RHFSP Ambassador Laura McKenzie Encourages Youth to Ask Questions to Learn About Disability
“What I really want to do is break down the perception that people with disabilities are less than,” Laura McKenzie said.
Laura is one of the newest Rick Hansen Foundation School Program (RHFSP) Ambassadors. Ambassadors present to youth in a classroom setting about challenging stereotypes and engaging youth in conversation about accessibility and disability.
Laura first heard about RHFSP when she started exploring jobs after she acquired her disability three years ago.
“Being an ambassador seemed like a great opportunity,” Laura explained. “I have two young kids who are now in Kindergarten and Grade 1, and I know from having to explain my disability to them, and from being at their school that youth are interested and have lots of questions.”
That led Laura to officially becoming an Ambassador and present to youth across Canda.
Taking Away the Fear
“What I hope is that by engaging with me it takes away the fear and gives them a bit more confidence to ask questions in an appropriate way,” Laura said. “It can be hard to break down the level of understanding for the little ones, but I have practice from my own children.”
Everyone experiences disability differently, and she hopes that her story can bring a new perspective to some of the youth who maybe haven’t heard from someone who acquired a disability later in life.
“I went from being able-bodied to disabled. I lived in my van and travelled the world, then had kids. Then I acquired this disability, which is not often what people think of,” Laura said. “I hope that they can learn that disability can appear differently for everyone.”
Laura added that as the presentations go on, she can see a certain comfort in these students being able to ask questions freely – letting go of their fear.
“I’m already a very open person, and I want them to ask me any question that they have,” Laura explained. “These kids have such insightful questions.”
Creating a Culture of Inclusion
For Laura, it’s also important to get across that accessibility is for more than just people with disabilities. It impacts all of us, people with strollers, or with luggage. Making the world accessible is important for everyone to be able to participate fully.
“Accessibility to me is fairness and equality for all,” Laura said.
This is what she hopes is at the root of her presentations as an Ambassador.
“It has been an awesome experience so far. There is such a wide variety of kids and classes who all have great questions.”
