'Imagine Everybody' aims to spark an inclusive world
By Louise Kinross
Rehan Mohammed (photo above) gets frustrated when kids at school leave him out of games and say things like "You can't run fast because you have CP."
That's why the eight-year-old, who has cerebral palsy and autism, was excited to participate in Holland Bloorview's new Imagine Everybody campaign, which urges Canadians to imagine and build a world that includes disability.
"For this year's campaign, we went directly to the experts—our children and youth—to ask them what a future that is inclusive and accessible looks like," says Julia Hanigsberg, president and CEO of Holland Bloorview.
In this video, Rehan pictures himself leaving ableism behind as he shoots off to space to become a doctor on another planet. Meanwhile, Carson, 9, imagines his future behind the wheel, while Yemina, 17, dreams of writing a fantasy novel with characters with disabilities. Amelia, 2, and her mom Kelsey want to find accessible playgrounds so they can have fun and make new friends.
"I want to be a doctor because of my current doctors like Dr. Milo-Manson and Dr. Fehlings," Rehan says. "They inspire me to set my destiny. By the time I grow up we may be living on other planets, and I want to be a doctor in space helping children there. I know it will be challenging because I can only use one proper hand because I have cerebral palsy, but it doesn't stop my ambitions."
Rehan says "it was mind-blowing" when he first saw his Imagine Everybody video.
Read and watch how these young people see themselves in the future.
According to a recent survey by polling firm Leger, only one in 10 Canadians have seen things like voice recognition technology, disability inclusion training or inclusive policy design in their most recent school. Physical accommodations fared better with about one-quarter identifying examples like accessible washrooms and ramps at their most recent school or workplace.
"All of the programs at Holland Bloorview have helped me with my mind and muscles," Rehan says. For example, "robotics helps me focus and concentrate with my autism" and swimming in our heated pool "relaxes all the tension in my muscles. It's like a warm bath of water."
"The days Rehan goes swimming are the days he has less pain," Arpita says. "This place has given Rehan so much confidence and determination. And his confidence is our confidence as parents."
Right now Rehan is busy tending to his accessible garden in the ravine behind the hospital where he attends Spiral Garden, an outdoor arts program. "I started it two years ago with daisies, but then it became humongous. This year I'm trying to pluck out the weeds."
Rehan says he'd like to be "treated equally, with kindness and respect. If you're kind you have more friends, so you get it back."
Imagine Everybody builds on Holland Bloorview's Dear Everybody campaign. It was launched six years ago as an open letter from families of children with disabilities to challenge readers to confront their own biases about disability.
Please consider donating to Holland Bloorview's new Imagination Fund to support programs that help children achieve their wildest dreams. Thanks to EY Canada, your gift will be doubled! The Imagine Everybody campaign was created by the Toronto arm of Forsman & Bodenfors.
Like this story? Sign up for our monthly BLOOM e-letter. You'll get family stories and expert advice on raising children with disabilities; interviews with activists, clinicians and researchers; and disability news.
