THE KAMLOOPS
NEWSLETTER
MAY 2024
FREE! TAKE ONE! Serving people since September of 2013.
Table of Contents Krystian’s Corner ——–page 2
Welcome to May! This month, we are highlighting entertainment and
the arts with a focus on disability representation. That means we’ll be
talking about all the fun things that make us smile, like music, movies,
TV shows, and artwork and celebrating people of all abilities and talents.
You’ll get to read articles about amazing and accessible spaces for musicians, learn about awesome movies, and read about cool artwork, like
the creations of Autistic Tiger, a talented 10-year-old boy named Tiger.
We’ll even have an interview with a comedian who makes us think about
mental health through his humour.
But that’s not all! We’ll have spring jokes to make you laugh, entertainment quotes to inspire you, and even a word search to challenge your
brain. There’s much to enjoy in this month’s newsletter!
And, don’t forget about springtime. It’s the perfect season to enjoy the
nice weather and spend time outside. So, let’s celebrate the sunshine and
the flowers blooming. Let’s relax and have fun together.
We hope you’ll enjoy reading all the exciting articles and
interviews in this month’s newsletter.
Word Search———-page 4
Kindness and Compassion—page 4
Awareness Days ————–page 5
The Voice Over Actor ——page 6
Mothers Gifts —page 7
The Autistic Tiger ——-— page 8
Adapted Music ——–——page 9
Curiko Community Platform ——page
10
Support Worker Central —-page 12
Authentic Representation —page 14
Celebrating Disability Awareness, success
stories and inclusion for all! Written by peo-
Do you have a
story idea or an event you think would
be good for our readers? Contact us at:
ple with Diverse Abilities
thekamloopsselfadvocate@yahoo.com
113-540 Seymour St., Kamloops, BC
V2C 2G9 Office phone: 250-828-1344.
We always look for writers and people
to interview.
Special thanks to The
Printing Place for your
continued
support of the Kamloops
Self-Advocate Newsletter.
Please subscribe! Be sure to check out
our online newsletter for bonus
stories! KSA Facebook page: The
Kamloops Self Advocate Newsletter
On KSA website: ksanews.ca
The KSA has created a program to recognize and promote local businesses that are
accessible and supportive of all members of the community. The businesses listed here are
friendly, accessible, and great to deal with.
Ability Friendly Accessible Business Program
Horizon Dental Clinic
5 Bean Brewbar & Café
All Around Gamerz
The Vic Downtown
Kamloops Film society
People in Motion
New Horizons Professional Support Services Inc.
Our Footprints Eco Store
Kamloops Art Party
Krystian’s corner
This month, we’re diving into the wonderful world of entertainment,
where everyone is celebrated for their unique talents and abilities.
From singers to artists, comedians to actors, there’s something for
everyone to enjoy!
Let’s start by shining a spotlight on some incredible individuals who
are breaking barriers and making waves in the entertainment
industry. Singers and songwriters with diverse
abilities show us that anything is possible when
you follow your passion. They inspire us with their music and remind us to never give up on our
dreams.
Next, we have The Autistic Tiger, a talented young artist who creates beautiful artwork inspired
by our favorite
characters from Disney and other pop culture icons. The Autistic Tiger’s work is not only visually
stunning but also serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and imagination.
And who could forget Big Daddy Tazz, the mental health comedian who brings laughter and joy
to audiences? Through his humor, Big Daddy Tazz spreads awareness and understanding about
mental health, showing us that it’s okay to talk about our feelings and seek help when we need it.
But the celebration doesn’t stop there! We also want to recognize the many actors and voice actors
who have disabilities, including autism. From Hollywood stars to reality TV favourites, these individuals prove that
talent knows no bounds. In fact, shows like Born This Way have brought much-needed visibility to people with
Down syndrome and other disabilities, showing us that everyone deserves a chance to shine on screen. Representation matters. Seeing people with diverse abilities reflected in movies, TV shows, and other forms of entertainment
helps to reduce stigma and discrimination, while promoting acceptance and inclusion for all.
By celebrating entertainment that represents all people, we can help to stomp out stigma and create a more inclusive
society where everyone is treated with kindness, compassion, and respect. So, let’s come together this month to celebrate the magic of entertainment and all the talented individuals who make it possible. Whether you’re singing along
to your favorite song, laughing at a comedy show, or being inspired at a piece of artwork, remember to spread kindness, and embrace the beauty of diversity.
Spring Jokes
Which month of the year is the shortest?
May. It only has three letters.
What do you call an emergency in spring?
May Day.
What is a flower’s favorite kind of pickle? A
daffo-dill.
Blue Jays Report
By Andrew
Welcome to the first of many Blue Jays
reports. The Toronto Blue Jays started
their regular, 162 Game Season on March
28 in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Tropicana Field. The Jays started the season with a respectable 6 wins and 8 losses and have started to play their
home games in the newly renovated Rogers Centre.
More to come in the coming months of the season.
Sight Unseen
By Ben
Have you ever watched a TV show that made you feel amazed? I want to tell you about a TV series
called “Sight Unseen.” I liked everything about this show, especially because it represents blind
people like me.
The main character of “Sight Unseen” is Tess Avery. She used to be a detective who solved mysteries and caught bad guys. But one day, something unexpected happened. Tess started to lose her
vision right in the middle of solving a case!
In just a few days, Tess had to leave her job because doctors said she was clinically blind. But Tess
didn’t give up. With the help of her friend Sunny, who works for a visual assistance app that helps blind people
see things, Tess continued to help the police solve crimes.
Even though Tess couldn’t see like she used to, she didn’t let that stop her. She wanted to be as independent as
possible. Imagine trying to do your everyday tasks without being able to see well! But Tess was brave. She faced
challenges with courage and determination.
What makes “Sight Unseen” so special is that it shows a person with a disability as the hero of the story. Tess
doesn’t let her blindness define her. Instead, she uses her other senses, like hearing and touch, to help her solve
mysteries.
The show also teaches us about the importance of friendship and teamwork. Sunny doesn’t just help Tess see
things; she’s also her friend who supports her through tough times. Together, they make a great team!
I really enjoyed watching “Sight Unseen” because it made me feel like I can do anything, even if I have a disability. It’s important for TV shows to represent all kinds of people, including those with disabilities like me. “Sight
Unseen” does a great job of showing that people with disabilities can be just as capable and strong as anyone else.
So, if you’re looking for a captivating TV series with a unique storyline and great representation of blind people, I
highly recommend watching “Sight Unseen.” You won’t be disappointed!
Stay tuned to CTV as there might be a new season.
The Garfield Movie
COMING SOON
Taken from https://www.imdb.com/title/
tt5779228/
Welcome Old Friend
Tides of March roll in on a warm breeze.
Days longer, warmer, brighter
I breathe it in
Graced by the first blooms.
The buzz of birds and butterflies
I feel alive.
Welcome spring.
I’ve missed you.
—Luke Verhoeff
https://www.thisisluke.ca/
Sunshine
My Mother, my friend so
dear,
Throughout my life you’re
always near.
A tender smile to guide my
way,
You’re the sunshine to light
my day.
Releases May 24, 2024
After an unexpected reunion with Garfield’s long-lost father – the cat Vic – he
and Odie are forced to abandon their
pampered life to join Vic in a highstakes heist.
Kindness and Compassion with Jo Berry
By Lisa Coriale
As self advocates, we teach those around us how to look at life from our perspective.
Kindness and compassion change our interactions from strained, stressful, unpleasant,
and hurtful to easy, peaceful, joyful, and healthy. There are many simple ways to express and offer kindness and compassion each day. This feature shows us how many different individuals use
kindness and compassion to improve their daily lives and the lives of those around them.
Please tell me about yourself.
My name is Jo Berry. I am an initiator of fun, buster of comfort zones, and my religion is kindness. I am very
much centered on relationships and building positive and healthy communities. My background includes: Social
Work, Personal Training, Coaching, Public Speaking, Yoga Teaching, and Counselling.
What do you do for a living?
I am the Executive Director of the Boogie The Bridge Society/Coordinator of Boogie The Bridge. I’m also the
founder of RUNClub: Movement is Change.
What does kindness and compassion mean to you?
Kindness and compassion strengthen all of our relationships. This practice provides a sense of belonging, acceptance, and companionship. When we connect with others through kind actions, we create opportunities for
meaningful interactions. This provides safe places and spaces for people “to be”. Kindness and compassion = taking the “I” out of our language and shifting it into “ we”, “ you”, or “ us”. We are better together.
Practicing compassion encourages us to see situations from others’ viewpoints. This shift in perspective can reduce
judgment, increase empathy, and lead to better communication and understanding in relationships. In a nutshell,
practicing compassion results in a healthy life for ourselves and others.
Why is it important to show kindness and compassion to others?
Kindness and compassion are important for so many reasons, and they play a significant role in personal, social,
and global contexts.
Practicing kindness and compassion promotes health and well-being. Both the giver and the recipient of kindness
experience feelings of happiness, contentment, and reduced stress. I have a huge passion for the relationship between our emotional and mental health and how it manifests in our physical health. One of my favorite quotes is,
“When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.” Wayne Dyer. This quote is powerful
because of the truth it shares – when we choose kindness and compassion (to ourselves and others) our health is
the biggest benefit. Kindness and compassion also strengthen community. In societies where kindness and compassion are practiced, communities are more supportive and harmonious. These qualities encourage individuals to
work together, solve problems, and support one another during challenging times.
How do you show kindness and compassion to others?
I believe that listening is the greatest gift. I regularly do a deep dive analysis of my emotional and mental state to
recognize where I need to grow in compassion and kindness to myself and others. I have found that volunteering,
being accepting rather than judgemental, and using positive language cultivate a deep sense of empathy. Positive
language is powerful! It creates the landscapes we live in. Choosing words that are considerate and uplifting and
thinking before we speak are skills worth fine-tuning every day.
How can people show compassion when they are in community?
By ‘showing up’ and giving support to each other. It takes “courage to be kind” and we can always show more
compassion, acceptance, and kindness to others. This can grow so much over our lifetimes.
What are some ways people can show kindness and compassion to people with diverse abilities?
Take the time to educate ourselves about different types of diverse abilities, their challenges, and the experiences
of people living with them. This can help us all better understand their needs and perspectives.
Treat individuals with diverse abilities with the same respect and dignity as you would anyone else. Avoid making
assumptions or using patronizing language. People are people, and we all need to support and love each other.
Being kind to ourselves improves our mental health. In what ways are you kind to yourself?
I run, run, run J and practice holistic methods of mindfulness like yoga, meditation, acts of kindness, prayer, faith,
and surrender. I truly believe the body is the temple and in order to be of service to others and be there for my
friends, family, and community I have to take the best care of me. I also love deep dive conversations, and hiking,
biking, walking – anything outdoors. The outdoors is my church.
Continued on next page
Kindness and Compassion with Jo Berry continued
People sometimes have negative views and/or attitudes towards people
with diverse abilities. What do you do, or can you do, to increase kindness and compassion for those who are diversely abled?
Smile. Meet their eyes. Listen. Invite. Include. Accept. Discuss. Pay attention. Love.
Lisa’s Thoughts – This month I am honoured and excited to feature a prominent member of our community, Jo Berry, Executive Director of the Boogie The Bridge Society and Coordinator of
Boogie The Bridge.
Jo points out that kind actions connect us and create opportunities for meaningful interactions with those around us. I
think that this perspective fosters a willingness to think of others before ourselves and encourages us to make a positive difference in each other’s lives.
Jo speaks about positive language and uses a beautiful metaphor about painting landscapes with the words we choose.
I haven’t heard that before and it reminds me to be careful about choosing words that will paint the landscape I want.
Finally, I leave you with Jo’s list of words describing how she shows kindness and compassion to those with diverse
abilities. “Smile. Meet their eyes. Listen. Invite. Include. Accept. Discuss. Pay attention. Love.” They are for all of us.
Link https://www.runclub.ca/ https://boogiethebridge.com/
Awareness Days
MS Awareness
Month
National Physiotherapy Month
Sexual Violence Prevention Month
Speech and Hearing Month
Vision Health Month
National Child and Youth Mental
Health Day – May 7
Entertainment Quotes
The entertainment industry is vast
and is a reflection of the society we
live in. – Karrine Steffans
Movies can and do have tremendous
influence in shaping young lives in
the realm of entertainment towards
the ideals and objectives of normal
adulthood. – Walt Disney
“Some people are worth melting for
… just maybe not right this second.”
—Olaf, Frozen
“To infinity … and beyond!” —
Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story
All our dreams can come true if we
have the courage to pursue them. –
Walt Disney
The Voice over Actor
By Krystian
What is your name? Who are you? What is your journey with autism
like?
My name is Daniel Abadie. I am a voice actor and founder of my voiceover
production brand, Vivid Vocals VO, and I am on the autism spectrum. Even
though I have come a long way with social cues since my childhood, I still regularly go to speech therapy to increase
my executive decision-making skills so that I can be prepared for an independent life by myself or even take care of
a family of my own.
How did you become a voice actor?
I officially started my voiceover education in late 2019 after I learned about the profession online and how it had so
much variety in clientele, benefits, and outlets. I was selected to participate in the “Such A Voice” program. After
successfully completing the program, I established my own LLC to promote my personal brand. I believe my childhood had an influence on my current path as I frequently was a fan of sports on television and would often excitedly
announce what I saw on television as it was happening (think Nascar impressions of Darrel Waltrip for example).
What do you enjoy about voice acting?
What I enjoy about voice acting is not just defined by one thing in particular. I revel in having the chance to use my
voice as an extension of myself whether in narration or character work, and I always smile when I make new colleagues through social networking and receiving advice on how to move up in the industry.
I think my favorite part of being a voice actor is that I found purpose in it. Before I found this profession, I did not
know where I could find a job that appealed to me and would ignite a similar passion I feel when I discuss topics
with family and friends. Now, when I am part of a project that delivers audio to an audience, I have the chance to
express, not just my voice to an audience hearing something that appeals to them, but also feel proud knowing that at
the end of the day my voice makes a difference in this world.
What is most rewarding about being a voice actor?
One of the most rewarding aspects about being a voice actor is the many email messages received from other people
with disabilities congratulating me for overcoming obstacles and succeeding in this job industry. Some of those same
people ask me how they can become voice actors themselves. I have had phone meetings with them inquiring about
their backgrounds, why they wish to become involved in voice acting, and what steps they need to take to do so.
Moments like these make me hope that once I have a plethora of experience after performing as a voice actor for
many years, I can become a mentor to those in the disability community who wish to start voice acting careers and
help them get started.
What kind of success have you had in voice acting?
I have had a lot of success for voiceover projects so far. I have promoted disability rights in explainer videos with
either my voice providing narration work or the audio description that describes what happens in the video. I was
cast to provide English audio dubbing services for an animated show originating from South Korea called
“PotenDogs” that has elements of action, comedy, and drama weaved into its plot, and it has already aired at film
festivals across the country. I even promoted a sponsorship video for a Christian school for impoverished youth in
Escuintla,Guatemala that teaches them the value of religion, education, and also provides adequate food so they do
not go hungry. Companies I have worked for include High Road Craft Ice Cream, Claritas Creative, Block by Block
Creative, Save My Vote (GA), Mana de Vida, Sign1news, and many independent creators from casting websites.
What should people know about your services?
My services include not only voiceovers products/services but also a platform to discuss important social causes.
There are many niches in voice acting I am open to including: commercials, narration, PSA’s, animation, video
games, e-learning, explainer videos, dubbing, and audio descriptions.
What should people know about voice acting?
For anybody who wishes to become a voice actor, there are three things that I believe need to be done for this type of
career to be sustained. First, you have to put the time and effort into practicing what you can do with your vocal
range once you acquire the proper equipment and education. Second, it is necessary
for you to build your own home voiceover studio so that you can have an insulated
place in your house to record quality audio for your clients. Finally, you must advertise yourself on a regular basis with your followers, clients, agencies, and anyone who
is open to hearing your “elevator pitch” on why they should invest in your skills.
Once all of this is achieved, the chances of more job opportunities will increase.
Continued on next page
The voice over actor continued
What else would you like to add? How can people find you online?
My involvement with the Synergies Work program for entrepreneurs with disabilities was a
great learning opportunity which gave me the skills and confidence I needed to start my own business. I have my own website called www.vividvocalsvo.com that includes a contact page for any
potential clients to use for business inquiries. I also can be found through Facebook or LinkedIn accounts using my
name online, and if anyone prefers to initiate potential business arrangements through these outlets first, I am happy
to respond. Whenever I need a reminder of what my future may be if I continue to work hard, I think of this quote I
created, “I may start out as a light breeze in the wind, but over time I will become a force of nature.”
Mothers’ Gifts
By Dr. Nan Stevens
Mothers’ gifts is a collection of twenty narratives of
lived experiences written by mothers who have raised
medically-fragile or neurodiverse loved ones. Within an
epistemological and phenomenological research framework, Nan Stevens (a mom herself) identifies eight
themes for best practice that serve to instruct and inform
helping professionals in a variety of health-related fields.
The book, Mothers’ gifts, is two-pronged in nature. It is a
textbook for Schools of Education, Nursing, Social Work,
Counselling, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, and more.
And it is a non-fiction book for the general public to obtain a glimpse into the complex and hard journeys of primary caregivers raising children with high needs. This
book is a unique contribution to the literature on disability studies as the research findings originate from the
voices and lived experiences of primary caregivers.
To salute the primary caregivers within exceptional families, the book launch is scheduled on the Mother’s Day
weekend, yet not on Mother’s Day itself. It will take
place at The Art We Are on Saturday May 11, 2024,
from 4:30 – 6 PM.
I will be conducting a short talk about the book and a few
mother-authors will be reading from their chapters.
Links
The Autistic Tiger makes character paintings
By Krystian
Krystian took some time to interview David Villec about his
son, Tiger. In this interview, David shares a bit of Tiger’s
story.
Meet Tiger. He does wonderful paintings on everything from
Disney and other Characters. He goes by the nick name of
The Autistic Tiger.
The Autistic Tiger is a 10-year autistic boy named Tiger. He has limited verbal ability, but he also possesses an incredible artistic talent. Tiger created The Autistic Tiger character when he was 6 years old. At The Autistic Tiger,
they believe in promoting autism awareness by showcasing the positive aspects of autism.
What got The Autistic Tiger interested in Art?
He kinda always did art, but we just didn’t understand. Then, when he turned 5, he started drawing a small toy he had
with his finger and I thought, “Why is he using a reference model?!?!?” So I got him a large whiteboard and some
markers and he just started drawing all day and night.
What does he enjoy about Art?
He is a perfectionist, and he likes making things exactly the way he wants them to be. It is why he became so good at
art, because he would draw the same picture over and over until he got it right.
What kind of paintings does he do?
Tiger does acrylic pop art paintings. He free hands a sketch of a character and paints it with brushes
and Posca markers. In the future, we may just have him use Posca markers for his paintings.
What is Tiger’s proudest moment regarding his artwork?
I don’t think Tiger has a proudest moment. He’s not wired that way. Of all the things he has done, the
one that still blows me away is the first time he drew Mickey Mouse upside down.
A Disney Artist asked him to do it and I thought “there is no way he’s going to be able to do this”.
Then I watched in shock as he calmly drew Mickey upside down. I’m still in shock…
What is Tiger’s Journey with Autism?
Tiger exhibited symptoms of autism at a very young age. At 18 months he was diagnosed by the Regional Center in California and he’s been going to special school ever since.
Tiger stopped getting behavioral health treatment when we left California 6 years ago, but since he
started drawing, he has become extremely calm.
What do you enjoy seeing him as parents creating art?
We enjoy seeing Tiger in his own little world. He doesn’t talk and tell us what is going on in his head,
but we know something is going on. Often when he is drawing something, he will hold up his hand
and pencil in front of his face as if measuring something, then go back to drawing.
He has a few other little quirks that we enjoy seeing.
What we appreciate most is that he has become very calm, and HE LOVES GOING TO COMICCONS. We love that he has something that he has passion for. It made us believe that he will be able
to make a living as an adult artist.
What should people know about Tiger?
Tiger has no friends, but he wants to be around other kids. He just doesn’t know how. Tiger wants to
be social but is quite comfortable being left all to himself.
What is your greatest moment being parents to Tiger?
I think all the attention that he has received. Tiger deserves the attention because he has earned it. He
does things that other kids and adults cannot do. Tiger is original, authentic, and innocent.
He is everything that the public wants heroes to be.
What else would you like to add? How can people find you online?
We think Tiger is destined for great things. He created The Autistic Tiger character when he was 6.
We don’t know what he will do as an adult, but this might be his greatest achievement. Many professional artists rave about his character and its symbolism. As one artist said “Do you know what you
have? Do you realize what you can do with this? He’s going to be able to help so many people”.
Link https://theautistictiger.myshopify.com/
Vancouver Adapted Music Society
By Krystian
Meet Bryden Veinot, Program Coordinator of the Vancouver Adapted Music Society
(VAMS). He delivers their daily programs at the music studio, as well as plans for
future concerts and
performances. During this interview, he shares what VAM is all about.
What is Vancouver Adapted Music Society?
VAMS, a society with The Disability Foundation, supports and promotes musicians
with disabilities in Metro-Vancouver, regardless of ability, age, or skill.
How do you help people with music and who have disabilities?
Through our three-tiered programs, musicians with disabilities can get involved no matter how new they are to music. For those just getting started or needing adaptations to get back into music, we offer instrument lessons in-person
with VAMS staff and online with volunteers.
Our fully accessible music studio is a comfortable space to learn in, as well as record and produce music as part of the
second-tier program: In-studio recording sessions. VAMS staff are trained in audio engineering and music production,
to help our clients write and record professional quality music.
The third tier is all about live performance opportunities. Whether it’s our own events or other organizations, we make
sure the venue is accessible and inclusive to our community.
How can people who are musicians join VAMS?
The only eligibility requirement for VAMS clients is that they are a person with a disability, they don’t have to have
previous music experience. Getting involved is as easy as booking a session online: Visit the VAMS website at
www.vams.org and find the “book a session” option to get involved. You can also email us at info@vams.org with
any questions you may have before booking a session.
What makes this Society special for those who do music?
This society is special because we treat our space like a traditional music studio, although disability is what we cater
to, it is not our focus. Many clients in the past have mentioned how their time in the studio lets them forget about their
disability and instead enjoy making music. The society is also the longest running of its kind, so there are generations
of people in our community that have benefitted from our programs.
Why should people think about joining this society?
If you are looking to develop skills as a musician, instrumentalist, music producer, performer, then VAMS is a great
place to start. Our mission is to re-imagine what’s possible, and we do every day with adapted instruments and accessible space for musicians with disabilities to express themselves without judgement.
VAMS is a place to develop your musicianship, regardless of skill level. We are not music therapy; we instead deliver
accessible alternatives to other music studios and music lessons. Our intended outcome for our clients is to cultivate
musicians in our community and help remove the barriers we commonly find in the music industry.
What do you enjoy about this Society and what is most rewarding about your job?
The music industry can feel like an exclusive place to many, and this society helps break down barriers that may be in
place for musicians with disabilities to access music and have their music be heard. Because of this, we’ve built a
sense of community and trust, making the VAMS experience more than just a service delivered to a client.
The most rewarding part of working with VAMS is every time a new client realizes music is a possibility, even if the
physical barrier was thought to make it impossible. By adapting instruments or coming up with individual solutions,
we find a way to get our clients to make music. Everyone who wants to make music has a voice, and we listen to what
they need and do our best to make it a reality.
What else would you like to add? How can people find you online?
The best way to find us is to visit our website at www.vams.org, or check out our YouTube channel at https://
youtube.com/@ReImagineRadioVAMS?si=NdvBlYftSSOZRnr9
Entertainment and Spring
By Riley
Entertainment and spring are the best. There are loads of things to do.
You can go
bowling at Falcon Lanes, swimming at the Canada Games pool, or go to
the trampoline place up the hill in Sahali If you want to be outside, you
can go hiking if you want to, especially if the sun is shining. In the
spring, there are all the different lakes you can visit. I only know of one I
enjoy right now and that is Shuswap Lake.
Mother’s Day
Sunday,
May 12, 2024
Curiko
Meet Kristin Szilvassy, a communications designer with Curiko. She took some time
to connect with Krystian and let people know all about Curiko, which is an on-line
space where people come together to make friends, try new things, share, learn, and
grow.
What is Curiko all about and who is the website geared to? Curiko is a free
community platform where you can participate in meaningful and fresh experiences,
share what you love and meet people with similar interests. Our community is made
up of folks with and without disabilities. Anyone can go on an experience and anyone
can host an experience. It’s a space to discover new places, ideas, passions, pursuits
and possibilities!
What do you enjoy about this platform? We enjoy all the different types of moments we get to experience including moments of fun, wonder, beauty and silliness. We believe that these little and
big moments are part of a flourishing life!
What can people do on this platform? There are a few different ways to use the platform and it’s entirely up to
you and what fits into your schedule! You can participate in a variety of experiences, host your own experience, access free motivational coaching or volunteer as a moderator. We offer in-person and online accessible one-on-one,
group and boxed experiences! Our hosts have a variety of passions and interests ranging from baking to hockey and
music to self advocacy. Some of our experiences are ongoing while others are one-time events.
What kind of online experiences do you guys offer and can you name some examples for those who don’t live
in the Lower Mainland? We have lots of online experiences to choose from! Anyone from outside of the Lower
Mainland is welcome to join – our community spreads across British Columbia and Canada. Some of our online experiences include a live music group, poetry salon, autism discussions, guided movement practice, art journaling,
microwave mochi and more! Our team works closely with our community members to ensure that the platform is
updated with new experiences as often as possible.
How did this platform come about? Curiko has come from 10 years of social research and development. In 2014,
we formed a partnership with Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, Kinsight, PosAbilities and InWithForward, and moved into a social housing complex in Burnaby, BC. We got to know 50 neighbours and came to see
how without a regular source of novelty, stimulation and celebration, our brains, bodies and spirits can languish, and
so too can our relationships. As a result, the first prototype, Kudoz, was born! Over the years, we’ve tested new roles,
platforms and service models, eventually landing us where we are today as Curiko!
What do people enjoy about your platform? I think people enjoy the opportunity for authentic connections and
learning new skills as well as the flexibility it offers.
Who are the partners and supporters of the platform?’Our partners include InWithForward, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, Kinsight and PosAbilities. We are supported by Community Living British Columbia
(CLBC), Vancouver Foundation, Vancouver Coastal Health and the Azrieli Foundation.
What do you find the most fun about the platform? I find the process of brainstorming and planning an experience with community members to be the most fun! It’s exciting to support people in pursuing their passions and
hobbies. Also, I think our boxed experiences are really fun because you can have them delivered right to your home
and they are super hands on!
What else would you like to add and how can people find you online?
To learn more about Curiko and to make an account, visit us at www.curiko.ca. You can get the latest updates by
signing up for our monthly newsletter or by following us on Facebook or Instagram – @curikoexperience
Curiko Event – Chicken: An Inclusive Short Film
Taken from https://www.curiko.ca/experiences/613a751e-94a0-459a-91d8-7abb734da8e7/
Thu, May 30, 07:00 p.m.-08:00 p.m. PDT ONLINE
Join us for an exclusive screening of the short film Chicken starring Leo Award winning actor Aaron Waddingham, who happens to have Down syndrome. Following the film, take part in a live
Q&A with Aaron and Lucy McNulty, writer, director, and co-star of Chicken.
This event will include a 14-minute film screening followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. You
will be able to submit your own questions for Aaron and Lucy online.
For more information on the movie go here https://www.chickenfilm.ca/
Assume that I can.
Taken from: https://www.ds-int.org/Blog/assume-that-i-can
We are proud to support our network member, CoorDown, with their international
awareness campaign for World Down Syndrome Day 2024, ‘Assume That I Can’.
This campaign is a call for everyone to put an end to prejudice and support the concrete
potential of each person who has Down syndrome.
Stereotypes, biases, and low expectations strongly affect every aspect of the lives of people with intellectual
disabilities. They represent an often-impassable boundary that limits their ambitions, their opportunities at
school, in the workplace, in sports, in their communities, friendships and romantic relationships.
“I discovered that in psychology there is a concept called “self-fulfilling prophecy”, whereby a teacher who
thinks that a student cannot understand would just act accordingly and therefore they would not teach the student.
And there you go: the prophecy self-fulfills. But in my opinion, there are no difficult or easy concepts, there is
always a simple way to explain things. If I think of all the things that were not explained and taught to me, well I
really get angry.”
These are the words delivered by Marta Sodano, a 29-year-old Italian woman with Down syndrome, during
the World Down Syndrome Day Conference at the United Nations to describe the hurdles she had to overcome
in her school experience.
The self-fulfilling prophecy is a sociological and psychological concept, first described in 1948 by the US
sociologist Robert K. Merton, illustrating how people’s assumptions and expectations affect events to such an
extent that the initial prophecy comes true. These are, therefore, no mere abstract inconsequential actions but rather a
mental process that is conducive to creating a situation that has tangible effects on one’s life and affects social
circumstances.
This, and Marta Sodano’s words, have inspired the film “Assume That I Can”. The protagonist, a young woman
with Down syndrome, challenges the low expectations others have of her and proposes a reversal of perspective.
Initially, those around her believe that she cannot drink a cocktail, be a boxer, study Shakespeare, live alone, or
achieve important goals.
Then, halfway through the film, there’s a twist: the protagonist forcefully invites the viewer, and society at large,
to think outside the box and use the self-fulfilling prophecy positively: if you believe in me, if you trust in me,
you can have a positive impact, and then, maybe, I will achieve goals, even unexpected ones.
If a teacher believes their students can learn, challenges them, and finds the right strategies to teach their subject
matter, most likely, they will learn it.
If a parent supports and believes in their child, provides them with a wealth of experiences, and gives them the
ability to make their own choices, then their child is more likely to succeed in whatever they have set their mind
to.
Similarly, if an employer or co-worker believes that a colleague who has Down syndrome can carry out a task
that might at first appear complicated and creates the right environment for teaching and learning to take place,
then maybe they will master it.
It’s a profound shift in consciousness that goes beyond denouncing denied rights, calling to action anyone who
wishes to actively fight to realize true inclusion for all.
The international campaign started with CoorDown in Italy but sees the contribution of several international
associations that are simultaneously launching the film worldwide: Canadian Down Syndrome Society, National
Down Syndrome Society, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Down’s Syndrome Association UK, Down
Syndrome Australia and New Zealand Down Syndrome Association with the participation of members of the
Fundació Catalana Síndrome de Down.
CoorDown and partners’ social media will broadcast the real experiences of people with Down syndrome and
their families from all over the world, sharing examples of the types of stereotypes experienced and the biases
they’ve overcome.
The campaign was born from the collaboration with the New York-based agency SMALL. It was produced by
Indiana Production and directed by Rich Lee, with Christopher Probst as director of photography.
Music was composed and produced by Stabbiolo Music.
The campaign’s official hashtags are #AssumeThatICan #EndTheStereotypes #WorldDownSyndromeDay
#WDSD24.
Continued on next page
Assume that I can, continued
Meet the leading lady! Madison Tevlin began her career at the age of 12 when her cover of John Legend’s All of Me
went viral. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Madison is a model, advocate, and actor.
Her credits include Mr. D, Who Do You Think I Am, hosting the red carpet at the Canadian Screen Awards, and her
iconic role as Cosentino in the film Champions, starring Woody Harrelson and directed by Bobby Farrelly.
Madison is the first person with Down syndrome to be nominated for a Canadian Screen Award – Best Host, Talk
Show or Entertainment News. Madison is a member of Best Buddies International, she walked the runway as part of
the Knix Confidence Tour, was the keynote speaker at the Dear Mom conference in Laguna Beach and received the
Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy award in 2023 from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
Support Worker Central
By Krystian
What is your name and what is your role?
Alexi McGreer and I am the Project Coordinator for Support Worker Central.
What is Support Worker Central? How did it come to be?
Support Worker Central is a free, province-wide job board that connects people with
disabilities and support workers.
Support Worker Central is a hub where people with disabilities who hire their own
support staff can find staff. It is also a place where people looking for work can learn
about these unique job opportunities and find a job supporting independent living options for people with disabilities.
Support Worker Central was developed by two prominent organizations, Vela Canada and the Family Institute of
BC (FSIBC), and funded by the Government of British Columbia. Vela Canada and FSIBC support many families
and people with disabilities throughout the province and saw a need for more support for those who hire their own
staff.
What is the history of Support Worker Central?
Support Worker Central was originally created by FSIBC but after seeing the increased demand for support staff for
people with disabilities, Vela Canada became involved as they help many families and individuals become employers
and learn the basics about hiring and managing staff.
What do parents and caregivers enjoy about the site?
Support Worker Central is a niche job board – all the jobs posted are to be a support person for someone with a disability. Families and individuals with disabilities know that everyone on the job board are looking for work in this specific field. Families also know that people looking for work through the job board are being educated about the
uniqueness of these positions.
What do support workers enjoy about the site?
There are many people who are looking for work in a caregiving setting so Support Worker Central is a great option
for them to find the exact type of work they are looking for. Many people looking to get in this line of work do not
always realize that a job working with the person and the families, rather than a large agency, exists. Job seekers also
appreciate that for most jobs on Support Worker Central, experience or a support worker certificate, are not always
necessary. It provides job seekers with another option of employment without having to go back to school (for most
positions, but not all).
What do you enjoy about the site?
I am always blown away by the amount of job seekers interested in getting into this line of work. Many people are
unsure where to start so I enjoy educating job seekers about the job board and the types of roles. I have a brother with
a disability so have grown up supporting him to find staff – and finding staff isn’t easy. I think a resource like Support Worker Central is extremely valuable because not only are we telling potential job seekers that the job board exists, but we are educating job seekers, employment agencies, and post-secondary schools, about the benefits of supporting someone who chooses to hire their own staff and what they do every day, encouraging an independent living
situation and creating a more inclusive community.
What else would you like to add? How can people find the site?
Support Worker Central is a free job board for any family or person with a disability who is looking to hire their own
staff. There are resources on the website for people who are new to becoming an employer and Vela Canada offers
free webinars on being an employer, while FSIBC offers multiple avenues of support for families across BC.
People can post a job and explore support staff at www.supportworkercentral.ca.
Access 2 Entertainment Card
Helps Everyone Have Fun!
By Krystian
Do you like going to fun places like science centers, movie theaters, and wildlife
parks? Well, there’s something super cool
in Canada called the Access 2 Entertainment Card! It’s like a magic ticket that
helps people have fun together.
The Access 2 Card is special because it
helps people who need support. Let’s say
you have a friend or family member who needs help because of a disability. With the Access 2 Card, that person can
bring along someone to help them for free! So, while they pay for one ticket, the person helping gets in for free.
That’s like getting two tickets for the price of one!
This card is accepted at lots of places all over Canada, even wildlife parks! Isn’t that awesome? I have one of these
cards, and it’s so cool because my family can come with me to have fun without worrying about extra costs.
The Access 2 Card is from Easter Seals Canada. They want to make sure everyone can have fun together, no matter
what. So, if you know someone who might need help when they go out, tell them about the Access 2 Card. It’s a
great way to have fun and make happy memories together.
The card costs either $20 for a 3-year card or $30 for a 5-year card.
About the Access 2 Card program
Easter Seals Canada’s award-winning Access 2 Card program was launched in 2004 with support from Cineplex
Entertainment and a group of national disability organizations. The Access 2 Card program helps to ensure that entertainment, cultural and recreational opportunities are more available and accessible to all. Managed and administered by Easter Seals Canada (located in
Toronto), the Access 2 Card program has
grown to reach over 100,000 Canadians
who are living with disabilities and includes over 500 participating partner
venues across the country.
With the support of partner venues and
fantastic cardholders, Access 2 has
emerged as a national leader in helping
create opportunities for individuals with
disabilities and raising awareness about
the importance of accessible venues.
For more information go here https://
access2card.ca/
Simple Strawberry Smoothie Recipe
https://www.aspicyperspective.com/simplestrawberry-smoothies/
The BEST Simple Strawberry Smoothies Recipe that has nothing
to prove. It requires only 3 ingredients
and a minute to make!
Ingredients
3 cups frozen strawberries
1 1/2 cups milk, any variety
1/3 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
Place the frozen strawberries, strawberry jam and milk in
the blender.
Place the lid over the top.
Puree until smooth.
Notes Mix it up! Try using blackberry preserves and frozen
blackberries or mango jelly with frozen chunks of mango.
Spring Fest
SpringFest
THU MAY 09, 2024, AT 10:00 AM TO SUN MAY
12, 2024, AT 05:00 PM UTC-07:00
Downtown Kamloops | Kamloops
Lots of fun events are happening in downtown
Kamloops during Springfest. To learn more, go to:
https://stayhappening.com/e/springfestE2ISWHUN60V
The Case for Authentic Disability Representation in Media and Why Our
Society Desperately Needs It
Taken from https://www.scholarsandstorytellers.com/blog/diversity-in-hollywood-the-case-forauthentic-disability-representation-in-film-and-tv
Oct 19 Written By Sheena Brevig
Our society is currently buzzing with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) movements. From the classroom to
corporate board rooms, and all over social media, you can find people of all ages discussing things like how to
be anti-racist or how to properly use gender pronouns. While these are all vastly important conversations to
have, the largest marginalized group in the world is consistently left out of this conversation: the disabled population. All of these DEI efforts are vital as we strive to continue learning and growing to make our world a more
loving place, but we will never succeed if we’re ignoring the world’s largest marginalized community.
The media mirrors this societal oversight — disability representation lags far behind every other marginalized
group. In the U.S. today, one in four people (26 percent) have a disability and yet only 3.1 percent of characters
on-screen are disabled. In children’s television representation is even worse – less than one percent.
With over a quarter of our population identifying as disabled, recent market research found that Hollywood is
leaving billions of dollars on the table. That is a striking number, but not what’s most concerning. Media tends
to reflect our society’s values so more importantly, above everything — the lack of visibility all around is killing
disabled people. Let’s explore why.
As children, we observe the world around us in order to make meaning of our own lives, identities, and experiences. When we see people we can relate to and look up to, it helps us create a sense of self. However, when we
don’t see anyone similar around us we can relate to, we turn to movies and television to fill that role. When we
see positive portrayals of characters we connect with, it can positively impact our mental health. My younger
brother, who has Cerebral Palsy, had virtually no positive portrayals in media. No characters that looked like,
talked like, or processed the world like him. Not only did that impact my brother’s sense of self, I realized the
lack of representation in media impacted the way non-disabled people interacted with my brother and those like
him.
We often fear what we don’t understand, and some disabilities may look or sound startling if you’ve never seen
it before. This is where media has an opportunity to be largely impactful by creating exposure and understanding
through authentic representation. Media can make a difference by helping to normalize disability and expose
people, disabled and able bodies alike, to disabled characters they can admire and relate to. I witnessed this lack
of exposure first hand with my brother, and his physical differences due to his Cerebral Palsy. People stared, but
it wasn’t their fault; they had never been exposed to people with bodies that were built and functioned atypically. My brother uses a walker as a mobility aid, but often still falls down due to weakness in his leg muscles.
Sometimes he’d knock things over in public on his way down, which made my family a spectacle. When we
were younger I tried to hide my embarrassment, pushing my emotions aside, pretending it was no big deal. But I
desperately wished others could see my brother as I did: just a kid with some extra challenges.
This lack of exposure and understanding has been seen throughout history, perpetuating more misunderstanding
and stigma around the disabled population. Historically, disabled people have been killed, sent away, hidden
from the public, or socially pressured to hide their disabilities if possible. This is why it’s vital that we include
characters with disabilities in media, especially children’s media — so we can normalize all types of bodies and
neurodiversity. Studies have shown that kids who are exposed to diverse types of people at a young age grow up
to be less discriminatory and more accepting individuals. If kids and adults could get to know and interact with
more disabled people, whether in real life or on screen, seeing my brother wouldn’t be such an event to stare at.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC EMPHASIZED SOCIETY’S “ABLEIST” VALUES
A larger reason we must strive for more disabled representation is because authentic representation can shift societal cultural values. Our society needs to start valuing the lives of disabled people. In the beginnings of the
COVID-19 pandemic, many disabled people in group homes were essentially triaged as less important lives to
save and they and their staff didn’t receive access to essential COVID-19 precautions and resources. This resulted in an astounding death toll for this group. In New York, one study found people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who were living in group homes with roommates and care staff, were dying at nearly 8 times
the rate. In England, one article reported 60 percent of the deaths from COVID-19 in 2020 were disabled individuals and many of these deaths were preventable. Yet, mainstream media has not been covering this. The lack
of news coverage is telling and reflects our society’s ableism at its finest – the idea that non-disabled lives are
more important than disabled ones. Continued on next page
The Case for Authentic Disability Representation in Media, continued
Unfortunately, this is just one blaring example of ableism that directly resulted in a devastating number of disabled deaths. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities overall tend to have a higher mortality rate. In some cases there may be other health
factors related to their condition that makes their lifespan shorter. However, in many cases it’s a lack
of access to and receiving proper and effective healthcare that is the true barrier. Disabled people are
dying unnecessarily, period. This can only change when our society as a whole starts valuing disabled
lives – but first they must see ableism as a problem. One way we fight ableism. All together now!
More accurate and authentic portrayals in the media.
To read more of this article, please go to: https://www.scholarsandstorytellers.com/blog/diversity-inhollywood-the-case-for-authentic-disability-representation-in-film-and-tv
The Grieving Project Musical
By Krystian
Meet Lisa Sniderman (Lis, she/her), a San Francisco-based
multi-award-winning artist, playwright and disabled artist
advocate known by her artist name, Aoede. As a disabled artist, she creates and often centers characters with illnesses to
express, foster healing, elevate, empower, and advocate for
people with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
Lisa has been honored with 100+ awards and accolades for songwriting, albums, films, stage plays, spoken word,
books, all while battling a rare, disabling autoimmune disease for 16 years called Dermatomyositis. Music and art
are her lifelines; she just cannot stop creating.
How did you get into the music business?
I started performing as Aoede in 2006 as an acoustic duo with my husband David, me on guitar and vocals and
him playing bass, but I’ve always had music and theater inside and around me. Growing up, through high school, I
was always singing, playing instruments (like violin in 4th grade and sax in 5th grade) and performing in musicals. It was during a life-change around 2002, that I joined a program called Bandworks, where I played cover
songs with others who were also starting out, and I started writing my own songs that we played as a band. My
muse flowed and took the form of songs. I was hooked, and I formed Aoede.
What are your disabilities?
I live with two rare chronic illnesses: one is a progressive muscle weakness autoimmune disease called Dermatomyositis that affects my skin, muscles, mobility, stamina and energy, and the other is a primary immunodeficiency called Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), which means I have a weakened immune system
and low antibodies.
What is The Grieving Project about?
The Grieving Project is my disability-centered, multi-media spoken word musical, that tells the story of four disabled artists who find their voices and thrive while navigating mental health, relationships, and grieving their transformations, identities, and their illnesses. Told in 14 stages of grieving and thriving with spoken word and music,
it asks “How can we live fully and thrive if we don’t grieve?” You can learn more and listen to some of
the music here!
How did you come up with this project?
Through all my years of living with chronic illness, I kept so busy creating, mainly as escape from the darkness of
my illness I discovered later. I realized only recently, I forgot to grieve my illness. I have also been home many
years (even pre-Covid) due to my health, missing live theater, and had this vision of bringing live theatre to those
like me through filmed stage performances, which sparked “The Grieving Project.” I’ve been developing The
Grieving Project since 2020 to bring live, radically accessible, immersive theatrical experiences to people like me
who can’t attend live theatre, primarily chronically ill and disabled communities.
How did you think of this project?
In 2018, I wrote a song called Keep Shining for an event I produced called Lights in the Darkness – an expressive
anthem inspired by artists’ stories and a reminder to never give up. While I voiced my inner fears, doubts, questions and insecurities, our live performers kept repeating the chorus to “Keep Shining” as a powerful, uplifting
counterpoint.
Continued on next page
The Grieving Project Musical, continued
I collaborated with our ‘lights in the darkness’ community, where more than 20 artists contributed their
voices. Then in 2019, I created an animated video for it (which is intended to be a featured song in the
musical), which shares my struggle with rare illness and disability as well as my recovery and is a powerful reminder to
never give up. It was a spark… when I shared this video with a nurse during one of my monthly infusions, she told me
that my video and song could help patients get in touch with feelings around their illnesses that they may not otherwise
be able to access or be aware of. The impact of her statement stayed with me… and sparked The Grieving Project.
Equally important, it was the first time I allowed myself to let the hard feelings in-to acknowledge my own pain-my
darkness from when I was in the hospital years earlier. To start to grieve my illness… It was then I realized, oh my God
–this video is my story, but I forgot to grieve. Who would I be if I hadn’t?
What should people with disabilities know about this project?
That it is Disability Led and Centered and created for, by and with people with disabilities and centers story and characters with disabilities. It builds disability culture and builds community between live and virtual audiences.
The Grieving Project aims to bring theatre experiences to the millions of people who cannot attend live theatre due to:
• Chronic illness
• Disability
• Age
• Economic and geographic challenges
• Lack of accessible theatres How can people take part? Can they take part in Canada virtually?
This is a developing hybrid musical experience. If you would like to stay updated on The Grieving Project, please join
Aoede’s mailing list .
How can people find the project online?
What is Fairy Tale Love about?
A magical, animated fairy tale book falls from the sky onto the forest floor, opens up, and transports you into an enchanted fairy tale world, switching between real characters and early 1900s animations. This is my music video
for Fairy Tale Love, from my folk-pop album “Skeletons of the Muse” (2012). One part Disney… 2 parts fractured fairy
tale!
How did you come up with the song? What do you enjoy about this song?
I wrote it I think back in 2010! I was going through some major illness struggles at the time that took me to my lowest
health point. After I wrote Fairy Tale Love and recorded it that summer, I was admitted for a month to the hospital and
then rehab for a flare of my dermatomyositis, which rendered me unable to use any of my muscles due to extreme
weakness, and I had to relearn how to sit, stand, walk and eventually play and sing again. Looking back, I think I wrote
Fairy Tale Love to escape the darkness into fantasy: to play and imagine and get lost in the idea of love-as if it were a
fairy tale. Fairy Tale Love was included on an EP I released called “Affair with the Muse,” then remixed and released in
2012 as part of my adult album “Skeletons of the Muse.”
Once I could no longer perform live due to my illness, I found a new niche: musical theater and, in particular, creating
young adult fantasy musicals. I always had an affinity for fantasy and YA, and it was a great fit for me, so I started creating full-length musicals on audiobooks that I later adapted to musical stage plays. The first was in 2012, after releasing Skeletons of the Muse, I released my first musical story on audiobook: Is Love a Fairy Tale? which includes the
song Fairy Tale Love. In it, Aoede the Muse goes searching for love in a magical kingdom called Wonderhaven and
meets colorful characters along the way who also sing duets with Aoede! I’ve since created two more fantasy musicals
on audiobooks (What Are Dreams Made Of? (2013) and Do You Believe In Magic? (2015).
What else would you like to add?
Thank you for this opportunity! Thank you also for promoting artists with disabilities, inclusion, and disability culture.
I love connecting, so feel to reach out and follow-on social media!
lis/Aoede
Fostering Healing by Giving Your Creative Spirit Wings-Empowering
Chronically Ill and Disabled Communities to Grieve and Thrive…
(Award-Winning Artist/Playwright/Disabled Artist Advocate-RAMPD.org Secretary)
facebook.com/aoedemusemusic /grievingproject
youtube.com/user/aoedemuse
alightinthedarkness.info
thegrievingproject.com
aoedemuse.com
Big Daddy Tazz Mental Health Advocate and Comedian
By Krystian
What is your name?
Big Daddy Tazz
Where are you located?
I split my time between Winnipeg MB and Summerland BC
Who are you?
I’m me, it’s taken me a very long time to become me so I’m proud to be
me. Also, I am a Mental Health advocate and comedian.
How did Big Daddy Tazz get interested in comedy regarding mental
health?
When it comes to comedy, they, the experts, always say “Talk about
what you know!” One night I was in a deep depression so while on stage
I talked openly about it, joked about what was going on and how hard it
was to want to convince myself to get help and how much harder it was
to actually get help. Afterwards I thought, “well I’ll never do that again
(it went well, very well, but I was emotionally exhausted and there were
times while I was talking that the crowd was so silent you could hear a
crow fart, so didn’t think they were digging it.) I was standing by the
door and a girl came up and said “you have no idea what you’ve just done by talking about your struggles.” She
went on to say that she had come to the show not to laugh, but to say goodbye to her friends and family, she had
planned to take her life the next day, but she now felt she could face what was happening and go get help because
she didn’t feel alone. That moment I realized I needed to speak up and out. I haven’t stopped and that same
scenario has happened many times since. Each time a reminder of how important it is to let people know they are
not alone.
How many years have you worked in comedy?
I have been a comedian and mental health advocate for over 30 years.
What do you enjoy about comedy?
Comedy is fun, we get to take situations and find the audacity or silliness of it all. It creates the wonderful
chemicals in your brain to help you forget about life for a while.
What kind of jokes do you tell in your comedy act?
I tell stories, most things that have happened in my life or the lives of those closest to me. My comedy is clean and
full of goofiness.
What do you find the most rewarding about comedy entertainment around mental health?
The most rewarding part of the comedy/ mental health is having people realize if we can joke about it we can
handle it and overcome whatever may come next. Watching people laugh makes my heart, soul and spirit very
happy.
What are your mental health issues and mental health journey like?
I have a mix of mental health diagnosis: ADHD, OCD, BP, SA, EIEIO. I still struggle some days, I still find
myself not wanting to get out of bed, but my most powerful medication is getting on stage and helping others find
the humour in our struggles so they can help themselves and others. That and educating people who aren’t
struggling to help understand those who are.
What else would you like to add?
We are all people, some of us have different labels, some struggle more than others. If we take a moment to realize
that a smile, a quick text, the ability to listen, all provide hope. When we provide hope, we save lives.
How can people find you online?
You can go to my website: bigdaddytazz.com or google Big Daddy Tazz. There are many videos one can watch and have a
giggle. Thank you so much for the interest in interviewing me, any further questions reach out please. Thanks for
helping us save lives.