Life Stories

Aaron Small paddles through the water in a a green kayak.

Hard-of-hearing Olympian Aaron Small went from being bullied to going for gold in Paris: EXCLUSIVE

Team USA sprint kayaker Aaron Small, who has hearing loss in both ears, hoped to make the 2028 Olympics. His dreams came true sooner.

Blind Guy Biking: Enduring the Trails for Stargardt

Chris Smith, a mountain bike enthusiast who was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, transformed his bike into a lifeline after losing his driver’s license. Now, 15 years later, he’s tackling the grueling 2,745-mile Tour Divide Race while raising funds for the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Devin in Sunnybrook’s trauma bay, nearly five years after he was brought in for emergency care following a devastating mountain bike accident.

Former trauma patient on his journey of healing, and why despite ongoing challenges, he is “thrilled to be here”

It was a beautiful Sunday morning when Devin and a friend set out on their mountain bikes for what they expected would be another fun trail ride, but after picking up some speed, Devin’s normal and perfect day took an unexpected and traumatic turn.

ALS Logo - a stopwatch sits above and between the words, ALS SLA Action Canada Advocacy

Canada’s ALS Stories – Mark Kirton, Oakville

Mark Kirton, a former NHL player from Oakville, Ontario, discusses his diagnosis of ALS, his experience living with the disease, and the steps he is taking to advocate for a cure.

Josephine's logo says, "Able Amsterdam" with a black wheelchair logo on the left.

Able Amsterdam – About Me

Able Amsterdam provides information about wheelchair-friendly places in the Dutch capital. By sharing accessibility reviews, Josephine Rees hopes to encourage people of all levels of mobility to get the most out of Amsterdam.

Michael and Isabel wear hiking gear after crossing the Ramoljoch in the Austrian Alps.

The world doesn’t end when you have Alzheimer’s: Isabel and Michael’s story

Isabel, a retired teacher, and Michael, a military veteran, live in Victoria, British Columbia. Happily married for more than 50 years, they first met at a mess hall in Greenwood, Nova Scotia, in 1961. Today, Isabel is living with Alzheimer’s disease. Here, Michael tells the story of their life after diagnosis.

A portrait of Praveen Khetarpal is displayed between two of her paintings. The painting on the left is a small house in the prairies. The painting on the right shows a woman dancing in water.

Celebrating World Multiple Sclerosis Day with Artists That Paint the World With Colors of Joy

As we commemorate World Multiple Sclerosis Day, we honour the strength, resilience, and creativity of individuals who navigate life with Multiple Sclerosis. Let’s celebrate not only their courage but also their remarkable contributions to the world of art.

A portrait of Marcela in front of greenery.

Journey of a Brave Woman

Marcela Marañon is a wheelchair accessibility advocate and solo traveler and fashion influencer. She is on a mission to empower those who follow her journey especially those women with disabilities to push forward.

Judith Heumann smiles on stage at a Ted Talks.

Judy Heumann – The Life and Legacy of “The Mother” of the Disability Rights Movement

Judy Heumann was an internationally recognized advocate for the rights of disabled people. She was widely regarded as “the mother” of the Disability Rights Movement.

Haben Girma, stands outdoors with her seeing-eye dog, Mylo, at Deloitte’s Chief DEI Forum in June 2023.

‘Disability Sparks Innovation’: Insights From Deafblind Human Rights Lawyer Haben Girma

Haben Girma, a human rights lawyer working to advance disability justice who was the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, is a passionate advocate and thought leader in this space.