Sebastien Parent of Sudbury has been named one of the 2022 Easter Seals Ambassadors
Sixteen-year-old Sebastien Parent of Sudbury has been named one of two Easter Seals Ambassadors for Ontario to help raise awareness and bring more understanding for people with physical disabilities.
Parent, who is currently a Grade 11 student at Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School in Sudbury, was born with cerebral palsy (CP), a neurological condition that affects muscle spasticity and makes some motor functions difficult, said a news release from Easter Seals. Parent said the condition mostly affects his legs, so he finds it necessary to use a walker, a wheelchair and canes to get around.
Parent said his favourite subject in school is Information Technology. He was described as a hard-working student, voted valedictorian of his Grade 8 graduating class. As he plans for his future, Parent said he hopes to go to college and to study public relations or journalism.
In a recent YouTube video, Parent described himself as just another young person. You can watch the video below.
“We’re all the same. We’re all just happy kids. There’s no reason to treat us differently or give us any sort of disrespect,” said Parent.
In the same video, Parent demonstrated his prowess as a drummer.
Parent has been appointed as one of two Provincial Easter Seals Ambassadors who will represent the organization in its centennial year. The Easter Seals Ambassador program, which began in 1947, helps young people with physical disabilities learn how to become effective advocates for themselves while paving the path for generations behind them.
Parent’s co-ambassador for the year is a young woman, 17-year-old Hoor Ulain, of Mississauga, Ontario.
Parent said he hopes to be a role model for other young people with disabilities across the province and show them that anything is possible. This year, he is looking forward to spreading his message that children and youth with physical disabilities are “just like everyone else and that we deserve kindness and love, along with the fact that we want to be treated the same.”
Read the Sudbury article here
Len Gillis is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter at Sudbury.com, covering health care in Northern Ontario. The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible with funding from the federal government.
SHARE
Recent Articles
Apr 18 2022
Vaeda + School Tour Coordinator Janice Blacquiere on CBC Compass Suppertime News with Meteorologist Jay Scotland at beginning of School Tour:
Read MoreApr 28 2022
Vaeda on CBC Compass Suppertime News with Meteorologist Jay Scotland at end of School Tour
Read MoreMay 02 2022
Premier and MLA Special Remarks re Vaeda/Easter Seals 100 – PEI Provincial Legislature
Read MoreJan 27 2022
Sweet treats for sale: Easter Seals Nova Scotia launches annual Valentine’s fundraiser
Read MoreJun 20 2022
Lions Clubs clean up as Camp Winfield prepares to welcome kids again for the first time in two years
Read MoreApr 30 2022
Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club to celebrate 40 years of fundraising for kids camp
Read MoreMay 14 2022
Easter Seals Run supporting kids with disabilities back in Newmarket May 29 after 2-year pandemic hiatus
Read MoreMay 11 2022
Cardigan Consolidated one of many schools to contribute to Easter Seals campaign
Read MoreMay 26 2022
Easter Seals’ Camp Horizon near Bragg Creek needs $500K as it relaunches camps again after 2 years
Read MoreMar 18 2022
Easter Seals’ Anniversary Wish: Implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit in 2022
Read MoreMay 04 2022
Budget 2022: A Missed Opportunity for Improving Living Conditions for Millions of Canadians Living with Disabilities
Read MoreJan 27 2022
Sweet treats for sale: Easter Seals Nova Scotia launches annual Valentine’s fundraiser
Read MoreMar 11 2022
A former Easter Seals Ambassador explains how the organization helped her get to where she is today
Read More
Subscribe to our Newsletter.
During our 100th year, there will be a ton of awesome events and announcements happening around the country. Sign up to stay in the know!