Justin's Story

1. How I went to Rideau Regional Center.
I was a baby with cerebral palsy because I did not have enough oxygen at birth. They thought I was a very sick baby. For a long time the doctors did not know what was wrong with me. I was sent to a doctor in Toronto to find out what happened. The doctor said I should go to an institution. The doctor's thought that I was not smart. I went to Rideau Regional Center in Smith Falls for 17 years.

2. What it was like.
I did not like to live in an institution. I could not go out, always in the same place, seeing the same people. One hallway at the center is about seven eights of a mile long. There were too many handicapped people, at one time 2000 all living together. I slept in a cubical with 4 other men on a ward of 30 people. The food was not very good as compared to my home now. When I wanted to go out with my friends I had to get the Administrator to sign a paper. Once he did not let me go with my friends for 2 months. I was very angry.

3. How I got out.
When I was at Rideau Regional Center, the psychologist had me do some tests. The results of these tests showed that I could make my own decisions.

Then I was prevented from going on a trip with Norman and some other friends. I was very angry. Norman asked if I wanted to get a lawyer. I said yes. I could not see Norman for 2 months and I could not go out with him for 1 year. My lawyer, David Baker, arranged for an assessment for me at the Hugh MacMillan Center for one month.

4. The Hugh MacMillan Center
I was happy to hear about the Hugh MacMillan Center in Toronto. This is a very good center which helps people like myself to get communication aids and inserts for wheelchairs. They have a lot of experience with people who have many physical limitations.

When I arrived I met with several therapists and doctors to decide about my assessment. My 2 friends Carol, Norman and I were there. At this meeting we decided on a one month assessment. I was afraid to be there that long.

The nurse took me to my room. I saw a psychologist and then I was introduced to the school. I found the school very interesting. I learned how to use the computer and I got to know a friend. I learned some reading, writing and more Blissymbols as well as math.

My lawyer wanted to use this assessment during my court case. While I was in Toronto I went to visit Sue O'Dell, a woman who has CP and requires a lot of help like I do. She lived in her own apartment with attendants on call. I was afraid for her but she was doing well.

Besides the assessments at the Hugh MacMillan Center I was assessed by 6 other psychiatrists. These tests and assessments made me afraid. I developed severe stomach pains during this time. Some of these doctors did not think I was smart. I found this hard. I did not like this.

It was hard for me to do these tests because I could not read, I could not understand and I had trouble pointing to my symbol board.