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Online contest, fall 2005
2005 marked the third year for our Microsoft sponsored "I Can" Message Contest. Each year we challenge our members to submit their own personal "I Can" statements.to look at their lives and celebrate the things they can do, rather than focusing on the things they can't. Each year we are overwhelmed by the quality, and the emotional intensity of the messages. And each year, the panel of judges at Microsoft have a really tough time choosing the winners.
This year we picked a "Back to School" theme, encouraging our members who are students (elementary and secondary prize categories) to get involved. Microsoft Canada generously supplied three Xbox consoles and three deluxe software prize packages for our winners.
Here are the winning messages:
Elementary Category
First Prize
I Can There is nothing I can't do that I set my mind to.
I may not be able to run but I can walk.
I may not be able to play sports but I can watch.
I may not be able to climb trees but I can sit underneath them and relax.
I may not be as tall as you but I can grow.
I may not be able to do gym but I can do art.
I may not be able to wear the same clothes as you but I can still look be beautiful.
I may not be able to jump, skip and hop but I can fly in my dreams.
I may not be able to do all the things that you can do but I can enjoy my life.
I can't do everything the way you do it but I can do it in a different way.
I can enjoy life just as perfect as it is.
I can and I will!
Second Prize
There are two kinds of people in the world. Good and bad. Good people are caring, understanding individuals who support you no matter what. Bad people are the ones who try to make your life miserable in every way.
They discourage you and try to smash your dreams and beliefs regardless if it is the right or wrong thing to do. They do not care for you, they will not support you, they want you to think you are living a worthless life. You will meet both types of people through your life no matter what you do or where you go. When you feel down and misunderstood, remember this: You can do anything you set your mind to. Nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and let nothing stop you.
When people are trying to get you to stop believing and dreaming, say 3 simple words:YES I CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Secondary Category
First Prize (We had two winners)
Back to school, for most brings memories of seeing old friends, shopping for school supplies and new clothes, and returning to a dreaded yet pleasant place. But this year when I think back to school I am not flooded with those happy thoughts and memories from past years, and the opportunity to make new back to school memories may not come in the way it has before, because I know this year will not begin like all the others have.
This year I will not be in my hometown, or even my home province. I will be across the country in Toronto at a children's rehab hospital. Where I will not only be in school part time, but I will also be an inpatient, receiving rehab to get off my forearm crutches and to overcome my physical pain so that I CAN return to things I used to enjoy. I know I CAN beat my mood when it gets low during my hospital stay by reminding myself of how great life will be once I am more able to cope with my condition, and get back to things I once used to enjoy like Ballet, figure skating, and basket ball. Which are things I have been unable to do.
But soon I will be back to them and this time stronger then ever knowing what I have overcome. My first day of my grade 11 year will not be September 6, it will be October 5 but even though I have a big battle ahead of me I know I CAN stand strong and overcome my many obstacles.
First Prize Winner #2
Although I'm only 15 years old, because my family has supported me in believing that I can do anything I put my mind to, I have overcome many challenges and obstacles that few thought I would conquer. As I wheel down the street, some may look at my wheelchair, and because of stereotypical attitudes, will not see beyond the wheelchair.
It is too bad that they do not understand that living with a physical disability in the 21st century, is nothing like living with a physical disability even as recently as 30 years ago. As I said before, over the past 15 years, I have accomplished many goals and overcome many challenges. Yes, I do live with health problems. I can get very sick when I have a cold, my neck, back and hips often hurt and I can get tired quickly. But, I don't let this stop me.
At the age of 10, after I got a Dog Guide, I had made many speeches, talking about my Dog Guide and how he has changed my life, to audiences of over 300 people. Since I received my dog I have also raised over $50,000 to support Lions Foundation Dog Guides so others can experience the positives of living with a Dog Guide. Last summer, my sister, and I went to London , England alone with my Girl Guide Pathfinder group. At the age of 15, I was the youngest person on the 2005 Toronto Division Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association's national team.
This summer, we went to London , Ontario , and placed 2nd in the national tournament, playing against Calgary and London . Not only do I play Wheelchair Ball Hockey, I also participate in skiing, horseback riding, swimming, I am almost completely fluent in American Sign Language, and I have achieved grade 5 piano. I also spend 2 weeks away each summer at a YWCA camp and during the year go camping with my Pathfinder group.
When people ask me what grade I'm in, because they see the wheelchair, many assume I'm in the applied curriculum. However, I can tell them that I'm actually in Grade 10 in the International Baccalaureate program, a highly academic and very challenging program. These are only a few of the example of what goals and obstacles I've overcome. It is a shame, that when I tell people about my life they are surprised. It should not be a surprise that a physically disabled person can experience the same joy in life, and can overcome, and accomplish the same goals as any other human being can.
Although it has not been easy, through every obstacle I face, whether it be a sport, a challenging person, or a school assignment, in order to overcome the problem, all I have to do is face it head on and say in my mind, "I can, and I will overcome this obstacle."
Second prize
I have Cerebral Palsy, I have a unique personality, I try and find the best in people. My family and friends are special to me, because they believe in me when the going gets tough. I do not say the word I CAN'T! People say that I'm special just being me and hanging out with people I love.
I got really sick a year ago and been sick ever since, but I won't let that stand in the way of what I want to do. I'm going slowly through high school, I'm in grade 10/11 and no matter what obstacles I face in life I refuse to give up. I am a motivational speaker to grade six students. Some days I wish I didn't have C.P., but it's great to dream.
I have a big, loving and kind heart. I won't let anyone stand in my way. What makes me say "I CAN" is family and friends and their inspirational comments and messages. They have watched me tackle some huge challenges and watched me come out of challenges with improvements. That really makes me say to myself "I CAN" do anything and everything if I set my mind to it. In my family the sky is the limit if other kids in my family are doing something that's really hard for me I won't give up I will work at it until I can do it myself.
I always say to people "I CAN DO IT MYSLEF!" My dreams are to live life to its fullest, to never change, to be my own person and not let people get me down. I also dream of becoming a "Conductor". In the words of my beloved inspiring family, friends, teacher, educational assistance and medical team "NEVER GIVE UP"
Third Prize
If i think it i can do it. If i believe it i can do it. No one can tell me that i can't do it. Just because they think that they know me on the outside doesn't mean they know me on the inside. every day i think of the troubles that i have. I just keep telling myself yes I can.
When i feel like i have no were to turn and i just stop and relax and dream in the back of head and my mind tells me yes i can . When i go out to do my favorite things. People just believe that i can't be like them just because I am be different.
They ask me all the time why do i continue to try .I say why not i am just like any other teen inside .Then they look at me and say on way there is no way you are going to try and play. They tell me to go away and get lost and. I try not to cry but then that little voice in my head tells me to remember one small thing .
If i cry i only let them win . but if i try i can only win . SO i would only say one little thing to myself and then. i would go out and do it because YES I CAN!!!
2005 Axion Charity Golf Tournament
June 30, 2005
Once again, Mike Teixeira (President of Axion Insurance Services and Chairman of Ability Online) and his partner, Donna Grabowski, put on a fantastic day of golf, sunshine, prize winning and good fun! One of Ability Online's members, Aisling, was the guest of honour and did a beautiful job telling the group about the role of Ability Online in her life. Special thanks, Aisling!
Thanks also to the companies that sponsored the event and donated prizes for the raffle table.The tournament raised $14,000 this year. Thanks to the whole Axion Gang!
Sherway Gardens Mall, Monday, August 29, 2005
When Cynthia Preston ("Faith" on General Hospital , and patron of Ability Online) was in Toronto in August, she took time out to meet with Ability Online members and fans at Sherway Gardens Mall. The visit was to help promote Ability Online's "Faith" campaign, beautiful lapel pins with the Chinese symbols for faith on them, to be worn as inspiration for all that Ability Online is helping members achieve. Thanks to Cynthia for her constant support!
"Special Education, Technology for Today and Tomorrow" is an annual conference for Special Education Teachers and Teacher's Aids in Ontario hosted by Bloorview Kids Rehab. Not only do the delegates receive hands-on exposure to new developments in technology, but the conference exhibitors are able to network with these teachers from across the province.
For the third consecutive year, Ability Online had an exhibit at the conference. Not only was it great to hear so many people were already aware of (and were using our program), but we were able to make new contacts as well. There was also great excitement for one of our new initiatives, the "Homework Help" portal. In response to comments from the teacher's, in 2006 we will begin to explore the partnership opportunities with the Special Ed teacher's to see if we can offer more support for the students and the teachers in the classroom, especially in the area of social skills development.
