Another year brings another opportunity for the RHFSP to celebrate remarkable projects aimed to increase accessibility in schools and communities, created by an incredible group of youth.
The Rick Hansen Foundation School Program (RHFSP) Difference Maker of the Year awards honour youth and youth groups age 5-18 who lead positive change for inclusion and accessibility in their schools or communities. Through individual or classroom projects, these young leaders help create and promote a stronger culture of disability inclusion. Their efforts not only transform lives but also set a powerful example for others to follow.
These young leaders are helping bring to life a dream that began 40 years ago with the Man In Motion World Tour: to create a world without barriers for people with disabilities. Learn about the incredible work each recipient is doing to help build a more inclusive world:
Ethan Ho, British Columbia
Ethan (pictured above), a Burnaby Central Secondary School student, has made a difference through his volunteer work with Neil Squire’s Makers Making Change Program. His journey began by adapting toys for accessibility and has evolved into customizing 3D-printed devices for individuals with disabilities. Ethan’s work provides people access to affordable, functional solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Chadd Stoppa, Ontario
Chadd is a Grade 12 Madawaska Valley District High School student and an elite para-athlete. His passion for sport and commitment to inclusion led him to become the student lead of the MVDS Para Hockey Program. In this role, Chadd contributes his knowledge and experience to help the program achieve its goals: providing accessible physical education in Renfrew County and ensuring students have access to role models with disabilities, demonstrating that individuals with disabilities can be strong leaders in schools and communities.
Leena Sansoa, British Columbia
As the first student representative on the Surrey Schools Accessibility Advisory Committee, Leena has become a provincial advocate for accessibility in B.C. schools. Attending Panorama Ridge Secondary School, she actively contributes to district-wide initiatives like helping create videos to raise awareness and ensuring students with disabilities are included in accessibility planning. With her powerful voice and leadership, Leena is helping shape a more inclusive future.
Russell Tabata, Ontario
Russell is a St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School student and the creator of ViSTA (Vibro-Sensory Travel Aid), an innovative and affordable headset designed to support individuals with vision loss. ViSTA uses a smartphone to process directions via Google Maps and provides navigational feedback through vibrations. After successful testing with people from the Toronto blind community, Russell plans to continue to conduct further testing in more complex environments.
Sophia Koster, Alberta
A Bishop Carroll High School student and competitive dancer, Sophia founded Choreographing Inclusion, a program inspired by her brother’s experience. It creates an inclusive space where teens and young adults of all abilities can enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of dance. A key feature is teaching styles that are fun and relevant to this age group, helping participants feel engaged and empowered. By adapting movements to diverse needs, Sophia has made dance more accessible and joyful. The program is well received and growing, with more requests from adult day programs.
These incredible Difference Makers show us that creating a world for everyone, everywhere, is possible!
Lina Villalba is a Communications & Marketing Specialist for RHFSP.
Photos: The Rick Hansen Foundation
