New possibilities for youth ambassador

ST. JAMES – ASSINIBOIa

East Kildonan

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This article was published 09/08/2023 (1119 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Possible, a local advocacy organization focused on accessibility and resources for people living with disabilities, has recently named its two newest ambassadors, selected through its youth ambassador program — Benjamin Galagan of East Kildonan, and Hannah Yang of St. James-Assiniboia.

“Manitoba Possible has had an ambassador program for a number of years because we just really recognize the importance of having lived experience of disability,” said Lindsey Cooke, Manitoba Possible’s CEO. “It’s present in all of the work that we do. So having youth like Ben and Hannah, who can speak from first-hand experience about accessibility, inclusion, successes and challenges in our province … I think brings a new level of credibility and experience to the work that Manitoba Possible does.”

Yang, 19, has taken to the role with great aplomb, using her own experience of growing up with a disability, as well as using (American Sign Language) as her first language, as a motivation to be a positive role model in her community.

Growing up, Yang didn’t have any role models who looked like her, she said, which created a feeling of isolation during her childhood.

“My mission as an ambassador is for younger kids with a disability have that role model or big sister that I never had,” she said, also explaining that, her own role models were her parents, teachers, and educational assistants, and she’d like to create a positive outlook for disabilities from what she’s learned from them.

When asked what she would say to her younger self now, Yang said that, simply, she’d tell her to be herself.

“Before I got this role, I was self-conscious and very private about my life, but ever since I got the role, I’ve noticed that (I’ve become) more confident,” she said.

Social media and having an online presence was a big part of her path in opening up, she said, and getting to feel comfortable enough to share her own struggles with others — even going as far as to post “ugly-crying pictures” on her account in order to be open about her depression, for example.

“My bonus-grandmother, who used to be one of my (educational assistants) in elementary school, has always encouraged me to just be myself,” she continued. “…People will like me for me. And I would say, to someone who is going through isolation like I did, to not give up and keep pushing through because your story and life journey will one day inspire someone.”

”Hannah is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met,” said Cooke. “I think she brings a lot to the table in terms of being a new grad, about to enter another phase of life … She’s also a person who uses augmentative communication, which I think is a great opportunity for people to just understand the power of both methods of communication.”

Yang holds a great deal of knowledge and experience on being a disabled person in Manitoba, Cooke said, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead of her.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how my confidence grows and how we can spread a message of love,” Yang said, thinking about her role in the future.

“As someone who has friends of all ages, I’d love to see different age groups get along … it’s important to learn from older people, but also refresh older people to make friends with younger people.”

For more information on Manitoba Possible’s programs, including camps, communication education, accessible leisure and sports, employment preparation, and the ambassador program, visit www.manitobapossible.ca online or email info@manitobapossible.ca or call 204-975-3010.