The Disability Diaries With Steven Vine
By: Steven Vine
Language: en-us
Categories: Society, Culture, Personal, Journals
I am a disabled man and will be talking to both abled and disabled individuals about their challenges and how they overcome them. Also talking to other people in the disabled community (caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates). If you have any concerns, comments, or questions, you are welcome to contact Steven at sgv44isback@gmail.com and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565452984831&mibextid=LQQJ4d. Steven would love to hear from anyone who would like to tell their story.
Episodes
Janet Paquet: 'There's strong, and then there's chronic illness strong'
Jan 11, 2026Send us a text
Prior to having ostomy surgery, Janet spent more time in the hospital than out of it. Crohn’s disease had been ravaging her entire digestive system and had necessitated multiple bowel resections. It finally reached a point in 1996 when Janet was in her early twenties and 31 weeks pregnant that the doctors declared that she had reached a point where ostomy surgery was her only option, and it was imperative that they deliver her daughter immediately and give her a jejunostomy. (When you listen, Janet gives great medical explanations). Janet and Steve also discuss in...
Duration: 00:48:11Sam Sullivan: Former Vancouver Mayor, current disability advocate champion
Jan 04, 2026Send us a text
Steve interviews former mayor of Vancouver Sam Sullivan, in an open discussion that gets quite candid. Sam talks about his former political life and his current life with his foundation: The Disability Foundation.
Sam broke his neck in a 1978 skiing accident, aged 19. He found himself tetraplegic, unable to dress or feed himself, let alone continue playing active sports or making music. Or so it seemed at the time.
Over an intensive 20-year period, Sam built a succession of non-profit groups offering opportunities to people with physical disabilities in Vancouver a...
Duration: 00:41:17Chantal Oakes: 'I don't need easy, I just need possible'
Dec 28, 2025Send us a text
Chantal was born with no vision, grew up in Quebec, and moved to British Columbia as a child and she learned how to live with her disability. Chantal loves her involvement and responsibility as she engages with the CCB (Canadian Council of the Blind) BC/Yukon Division. The Canadian Council for the Blind (CCB) is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals who are blind, deaf-blind, or living with low vision through advocacy, support, and community engagement. Email: ccb@ccbnational.net Toll-Free: 1 877-304-0968
Duration: 00:44:37Surprise! The tables have been turned on Steven.
Dec 21, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, the last guest on our show (Walter Lawrence from GF Strong), interviews Steve! Walt asks Steve some very intimate questions about Steve's recovery, outlook, goals and his future. Walt's experience as a mentor and counsellor at GF Strong, makes him a very curious and straightforward interviewer. Steve shows his vulnerability as he reflects on his life post his accident. We hope that you enjoy listening to this special episode during the holiday season.
Duration: 00:42:25Walt Lawrence: 'When your life is turned upside down, you will land right side up'
Dec 14, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Steve talks with Walt Lawrence from GF Strong rehabilitation hospital. When he was 17 years old, he took a dive in shallow water off a seawall, hit the bottom and broke his neck. Walt instantly because a quadriplegic. In the hospital in Kelowna, he was hooked up to a ventilator, and he could not speak. He remained positive that he was going to get through this. Walt wondered how his parents coped with his injuries; but he just knew that he could count on them. An educator by nature, he would...
Duration: 00:49:53Zafira Nanji: 'Never alone'
Nov 30, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Steve talks with Zafira Nanji who is a caregiver on many different levels. Besides her son who is neurodivergent, which can be an exploding controversy in some circles; Zafira has also had challenges with her parents' health, their passing, and her own grief. She is a doula, a human resources manager and an author of children's books. Her motto is 'Have Fun' (inspired by her father) and 'Never alone' (inspired by her mother). These phrases are indelible to Zafira as permanent tattoos on her arm in her parent's own handwriting...
Duration: 00:49:51Agust Kristjan Steinarrsson: Pushing the limits to get his life back
Nov 16, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Steve talks with Agust who lives in Iceland. Our guest has had 2 serious conditions: Ostomy care and bouts of manic episodes. He's had a very challenging life as he was affected with manic episodes when he was 19 years old. He also dealt with colitis and cancer, which led to the removal of his colon and getting an ostomy. He is an avid mountaineer and leads an active outdoor lifestyle. The news of his health challenges was very difficult. To help in his healing process, he started to move and get...
Duration: 00:43:28Deborah James-Sabo: The emerging field of Therapeutic Recreation
Nov 02, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Steve interviews Deborah James Sabo - a student of Therapeutic Recreation, which is therapy designed to improve the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of the individual seeking help with cognitive challenges. Debra has a diverse background, but found her interest to be in the emerging field of therapeutic recreation. She is working mostly with older adults with dementia; but the other areas that she also works with are children, youth, mental health and workplace wellness. She enjoys helping other people and seeing their quality of life improving, with the...
Duration: 00:41:20Marty Sobo: 'Carpe Diem' Seize the day and enjoy the present
Oct 19, 2025Send us a text
As a younger man, Marty was into sports big time. He eventually worked in the tech industry as a technician for Apple. He slowly lost his vision completely. Marty eventually applied his technical experience into 2 Podcasts entitled 'Unmute' and 'Code Orange' (on the Aftersight Network). Unmute is a podcast focused on technology for blind and visually impaired users. Code Orange is the disability inclusive guide to emergency preparedness for the blind and low-vision community. No hype - just what to do before, during and after a crisis. You think your life is tiring? Tr...
Duration: 00:45:33🚨Seaver Stafford: Let's get you back into the workforce with Neil Squire Society🚨
Oct 05, 2025Send us a text
Steven talks with Seaver Stafford, a representative from the Neil Squire Society, a Canadian national not-for-profit organization that helps Canadians with disabilities through advocacy, computer-based, assistive technology, research and development, and various employment programs. There are four locations across Canada. Seaver also hosts a podcast on Spotify "We have solutions"
Duration: 00:45:33Special 1 year anniversary episode
Sep 28, 2025Send us a text
Unedited, uncensored, and raw. Please join Steven and Chris as we warmly reflect the project’s first year, including memories of: unforeseen challenges, memorable episodes, and other anecdotal stories. All said with a sense of humor and candor over a bottle of bubbly. Don’t miss the announcement at the end (before the abrupt ending)
Duration: 00:54:07Andy Manson: Gives us the poop about Ostomy care
Sep 21, 2025Send us a text
Steve has a candid discussion with Andy Manson, a recently retired Ostomy nurse about the crappy and not so crappy sides of having and caring for an Ostomy You will find topics that you can slide right into, it's a slippery slope - but Steve and Andy think you won't find anything stinky about this episode. After all, as Andy reminds us: it's just poop. HOME - Ostomy Canada Society
Brian Mackie: Teaching the blind how to use technology
Sep 07, 2025Send us a text
Steve has an ever so interesting conversation with Brian Mackie; representative of Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada about the challenges of teaching the visually impaired technology and other tasks. Collectively, Steve and Brian cover the use of iphones, smart speakers, computers, braille, and other tasks around the house that might be of use to help clients living a higher quality of life with their disability. Brian is extremely focused and passionate about what he teaches, as Brian is also blind himself. If you know someone who is new to vison loss and needs support...
Duration: 00:40:29Dr. Alyssa Hodgson: She confronts her own pain with: ‘Is that all you got?' Now she helps others in pain
Aug 24, 2025Send us a text
Steve and Chris talk to Dr. Alyssa Hodgson, a pain specialist doctor at CPRI (Canadian Pain & Regenerative Institute); a multidisciplinary clinic in Vancouver and New Westminster. Steve has a personal connection with Dr. Hodgson, as she has been treating Steve for his chronic pain for over a year now, as he continues to see her and other doctors in the pain clinic. Pain management can be very complicated and different for each person – but Dr. Hodgson suggests that if you have chronic pain, you start with PainBC.ca Even though this is a ver...
Duration: 00:48:21Mark Stockbrocks: Freedom Fighter
Aug 10, 2025Send us a text
Steve talks with Mark Stockbrocks, who is a triplegic (meaning he only has the use of his right hand and arm). Mark discusses his accessibility program which means that Mark will slap your business with a sticker if you don't meet the accessibility standards for a person in a wheelchair.
Mark had a lifechanging incident when he was in his 30's; just as he was about to embark on a new career in firefighting. He was attending a CFL football game and suddenly fell down and lost consciousness. He was intubated an...
Duration: 00:55:48Grant Hardy: He has 'The Pulse' on accessible content
Jul 27, 2025Send us a text
Steve converses with Grant as he expertly articulates his world of blindness. From his journey at birth until his life now as a champion podcast host on the AMI Network; Grant talks about his life growing up with vision impairment, his high school experiences, and then as a student at the University of British Columbia. After university he joins the AMI Network (Accessible Media Inc.) as the eloquent host of The Pulse; which is a very specialized podcast for the visually impaired community and information driven for the listener. The Pulse - Podcast...
Duration: 00:44:57Tristan Elliott: The Diabetes Revolution
Jul 13, 2025Send us a text
Steve has a great conversation with Tristan, who is the Director of Business Development for BC Diabetes in Vancouver. As Tristan explains, he is a 'business guy' and not a medical professional. Tristan's father, Dr. Tom Elliott is the Founder and Medical Director at BC Diabetes. Tom eventually recruited his son to work with the organization. This was just about the time of the Covid pandemic, which changed everything as we know, regarding in person and virtual appointments in medicine. Tristan also talks about the evolution of Diabetes devices and monitors, Insulin pumps...
Duration: 00:45:47Paul Gauthier: “Risk taking is free” “Information is power”
Jun 29, 2025Send us a text
Steve and Chris together have a great discussion with Paul Gauthier in regards to him as the founder of the CSIL program (Choice in Supports for Independent Living) They also discuss his involvement with his other significant initiatives that make Paul such a prominent and influential individual in the disabled community. He was born with Cerebral Palsy. As a young person, he grew up in foster care. When he turned 19, he decided that he didn’t want to live in a care facility, but he wanted to live independently. Luckily for many people to...
Duration: 01:02:21Amy Amantea: Taking meaningful & purposeful steps forward
Jun 15, 2025Send us a text
Steve has a conversation with the delightful Amy Amantea, an actor/performer, writer, arts administrator, disability strategist and advocate. She is also legally blind, as well as neurodivergent, and she experiences chronic pain from Gastropareses - nerve damage in the stomach. Her Type 1 diabetes rendered her into a coma and when she emerged from that experience, she was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, which caused her to become legally blind. None the less, she navigates through her life with positivity, passion and purpose. Amy gets a lot of joy from creating her own work...
Duration: 00:50:19Michelle Hewitt: 'I try to use the time I have available each day to help others'
Jun 01, 2025Send us a text
Steve talks with Michelle Hewitt from Kelowna, current Board Chair of Disability without Poverty, a non profit organization. A former public school principal, Michelle was diagnosed with aggressive multiple sclerosis in her early 40s, and is a full time power wheelchair user. Fatigue limits the amount of time she spends out of bed each day to less than 8 hours. “We have a large chunk of disabled people who already live in poverty, and a large chunk of disabled people who are very close to living in poverty,” Michelle says. “This shouldn’t be happe...
Duration: 00:47:36Evan Schwerbrock: Empowering the blind community with physical fitness
May 18, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Steve talks with Evan Schwerbrock (all the way from North Carolina) who developed Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, and became legally blind in 2014. As health & fitness was very important to Evan, he continued working out feverishly, learning to adapt to his new needs. Despite visual impairment, Evan moved on to earn his Master’s degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Applied Exercise Physiology. During this time, he also focused on disability studies and their application to health and fitness. Evan is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Spec...
Duration: 00:45:45Dayna Wilson: The invisible struggle with Autism. I'm not weird, you're weird !
May 04, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Steve has a very candid conversation with Dayna Wilson who has autism. Dayna grew up in the 90’s a bit isolated in Whitehorse, Yukon. She was treated differently, because as she describes it – she was a bit weird. She was officially diagnosed with Autism when she was in her 30’s, which she describes as cathartic. She also has autistic children, which are a blessing to her and she loves being a mom to her 3 kids. In spite of her invisible struggles, and a very devastating family tragedy; she also thrives and st...
Duration: 00:46:04Ean Price: Rollin' through life with Ean
Apr 20, 2025Send us a text
Steve interviews Ean Price from Kelowna, British Columbia. Ean is the Peer Support Manager at Technology for Living, a non profit group from Vancouver that works with people who have severe physical disabilities and helps them to live as well and as independently as possible. TFL provides people who experience physical barriers with peer support, innovative technologies, respiratory therapy services and equipment that addresses unmet needs and increases independence, inclusion and wellbeing. Ean himself has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, (a genetic condition) has a power wheelchair, uses a ventilator and a feeding tube. H...
Duration: 00:42:35Penn & Moses Street: “Be gentle with your words, sometimes that’s all that someone can see”
Apr 06, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Steven and Chris talk with Penn and Moses Street from Colorado. Penn became blind as a young child from a rattlesnake bite, developing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Her family of 12 moved to Colorado from Arkansas because Penn could get better care from the children’s hospital in that area. Penn had a tomboy spirit, and refused to accept that she couldn’t do something as a visually impaired youngster. Fast forward many years later, and she met the love of her life – Moses Street, a professional photographer. Today, they live life to the ful...
Duration: 00:56:39Jugpreet Bajwa: “I may have lost my eyesight, but I will never lose my vision”
Mar 23, 2025Send us a text
Today we have an internationally acclaimed singer. If you are a Vancouver Canucks Fan, you certainly don’t need an introduction to Steve’s current guest. He has been a frequent singer of the Canadian and American Anthems before the hockey home games at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Jugpreet lost his sight from retinoblastoma eye cancer when he was only 6 months old. He started his music career at a young age. Performing live in English, French, Hindi and Punjabi, the 2009 Canadian Desi Idol runner-up has appeared at many events ranging from the Surrey Fusio...
Duration: 00:54:55Iris Thompson: Steve’s comrade in the visually impaired community
Mar 09, 2025Send us a text
Steve talks with his friend Iris, whom he met through the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) when Steve first went blind. Iris and Steve share the rare condition of being 100% blind. While Steve’s was sudden, Iris slowly lost her vision, starting when she was a teenager. She had various operations without success but eventually accepted her non-vision as her lifestyle. She is involved with CNIB, curling, and worked at a restaurant in Vancouver called The Dark Table, where patrons dine in total darkness. She also shares her experiences in acquiring se...
Duration: 00:45:17Scott Hedlund: “Dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those I serve”
Feb 23, 2025Send us a text
Scott has been in the Prosthetic and Orthotic profession for over 30 years. He completed a 2 year residency with Russell Prosthetics in New Westminster, BC. When the founder retired, he took over the clinic and has continued to serve patients ever since. Scott continues to stay up to date with the latest techniques and technologies in this rapidly changing field. Scott’s volunteer work has taken him to 6 countries across 4 continents. Steve and Scott have a very informative conversation about the process of getting a prosthetic, something which Steve is quite familiar with himself.
Duration: 00:52:38Monica Gartner: Dynamo in an electric wheelchair
Feb 09, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Steve talks to Monica Gartner. Monica is 3’ & 1.5” foot tall in stature, but 10X taller in gumption! When Monica was born, she was affected with scoliosis and a bone disease. She tells some stories about growing up, some of her hospital experiences, and her family support. She has a degree in Business, has done some acting, as well as wrote a book! Monica is truly an inspirational lady!
Duration: 00:45:55
Marco Pasqua – Disability does not mean Disadvantage
Jan 26, 2025Send us a text
Steve has a very lively conversation with Marco Pasqua. Marco was born with Cerebral Palsy, but that is hardly the story. When he was only 10 years old, Marco was invited to be the ambassador/host of the Timmy’s Christmas Telethon with local radio legend Red Robinson. This was his first opportunity to speak in front of a large audience. Later in life, he pursued a career in technology, lost his job in 2010 due to the recession, and then decided to use his voice as a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and accessibility consultant. Rick Ha...
Duration: 00:57:30Liz Hunter: Community Librarian in a technical world
Jan 12, 2025Send us a text
Steve and Chris talk to Liz Hunter, a Community Librarian at the New Westminster Public Library in New Westminster, British Columbia. We talk to Liz, because she helped teach us in learning about Podcasting. This is an initiative Liz started at the library, including procuring equipment and a space that library card holders can use to facilitate their own podcast. Liz also talks about some of the other library initiatives and how libraries have changed in her 16 years on the job.
Duration: 00:37:36Joey Hsieh: Compassion, Faith and Love is Everything
Dec 29, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Steve talks to Joey Hsieh – who has a son who is disabled. Her son Matthew has a rare disease, is nonverbal, blind, and in a wheelchair. As a child, he was misdiagnosed with Autism. Joey is truly a loving mother full of positivity and acceptance. She gets her strength from Matthew, and she prefers the term different ability over disability. Joey also talks about the challenges in getting the right caregiving help for Matthew.
Duration: 00:43:40Steve’s Journey Through Depression
Dec 22, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Steve talks to the listeners about his experience with depression. He shares intimate details of some of his experiences and what led up to his depression. He also shares some of his coping strategies and what worked for him to try and cope with some of the negative thoughts he had using positive strategies. Steve does not claim to be the expert in this topic but rather shares some of his own personal accounts that other people might be able to relate to.
Duration: 00:48:42Lelainia Lloyd: Realism with a heavy dose of optimism
Dec 15, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Steve talks to Lelainia Lloyd who was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) in 2012, after initially being misdiagnosed with MS in 2007. As Lelainia describes it, her immune system has gone rogue. This disability can lead to blindness and paralyses. In spite of her physical struggles, Lelainia is a passionate advocate who writes, did a podcast, travels, does public speaking and volunteering. But her hobby of wheelchair curling is what brings her immense joy. She practices advocacy out of necessity.
Duration: 00:43:09Bonita Zarrillo – Politician, Member of Parliament, Disability Advocate
Dec 01, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Steve and Chris talk to Bonita Zarrillo, who was elected as the Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Coquitlam in 2021. She is currently the NDP Critic for Infrastructure and Communities; Disability Inclusion; and the Deputy Health Critic. They have an informative and thought-provoking discussion, including such topics as advocacy, accessibility, infrastructure, policies, and initiatives. 28% of British Columbians aged 15 years and older live with a disability. Nationally, 41% live below the poverty line. We are glad to have Bonita on our team. Visit her website: https://bonitazarrillo.ndp.ca/
Duration: 00:40:44Steve interviews caregiver Innocent Ali, journey from Africa to Canada
Nov 17, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Steve has a conversation with Innocent Ali; one of Steve’s caregivers. Innocent tells the story of moving to Canada from Africa and how he came to be one of Steve’s caregivers. They also discuss caregiving tips and strategies for a disabled person and share personal stories about working together for the last year, as well as Innocent’s own personal journey and future aspirations.
Duration: 00:45:38Dr. Rick Manhas: Compassionate family doctor thriving in a challenging health care system.
Nov 03, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Steve talks to his family doctor, Dr. Gurdeep Manhas, also known as Dr. Rick.
Dr. Rick and Steve talk a lot about Rick’s background, his medical practice, and many other philosophies Rick lives by and practices as he helps people who visit him at his 2 medical clinics in Coquitlam and New Westminster, BC. Steve and Dr. Rick have a very special relationship that goes beyond patient/doctor, which shows how important that is for physical and mental well-being.
Unbreakable Spirit: Robert Pascal's Journey Through Adversity
Oct 20, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Steve talks with his friend Robert Pascal. Robert has been a quadriplegic for over 36 years, due to a devastating car accident where Robert was a passenger. Robert gives an honest account of his transition to relearning most aspects of his daily activities. Robert Pascal is an example to anyone who is living a full-abled life that a sudden, severe disability can truly happen to anybody. He is truly a perfect example of someone who has accepted his disability and tries to live each day the best way that he can.<...
Duration: 00:35:43Steve Interviews Joseph Resendes, Amazing Gentleman Living with Cerebral Palsy.
Oct 06, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Steve talks with Joseph Resendes, who has Cerebral Palsy. Joseph talks about some of the challenges he faced with CP as a younger person. But Joe has not let his disability stop him from travelling, working with kids as an Educational Assistant, playing soccer and his involvement with the Paralympics. He shares his story with enthusiasm, humor and positivity. Joe is truly an inspirational guy, living his best life in Port Moody, British Columbia.
Duration: 00:41:30The Introduction of Steven Vine And His Disabilities
Sep 22, 2024Send us a text
In the first episode, Steve talks about his journey from an able-bodied individual to a person with multiple disabilities. Steve shares some intimate aspects of his life and how it changed for him from a sudden devastating medical condition. His story may not be for the faint of heart, but it’s Steve’s story. This episode is the beginning of more stories about individuals involved in the disabled community.
Duration: 01:02:53