“I believe that our experiences help shape who we are – inspiring us to strive to be better, to reach a point where we feel happy and fulfilled knowing we’ve achieved something meaningful.”
A Passion for Inclusion and Accessibility
Sabrina Skyba-Lewin, a dedicated volunteer with the Disability Foundation Network, has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Inspired by her own experiences with her siblings, Sabrina has shown unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Sabrina’s journey with the Disability Foundation Network began with her involvement in the Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) project. Her responsibilities included researching and compiling information about employment programs and resources for individuals with disabilities across Canada. Sabrina shared, “While conducting my research, I find it quite interesting to discover the wide range of workshops and programs available across Canada to support individuals with disabilities in their job search.”
Sabrina’s research highlighted that “everything that can possibly help youth find employment or gain the skills necessary to [hopefully] find a job is available, not only here in BC but even in Nunavut, Newfoundland and in some of the territories. I enjoyed putting all this information into the YLI toolkit, providing a valuable resource for people seeking employment opportunities.” This project not only deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities but also fueled her passion for advocating for their rights and opportunities.
Sabrina’s dedication to her volunteer work is evident in the countless hours she has dedicated to the organization. In 2023 alone, she contributed an impressive 286 hours, despite her busy schedule as a student. Her unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission, combined with her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and collaborative spirit, make her an invaluable asset to the team.
Beyond her volunteer work with the Disability Foundation Network, Sabrina is also passionate about promoting inclusivity in her personal life. She actively seeks out opportunities to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and strives to create a more inclusive society for all.
Sabrina’s Inspiring Words
When asked about her motivation for volunteering, Sabrina shared, “I love the feeling of helping out people with disabilities and giving them a bit of joy and happiness. Volunteering at the hospital during the COVID period and at the Special Olympics was incredibly rewarding. While volunteering with the Disability Foundation is different, it shares that same sense of fulfillment and knowing that I’m making a difference.”
She added, “I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities, regardless of their abilities. My experiences with my siblings have taught me the importance of empathy, understanding, and advocating for those who may face challenges. I believe that our experiences help shape who we are – inspiring us to strive to be better, to reach a point where we feel happy and fulfilled knowing we’ve achieved something meaningful.”
Sabrina’s commitment to making a difference is truly inspiring. Her dedication, passion, and positive outlook make her a role model for others. We are grateful for her contributions to the Disability Foundation Network, specially to the Youth Leadership Initiative Project, and look forward to seeing her continue to make a positive impact on our community.