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A someone who is involved in creating family education materials for #healthcare, my role is constantly about finding, learning & sharing information in the most accessible way I can.
We are producing #COVID19 resource materials for the
#disability community as fast as possible.
We are producing #COVID19 resource materials for the
#disability community as fast as possible.
Although one may think that finding information and presenting it is pretty straightforward and matter-of-fact, I sit here at my desk, both at home and at the hospital each week, doing very emotionally-driven work. I am brought to tears by different stories I see every day.
Right now, much of our resource development comes from information which conveys messages of heartbreaking, unexplainable and overwhelming feelings. We also focus in on what information we release and create, based on what families and healthcare staff are asking for.
We see the barriers, we see the #disability community fighting, we see that you are either fighting for equipment that isn't deemed essential, or that you are not deemed essential enough. I'm fighting with you too. Often I feel during the days & nights that I cannot do *enough*.
It is also an emotional experience when we put the information together as a finished product; seeing various organizations, businesses, health care, education trying to do what they can right now, from multiple sectors. I am thankful and we are privileged for that reason.
But please know that my work comes from someone who has shared that their family member passed away or is fighting COVID19, from a parent in dire need of food or money, from someone suffering and in need of mental health supports...
... from someone having meltdowns everyday, scared or exhausted individuals, from groups facing a lack or no PPE, from a healthcare staff who is worried for their own and their patient's health, from someone fighting for a ventilator, their assistive device, or for priority.
These are all examples of stories I hear and see every day, and then I get to work. Everyone has a sense of the work I do as we are all seeking information at this time. The inclination to share it with people we care about. The idea of how I cannot turn off or ignore it.
Please understand that information is not just stats, facts and figures. They are stories rooted in both emotional suffering and compassion. They are stories rooted in power, privilege, ignorance, and discrimination. We are not numbers. We are not money. We are not to be ranked.
When we are all making decisions, please involve the communities you support. This is a way we can make informed choices, best practices, meaningful supports. It's about asking how someone is doing, but also what they need at this time, and if and how they need you specifically.
My family, friends & colleagues have helped to build this little soapbox and they give me energy to stand on it, but also frontline in healthcare, food service, delivery services, grocery stores, community care, caretaking and sanitation, and more. I hope I am building yours too.
