Note: You are viewing the unstyled version of CBC.ca because you can not see our css files, or because you do not have a standards-compliant browser or you are a mobile user.
Welcome to CBC.ca
| Story Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | BOOKMARK PAGE | Text Size: |
1954 – 1955: Elwood attends the Cerebral Palsy Training School and Clinic in Toronto. His diagnosis at the time: Spastic quadriplegic which means that Elwood will have extreme difficulty with mobility for the rest of life, little use of his arms, no use of his legs.
September 26, 1955: Elwood is admitted to the Ontario Hospital School (later named Rideau Regional Centre) Smiths Falls, Ontario. His family is convinced by doctors to send him there because they think that he is not developing normally on his own.
In 1955, he begins using crutches, but he uses a wheelchair most of the time. Elwood didn't walk until he was 6 years old.
1961: Elwood's file notes that he is "…walking with crutches, complete use of hands".
1963: At 14 years old, it is noted that Elwood is ‘mischievous'.
1972: Elwood has surgery on his legs to lengthen his heel cords, tibular, ham strings and hip flexor releases. This is meant to allow him more mobility.
1974: Elwood uses crutches most of the time to get around.
1985: Elwood is placed with a family in Smiths Falls but three months later he returns to the Rideau Regional Centre. His file reads: "The physical environment presented some difficulty. Elwood was discontent with the placement…no compliance."
November 14, 1989: Elwood's father dies.
1990: Elwood is moved from Rideau Regional Centre and is placed in a group home in Carleton Place, Ontario.
September, 1995: Elwood is moved to Victoria House, a "domiciliary hostel" -- a privately run boarding house in Smiths Falls for people who need supervision of their daily living activities. He has lived there ever since.