AMPERS

“Having a mental health disability – people don’t see it, people don’t understand hidden disabilities. The more we are open about them, the more they’re going to be understood. “Ask us questions. Start a conversation. Conversations will get us closer to that holy grail of equality.”

There’s a link between untreated hearing loss, dementia, falls and auto accidents. Hearing loss can contribute to dementia. You’re not as aware of your surroundings. Different parts of your brain that normally would hear, aren’t hearing, and you’re not getting the stimulus that you need.

That’s one of the biggest things I’d like to change in the world. I think if enough people see people using wheelchairs out and about living their lives, it could change the perception. But it’s really hard if you never get to see us because we can’t get into the places you are.

“There’s an opportunity for everyone. If you let them try, you’re gonna always learn something new from a person with a disability that you never thought they could do.”