Comedian Tim Rose left students rolling with laughter. Photo by Wenyao Zhai

The fourth-annual Jokes on Wheels was a “sit-down” comedy night — showcasing Carleton’s own student comedians with physical disabilities.

Oliver’s Pub provided a low-key atmosphere for the Nov. 25 performace. Coinciding with Wheelchair Awareness Week, the event helped raise awareness about disabilities among students.

“Living with a disability is hilarious,” said performer Tim Rose at the show. “You have to learn to laugh at yourself, because if you’re serious and grumpy, you won’t get far in life.”

Rose, a 23-year-old human rights and law student, was born with cerebral palsy and uses an electric chair, two aspects of his life that prove to be excellent inspiration for comic relief. 

“I’m a bit of a stand-up comedian,” he said, pausing before he added, “Well, sort of, I can’t really do the first part.”

Founded by Rose and fellow Careleton student James Witherspoon, the idea for Jokes on Wheels grew out of a frosh week event four years prior. A talent show hosted by the Rideau River Residence Association was not filling up as the organizers had hoped. Rose volunteered to provide some comic relief to fill the space. Witherspoon acted as Rose’s mike stand, holding the microphone for 45 minutes, while Rose proceeded to entertain the audience with his witty jokes.

The number was so popular that Witherspoon and Rose decided to create Jokes on Wheels.
Witherspoon MCed the event along with Graham Perrin.

The night is about overcoming stigmas, said Dina Skvirsky, program co-ordinator of the Carleton Disability Awareness Centre (CDAC).

“People with disabilities like to have fun, too,” Skvirsky said. “They like to drink and they can tell funny jokes. . . . People in wheelchairs are just people in wheelchairs, just regular people like the rest of us.”

John McCrae, one of the night’s entertainers, recalled his visit to Parliament Hill, where the security guard asked him to take off his shoes. Having limited mobility in his arms and obviously in an electric wheelchair, McCrae inquired, “OK, and while I’m at it, should I just jump up and walk through the metal detector as well?” 

Each act had the audience hooting and clapping, and gave them a taste as to what it was actually like to live with a disability.

Every year since its inception, Jokes on Wheels has raised money for a cause. This year, they were fundraising for Ottawa’s first Power Wheelchair Hockey Team.

Delaney Dunlop, a second year at Carleton, and a huge sports fan, is one of three girls on the newly formed Ottawa team.

“I love sports. My mom always says I’m the son she never had,” Dunlop said, as she collects donations for their team’s trip to the POWER Cup in Toronto.

The trip will cost the team around $8,000. This pays for equipment, travel, attendant care, meals and accommodation for the tournament, scheduled August 2010.

There were roughly 70 people at the event, and even at the start of the show, donations were flowing in. According to Hollis Pierce, also a member of the Power chair team, they needed a bigger collection tin.