Coinciding with Disability Pride Month, Holland Bloorview's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has released Zine #2: Advocacy (PDF), the second issue in a four-part zine series celebrating the council's 30-year anniversary – a legacy of youth leadership and partnerships. Created by current and former youth leaders, the zine explores what advocacy means to youth with disabilities through personal stories, interviews, artwork and reflections. 

This issue highlights advocacy as an act of belonging, self-expression and collective action. Contributors reflect on the importance of using lived experience to shape health care, research, accessibility and public attitudes toward disability. 

A recurring theme throughout the zine is that advocacy begins with ensuring disabled voices are heard.

"Disability advocacy means speaking up for people who can't. It's a chance to give back and show my support for my community," writes contributor Aafiya. She adds that advocacy means “standing up not only for what you believe in, but also for those who may not be able to make their voices heard." 

For contributor Alex, advocacy is about creating the conditions for people with disabilities to thrive.

"To me, disability advocacy is advocating for the wider disability community. It also includes that people with disabilities get what they need and want in order to live a fulfilling life."

Building community and creating change

This issue also highlights the role of community in fostering confidence, connection and leadership.

In an interview featured in Zine #2, YAC chair Zoe G. reflects on joining the council after looking for a sense of belonging following her injury.

"What I was looking for was community and friendships. I was looking for a place where I felt like I belonged again." 

She credits YAC with creating a space where young people feel safe sharing their experiences and ideas.

"When there's more contribution and we get new voices and we get new people involved, I think that's what success feels like." 

Advocacy to support future generations

Another central message of the advocacy issue is the idea that young people can help create a more accessible future for those who come after them.

Reflecting on YAC's impact, Zoe G. notes that youth perspectives help ensure programs, research and services truly reflect lived experience.

"It's about using our experiences to ensure that somebody else has a smoother transition or a little bit of an easier time." 

Contributor Ethan echoes this sentiment, describing advocacy as demonstrating what is possible for future generations.

"Disability advocacy means making it clear that one can still succeed even with a disability," he writes, noting that advocacy can take many forms, such as “making zines, speaking at events, having YAC discussions, and voting on bills and laws. Doing what others say you cannot can be a form of disability advocacy.”

Disability Pride Month reflection

Released during Disability Pride Month, the Advocacy issue is both a celebration and a call to action. Through artwork, interviews and personal reflections, the youth members challenge stereotypes, share their experiences and demonstrate the power of youth-led advocacy. Together, they offer a powerful reminder that disability pride is rooted not only in identity, but also in community, leadership and the ongoing pursuit of a more accessible and inclusive world. 

*The next zine, focusing on the theme of community, will be released in September 2026.

Why join YAC?

Advocacy at YAC creates real opportunities for youth to influence change. From contributing to research and improving health-care experiences to informing accessibility initiatives and public policy, youth leaders use their lived experiences to help shape a more inclusive future.

Most recently, YAC members contributed to The National Housing Council’s review panel examining the lack of accessible housing in Canada. The review panel, established by the Federal Housing Advocate, gathered recommendations to help address barriers faced by people with disabilities and improve accessible housing nationwide. Through opportunities like this, youth leaders can ensure that the perspectives of young people with disabilities are heard where decisions are being made and help create positive change for future generations. View their submission for recommendations on accessible housing here (PDF). 

Joining YAC means becoming part of a supportive community of young leaders who advocate, collaborate and work together to make a meaningful impact at Holland Bloorview and beyond.

By Terry Mutuku

Photos by YAC members