They said I'd never read or write. Now I run a newsletter for Canadians with disabilities.
'I had a dream of doing something big that I felt Canada could offer me.'
Born with disabilities, Krystian Shaw has worked to become a role model of self-advocacy for his peers. Throughout 2017, we're asking Canadians, "What's your story?" Shaw of Kamloops, B.C., shares his.
My name Krystian Shaw. I live in Kamloops, B.C. Canada and I am a 27-year-old male.
I was born with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as an anxiety disorder. My mom was uncertain about my future since the doctors told her I would never be able to read or write, but I proved them wrong. The teachers at school wouldn't teach me to read. They felt I couldn't retain what they taught me. I would keep forgetting but as I got older, I started to remember.
I also taught myself a lot on the computer because I had a dream of doing something big that I felt Canada could offer me.
I have a vision to celebrate people's abilities rather than their disabilities.- Krystian Shaw
There are so many programs for people like me such as Insight support services when I was small, and Community Living BC as well as Inclusion Kamloops that provide adult services to make possible to reach whatever goals you have with some support in place.
As a result, I know how to read and write, I am a good speller, and now I own a successful newsletter that is free to the public that focuses on reducing stigma and discrimination around all disabilities such as developmental disabilities, mental health issues and physical disabilities, by reporting on positive success stories around all diverse abilities.
I have a vision to celebrate people's abilities rather than their disabilities this 2017 for Canada's 150th year.
Canada gives those who can't get work to make a job for themselves through agencies that provide us with minimal support to make any dream we may have to become a reality. So Canada being 150 years old is something to celebrate.
What's your story? What defines Canada for you? Is there a time that you were proud to be Canadian, or perhaps a time you felt disappointed? Is there a place, person, or event in your life that sums up what being Canadian is to you? Tell us at cbc.ca/ whatsyourstory.