Creatability: A celebration of special art and artists

                         

Billy, representing the YM-YWHA with Guy Giard

Créatability: A celebration of special art and artists

By Wendy Singer

It started with an idea. An idea that had been percolating for years, was solidified over a leisurely  lunch at a popular Cote des Neiges Greek restaurant, and brought to fruition less than one year later.  

We (meaning the folks at The Big Blue Hug, Rekinexion, and Inspirations), often attend expositions and conferences to share what we do, how we can help teachers, caregivers, and families help their loved ones with special needs. But how could we help those individuals directly? Provide people with special needs the opportunity to gain valuable experience while sharing their talents with the public at large? How could we create a paradigm shift of how society views what special needs people can achieve and the role they have in our society?

The answer was created in one single word: Créatability.

Thanks to the vision and hard work of Jason Goldsmith and Lisa Marcovici, the first ever special needs artisan market that Montreal has ever seen was held on May 8, and surpassed all expectations for both organizers and exhibitors.

The event, which was sponsored by Lucy Pires and Sihem Oka from Investors Group, and Inspirations Newspaper, brought 16 artists with varying special needs together to share their talents, and sell their works. Their task for the evening included sharing their artistic process with the public, telling their stories, and selling their works. In return, they received solid work experience that will serve them well in the future, and most certainly at future Créatability events.

Some artists were experienced, others were first-time exhibitors. It was Lama Alabed's first time sharing her beautiful paintings. Her first task learned: how to price her work!

Lama Alabed with her beautiful paintings

Diana Crawford from Light a Dream, a candle making business that promotes their student's understanding of various business and economic principles, spent most of the event hidden in a corner away from her table. She brought students Leanna and Zach along to sell their delightful stock of candles in all shapes and sizes, including cappuccino glasses and cupcakes. 

"The students have excellent work experience in the store, but they are always supervised," shared Crawford. "This is the first time that they've ever been on their own. And in this environment, they are thriving."

In an email exchange that I had with Crawford after the event, she shared the most touching comments: "We met so many amazing people and had such a great time (at Créatability). Just a little aside....because of the enthusiasm and support Zach received for his photographs he has decided to definitely pursue his career in photography. Before this event, praise had been mostly from friends and family,. This time it was from strangers which seemed to help validate his talent and his confidence even more. Both students are somewhat shy or reserved. I had the extreme priviledge, goosebumps and all, to see them really come out of their shells and show off how very capable they are. Thank you for this!!!"

Leanna and Zach at the Light a Dream table

There are few words to describe the joyful feeling in the Rekinexion studio, where the event was held. One could sense change in the air. The over 150 visitors that passed by took their time, got to know one another, appreciated the talent and the courage it takes to share personal works and stories. And artists connected with one another, bonding in their shared accomplishment and experiences.

Kenza from Kenza's Creations and Lucilla Guerrero

Créatability Expo featured other talented artists, including Heidi Vormer (Remrov), who creates stunning hyper photorealistic drawings, Kirk Davidson, a talented painter, and Eli Adams Photography from Vermont. Guests were treated to music by Frank Verpaelst, and Steven Elie Atme.

Adams attends LiHigh School in Vermont, where students are encouraged to spend two days of every week out in the community working with an adult mentor who is an expert in the field that interests them. Adams' passion is photography. Known at 'The Light Hunter', his talent is unquestionable in viewing his exceptional photos. 

"This is Eli's first time leaving Vermont," said Zohara Zarfati, who accompanied Adams from LiHigh to Créatability. " We will go as far as we need to to help our students succeed. Even as far as Canada."

Eli Adams (red t-shirt) with his aunts, and Zohara Zarfati (far right)

Créatability's first event created a solid foundation for its mission for the future. "The vision that drives this endeavor begins with the artisan market and continues long term in supporting any person with an intellectual, developmental or physical disability in finding and maintaining meaningful employment, be it through self-employment or working for others, " shared Goldsmith, Founder of The Big Blue Hug. "I am already planning our next event!"

Thank you to all of our friends, both old and new, who supported us and came out to meet the artists.

To view more photos of the event, visit the Creatability Facebook page. 
If you are interested in learning about future Créatability events, contact creatabilityexpo@gmail.com. 
Visit www.creatabilityexpo.com for more information and a list of the exhibitors.

Lauren Hill Academy Hooping It Up with Best Buddies Canada

LaurenHill Academy 'Hoops It Up’ with 

Best Buddies Canada basketball competition to promote inclusion

By Guest Blogger Heather Brown

LaurenHill Academy is helping to lead the way to inclusion through friendship and sport. On April 17, LaurenHill Academy’s Best Buddies chapter hosted 'Hooping It Up with Best Buddies', a basketball free-throw competition. For a small entry fee, participants tried to sink as many free-throws as possible in 60 seconds. Students competed for their chance at winning three National Grand Prizes of $500 for top shooters across the country. 

Ms. JoAnne Nagle and student members in Best Buddies at LaurenHill organized the event. This year’s event at LHA was the best one that the chapter has hosted to date, with 96 students and staff participating. “Hooping It Up” was a great way for the LaurenHill chapter to create awareness about Best Buddies and inclusion within the school.

Across Canada, approximately 100 schools will host this same 'Hooping It Up with Best Buddies' event this school year. 

LaurenHill Academy Best Buddies students overseeing the registration table for students to participate. Funds raised at LHA will be used to cover Best Buddies group activity costs. (Photo credit, JoAnne Nagle)

Best Buddies Canada is a national charity that helps to foster friendships between individuals with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder with student volunteers in over 370 universities, colleges, high schools, and elementary schools across the country.  Through Best Buddies, students with an intellectual disability are given the opportunities to enjoy the same experiences many of us take for granted- such as going to the mall, watching a movie, or simply enjoying the company of a friend. In Montreal, there are six Best Buddies chapters including: McGill University, Concordia University, Dawson College, LaurenHill Academy, Westmount High School, and Reach School.

For more information about Best Buddies or to join the program, visit their website at www.bestbuddies.ca or call 1 888 779 0061.

Heather Brown is the Senior Program & Expansion Manager at Best Buddies - Vrais Copains Canada.

                                     

Intouchables: A must see at Théâtre du Rideau Vert

(Courtesy of Théâtre du Rideau Vert)  

Intouchables: A must see at Théâtre du Rideau Vert

By Wendy Singer and Joëlle Grundman

The film Intouchables is one of the most touching French movies that I have seen. I was excited to hear that Théâtre du Rideau Vert was adapting this film for the stage, and would be playing in Montreal from March 24 to April 26, and again in May at two other venues.

Starring Antoine Bertrand and Luc Guérin, and directed by René Richard Cyr,

Intouchables tells the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a widowed billionaire who became a quadripligic after a paragliding accident, who hires the most unlikely of caregivers.

 

Antoine Bertrand and Luc Guérin (Courtesy of Théâtre du Rideau Vert)  

The play was masterfully adapted from the film by Emmanuel Reichenbach, who integrates Quebec culture at every turn, including changing his ex-con caregiver’s name from Driss to Louis, and inserting references understood only in our province, from popular locations to explicit curse words. These references endear the audience from the beginning and has them rolling with laughter throughout the play.

Moving from funny to touching, this French-language play shares the budding friendship of Philippe and Louis. This duo, who come from complete ends of the social scale, learn from one another, and in the end, find happiness in a place once inhabited by darkness and dead ends.

 

(Courtesy of Théâtre du Rideau Vert)  

(Courtesy of Théâtre du Rideau Vert)  

Philippe is endeared to Louis because of his humour, his ability to poke fun of his paralysis, and to cut to the chase, seeing far beyond the wheelchair, looking right at the person he is. Time and again, Louis’ clumsiness with words, lack of filter, and undeniable charm, bring Philippe out of his shell and back into life, giving him vision to see that he can still live, and attain his dreams. The feeling is mutual, as we see Louis transform from ex-con to a caring man with a purpose.

Luc Guérin plays an outstanding Philippe from a motorized wheelchair, while Antoine Bertrand’s delightful Louis does not break from his antics, gags, and affection, making for a beautiful piece of theatre.

Après avoir vu le film français, je m'attendais à rire. Je n 'avais aucune idée que je rirais autant ! Les acteurs sont phénoménaux et la qualité de leur performance est impressionnante. Les références québécoises sont nombreuses et nous touchent directement.

La pièce nous amène à réfléchir au sujet des différences de classes sociales et des personnes handicapées. Je recommande fortement de voir cette adaptation québécoise inspirée d'une histoire vraie.

Intouchables is playing at Théâtre du Rideau Vert until April 26, Salle Pierre-Mercure from May 6 to 10, and L’étoile Banque Nationale from May 20 to 24. For information visit http://www.rideauvert.qc.ca.

Rick Hansen: Difference Maker in Motion visits Montreal

Linda Mahler and Wendy Singer with Rick Hansen at the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers convention

Rick Hansen: A Difference Maker in Motion

"You never know when the penny will drop"

By Wendy Singer

It is not every day that we get to meet a true Canadian hero. And when we do, it is a true privilege. After a day of meeting and greeting teachers at the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers convention on November 27, Linda Mahler and I joined hundreds of Quebec teachers to listen to Rick Hanson deliver the key note address of the convention.

After being greeted with a standing ovation, Mr. Hanson got right down to the meat of his story, which is laced with optimism, love, support, and dreams for the future. Hansen was injured in a truck accident when he was 15 years old. The diagnosis: a spinal cord injury (SCI) that paralyzed his physical functions below his waist. 

"My whole life felt like it was shattered along with my spine," shared Hansen to a captivated audience. "It hit me like a brick. I was ready to give up on the most important thing in life - hope."

After spending months in a Stryker bed that turned him every three hours, Hansen came to a realization that would change the course of his life: "I knew that if I  could start working my arms things would happen."

And so they did. Hansen tells his story with such passion that his energy is contagious. I'm certain I am not alone in saying that I had goosebumps throughout his entire presentation. It was energizing, inspiring, real.

Hansen's change of focus from stagnation to recuperation led him to his greatest obstacle: overcoming his own view of his challenges. The moment that he realized that he was still the same person, he still wanted to teach physical education to kids, and that "it's not about your legs, it's about your heart" was a pivotal one. 

As Hansen wheeled himself across the stage with varying degrees of strength that matched the tempo of his thoughts, he rolled his audience right along with him, providing inspirational nugget after inspirational nugget.

"This chair is not a symbol of disability, it's my chariot."

"It's not what happens to you, it's what you do with it."

Hansen's family and teachers never let him off the hook. They continuously inspired him to remove the handicap he was putting on himself. In turn, he encourage every teacher in the room to continue encouraging their students to follow their dreams.

Best known for his Man in Motion World Tour - a 26-month trek that logged more than 40,000 km through 34 countries and raised $26 million for SCI research and quality of life initiatives, Hansen was one of the final torchbearers in the 2010 Winter Olympics, and was profiled and spoke during the opening ceremony for the 2010 Winter Paralympics.

Like Terry Fox, who was a close friend of his, Hansen is an international hero. His Tour taught him that no matter what, you never give up. It taught him how to shift attitudinal barriers that don't need to be there, and that shifting views is possible. As he learnt as he was carried up the Great Wall of China (which now has a wheelchair access ramp), "there are no barriers, no walls that can't be climbed."

Married with three daughters, Hansen is busy with the Rick Hansen Foundation (www.rickhansen.com) which focuses on improving the quality of life for people living with SCI and other disabilities; addressing conservation and preservation of the world’s resources; creating a fully inclusive society, where every person can contribute in meaningful ways to their community. 

The Rick Hansen School Program is a comprehensive set of resources for administrators, teachers and students designed to increase disability awareness, accessibility and inclusion, and empower young people to make a difference in their school, community and the world.

Teachers and administrators say that the Program decreases bullying, improves student attitudes and perceptions of people with disabilities, and results in student initiatives to improve classrooms, schools and communities. To learn more, visit http://www.rickhansen.com/What-We-Do/School-Program.

Hansen's presentation is full of genuine emotion and humour. From anecdotes of his acceptance as the first person in a wheelchair into the Phys Ed program at the University of British Columbia to bungee jumping with Rick Mercer, he made us feel like we were sitting in his living room on a casual afternoon.

Hansen continues to grow and inspire. He has moved from supporting SCI to finding a cure. "The World Health Organizations states that there are 1.3 billion people living with disabilities. We need to live while we dream for cures. We need role models and leaders to lead the way." This Man in Motion is all that, in every sense of the word, and more. He is a Difference Maker.

Visit www.rickhansen.com/DM for more information.

Hannibal The Musical: I Can Dream Theatre Group

Hannibal is magical with the I Can Dream Theatre Group 

By Wendy Singer

I am a theatre buff, and look forward to theatre nights with great excitement. But nothing compares to the anticipation of the yearly production of the I Can Dream Theatre Group's musical comedy.

Now with it's third production under its belt, it is safe to say that the I Can Dream troupe has  developed a loyal following. A following of community members that can't wait to be entertained by this group, that cheers from their seats during performances, and that starts the countdown of days until the next production the moment the curtain falls on the current show!

As Inspirations's Coordinator of Educational Outreach Linda Mahler exclaimed after bringing two friends to this year's musical comedy Hannibal the Musical: "It only takes one show to become a fan of I Can Dream."

This year's production included 20 cast members, five of which were new to the troupe. All have different abilities, be they singing, dancing and acting, and have various special needs from autism to Down syndrome. And once again, the triple threat of Ada Masciarelli (Writer and Director), Michele Matthews (Musical Director and Choreographer), and Tricia Bartley (Production Manager) provided outstanding direction to all cast members, ensuring that all actors had the opportunity to shine on stage.

The cast of I Can Dream's Hannibal The Musical. (Photo credit, Katherine Meyendorff)

In a mere six months, the trio of Masciarelli, Matthews and Bartley brought the cast together to spoof the disreputable Hannibal Lecter, who was masterfully and comically played by the talented Andrew Raymond Perez.

The scripts of I Can Dream Theatre are known for their comical twists and turns that reunite us with pop culture, from characters from the Brady Bunch to Gilligan's Island. Their plots unwind while intertwined with musical numbers that get the crowd moving and cheering in their seats.

All numbers were fantastic. We were particularly excited to see Maxwell Po (playing Adam Cartwright) leading the number I Saw Her Standing There with a beautiful voice and great dance moves. Max had joined us at Inspirations just two days earlier to help us distribute our Fall / Winter edition. He was relaxed and excited about the show, but didn't let the cat out of the bag and tell us what a talented performer he is!

Maxwell Po and cast.

Steven Atme, long time friend of ours at Inspirations, played Father de Bricissart and Fred Lecter, father of brothers Hannibal and Harry Lecter (wonderfully played by Gabriel Fadda). In the role of Fred Lecter, Atme presented a captivating monologue that explored his character's feelings after his wife left him and his sons. It was intense, moving, and had more than one audience member in tears. But what followed blew the roof off of the show! Atme and Paul Baloukas (nailing the role of cowboy Ben Cartwright - hillbilly accent and all), performed a resounding rendition of The Prayer. This performance is not to be missed as they mingled English with Italian in their perfectly pitched operatic tones. The audience ate the performance up, breaking into applause half way through the number. Treat yourself to a watch of this video at https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=840235902705299&set=vb.487345161327710&type=2&theater. It has already gone viral with 130 shares and counting on Facebook alone! Is a visit to the Ellen Show the next step for these two prodigies?

Paul Baloukas and Steven Atme singing The Prayer.

Backstage with some cast members. (Photo credit, Katherine Meyendorff)

Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, directorial team and The Dreamers Band for an exceptional production. Hannibal the Musical not only gave people with special needs a platform to develop their abilities and entertain, it subtly addressed the issues of difference.

Ainslie MacDonald (playing Jan Brady) and Kelsey-Love Armstrong (playing Marsha Brady)
(Photo credit, Katherine Meyendorff)

Steven Atme, Paul Baloukas, Jamal Thomas, and Maxwell Po.

Auditions for next year's production will take place in December. Contact I Can Dream at icandreamtheatre@gmail.com. Connect with them at I Can Dream Theatre Group-Montreal on Facebook, @icandreamMTL on Twitter, and their website: www.icandreamtheatregroup.com.

Check out I Can Dream's Happy video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8IQt6nwo4o.

ps. Rumour has it that Michele Matthews has already begun choreography for next year's show. Stay tuned for details!

The C.A.R.E. Centre hypnotizes for funds

The C.A.R.E. Centre hypnotizes for funds

C.A.R.E. Program Director Olivia Quesnel, with C.A.R.E. client Donna, and hypnotist Ariel Sherker.

By Wendy Singer

On Sunday, November 2, we attended a stage hypnosis show and fundraiser for The C.A.R.E. Centre at the Harold Greenspon Auditorium in Cote Saint-Luc.

A grassroots group founded by parents, the C.A.R.E. Centre is a day-centre for adults with physical disabilities. Located at Marymount Adult Education Centre, English Montreal School Board (EMSB) in Cote Saint-Luc, they offer recreational and educational activities to adults over 21 with physical disabilities. Services are provided in English.

C.A.R.E. has been in existence as a non-profit organization for the past 16 years with the help of the EMSB, SACA and the SOC. Clients are offered a wide range of recreational and educational actives from arts and crafts to music, current events, baking, yoga and meditation, outings, and more. Their high client-to-staff ratio allows them to offer individual help with activities, which enables clients to participate to the fullest of their abilities.


C.A.R.E. also helps clients contact the necessary resources to help them live full and enriching lives, from adapted equipment, wheelchair repair, to housing information. The nature of the centre enables staff and clients to really get to know each other and form  special bonds and long lasting friendships. It is a place to learn, to socialize, to communicate and have fun.

Many of the C.A.R.E. clients were out on November 2 to support the organization. The crowd was warmed up with a hilarious opening comedy act by local comic Dan Laxer.

Comedian Dan Laxer performs at the Harold Greenspon Auditorium in Cote Saint-Luc

And then..the talented Montreal hypnotist Ariel Sherker took to the stage with a group of volunteers who were eager to be hypnotized, and subsequently become the highlights of this afternoon show.

Volunteers with Ariel Sherker at the Harold Greenspon Auditorium 

Through an intricate and gentle hypnotic procedure, Ariel gradually focused on four of her volunteers who were deeply hypnotized. Under hypnosis, these volunteers had fun freely expressing themselves. From dancing various styles of dance to Elvis impersonation, to fly swatting, these four people were ready to accept any suggestion that Ariel put forward. This, of course, provided excellent entertainment for the spectators! Deeper than the laughs, it was quite fascinating to see how hypnosis can reach parts of the brain that we so rarely access.

The four volunteers who went the deepest into hypnosis are captured dancing, with hypnotist Ariel Sherker

Congratulations to the organizers for a wonderful event, raising funds for an important Centre. For information about the C.A.R.E. Centre, visit www.carecentre.org or call 514-383-7200 #6205. For information about hypnosis visit www.arielhypnosis.ca.

The All Abilities Expo brought 70 exhibitors together 

to share their services and expertise

On October 19th, 70 exhibitors gathered at Stade Uniprix for the largest annual gathering of individuals, families, advocates, organizations, and agencies that cater to individuals with special needs and disabilities.

We were proud to be a part of the Quebec Special Needs Association event, which showcased  exhibitor services that included Assante Capital Mangement Ltd, ABR Canada, iLoc Technologies,  Michele Perry, Physipro, Island Hyperbarics Centre, The Big Blue Hug, Lakeshore Soccer, Yaldei, Centre Neuropsychologie et de Psychologie de Laval, Rekinéxion, Giant Steps, Étoile de Pacho, and Proset Autism.

The organizers chose a perfect venue,  with ample space for expo attendees to leisurely visit exhibitors. The Stade Uniprix was well located, fully accessible, and well attended by families and individuals with special needs. Kudos to Marla Vineberg, Event and Exhibition Manager, Quebec Special Needs Association, for seeking out so many reputable and varied services, who shared their expertise with the hundreds of guests that came in search of new services, ideas, and support.

Master of Ceremony Barry Morgan, host of CJAD's The Barry Morgan Show was on board to facilitate the event programming, which included entertainment by Steven Abadi, who sang at the opening ceremony, The I Can Dream Theatre Group, which serenaded guests upon arrival, Luca "Lazylegz" Patuelli and his dance troupe who offered hip hop demonstrations, and Andre Langevin, who shared a karate demonstration and lesson.

Karate classes for children with autism and their parents have been developed, adapted and based on the personal experience of teachers karate André Langevin and his wife Nathalie Paré.

Children were treated to a babysitting service, which looked like tons of fun, and they probably enjoyed perusing many of the 'kid friendly' exhibitors, who sets up a wonderful spread of toys that children are welcome to try out.

The Expo gave us the opportunity to catch up with old friends, and meet new ones! We were particularly pleased to end the day with a visit from three delightful visitors from The Action Centre. We enjoy every opportunity we get to connect, exchange stories, and share a laugh or two with the community we strive to support. Thanks you to the Quebec Special Needs Association for providing us this invaluable opportunity. We encourage everyone we met to keep in touch and share your stories. They are all, well, inspirational!

Erika Tencer and Ann Crabtree

                                                              The Big Blue Hug

                                                               Jennifer and Robin

For more photos, check out our Facebook page : www.facebook.com/inspirationsnews.