Beautiful green fir tree branches close up. Christmas and winter concept. Soft focus, macro.

President’s Message

There are many hidden joys to discover in the month of March. I hope you are all taking time to enjoy at least some sunshine as our weather continues to be on a roller coaster path. March is one of my favourite months of reflection, as we begin to close out Winter and embrace the new development of Spring. I love the way Jean Hersy says, “In March Winter is holding back and Spring is pulling forward. Something holds and something pulls inside of us too”. I love the way March provides us an invitation to step outside and breakaway from the hibernation many of us snuggle into throughout the many cold days of Winter.

When it comes to living with disabilities March provides many highlights for our community to surround ourselves and each other with a warm updraft of positive change. Just as the weather rises and falls in temperature, so can our motivation for sending out ripples of positive change. March can be a time of reflection and realization as to the unique journeys we are all on, as well as stimulating the goals of sensitizing and educating the public on the realities many face in our Province of Alberta when living with disabilities Today. There are many causes that embrace a day or a week to shine a light on the importance of understanding the journeys of others this month, I hope you choose to get involved and become part of the illumination.

March is Brain Health Awareness Month so lets work together to boost brain awareness and focus on supporting the many conditions that may impact our Brain Health. ALS, Alzheimers, Autism, Brain Cancer, Brain Injury, Epilepsy, Mental Illness, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Stroke and many more to start the list. Reach out and make a difference for someone you know that may need a little Spring up lift Today.

March is also Music Therapy Awareness Month which is a great time to check into the ways Music uplifts our lives not only from the basics of a song we hear on the radio, but also through the many professionals that utilize music to share their gifts to support the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and our communities through the amazing enrichment music brings to our lives and healing journey.

March 10th-16th is the World Glaucoma Week, so reach out to the ones you love and remind them to get their eyes tested. Most people with Glaucoma are not aware of it and have not experienced any symptoms prior to diagnosis.

March 15th is World Sleep Day, it is so important to remind ourselves that we may have a better day tomorrow if we are able to get a good night sleep tonight. Although those struggling with the impacts of repetitive insomnia may experience extreme challenges on their daily lives due to the lack of sleep. Put your electronic devices away and support yourselves to the benefits of a great sleep on March 15th. If you are struggling always remember to reach out for additional tools to aid in your sleeping process, your health may depend on it.

March 16-22 is Creative Art Therapy Week, this is a reminder to reach out and share your stories, express feelings and communicate your messages through the gift of Drama. There are many opportunities to support healing through the creative lens. Give it a try, it might be just what you have been looking for.

March 18th-24th is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, this is when we can work to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.
Let’s all come together to put a positive ripple out that works to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported. Working together we can create a more inclusive and equitable culture that celebrates differences and empowers every individual. Let’s change the narrative today.
March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day and another great day to reach out to an individual or family that you may know who could use an extra warm fuzzy up lift to lighten their day. Small things make an amazing difference sometimes we all just need a friend. Be the difference Today. I remember back to when I was a teenager working at our city recreation centre as the integration worker for the Down syndrome Children of our community. It was a highlight of my life and I always am reminded of the many gifts their smiles and love impacted my heart with.

March 26 is Purple Day where we can support all the people living with epilepsy in our community. There are more than 100 000 Canadians living with Epilepsy. 1 in 100 people are estimated to live with epilepsy. So let’s reach out and learn what to do to help someone that is experiencing a seizure. The small time we take to gain this knowledge can make a big difference for someones life. Be the difference Today.

Let’s choose to step up to aid each other and make a dramatic difference for a better life for all living with disabilities and more than anything the supports surrounding us all.

As I come to a close I just wish to thank you all for contributing to a positive pivot within our communities, the time, energy and love you share is truly making a difference. Many hands make light work, thanks for being the change we all need.

“March, when days are getting long, let thy growing hours be strong to set right some wintry wrong”. – Caroline May

Embrace springtime as a point of new creation in your own life journey and find a place to make a difference today.

Katrina Breau
President