Diversity and difference in young people is more celebrated than ever before but there is still a significant way to go in order to achieve equality for those with disabilities.
Re:Action4Inclusion is an Ontario-wide movement of young people and their allies that cultivates the voice of youth in order to develop community change and make school culture more inclusive.
For 10 years, Re:Action4Inclusion has held an annual summit in order to bring youth together for a weekend of fun, learning, and support.
In previous years the summit has been held in bigger centres like Barrie and King City but this year Community Living Huntsville (CLH) is excited that it will be hosted in Muskoka. CLH is working in partnership with Community Living North Bay to host the summit from October 4-6 at Pioneer Camp in Port Sydney.
“The whole atmosphere of the summit is exciting and students always feel empowered after the weekend,” said Victoria Lamont, family support worker at CLH. “Getting together and getting creative with youth and their allies is such an energizing and moving space to be in. The impact the summit has on students’ confidence is clear and they develop different skills in order to form long-lasting connections.”
A “Muskoka Camp Weekend” theme will be evident throughout the weekend with activities including axe throwing, bonfires, outdoor survival skills, and archery. There will also be well-known keynote speakers attending: Joel Hilchey (author and university lecturer), Michael Jacques (author of Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book), and Jordyn Zimmerman (non-verbal university student and global speaker).
The sponsor of the event, the Rotary Club of North Muskoka, is generously paying for HHS students to attend the summit. The cost of the weekend ranges from $199-295 per person and includes food and accommodation.
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- Student Kelly Miller and CLH family support worker Victoria Lamont at last year’s summit (supplied)
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- HHS ally Mallory Jeans and Gwen Jones from CLH at last year’s summit (supplied)
HHS students as well as other youth and youth-aged groups (LGBTQ+ groups, faith-based groups and more) in Muskoka are invited to attend the summit. This includes both students with disabilities and those without as long as they are between the ages of 14-25.
“We want to create student-led change and that means having a large mix of youth attending the summit. It’s all about accepting peoples’ differences.” said Stacey Bullock, manager of family support at Community Living Huntsville.
Students living in more rural communities such as Almaguin and Parry Sound may feel isolated and as a result may not receive as much support. Community Living is inviting students from these areas to reach out about attending as well.
“When I attended the conference last year I got to witness two students open up to each other about bullying and feeling excluded and they vowed to look out for each other when they go back to school,” said Lamont. “It’s about the kids creating change as well as a positive, long-lasting impact. The adults are there to support them but the focus is on the kids.”
For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Stacey Bullock at [email protected] or visit reaction4inclusion.com/get-involved/summitinportsydney/.
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I would encourage as many youth without disabilities to attend; if their finances allow, or if family, friends, or service organizations can sponsor them. Meeting one-to-one with persons with disabilities is incredibly satisfying, and educational. Any possible stigma disappears as you realize how decisively your similarities exceed your differences.
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Persons with disabilities are approximately one in seven of the general population; and just because you are not in their number now, certainly doesn’t preclude you being a PWD in the future. It is posited that everyone will have at least one family member/friend with a disability over the course of their lifetime.
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So at the least, enjoy the camaraderie, embrace the opportunity, and prepare for the future.