– Gray William Ruffel, Hastings, New Zealand

Re:Action4Inclusion youth advisors are passionate and courageous change makers, who ask questions and lead difficult conversations. They take action to inspire schools and communities to create more inclusive spaces where everyone is heard and everyone belongs.

In Huntsville, Re:Action4Inclusion youth rallied Huntsville High School teachers and students to build high-visibility ramps that have increased accessibility at downtown shops. They held a workshop series to increase participation in the Spread the Word campaign. They introduced self-advocate Michael Jacques when he gave an author talk on Here’s My Book at local schools and the theatre.

These leaders have an important message, a strong voice, and take inspired action to create change in our community. I am so proud to support them as an ally, as they work to reframe disability and build a more inclusive future for all.

– Gwen Jones, Family Support Worker,  CL Huntsville

I strongly feel that though my involvement with Reaction4Inclusion, and my attendance with them at the  2016 Inclusion International Conference, has influenced my thinking. After coming back to Toronto, having attended the Inclusion International Conference,  I personally feel that it  allowed me to feel much more grown up and to see things from a much bigger picture. My attendance at this conference, with youth from the movement, has helped me to understand more about myself and how I can make my community and our society different.  Young people involved in this movement help to advocate for people who have a disability. I’ve learned how we, young people and their allies,  can come together and make this change. I believe that  companies should not only consider hiring qualified people but should also look at a variety of people in the community who may have a disability but who also have potential and can be highly productive.  I am looking forward to doing more work with Reaction4Inclusion as a mentor and Adult Ally. I want to make even more of  an effort to advocate and to allow myself to also inspire and to be a leader within my community to change our society.

– Thomas Lui   Markham, ON  Adult Ally