CLBC Kamloops on December 13th, 2017 put on this celebration on for Krystian’s accomplishments. And that he was featured in the, “What’s Your Story?” book about Canada’s 150th
This was taking in the Kamloops This Week Newspaper
Kamloops disability advocate tells his story to the nation
A Kamloops disability advocate is among Canadians featured in a new book celebrating stories of everyday citizens.
Krystian Shaw, founder of the Kamloops Self-Advocate newsletter, is one of 116 Canadians profiled and photographed in What’s Your Story?
The book was published by the CBC as part of a national storytelling project in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday.
“It’s from all Canadians, about what they are doing to make this a better world and how they’re celebrating Canada’s birthday year,” Shaw said.
His four-year-old newsletter was created to honour people with what he describes as “diverse abilities” and to challenge preconceptions of what those with intellectual and physical disabilities are able to accomplish.
His What’s Your Story? entry discusses his personal journey to overcome those preconceived ideas.
“I was born with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as an anxiety disorder,” Shaw wrote.
“My mom was uncertain about my future since the doctors told her I would never be able to read and write, but I proved them wrong,” Shaw wrote in his story for the book.
He also wrote about overcoming reluctant educators, teaching himself to use computers and getting help from community support programs to begin publication of the Self-Advocate.
“Now I own a successful newsletter that is free to the public that focuses on reducing discrimination around all disabilities by reporting on positive success stories,” he wrote.
Shaw said the newsletter has grown since it was featured in a KTW story in 2016.
It now contains about four or five ads per issue, which have allowed him to secure a business licence for the newsletter.
A number of organizations that stock the letter are also requesting more copies due to customer demand, meaning a print expansion is on the way.
Shaw said he is proud to be included in the book and to represent Kamloops.
“I want to put my city on the map,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to make this world a better place for people with diverse abilities.”
What’s Your Story? is available through Indigo booksellers. A free version is slated to be released online this month.
The Kamloops Self-Advocate is available online at selfadvocate.ca/kamloops-self-advocate-newsletter and at various businesses and agencies in the city.
Shaw is also looking for volunteers to ride the Big Bike for the Heart and Stroke Foundation in May.
Interested participants can contact Shaw by email at thekamloopsselfadvocate@yahoo.com.
Pic of Kristian Shaw Celebration
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