In the world of business, my journey took an unexpected turn when I was asked to conduct workshops. As I ventured into delivering workshops for various markets, I couldn’t help but notice that participants weren’t always grasping the true objectives of the training. It was this realization that led me to make a life-changing decision at the age of 46 – to return to university for a program known as “Train the Trainer.”
During this program, I not only discovered my natural aptitude for training but also embarked on a mission to educate the university about disabilities. It wasn’t a smooth path, though. The Director of the Department of Adult Education initially rejected the idea of me, a blind person with a guide dog, participating in his program. He couldn’t fathom that a blind individual could effectively use flipcharts and deliver comprehensive training programs.
I was both disappointed and determined. I resolved to take on the challenge of educating him on Disability Awareness. The outcome? Not only did I graduate with honours, but I also became somewhat of a superhero in the training industry across Canada, shattering misconceptions along the way.
But my journey didn’t stop there. I began pondering how I could educate the world about individuals with disabilities. A year later, my book “Through My Eyes: Insights into Disability Etiquette” was born. I decided that this book should primarily target the school system. What better place to learn about Disability Etiquette than in the minds of young students?
I spent a year collaborating with the Nova Scotia school board to ensure that the book met classroom standards. This included incorporating the right language, engaging stories, and other elements that would resonate with students. The book found its way into Nova Scotia schools, where it was used as a valuable educational resource.
This included incorporating the right language, engaging stories, and other elements that would resonate with students. The book found its way into Nova Scotia schools, where it was used as a valuable educational resource.
Today, my true passion lies in the realm of education, where I strive to teach and train on Disability Awareness through workshops, presentations, private and group coaching sessions. My mission is to help people see what they cannot see – to create a world where understanding and inclusion are the norm, rather than the exception.
If my journey has inspired you, I invite you to take the next step with me. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Read and Share: Grab a copy of my e-book, Through My Eyes: Insights into Disability Etiquette, and share it with your friends, family, and local schools.
- Sign up for coaching or a workshop: Sign up for one of my upcoming workshops or virtual presentations on Disability Awareness, or engage in a coaching package to learn more about how we can create an inclusive world together.
- Spread the Word: Follow me on my social platforms and share my posts to help raise awareness about the importance of Disability Etiquette, inclusion and making the impossible possible for all.
