My name is Caren H. I was born in 1956 in Tillsonburg, Ontario. I am the second of six children and am glad to come from a large family. I was only five pounds when I was born with cerebral palsy. I learned to walk with braces when I was two, but most of my life I have had to use a wheelchair.

I lived at home until I was seventeen, and then spent another seventeen years at a chronic care hospital in Toronto, I didn't like this experience very much, I wanted more freedom. Fortunately, I was able to change things after six months of training in independent living at the Gage Institute in Toronto, in 1995, I moved into my own apartment in London.

Since then, life has been better. I have learned many skills to make things easier and I spend more time in the community. A few years ago I went to Florida on a vacation, which was great. Now I want to travel more, perhaps to Jamaica.

I have always loved animals, especially cats and fish. I have had many pets. These days I have a cat - Carmen, who lives with me and who is a good friend. I enjoy reading, especially police dramas, and mysteries. One of my favourite places is the library.

I hope to continue living on my own. Recently I had my apartment repainted and it looks great. There are obstacles, but I feel things are mostly going my way.