"I want to make a difference in the world, one word or article at a time, covering 2SLGBTQ+ and Indigenous stories. I chose the Bachelor of Communication Studies because I write to communicate due to my speech impediment.

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I want other students to know they shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help. You have to give yourself the tools to succeed to the best of your ability – and sometimes those tools come in human shapes.

Without the assistance of accessibility assistants, I would fall behind – and I highly doubt I would have made it through my first semester. I have Cerebral Palsy and write and type slower than the average student, so accessibility assistants are my right hand for note-taking and, on the odd occasion, my voice in class. They also speed up unpacking and packing, making it easier for me to get ready for class and move on to the next one. Often, they go above and beyond to help me.

Stephanie was my first note-taker; she and I hit it off right from the get-go. MacEwan was big and scary. Stephanie made me feel welcome and safe. I’d call all the accessibility assistants I’ve had the pleasure of working with my friends."

–Al Olsen, Bachelor of Communication Studies student