Writings about Ataxia, being DeafBlind, family life. The best life can offer!


Transit woes

Hey all!

So this is a quick shout out to Translink, Vancouver’s transit authority!

Just because I Deaf-Blind, doesn’t mean I have limited intelligence.

Let me elaborate:

Today, it was a typical Vancouver autumn day, rainy and very dreary. I am at Lougheed station waiting for the next train to Metrotown.

While waiting for that train to arrive, four maintainance workers walk by. One notices my white cane and stands gaurd. I spy him inbetween moves on Candy Crush level 1724. I am also watching for the arrival of my train.

After about three minutes, I finally look at the “gaurd”, so is obviously blah-blahing away. I sign I’m Deaf, not once, but four times! He continues to blah-blah… I return focus to 1724.

A minute later, the “gaurd” taps me on arm, and gestures “me go” with a childish “toodle do” sort of wave… Like come on!

Oh, there is a bit more, because the “gaurd” informed a transit cop, and that cop positioned berself to the right on me.. But made no attempt to help when the trainn arrived!

Yes, I am cognizant (aware) that, platforms can be more slippery during rainy seasons.

Still: give me a professional wave, one you’d give your mom, your boss, your third cousin. Not wave like its your grandchild, a neighbor’s four-year old…

I want to clarify, it is not the “gaurd” or caution that I am ranting about, but the wave!

Thank you for listening!

BTw, I have closed my Gofundme account… Still, if you read this, Share, Like and Follow. That way I get paid, eventually, somewhere in the future, 2024 at least.

Cheers!

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About the author

Craig MacLean is DeafBlind with ataxia, a rare condition called CAPOS. He & his wife of 22 years have two sons, the oldest of which has CAPOS as well.

Craig uses American Sign Language to communicate. He is an avid writer, friend, Hot Wheel collector and intervenor advocate.

Craig sits on many committees, boards and associations as a DeafBlind rep. He graduated university with a BA in psychology in 2000.