KidsAbility’s Youth Engagement Program is designed to amplify youth voices, by creating space for them to share their lived experiences. Their experience and insight are not just valuable: they are essential, and a key driver of innovation. At the Rocket Discovery Program, KidsAbility’s innovation hub, the experience of youth helps design social innovation. After all, what better way to shape change than supporting a client who is building solutions for their own community?
With that: Please meet Brennan.
Brennan is a passionate young advocate and aspiring researcher. He is on a mission to challenge ableism and amplify the voices of children and youth with disabilities. As a client of KidsAbility, Brennan uses his lived experience to fuel Project ABLE. ABLE, an acronym, which stands for Addressing Bias, Listening with Empathy, is an initiative that aims to break down societal barriers and foster greater inclusion for youth and children with disabilities.
With his work primarily being funded through a Youth Creativity Fund microgrant, Brennan’s project focuses on gathering the voices of young people with disabilities to create a guide for people to use to get educated. Brennan’s work tackles a variety of topics that the greater community can resource out to learn about ableism, disability bias, and to find answers to questions that people may be uncomfortable asking.
KidsAbility’s Rocket Discovery Centre and Youth Engagement program are proud to support Brennan in this journey by connecting him with other youth who share his vision, and who want to learn more (and even contribute to) Project ABLE. He is a true changemaker, championing change and building empathy within his community where it is needed most.
By seeking mentorship, collaboration, and finding resources, Brennan is bringing his project to life. He is ensuring that not only are the voices of young people with disabilities front and center in the conversation about equity and inclusion, but that empathy and understanding are not forgotten within these communities.
Brennan’s work is a powerful reminder that changes begin with listening. We are looking forward to watching Brennan change the world around him and are thankful and excited to help him in the process.
Help Brennan with his mission by sharing this opportunity with youth in your community
