Feel Good Friday Client Spotlight: Willms Family

For this week’s #ClientSpotlight, we are excited to feature the Willms family! During COVID-19, parents Josh and Alisha have been keeping busy by creating a more accessible bathroom for their son Emmett to use and grow into. They built a roll-in shower, and an accessible sink to give Emmett more independence and safety in the bathroom.

Their main focus is for Emmett to be independent, and to do the things he wants and needs to do without limitations. MDC was happy to provide them the support they needed to make this all possible.

This time still remains uncertain for many Canadians and families impacted by neuromuscular disorders. If you require support, learn about our programs and services, or contact a Service Specialist in your area. We are happy to provide guidance and support.

The Willms family is also spending lots of time outside to enjoy the spring weather. They have been going on lots of walks together and even planted a garden. On rainy days, Emmett has been using his imagination to turn the dining room table into a pirate ship. He uses his stuffed animals as his pirate crew and the whole family searches the house for treasures together.

Thank you for sharing with us, Willms family! We love hearing your stories about how you are keeping busy and how you are using your imagination to have fun!

Our Systems Navigation program is designed to support clients in all areas of their non-medical needs including: funding equipment to improve daily life, providing emotional and educational support, and ensuring access to vital resources and support systems.

We understand that clients want to live life on their own terms. Our program provides them with the right resources to build confidence, and to fulfill their dreams, while ensuring they have increased independence.

Learn more about our programs and services.

Feel Good Friday Client Spotlight: Ken M. Kramer

For this week’s #ClientSpotlight, we are proud to feature Ken M. Kramer, QC. Ken is the Principal & Senior Associate Counsel for KMK Law, and was also the first person with a neuromuscular disorder to lead Muscular Dystrophy Canada as Chair of the Board of Directors.

Ken is an advocate for accessibility and inclusion both in the province of British Columbia and nationwide through various initiatives.

Ken has, and continues to work closely with the media, lawyers across the country, disability groups in British Columbia, senior members with the Ministry of Health, and with the government. A big part of his work is focused on advocacy and helping to develop important policies associated with healthcare and individuals living with disabilities.

“Advocating for people with disabilities is not just something I do as a part of my career—but because I believe in advocacy and promoting inclusion,” says Ken. “I am a strong advocate for myself, and there are others like me. But some don’t have the ability to speak up, so a lot of the things I do are for them.”

Are you interested in advocating in your own community but you’re not sure where to start? Ken shares some advice on how to get started:

“It has to be something that you genuinely believe in,” says Ken “Something you can articulate your thoughts around. It doesn’t need to be sitting with ministers or premiers, but it can result in other methods, like getting associated with an organization that shares your vision or meeting with your MLA—or even writing an opinion piece for your local paper. Everything has an impact.”

Another piece of advice that Ken suggests is to think strategically. “Try not to complain when you provide an issue,” says Ken. “But also come up with a solution. Come up with different options. Find a solution that also has an economic advantage.”

Thank you, Ken, for continuing to use your voice to promote accessibility and inclusion. We can’t wait to see what you will do next to help support individuals living with disabilities.

At MDC, advocacy plays an incredibly important role in delivering our mission. Learn more about the advocacy work that MDC currently supports, and how you can get involved.