Teen cycling across Canada to raise awareness about alternative communication
‘People who aren’t able to speak have lots to say’ Monday January 17, 2011 -- Natalie Hamilton
Driven to create a better world for his brother and others who speak using alternative communication methods, Skye Wattie is cycling across Canada this summer.
The 19-year-old University of Waterloo student has been gearing up for the ambitious venture for the past two years.
Wattie and his 26-year-old brother, Kerr, who will be riding along in a bike trailer at times, are aiming to raise funds and awareness about alternative communication.
Dubbed Kilometres for Communication, they will hit the road in May, accompanied by their parents, Gail Fisher-Taylor and Burns Wattie, in a van.
“We want Canadians to know that people who aren’t able to speak have lots to say,” Fisher-Taylor, of Toronto, explains.
“We also want to make accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities a national priority.”
Fisher-Taylor says Canadians who interact using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) techniques are not so different from anyone else.
“We want people who speak with AAC to be welcomed, included and valued in classrooms, communities and workplaces.”
As they travel from British Columbia through to Newfoundland, they’re also striving to make AAC services, supports and technology recognized and funded as essential services nationwide.
“We want to raise funds for AAC services, supports and technology and to create opportunities which will change lives," Fisher-Taylor says.
“We want to empower the voices and lives of people who communicate in alternative ways.”
People can get involved by wheeling, walking, running or cycling with the group or by sponsoring a team member. Visit the website for ways to contribute.
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