Disability Matters. That was the message at two rallies held at Portage la Prairie's Visions of Independence yesterday, hosted by those behind the the Disability Matters 2016 campaign. The provincial initiative aims to bring the challenges facing those living with different disabilities to the forefront during the election. Abilities Manitoba Executive Director says the day provided opportunities to discuss the challenges being faced here in the province.

"People were talking about issues that really impact them. For example, one lady who's deaf has to pay an interpreter between $50 and $200 an hour to accompany her to any community events, or for example, if you have to go the doctor. You would have to pay that out of your own pocket."

Nancy Miller, Olwyn Keating, Patricia Endall, Margo Powell, and Karen Erickson

She also notes low wages and a high turnover rate, for those working with people between 18 and 65 with intellectual disabilities are another challenge that has devastating impacts on the families. She also describes respite workers as an undervalued asset, noting they're faced with low wages that aren't subject to the same increases seen elsewhere in health care. Portage's Patricia Endall was another participant in the rallies. Speaking through and American Sign Language interpreter, she explains the challenge she faces on a daily basis.

"For one thing, I've had some physical disabilities besides being deaf. One of the things is that, as a deaf person, if I want to go somewhere I don't know what people are saying or what's going on without an interpreter."

Karen Erickson shared her story during the rally, focusing on the challenges facing her son, who's visually impaired and physically disabled. She shared Powell's sentiments regarding respite workers, while also discussing some of the other difficulties for those living with disabilities. While she's well aware of the changes that need to be made by the government, she wants others to try and understand just what those around them may be facing.

"I would say take the time to get to know someone with a disability and their family, and find out what life is really like. Sometimes people make assumptions about what our lives are like, and they've really never walked a mile in our shoes."

Meanwhile Nancy Miller's son's looking to get a job, but she says that's easier said than done for those living with a disability. She says the way provincial assistance works has her son concerned about taking on a job, for fear of losing what supports he has.

"He's also on provincial assistance and would like to get a job and he's quite capable, but with him only able to make $200 a month or get his assistance drop, we need to know what he can do. He would be good in the community, he's been asked to come back to a few stores because he's a hard worker and they want to give him a chance, but he's scared because he doesn't think he can make it on his own."

The Disability Matters Campaign is taking place across the province, but Powell notes they're focusing their efforts in a few key constituencies. She notes they're focusing their work in 16 specific constituencies, where the vote was tightest during the 2011 provincial election.