Summer Street self-advocates help shape inclusive healthcare through lived experience

Aberdeen Hospital recently teamed up with Summer Street’s self-advocates to deliver a workshop to emergency department staff aimed at improving care for people with diverse abilities. Over three sessions, Summer Street participants shared their firsthand experiences to help staff better understand the challenges faced by patients with disabilities when accessing healthcare. These sessions emphasized not only inclusion but also the power of lived experiences in shaping a more compassionate healthcare system.

“For people with diverse abilities, the healthcare experience can be overwhelming,” said Bob Bennett, Executive Director of Summer Street. “By sharing their personal stories, our participants create opportunities for greater understanding. Hearing firsthand experiences changes how healthcare workers approach care, and that’s how we make lasting change.”

Summer Street is a well-respected community organization in New Glasgow, dedicated to creating opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Breana Greene, a self-advocate and Summer Street participant, shared her story during the sessions. “Sometimes, healthcare providers talk to my mom instead of me,” shared Greene. “Bright lights really affect me because of my brain injury, but not everyone sees or understands that,” she added. Greene emphasized the importance of small adjustments, like dimming lights or providing questions in advance, to create a more supportive environment. Through Summer Street, she has learned to advocate for herself and hopes others with diverse abilities will feel heard.

These workshops are founded on the idea that learning from the past leads to a better future, added Dorothy Doyle, Director of Services at Summer Street. Many individuals with disabilities have faced stigma or been overlooked in their care, which has led to fear and mistrust of medical environments. By hearing these stories firsthand, the emergency department team has gained valuable insights into how to offer more compassionate, accessible care. 

Kim MacKinnon, Human Resources Business Partner with People Services in the Northern Zone, expressed her enthusiasm: “As a former Summer Street staff member, I’m thrilled to strengthen this connection for Nova Scotia Health. Together, we’re building a more equitable healthcare system for everyone. We are so fortunate to have Summer Street in our community.”

The sessions also provided practical guidance for healthcare workers. Simple actions, like explaining procedures before they begin and asking patients about their specific needs, can make a big difference. Instead of focusing on what patients can’t do, staff were encouraged to concentrate on what they can do.

The partnership with Summer Street doesn’t end here. Plans are in place for Nova Scotia Health staff to visit Summer Street for further education sessions, fostering ongoing collaboration. Future initiatives will focus on educating patients and caregivers on navigating services, such as the emergency department triage process, diabetes education and more. 

By focusing on education and awareness, the partnership between Summer Street and Nova Scotia Health is reducing stigma, improving social integration, and creating a more inclusive healthcare environment. For more information on accessing these workshops or for more information about Summer Street, please visit summerstreet.ca.