In the winter of 2007, frustrated by once again being left to walk home through the snow without an accessible ride, Jeff decided to set his sights higher and launch a province-wide endeavor entitled “The Mobilize March.” On May 5th 2008, Jeff set off from City Hall in London to drive his wheelchair all the way to our nations capital, Ottawa, to raise awareness about the lack of accessible transportation across the province. Stopping in cities along the way, Jeff took time to speak with members of both the municipal and federal government, explaining the barriers currently facing the disabled while imploring them to increase support, financially and legislatively, to help those who were being left behind. Despite the odds, Jeff completed his mission, arriving in Ottawa on June 21st.

The Future

While the March was politically successful, the trip had a much bigger impact on Jeff personally. Brought up to avoid the word “can’t,” Jeff has always faced life’s difficulties head-on, believing there is no challenge too big. The March confirmed to Jeff that despite our limitations, we are able to accomplish some incredible things with a little bit of determination and self-confidence. It is for this reason that he is now challenging everyone to take up the “Mobilized Lifestyle.” Jeff believes that although not medically diagnosed, we all have some form of “disability” or limitation that prevents us from achieving our hopes and dreams. For each person, these limitations come in different forms, but much like Jeff’s physical disability, there are ways to navigate these barriers by being proactive. To be mobilized is to let go of our insecurities, doubts, and hesitations, to stop sitting idly by, and dedicate ourselves to a life of moving forward with confidence and passion. Furthermore, to be mobilized is to support members of our community around us to overcome their own limitations, breaking down the barriers that segregate our society. By helping others to move forward in their own lives, we can be inspired to make the changes in our own lives to be mobilized. Ultimately, this is about giving up the life of isolation and stagnation for one of mobilization.

Moving forward, the Mobilize March will continue to be the home of Jeff’s disability rights blog, where he will write about his life with a disability, along with hosting a variety of informative and satirical videos produced by the Mobilize team. If you would like to book Jeff to deliver a motivational presentation at your school, business, or community group, please visit the Presentations page for more information. If your organization would like assistance complying with or exceeding Ontario-mandated accessibility standards, please visit the Accessibility Consultation page for more information on how Jeff can help.