Notifications are going off faster than I can keep up. Please know my lack of responses to comments are in no way personal. They are so appreciated
6
57
959
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
I've lost three disabled friends in the last week to suicide. All three unable to overcome their fears of becoming homeless at the end of this month. Choosing death over homelessness should speak volumes. Manageability of disabilities on the street is inconceivable. #gowithlove 💔
57
275
918
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
I just received news another disabled friend took her life yesterday 😭 Unable to overcome her fear of looming homelessness. She repeatedly reached out for help in her area and was provided with one solution. A list of "warming stations" My heart is 💔 You go with love my friend
119
180
894
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
My guide dog loves people. But today in the waiting room a man came in and my guide dog quickly jumped to his feet and sat right in front of me. Back to me. Pushed right tight against me. He refused commands to lay down and didn’t take his eyes off him. When we were called to go
34
55
880
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
As I sit here hugging on my dog my heart breaks knowing the traumatic effect all the noise in Ottawa is having on our furry friends. In addition to every adult, child, and elderly person with hearing range.
34
127
767
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Enough with “my taxes pay for you” I worked many years before becoming disabled: I paid taxes that you now collect each month in your CCB while I have no children of my own. I contributed towards pensions that support your aging parents when both of mine passed before they 1/2
22
92
513
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
Today at the hospital my guide dog pushed the elevator button and a little boy (4 years old) thought it was the greatest thing he ever saw. So for his enjoyment and ours my guide dog pushed the button for 6 different people needing the elevator. It's moments like these I live for
13
41
498
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
Today a so called “medical professional” demanded to know if I’ve applied for MAID. Me: “Why would you ask such a question?” Her: “You need to divulge that information” (Repeating herself many times) Me: “Why? So you can adjust my “care” accordingly?” End of conversation.
28
77
410
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
What is happening to people? I inquired about an apt today. After telling the lady I have a guide dog she says "No dogs allowed" I politely explained landlords can't refuse a certified guide dog with it's proper documentation. To which she replied "I don't give a ****, sue me" 🙄
56
82
394
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
Life as a disabled person.... It's only noon and I've been.... 1. Scolded by my doctor for not being able to get meds that are not covered. 2. Asked by a nurse if I have "MAID status" 3. Told by an assistance supervisor that I need to "be patient" after not receiving half my
16
60
366
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Disabilities are both a cause and consequence of poverty.
3
90
348
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
I was asked me today what I would do with $1000 if I could spend it on anything. I replied I’d buy a freezer and fill it with as much food I could get in it with what money was leftover. To which they replied - that’s dumb. 🤷‍♀️ FYI Food security IS a luxury to someone in poverty
21
37
252
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
4 years
Struggling with the world today and my place in it. It feels beyond huge when you’re in it alone. Can anyone say hello if you hear me? #bigworld #smallme
137
12
237
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
On a short walk with my guide dog. A little boy and his mom passed us on bicycles. They stopped and the little boy (around age 5 I'm guessing) says "Excuse me. My mom said I can't talk to your dog because he's working. Can you tell him I think he's great!" 😊 Kids are awesome!
4
37
239
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
My heart is shattered 😭 I just received news I lost a dear friend to suicide last night. She and I became fast friends after initially being brought together over our shared experiences. As two blind women trying to navigate this world. I won't go into great details of her 1/3
55
22
244
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
Another friend just informed me that they've applied for MAID. Unable to manage their disability and have any sense of quality of life. Two biggest barriers (in their own words) are the unwillingness of physicians to appropriately manage pain and living in poverty ...1/2
12
70
211
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Employers: Willing to hire a blind woman currently fighting terminal cancer? According to govt I can find an employer willing to work around my treatments and the sickness that follows. Oh and pay me a large enough wage to sustain my rent and basic needs regardless of missed days
10
71
207
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
I'm absolutely terrified of what the future holds for myself and fellow members of the disability community. 😢
10
31
195
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
As a disabled Canadian I will not vote Liberal. #cdnpoli #Elxn44
10
35
188
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
I get a DM that says “You could afford stuff if you get rid of your dog” My dog is a guide dog. That’s like telling a wheelchair user to get rid of their chair because the maintenance costs are too high. My dog is a mobility aid not a pet. #smh
20
37
193
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
All the cruel people who told me that the disabled just don’t know how to budget, buy luxuries, are lazy, and complain too much are now the loudest complainers of not being able to afford the cost of gas and food. 🤷‍♀️
19
43
189
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
I'm sorry but you will never convince me that prioritizing a highway over people in need of shelter and food is the right thing to do.
5
40
186
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
6 months
I had a career and worked hard like anyone else trying to build a life. Until the man I loved went to bed one night, happy go lucky, and woke in rage. Rage that was unleashed on me. Changing my life instantly. His blind rage left me just that, blind. They say abuse stops when you
27
36
192
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
reached age 65. Your attempt to shame me doesn’t phase me and it just makes you look like an ***!
1
17
177
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
6 months
I am blind and fighting terminal cancer. I don't drink, don't smoke, and don't do drugs. All my family has passed. It's just my guide dog and myself. All I want is to be able to take care of my dog's needs. Have a safe and modest home I can afford. Make my home comfortable with a
1
32
186
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
I can’t even express the level of anger and resentment I feel 😡 I worked many years, never once collecting EI or any benefit of any kind. Paying taxes and paying into programs that promised I had a safety net. Only to become disabled and now I’m begging to survive. 😡
12
54
177
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Those who think there is no direct link between poverty and MAID or those who adamently argue that poverty does not qualify a person for MAID, clearly do not understand the toll poverty takes on a person's health. Expesically those with pre-exsisting conditions or disabilities.
7
62
174
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
The biggest discrimination for me regarding CERB was the govt very quickly sent out money to those in need with a zero verification process. While the disabled, have to verify with endless paperwork and in most cases endure months, even years of appeals before 1/2
11
50
169
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
inquiring about "that they are NOT a taxi service and ONLY help people with severe mobility issues. They are sure my family could help me get into a taxi" Though their eligibility criteria reads very different. The level of rudeness and dismissiveness is maddening!!!
1
5
171
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
I sent all day yesterday jumping through ODSP hoops only to be denied what I was needing. I’m so tired of this dance. I knew the answer would be no and the worker knew the answer would be no but …. dance PUPPET dance. This system is so abusive.
14
44
167
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
Being blind some days I feel like I'm literally floating in this darkness all alone. Surrounded only by sounds of the whole world yelling in anger. Anyone want to reach out and say "hi"?👋
88
9
160
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
I’m so afraid yet again the announcement of a new Canada Disability Benefit being passed is going to harm what little help the disability community receives. (From the generosity of others) They’re proudly telling the public of it’s passing but conveniently leaving out the
6
42
161
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
7 months
This my friends is the power of kindness and empathy.....Many who have followed me a long time know of my friend who was homeless for many many years. By the kindness of a small time landlord who offered him an apt at welfare rates he was able to get off the streets. He then got
9
35
167
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Ask any doctor who has a disabled patient on their caseload just how challenging and time consuming it is to treat a patient living in poverty. Poverty not only presents barriers to wellness for patients but huge barriers to healthcare providers trying to help us. #DoubleODSPNow
3
51
155
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
STOP putting the onus and blame on Persons With Disabilities! The disability community has always advocated for ourselves. We've pleaded and begged our Members of Parliment (at all levels) for change. For decades! Via letters, phone calls, and petitions! And we HAVE voted! No
6
36
159
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
7 months
I debated all day on whether to acknowledge today. I choose to as a reminder of how far I've come. Today is the anniversary date of when I went blind. Over the span of six hours, I sat helpless and terrified as my seeing world faded to one of darkness. Never to regain sight again
31
11
157
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
10 months
Ever wonder why people in poverty have no one? The answer is simple. People stop inviting or trying to include you when you never have money to participate. We have to say "no thanks" like we're rudely not interested or endure the embarassment of stating we have no money.
8
48
154
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
assistance benefits and need them to fix the error. 4. Told by a taxi driver that they shouldn't have to deal with "dog hair" from my guide dog. 5. told when asking for help "don't you have any family who can help you?" AND 6. told by an accessible transportation service I was
1
6
153
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
me on how I need to bring someone with me if I need help because it's "not her job" And people wonder why disabilities are so mentally draining on top of the physical drain.....
10
13
151
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
11 months
To those who think that the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a monthly benefit paid out to persons with disabilities (PWD) IT’S NOT. It’s a non-refundable tax credit when filing income tax. It’s also used to open a Register Disability Savings Plan RDSP. It’s not a source of income.
3
51
149
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
@Janet22onalik I’ve experienced more instances like this than I can count. Disability shaming is very real and rampant. Disabilities and illnesses are harder to treat when combined with poverty. I empathize with doctors who have the ability to empathize with me. Poverty is not a choice.
1
5
147
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
I've been hauling my stuff down the street to a dumpster for days. This morning I broke. I sat down on the curb and cried. An elderly man came over to me and my guide dog and offered us water. I just don't have words anymore.
26
19
145
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
4 years
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer!!! Thank you #NDP for wanting that to change!! Liberals and Conservatives all voted against a #WealthTax . #wewontforget #VoteNDP @MatthewGreenNDP
3
27
135
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Am I the only one who finds it to be in bad taste when our PM & MPs are doing photo ops at food banks and asking others to support those of us in need. While evading their own responsibility as govt to help? 😡
10
45
141
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
2/2 Unable to consistently maintain basics like food, medicines, alternative treatments, or care. My heart breaks for my friend and my rage makes me want to scream at the world until somebody listens. 😭
5
19
138
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Since people seem to think 20% increase is adequate for a disabled person to live a dignified life. I will leave you with the following simple math. ODSP shelter allowance/per single person $497 + 20% = $596.40 for housing cost. Dignified is a very inappropriate word.
8
52
135
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
In the last year I’ve filed 4 appeals against social services. All 4 appeals were decided in my favour. The point is not that I won but that I had to fight 4 times in one year. Anyone who thinks assistance just hands out cheques is sadly mistaken. We get below poverty amounts and
1
32
139
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
My guide dog and I were just walking on a sidewalk. Two males (sounded like teenagers) come behind us. They proceed to go around us which most people do. But one as he's going past smacks me in the back of the head and says "get the f**k out of the way you useless piece of s**t"
121
44
137
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
6 months
leave but does it really? Every day I wake up to be abused repeatedly by society and all those who tell me I'm not worthy of help. I'm nothing more than a drain to the system. It's a different form of abuse but the hits keep coming.
5
11
138
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
Some landlords are now saying your income must be at least double the rent amount or don't bother inquiring or applying. Soon low income people will have nowhere to live.....period.
9
55
132
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
7 months
needing to get off the streets at the welfare rate. 🙌 Lives can be changed for the better. All we need is the willingness to be a part of it. 🙏♥️
4
8
136
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
I am a domestic violence survivor. My abuser took many things from me including my sight. Each day I fight to put the past and all the trauma behind me. It’s hard. But single-handed the biggest trigger I deal with is the controlling and abusive nature of social services. The
6
28
127
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
To those who think PWD get handed benefits "easily" and for conditions we "fake" need to endure the highly abusive, intrusive, controlling, demeaning, and traumatizing assistance programs in any province. I just moved provinces and have to reapply. I have a straightforward
10
39
126
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
I AM NOT OK!! Neither are millions of other disabled Canadians in this country!!
3
33
128
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Wow! I was just told by a physician “Perhaps you should go into a care home”. I know he wasn’t ready for what came out of my mouth. I was spitting fire like a dragon! My blood is still boiling!! 😡
14
12
125
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
he and his wife have made a decision to rent one apt in each of their six buildings to a person in need of a home. For the amount ODSP gives for rent. He signed his lease Friday and moves in February 1st!!!!! I truly hope more landlords will follow this man’s lead and make a life
4
12
130
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
I wish people could experience first hand (for one day) how ridiculously expensive it is to be disabled, have mobility issues, with no family, and no help.
8
29
127
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
4 years
Disabled have asked, pleaded, and begged for help to live. The Canadian government responded, with a way to die. #billC7
7
52
117
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
My neighbor allows me to use his internet as I can’t afford my own. Today he brought me a portable hard drive full of movies to listen to while I’m so sick. To someone who has nothing these are huge acts of kindness. This is only one example. I’ve been so blessed by 1/2
5
10
121
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
11 months
If a person can show a record of paying rent on time for years on end (regardless of their income level) they should be able to qualify for the same amount in mortgage payments. 🤷‍♀️ If you can pay $1000 rent you can make a $1000 mortgage payment.
6
19
129
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
My pharmacist tells me this morning one of my prescriptions (just one) will cost $176. My response was “Yeah, that’s not happening” He laughed and I wanted to cry. I know I’m not the only one experiencing this. How are any of us suppose to manage with costs like this?
21
28
124
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
Today I asked a nurse "When you have a free moment could you please show me where the washroom is?" To which she replied "Isn't that what your dog is for?" Before I could even open my mouth to explain what my guide dog's job entails she followed up her question with lecturing ...
40
25
125
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Almost 3 months and I still haven’t received all the benefits I qualify for. It’s ridiculous to me that a disabled person who moves to another province has to re-qualify like their disability never existed in the previous province 🙄
16
22
123
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 months
Food banks do not provide a month's worth of food to individuals or families. Most give a week's worth (depending on the location) And even less than that now demand is higher. Food banks do not make up for the deficit individuals in poverty are facing month after month.
2
48
125
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
Doctors need to start calling ODSP to shame them instead of shaming patients who are unable to follow special diets. Diets we all know will help our illnesses, disabilities, and general quality of life. Be our ally.
4
39
118
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
I'm so tired of this endless fight.....All I want is a quiet boring little life where I am self sufficient, can contribute to my community and participate in every day life. Why is that too much to ask?
10
16
115
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Can someone please explain to me how @CQualtro says they have no list of disabled persons to send out cheques, yet the government has statistics that states how many disabled live in poverty and how drastically that number supposedly drops when they turn 65? 🤷🏻‍♀️
18
35
123
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
10 months
Today marks a pivotal day for me. It’s the anniversary day of when I left my abuser. I will never forget the feelings of that day. A will to live stronger than fear. He took what I thought was everything from me including my sight. But I left with a backpack and a white cane I
22
3
122
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
rudeness and dismissiveness is maddening.
3
1
119
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Most of us with lived experience on programs such as OW/ODSP know first hand that just because something is written in a mandate it does not mean you receive what you are "eligibile for". In my opinion EVERYTHING is "discretionary" on social assistance. If workers don't want to
5
25
115
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
11 months
How do we stop evictions? Money How do we stop homelessness? Money How do we stop the need for food banks? Money How do disabled navigate disabilities with dignity? Money How do we care for our seniors? Money STOP blaming the needy and start blaming those who manage the money.
6
55
118
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
7 months
a job, I just spoke with him and he is now on his second promotion and second pay raise. So proud of him! 😊 This coming July he's moving into a larger apt with the same landlord at reasonable market rent. The landlord in turn is going to offer his current apt to someone else
3
7
119
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
To everyone who thinks disabilities are "only" a provincial responsibility you should educate yourself on what is taken off your paycheck. Everyone pays into CPP which has a program called Canada Pension Disability (CPP-D) Many end up being sent to provincial programs to be 1/2
11
24
115
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
I never once though in my lifetime I would shed tears over an election. My heart cries for all the lives that will be lost in the coming 4 years. Senselessly. To my friends and pwd community my heart cries with you 😢💔
7
24
112
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
I found a place and get to move May 1st!!! Safer and cheaper!! 😊 I’m so grateful and feel beyond blessed!! Thank you so much to everyone who keeps supporting and wanting nothing but the best for myself and my guide dog!! Prayers have been answered!! 🙏
16
3
112
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
Guide dogs are taught intelligent disobedience. Meaning my guide dog can disobey a command I give him if it’s for our safety. I’m so glad he was taught this skill. His intelligent disobedience just saved us from getting hit by an electric car I could not hear in this wind! 🙏
5
22
111
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
11 months
My dear friend’s husband called to tell me she passed this evening. My heart hurts that I couldn’t be with her to say goodbye. She is blind as well. We use to joke that when we get to Heaven we will finally be able to see one another 😭 Watch over me friend. You go with love 💔
31
6
112
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
It makes zero sense to me that both provincial and federal disability programs have eligibility that requires a long lasting disability (confirmed by physicians). And a disability that significantly hinders your earning ability. Yet they all say we need to get a job. 🤷‍♀️
5
35
110
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
8 months
The last time I got a food bank order I was given moldy bread. Next time I went I politely asked the person giving me the food if they could pls check the bread for me. As I am blind. Instead they took the bags of food back and told me to return when I had someone to help me.
34
33
112
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
8 months
Well friends, today's appt went as I feared. Metastasized. Lots of information to absorb combined with overwhelming emotions. I need to sit with this for a while.
53
2
112
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
9 months
I just had a conversation with a disabled friend in which he said "I literally pay rent and bills to have a place to starve to death because it seems less painful than doing it laying on the pavement" 😭 Hearing others speak your own thoughts hits hard. Truth hurts.
1
42
111
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
I passed out at the grocery store today. My guide dog and I are home now. And safe. NEVER try to remove a service animal from it's handler under any circumstance unless absolutely necessary!! What a chaotic and traumatic experience for both of us. He's my ride or die....
18
12
107
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
I want to remind everyone disabilities do not discriminate and can happen to anyone. Joining our fight not only helps those of us who are currently disabled but you are investing in a safety net to protect your own future. #DoubleODSPNow
1
45
107
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
I spent 5.5 hrs at the hospital last night being belittled by one of the worst doctors I've ever encountered! To the point I had to say "I came here for your professional knowledge and experience not your own personal opinions and judgements of my life"
16
10
107
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
All these attacks on persons with disabilities. 😞 I’ve received 9 DM’s already this morning. (All new acts, zero followers) On a positive note though, they clearly found me by my speaking up for my community on Twitter and for that I am proud! 😊
11
12
106
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
1 year
FACT NO PWD will receive a cent from this benefit for another year (after it’s given royal assent)! Help may be coming but it’s not here yet! Many of us without kindness will not make it another year!
4
32
104
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
I need to share an inspiring story! Those who have followed me for a while know I befriended a homeless man where we use to live. He simply adores my guide dog and would come by frequently to say hi and get some playtime with my dog. I loved the joy it brought him. Fast forward
13
18
103
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
The govt and a large majority of Canadians think my life is disposable…..DISPOSABLE!
6
25
100
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
Stop blaming disabled people! The Ontario government is not funding the disabled, they are funding landlords!
0
31
101
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
6 months
Debt when you live below poverty is not due to poor spending. It's due to an inadequate income to cover basic costs. There is no chance of getting out of debt without an increase in income or the help of others. I know it's hard to fathom but rent, utilities, etc can be debt. My
1
39
107
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
I did it! In spite of everything life has thrown at me! I've made another trip around the sun! I couldn't of done it alone! It took the help of so many to get me this far! So today, I celebrate this as a win for all of us! ❤️🙏
27
6
100
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
3 years
knocking on doors! We set him up in our laundry room which already has a table and chair. I brought him coffee, another brought a sandwich & muffin, another gave $2 to put his coat & things in the dryer to dry & warm them. Don’t make excuses EVERYONE CAN HELP SOMEONE even when
1
8
98
@blind_kindness
Elizabeth
2 years
I’m a survivor of domestic violence. It’s so triggering to live in this poverty relationship with govts. Their behaviours are eerily similar to that of an abuser. Emotional abuse involves attempts to frighten, control, and/or isolate you. I currently feel all three….
10
23
97