Although Jacques\u2019 reading and writing is only at a grade one level, he used an iPad\u2019s speech-to-text function to begin the process of writing his book.<\/p>\n
At age 26, his book titled Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book<\/em>, is now complete and Jacques has delivered guest talks at colleges and universities, spoken on podcasts, and even appeared on television.<\/p>\n Jacques’ book is self-published and through social media and the public sharing his story he has been able to share his book across the province.<\/p>\n Many friends helped Jacques with his book including editing, illustration and design.<\/p>\n Topics discussed in Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book<\/em> include his first job, how Community Living affected his life, school, driving, his first tattoo, public speaking, and growing into adulthood.<\/p>\n Jacques lives in Niagara Falls and has been working at a Sobey\u2019s for eight years. That location has a permanent book stand featuring copies of Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book <\/em>for sale.<\/p>\n Jacques was delighted to come to Huntsville to share his book with the community and the patrons of Community Living Huntsville, who welcomed him as part Inclusive Education Month. Not only did Jacques present at Partners Hall in the Algonquin Theatre but he also spoke at Huntsville High School and Riverside Public School earlier in the day.<\/p>\n Michael Jacques talks about his book Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book<\/p><\/div>\n After Jacques read from Can\u2019t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book, <\/em>he took questions from the audience, engaging with community members and families of people with disabilities.<\/p>\n When Jacques wrote his book he decided to donate a portion of the sales to both Community Living Ontario and Special Olympics. Both are very close to Jacques\u2019 heart as he sits on the board of Community Living Ontario and says being a part of Special Olympics has helped him grow as a person.<\/p>\n To be chosen to sit on the Community Living Ontario board of directors, an elected position, Jacques had to explain to the members why he should be elected. Jacques was chosen over doctors, lawyers, and government officials.<\/p>\n “My brain is wired differently but that\u2019s okay,” said Jacques. “If you expect life to become easy it becomes hard and when you expect life to become hard it becomes easy.”<\/p>\n Jacques says that Community Living is very important to him. One of CL\u2019s programs that was very influential to him is Re:Action4Inclusion, a program created for high school aged students. Re:Action4Inclusion is a movement of young people and their allies that allows youth to have a voice in social justice, community change and school culture. This was where Michael says he found his voice and found out what authentic inclusion was all about.<\/p>\n\n\t\t![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/media-doppleronline-ca.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com\/2019\/02\/Michael-Jacques-talks-about-his-book.jpg\")