It is often difficult for children and youth with physical disabilities to find their voice. In a world not quite built to include everyone, there is a great deal of focus on what makes them different, but not what makes them uniquely powerful. The Easter Seals Ambassador Program empowers young people with physical disabilities to discover what makes them remarkable while fostering self-confidence and lifelong skills such as networking and public speaking.
Every year, two young people are selected to represent Easter Seals Ontario as Provincial Ambassadors. There are also usually around 90 regional ambassadors across the province representing youth in their communities. However, the Ambassador Program is so much more than simply representing the organization. At its core, the Ambassador Program is a platform where children and youth can be heard and seen for what they can do instead of what they cannot. These brilliant young people get the opportunity to share their stories, make networking connections, serve as role models for other physically disabled kids in Ontario, and find lifelong community and friendship with fellow Ambassador Program alumni.
The benefits of the Ambassador Program are lifelong, from helping develop friendships and a greater sense of self, to building career skills such as networking and presentation proficiency. However, the Ambassador Program has a province-wide reach. For Easter Seals families and other young people with physical disabilities, it creates positive representation. For our supporters, the Ambassador Program is a chance to see the tangible, lasting impact of their donations. Most importantly though, the Ambassador Program is an educational tool for the wider world, who may not understand the challenges that disabled people face. Through learning, we can tear down barriers and create a more equitable world for all.
Each year, Easter Seals designates outstanding young individuals to represent children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario as our Provincial Ambassadors.
Check out some of our past Ambassadors at https://www.easterseals.org/category/ambassadors.