Meshan

Ranch Ehrlo’s Personal Support Workers (PSW) provide services to our clients in the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Program. Every day is a little different, just as every client is different. Meshan, a PSW, works in a program that provides supportive living services to clients who are coping with intellectual, developmental, and other mental health challenges. Each year, Meshan takes one of his clients on a home visit to the Northwest Territories.

Here is Meshan’s story, in his own words:

On December 19th, I took one of our clients, Jason*, on a home visit to Yellowknife for Christmas. I’ve taken him to Yellowknife for the past few years to see his family – he looks forward to this every year!

Yellowknife

I’ve worked with Jason for over eight years and we have built a strong relationship - this makes it a little easier to handle the challenges that come with navigating an airport with a disability. Jason has a small limp and is limited in mobility so I make sure to walk behind him at all times so he does not fall or trip. He also has a very driven personality so he does not like it when the airline staff try to offer him a wheelchair. Instead, he takes pride in walking through the airport himself, which is great to see!

Jason needs several breaks to give his legs time to rest so we always arrive at the airport early and try to book flights with longer layovers. Another challenge is when airport security asks Jason to take his boots off, as he tends to lose his balance when bending over. The airport staff is very accommodating and provides a chair for him to use instead.

It is disappointing to see the attitude of other passengers, however.  They often rush by us and even yell at us to hurry up. At one point, Jason even noticed that he was holding others up and apologized. This makes me feel bad as it is not his fault and he is doing his best to be self-sufficient. To minimize these situations, I make sure we have plenty of time before our flight and work with the airport staff to ensure Jason has whatever he needs.

Jason gets uneasy on the flights due to a bad experience last year when we landed at Regina in the middle of a storm. He preoccupies himself with crossword puzzles and coloring books and I also ensure that he always has a window seat as it calms him to look out the window during the flight. We landed safely in Yellowknife and Jason was very excited to see his family when they came to pick him up at the airport.

Trip back
On Dec. 29th, I made the trip back to Yellowknife to pick him up. All the return flights to Regina were full that evening, so I had the opportunity to stay the night in Yellowknife. This was the first opportunity I had to do so and it was great to be able to experience some of what the city has to offer. It is a small city but gets a lot of tourists, primarily due to the northern lights. I am hoping to go back and see them myself one day!

The residents of Yellowknife were all very friendly. They noticed that I was from out of town and made a point to ask me where I was from and give me advice on tourist activities.

The next day before our flight, Jason’s brother and his wife invited me to their home for supper. The family was very welcoming and offered me all kinds of Christmas goodies. They made a special dinner of freshly caught Arctic char – it was delicious! They also showed me how to clean and cook the fish, which was a great learning experience.

They also told me how grateful they are for Ranch Ehrlo and the work our organization does. Before finding a home at Ranch Ehrlo, Jason would often wander the streets alone. Now Jason has a safe and caring environment where all his needs are met.

*name changed