For Charlene O’Reilly of Seaforth, Ontario, every day is busy and full of new challenges. But a full-time caregiver and mother of three, she weathers the storm with one goal in mind, making Huron County more inclusive for people with disabilities.
O’Reilly participates in two county commissions that oversee community hospitals to improve community accessibility for people with physical and blind disabilities.
O’Reilly, who jokingly calls himself “three CEOs,” has carried these titles with great pride while battling multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, for nearly a decade. is holding
“When I filled out the form and was asked what my occupation was, it didn’t feel like there was a real summary to put in ‘full-time caregiver’ which really summed up how difficult the job was,” she said. Told.
This extensive resume earned O’Reilly the 2022 Sandra Thompson Memorial Accessibility Champion Award from the Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee (HCAAC).
The award was established this year in honor of Sandra Thompson, a local accessibility champion dedicated to improving the Huron community. We also celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd of each year.
In 2017, O’Reilly chaired the Accessibility Committee for the International Plowing Match, planning all accessibility aspects of the event. These include detailed information on the website, a 3D map for the visually impaired, a sign language interpreter, and a closed captioned video of him.
Accessibility and inclusion are equally important
For O’Reilly, she said, accessibility and inclusion go hand in hand. She thinks it’s important to talk about making everyone feel welcome in recreational facilities and other public spaces.
“It’s one thing to create accessible places for libraries and arenas with proper parking spaces and entrances, but if you can barely see through the glass, does anyone really get involved?” she said. Told.
Listen / Charlene O’Reilly talks accessibility with Allison Devereaux, host of CBC Afternoon Drive.
afternoon drive7:52Huron County women recognized for working to improve accessibility
Charlene O’Reilly is recognized for her work to improve accessibility in Huron County. A mother of three and a full-time caregiver, she has multiple sclerosis. She joined her Allison Devereaux on her Afternoon Drive to talk about her winning the Sandra Thompson Memorial Accessibility Champion Award for 2022.
O’Reilly’s advocacy was inspired by her son, who has KCNQ2, a rare seizure disorder. As a result, he uses a wheelchair and is speechless.
“It really opened up a journey for us to learn that having him in a building is one thing, but we are a family and we are not going to be at home. Everyday life,” she added.
O’Reilly said all arenas and hotels should be called ahead of time so families can enjoy their daily activities without worry. She believes this is a luxury that many take for granted.
O’Reilly attributes these challenges to people’s lack of a full understanding of various diagnoses, as well as their fear of having tough discussions about them.
“I honestly think a lot of people are just as ignorant as I am,” she said. “They don’t have any ill intentions by it, they just don’t know what’s involved to make the place truly accessible and inclusive.”
In his work reviewing various sites throughout Huron County, O’Reilly always recommends that businesses have both long-term and short-term plans to address people’s varying needs.
She will continue to bring awareness to invisible obstacles and advocate for making Huron County a safe and enjoyable place for all.
“Invisible obstacles are the off-topic part, but I know a lot of people are really creative with their solutions, so let’s solve them together,” O’Reilly said.
