Make multiple copies of the connection kit because it can get lost in hospital transfers.\u00a0 Attach one to your body, one to your bed, one to your medical chart, one in your \u201cgo bag\u201d and give copies to family or friends who advocate on your behalf. Place it so the medical staff can see it.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWHAT TO BRING TO THE HOSPITAL<\/span><\/p>\n\n- A <\/span>support person<\/b> (a health care power of attorney or health care proxy, someone to provide personal care or a person to communicate or advocate on your behalf).<\/span><\/li>\n
- A \u201c<\/span>go bag<\/b>\u201d that contains:<\/span>\n
\n- Medications<\/b> (plus a list of all the medications you take, with prescriptions);<\/span><\/li>\n
- Devices, equipment and supplies<\/b> (glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, communication device, mobility aids, glucometer, etc.);<\/span><\/li>\n
- Safe or preferred foods or drinks (e.g. artificial sweetener, lactose-free products, stress-reducing tea);<\/span><\/li>\n
- A <\/span>felt-tip marker<\/b>;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Cell phone<\/b>, earphones;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Charging equipment<\/b> (plug in unit, connection cord, extension cord) and extra batteries;<\/span>\n
\n- For cell phone;<\/span><\/li>\n
- For wheelchair;<\/span><\/li>\n
- For communication device;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Masks and gloves<\/b> for support person;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Connection kit<\/b> (see above);<\/span><\/li>\n
- Copies of the <\/span>four important documents<\/b> (described above);<\/span><\/li>\n
- Medical insurance card<\/b>(s) and <\/span>picture ID<\/b>;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Communication tools<\/b> (paper, pens) or devices<\/span><\/li>\n
- Reading or listening material<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
STRATEGIES FOR ADVOCACY<\/span><\/p>\n\n- NoBody is Disposable!\u00a0 <\/b>You have the right to live and get medical care. You can\u2019t be refused health care because you are disabled, old, a woman, fat, poor, a person of colour, indigenous LGBTQIA, or whatever minority status you have.\u00a0 That\u2019s discrimination and it\u2019s illegal. Your life is worth just as much as anyone else\u2019s, because you are a human being.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Be an advocate, bring an advocate<\/b>. An advocate is any person you trust to fight for you and what you need.\u00a0 If they can\u2019t come in person, bring an advocate by phone. Though some hospitals have policies against using cell phones, you can tell them that you want to have your advocate present via phone as an accommodation to your disability.<\/span><\/li>\n
- If you are disabled, you have a <\/span>right to communication help<\/b>. D\/deaf people can get a sign language interpreter or CART. Blind or vision impaired people have a right to printed materials in Braille or large print or as a computer file. Information must be given in plain language.\u00a0 If you have trouble speaking or understanding, you have a right to use whatever communication method will help you understand what others say, and express yourself.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- You can get information in your <\/span>first language<\/b>, and you can have an interpreter if no one speaks your language.<\/span><\/li>\n
- If you can\u2019t find an advocate, ask someone to act as a witness.\u00a0 Ask them to get the names of medical staff who deal with you and take notes about what treatment you are offered and why.<\/span><\/li>\n
- You may want to write your directions for care, the phone number of your advocate\/decision maker, and allergies you have to medications on your body using a marker.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
SURVIVAL STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER IF YOU FACE DISCRIMINATION<\/span><\/p>\n\n- We hope you won\u2019t need to fight for your survival. But we also know that some of us will be in life or death situations, so it\u2019s worth weighing many options. We know that it will be even harder for people of colour, trans\/non-binary folks, and other marginalized groups. Keep in mind that some of these strategies, used in the wrong situation, could make matters worse or may not work, so think carefully and calmly about what you do. For some people, it may be better to resist right away; for others, trying to be nice may be the best approach;\u00a0 it\u2019s possible to be assertive and polite at the same time. Use what works for you in your situation, discard what does not.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Build Connection with Health Care workers:<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Try to <\/span>connect with your providers<\/b>. Try to understand how they may be feeling.\u00a0 Remember they are under intense stress. Ask how they are doing.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Humanize yourself<\/b>. Show pictures of your family. Share something unique about yourself. Do your best to be seen as a person.<\/span><\/li>\n
- If the question of who gets to use medical equipment comes up, explain that you want the treatment options that provide the best chance to recover, just like nondisabled \/ younger \/ thin \/ white patients receive.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- You can use a marker to write your instructions directly on your chest in case you become unable to communicate. Be sure that you do not write anything that disagrees with your choices in your Advance Directive.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- If health care providers try to make you feel less worthy of the best chance to live, remember that there are many disabled people and allies who know you deserve to live and we are rooting for you!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Claim your rights<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Politely, but confidently, inform health care staff about the laws that prohibit discrimination.<\/span><\/li>\n
- If you are unable to speak, use gestures or writing to ensure that staff understand that they must help you communicate effectively.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Explain that you came for services there because you were worried about discrimination.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Insist on your rights.\u00a0 You can try phrases such as:<\/span>\n
\n- \u201cI know that you became a provider to help people heal. I am asking you to help me.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
- \u201cI am protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
- \u201cI am protected by provincial anti-discrimination laws.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- \u201cWhat you are doing is WRONG.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
- \u201cWhat you are being told to do is WRONG.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
- \u201cI do not consent to withdrawal of treatment.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
- \u201cThis is not triage, this is discrimination. I want treatment.\u201d (Examples: “I want to be resuscitated.” or “I want high flow oxygen and BiPAP if no ventilator is available.”)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n