Powerful LIFESTYLES force
P.E.I. native invested into Order of Ontario for impact on deaf community.
Profound deafness failed to hold back a mightily determined Monica Elaine Campbell.
Born in P.E.I. in 1957, the middle of five siblings, Campbell did not simply manage well with her major physical barrier but truly excelled.
The difficulties of relying on speech reading, facial expression and body language had to be overcome by countless hours spent reading material in textbooks and libraries.
Studying biology and mathematics at UPEI, on a full scholarship, Campbell graduated on the dean’s honour list, continuing to keep pace through lip reading and reading texts.
Campbell would go on to a lauded career passionately advocating for equal opportunities and improved services for the deaf community across Canada. On Thursday, she was invested into the Order of Ontario as “a pioneer in the development of palliative care services for the deaf in Ontario.’’
Her many accomplishments include the formation of a deaf palliative care team (a first in Canada), the establishment of a dedicated floor for the culturally deaf and deaf/blind in a long term care facility in Ottawa and advocating for the right to qualified, professional interpreters.
James Roots, executive director of the Canadian Association of the Deaf, described Campbell’s work on behalf of the deaf community in a letter supporting her nomination as matchless and truly inspiring.
“I have personally known Elaine for more than a decade and I have always been struck by her simple, unpretentious, and totally sincere dedication to this work,’’ stated Roots.
“She has never sought attention for herself, has set a shining example of compassion and care, and has quietly raised the profile of deaf access to palliative care in both the deaf and non-deaf worlds.’’
James Roots, executive director of the Canadian Association of the Deaf
“She has never sought attention for herself, has set a shining example of compassion and care, and has quietly raised the profile of deaf access to palliative care in both the deaf and non-deaf worlds.’’
Chantale LeClerc, chief executive officer of the Champlain Local Health Integration Network, in another supporting letter to the successful nomination of Campbell to the Order of Ontario, added similar praise.
“I have found Ms. Campbell to be a tireless advocate for the needs and the rights of the deaf community,’’ she wrote.
“She fulfils this role with passion, kindness and an unwavering determination.’’