It had been a long time since I had spoken with Sam Forbes, a Community Living Toronto Influencer. We met virtually and had a wonderfully interesting conversation about what PRIDE means and how Sam would unlock inclusion in the community.
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview a fellow Council member, Judy Noonan, who resides in Guelph, Ontario. We discussed positive changes to accessibility. I was also interested to learn about the experience Judy, and members from People 4 People, had using the WITHology method.
What do you need to do your job well? The accommodations a person requires to be successful at their job are as diverse as the people on the planet. The same job can be done in a variety of ways depending on a person’s needs.
As a person who has Down syndrome, I believe inclusive sport has grounded me with a strong foundation in life, allowing me to gain my goals over my lifetime. It has always been my philosophy to take small steps to reach the greater goal and to do a little bit everyday.
During this International Women’s Week, I have reflected on where I am today, and how I got here. I identify as a woman who has Down syndrome, as well as having invisible medical challenges as some of my intersectionalities. In many ways, I receive a lot of attitudes in society today related to my appearance.
Who do you turn to? The Bell Let’s Talk Campaign started happening in 2011, to get people talking comfortably about mental health and mental illness. It is vital to share this topic because our mental health is just as important as our physical health. When talking about mental health, expressing emotions, talking through feelings with a person that you feel safe, then it is a way of coping with one’s stress
In reflecting on Nicole’s Notes from 2022, a few themes were identified. Inclusion, choice and the need to change the collective mindset have been the main points of the discussion. A movement has started. There has been an increase in awareness and education of the general public about the issues that affect the lives of people who live with disability.
December 10, 2022 starts a year long campaign in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The slogan for this campaign “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All” amplifies the Universal Declaration which states “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.
What voices are heard? As a person who has Trisomy 21, I have an emic perspective about the lives of people who have Down syndrome. I have had a lot of opportunity in my life. I have achieved a lot of goals, but it didn’t happen overnight. It took an on-going effort, battling barriers, blazing trails and proving professionals wrong.
How many lives do you have? Protecting the life you have is about self-care, making wise choices about the lifestyle you prefer. It is your path to determine the lifestyle you choose depending on your situation. There may be part of you that wants to choose an unhealthy path, one that defeats your purpose and contradicts your lifestyle goal.
Nicole Flynn is from the rural area of Centre Hastings, Ontario. She is a graduate of the Loyalist College General Arts and Science diploma program (not modified). Nicole is an entrepreneur, an Associate Consultant with People Minded Business Inc. (PMB), and an international medalist in three sports. She is a global citizen who believes in freedom, power, and prosperity for everyone.
Nicole’s goal is to experience and learn more about what is happening around the world and to share her knowledge with others. It is her hope that by reading Nicole’s Notes, people will broaden their perspective, re-evaluate their assumptions and attitudes, and bring their creative ideas and inputs to the table.