What was the hardest personal goal you’ve set for yourself? The hardest personal goal I’ve ever set for myself was learning to walk after I had my spinal cord injury at the age of 9. After my accident I ended up going to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. My orthopedic surgeon told me point blank Read more

What would you do if you lost all your possessions? My family did not have a lot in regards to material things when I was growing up. We were taught that the most important things in life were God, family and love. I grew up amongst a number of survivors of the Holocaust (Shoah). From Read more

In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled? Life isn’t easy. It takes hard work to achieve your goals. It’s important to set attainable goals but at the same time to challenge yourself. When I’ve worked hard on a project, be it a hobby, studying, or sharing me knowledge, I feel a great Read more

Tell us about a time when you felt out of place. First I have to say I would never want to be hearing. I’m Deaf. I’m proud to be Deaf. I’m a part of a rich culture with a beautiful language. I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world. However, being Deaf in a Read more

Your life without a computer: what does it look like? I wish I could do away with electronics. The way our world is built today, it’s impossible to read books, buy clothes and other things without the internet. I miss the days of used bookstores and stores dotted around town to buy everything you need. Read more

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? If there is something you want to do, try it! You will never know if you can or cannot do something if you don’t try first. Be optimistic but realistic. If you believe in something, follow your heart. Don’t give up. Nothing is handed to you Read more

What’s your all-time favorite album?All of Laura Branigan’s recordings Yes, I’m Deaf but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy music! 😂 The first time I discovered there was a radio in the car and what it did, the song Gloria was playing, sung by Laura Branigan. My Mum was so excited that I had discovered Read more

Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life. I have always had issues with anger and delusions. I was raised in a society where no one spoke about mental health issues. It was and still is a stigmatized issue. My Mum had depression and PTSD and rather than counseling being available to Read more

Do you see yourself as a leader? I’m definitely a leader. I don’t believe in following “the crowd”. As my Mum once said “if your friends wanted to jump off a bridge, would you do it too?” My answer was absolutely not. As an advocate for equal rights for disabled people, speaking up when I Read more