Principle #3: Community

Principle #3: Every community should be involved

Programs and services are best delivered at the community level.

Since individuals are the core of any successful program or service, it follows that these programs and services should be implemented at the local level. This principle also implies that these community programs and services should be fully accessible to allow for maximum participation.

Sarah White

Language English

The Sky's The Limit

My name is Sarah White and I’m 17 years old. I was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a form of cancer, at only 7 months. My spinal cord was affected; therefor I do not have the use of my legs. Never the less, I have always been very active and have made the best of my abilities.

At a very young age I was encouraged to get into sports. Since then I have been involved in horseback riding, swimming, skiing, sledge hockey, wheelchair basketball, and track and field. You might think I am a sports addict, and you would be right.

Robin Shuter

Language English

Robin is 24 years old. She has an intellectual disability and albinism. She is also legally blind, but can see enough to follow me closely while ski racing. She is a very keen participant in all aspects of life, including fitness. She’s in great shape and often conducts our team “warm up” exercise sessions before we go skiing.

Mia Fairley

Language English

Find Your Fun

My name is Mia Fairley. I am a substitute teacher in Lac Ste. Anne County in Alberta. I could never have anticipated the great passion I feel for promoting activity and sport for persons with disabilities. That is why I am thankful everyday for the birth of my three children. My son was born first and introduced me to the congenital birth defect called Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Both of my daughters would be born later. My first daughter would also be born with Spina Bifida, but her condition was significantly milder than her brother's.

Leona Emberson

Language English

Paddles, Running Paths and Friends

In the summer of 2009 I received an e-mail that changed my life in ways I never thought possible. The Rideau Canoe Club in Ottawa was starting an adaptive canoe/kayak program. I loved water and boats; but I had never successfully participated in a community recreation program. The only sport I had ever played was goalball (a sport specifically designed for people who are blind or partially sighted).

Ben Brown

Language English

Why Physical Activity Matters

Physical activity holds a very special place in my life. If I wasn’t physically active, both before and after my spinal cord injury, I would not have met close to the number of people I have been introduced to through going to the gym and playing sports up to the national level. I wouldn’t be motivated to set new goals on a weekly basis; nor would I be as mobile or have the strength for independent, everyday living. I would more likely be sitting on the couch not wanting to improve my physical health and well being.