Emma-Raene Forum Activity 1 Discussion

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 15:13:03 GMT

by Emma-Raene Perry.

Regarding the workplace, I am an ice skating instructor for all ages (2 years-50 years+), and last year, I had a student who was 5 years old, who had a hearing impairment. Within this class, I had five other students who were all able-bodied. As an instructor, given the environment of skating lessons, you can imagine the adaptation I had to make in terms of how to make my teaching inclusive to all, and not single out the individual with a disability. I would draw everything on the ice to show the skill we were learning. When we were doing a circuit, I would demonstrate and then follow the leader for further explanation, and subconsciously, I would always put the boy in the middle of the group so that my instruction was very clear and I had him directly in front of me.

My exposure to disability and the word inclusivity has been a big part of my life, mainly through my mom’s work. Back at home in Vancouver, she is a community inclusion worker/foster parent and has been fostering a 64-year-old man named Ronnie, who has a number of disabilities. His condition is complex, but it includes issues like a chromosomal defect (XY crossing over), club foot, and symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome. I have grown up my whole life with Ronnie, with him joining our family the day after I turned one. Because of my unique experience, I feel like I've always had a strong belief in empathy and adaptability for those around me, and have changed the way that I view the world.

Overall, in the workplace, I think that regardless of gender, ability, experiences, background, etc, everyone should receive fair treatment. Feeling respected and listened to, and being within a place that feels safe, where you feel safe to speak up. I also think the way of the design of the workspace, universal design, is a really important point that should be made because we need to be in a space that everyone is able to live and work in.

Forum for Activity 1

Emma-Raene Forum Activity 1 Discussion