Become a Leader, Advocate, and Voice for Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Each year, we select two outstanding young individuals to represent Easter Seals and children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario as Provincial Ambassadors.
Everybody deserves to be heard. We want children and youth with physical disabilities to develop their leadership and public speaking skills, discover their ability to advocate for themselves, and be active participants in our activism. That’s why each year, we select Easter Seals youth to represent the organization as Provincial Ambassadors.
Now entering is 76th year, the Easter Seals Provincial Ambassador program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people to discover what makes them remarkable while fostering self-confidence and lifelong skills such as networking and public speaking. During their one-year term, Provincial Ambassadors travel the province to give speeches and make appearances at events; sharing their story, promoting Easter Seals, and advocating for children with physical disabilities.
Meet Ryerson Beardmore (they/them)
“I want people to know that my disability is a lot smaller than who I am as a person.”
Meet Niki Tokhi (she/her)
“As someone with a disability, I have a lot of lived experience with ableism, accessibility barriers, and accommodations.”
Benefits of the Ambassador Program
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. In addition, our Ambassadors help create positive representation for kids with physical disabilities; to be seen for what they can do – their potential, achievements, and contributions. They serve as role models and educate people by sharing their stories and the challenges that many people with disabilities face. Through learning, we can tear down barriers and create a more equitable world for all.
Ambassador Criteria
- Be between the ages of 12 and 17 years old.
- Interested in representing Easter Seals Ontario and children and youth with physical disabilities.
- Enthusiastic, well-spoken, and enjoys speaking to people and audiences.
- Willing to travel with parents to events across Ontario (approximately once per month) from February 2023 – January 2024. Parent/guardians must be able to provide transportation to and from events.
Applications for the 2023 Provincial Ambassador program have closed. Applications for the 2024 program will open in summer 2023. Check back here for details.