Speaking out for those with special needs

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/05/2021 (1991 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities released a video last year announcing that it was rebranding, it was Paul Hamm who got to introduce the organization’s new name.

“SMD is now Manitoba Possible,” Paul says toward the end of the two-minute video, “an inclusive and accessible society.”

It’s just one of the many opportunities the Charleswood resident has had as the organization’s youth ambassador for 2020-21. The non-profit, which is the Manitoba branch of Easter Seals, works to eliminate the barriers people with disabilities face to full and equal participation in everyday life.

“I wanted to speak out for the people with special needs and the disabled people of Manitoba, and make the world a better place,” says Paul, who has cerebral palsy.

It’s been an exciting time for the 13-year-old to volunteer as youth ambassador. In addition to launching its new name and rebrand, Manitoba Possible marked its 70th anniversary in 2020.

As the youth ambassador, Paul has been a spokesperson for the organization.

He has taken part in public service announcements and hosted an online campaign, Paint the Town Possible, where local organizations and businesses were recognized for their leadership in accessibility.

Perhaps the biggest impact Paul has made is being a role model for other children and youth with disabilities in Manitoba and their families. Paul has long been an advocate for inclusion, proving that people with disabilities have just as much to offer as able-bodied people.

Such was the case when he played hockey on a team of able-bodied boys in River Heights. His prowess as a goalie earned him the respect of his teammates and the nickname “Paul the Wall.”

Paul hopes to inspire others in his daily life.

“I think that if I were to be successful, it would be a benefit to everyone else because they could see me doing it,” he says.

That attitude earned Paul a 2021 Easter Seals Volunteer Award, which was presented to him during National Volunteer Week last month. Eight people from across Canada received the recognition, and Paul was the youngest.

Paul’s many contributions as youth ambassador made nominating him for the award a natural choice, according to Derek Day, director of human resources at Manitoba Possible.

“He’s just a fantastic young man,” Day says. “He’s very engaging, really funny, and he’s really passionate about inclusion… He demonstrates that in his behaviour and in the way he does his public speaking. He’s just a fantastic kid.”

Launching a rebrand during a pandemic was challenging, Day adds, but Hamm was adaptable and willing to do whatever he could to help.

“You can’t help but feel good around him and smile because he’s usually got a big smile and he’s a really positive guy,” Day says. “We’re really happy he’s volunteering with us, and we look forward to many more years of working together with him.”

When he isn’t volunteering or doing homework, the Grade 8 Westdale School student enjoys spending time with his friends, as well as fishing and off-roading at the family cabin at Hillside Beach.

Paul has always wanted to be treated just like everybody else, says his mother, Melanie Hamm.

“Manitoba Possible getting that message out there is fantastic,” she says. “The more people Paul is able to reach, the more it’s going to help.”

Getting the message out there is why Paul started volunteering with Manitoba Possible in the first place.

“I want to let everybody know that people with disabilities are just the same as able-bodied people,” he says.

If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.