Curated by Takyrah Anderson
Tell us your name and the name of the project or initiative you are involved with.
My name is Aiden Lee and I am part of the Super Ability Crew. www.superabilitycrew.com
What have you most loved and appreciated about the community project/initiative that you are involved in?
I love how we are a community helping other communities, we’re one big family. We are made up of youth and young adults of all abilities.
We do many activities online and in person together like sharing snacks and having tons of outings together. For example, we did a water park day, bubble competition, we learned how to skate, had picnics, did photography, enjoyed music and art in the park. I love how positive this group is and how caring people are.” - Zoe Barns, Co-Founder of Super Ability Crew
What is your connection to the project/initiative, and why is it so important to you?
As part of the core founders, I realized that society did not have many groups run by people with disability for people of disability. We recognized that there was a need in the community during our Halton Youth Disability Advisory Council (HYDAC) meetings and addressed it by starting the Super Ability Crew for all abilities. I think independence and free thinking are the foundations for equity, as well as belonging. Super Ability Crew is all about learning and empowerment, inspiring parents of young kids with disabilities, adults and others to be the best they can be.
You said you are one of the co-founders. Who are the other founders of this organization and how has building this organization been like for you?
Part of the co-founders are the core members Jeffrey, Zoe, and me, Aiden. We stand beside each other through thick and thin. We listen, learn and create while supporting one another.
So being respected and valued for who you are is probably the most important part of any community. No matter what labels people place on us, we all want to feel appreciated and loved. We are capable, with lots of skills, talents and strengths that are pretty amazing - our super abilities.
In a group we can motivate and encourage each other, while celebrating our differences.
What is happening through the project/initiative that you would like to see more of?
I would love to see grassroots groups like Super Ability Crew supported by other community organizations. Opportunities to share ideas, inclusion initiatives, and different events. Building acceptance is key for all our members, plus respect and understanding while changing stigmas that are often tied to people with disabilities.
“Our crew are very active we always connect online each morning for Chat Cafe - checking in on each other, making sure everyone is doing okay. We laugh, joke, inspire - Family is all about feeling a sense of belonging.” - Jeffrey Ankenmann, Co-Founder of Super Ability Crew
What current projects are you working on and how does it impact your initiative?
We have the monthly HYDAC (Halton Youth Disability Advisory Council) meetings, community paint nights and community art sessions in which we encourage connection through the arts and bring families together. There is the Garden Club (pollinator garden) for summer and fall, as well as the inspiring Music Club which runs bi-weekly and the iCAN Discover project where the group learns something new bi-weekly.
"Our all-accessible gardening club is built on the belief that everyone has something to contribute. Everyone is welcome, everyone has a role. We come together, plant seeds, nurture them, and watch as both our gardens and our friendships flourish. It's more than just gardening; it's about community and growing together." - Aiden Lee, Co-Founder of Super Ability Crew
What would you like to see happen next for the project/initiative?
To gain more recognition and to be valued for our contributions to society. Perhaps seeing people of all abilities represented more in everyday life, employment, media, government, etc. Nothing about us without us.
“It's been fun helping build the group. I have made really nice friends that like me for me. I'm not alone, I am learning new things, I am doing new things. I feel happy when I'm with the group.” - Sammy Crarey, Super Ability Crew Member
If all those good things happened, what could be made possible in our community that wasn’t possible before?
Seeing people of all abilities be successful role models and demonstrating their capabilities will dispel stigmas and also inspire younger people with disabilities to see what’s possible!
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