When asked about the bigger challenges she has faced as someone living with a disability in the community, Stacey says, \u201cPeople could be more understanding and respectful. Sometimes they don\u2019t understand what I\u2019m going through. I try to understand where they\u2019re coming from as well.\u201d She also encounters obstacles like learning a new bus route for work and trying to get to the right place on time, managing her finances and paying her bills on time, and eating healthier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite these, Stacey keeps an open mind and continues to overcome the hurdles, armed with a positive attitude and happy disposition. She joined the CAC in 2018 and has been involved with ABLE2\u2019s programs since then. Stacey says that she is grateful for the chance to meet other people with disabilities who also want to make a difference in the community. She says that being involved with ABLE2\u2019s work inspires her, as it is \u201can organization that makes a difference in people with disabilities, [and] see their value in our society,\u201d says Stacey. She is proud to be part of the ABLE2 community, especially after being invited to the Senate of Canada, with Senator Chantal Petitclerc recognizing ABLE2\u2019s work in her statement for International Day of Persons with Disabilities on November 30, 2023. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When asked why more people should get involved with ABLE2, Stacey says, \u201cABLE2 is a good organization. They want to help people with disabilities live their best lives.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stacey\u2019s dreams and aspirations include becoming a great leader. \u201c[I\u2019ve] always felt [that] I wanted to make a difference in other people with disabilities, showing that their lives are valuable. [I want to] make our voice [be] heard in the community. I am very passionate about [letting] other people with disabilities know that their voices matter, that they are valuable, and worthy of an incredible life,\u201d<\/strong> says Stacey. She also looks forward to being independent, having her own place to call home, and getting a college diploma in Journalism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am excited for my future; the sky has no limit. I am looking forward to doing some college courses. Education is very important to me. I am realizing [that] I deserve and have a right to make my dreams come true,\u201d says Stacey.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" ABLE2\u2019s Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) was organized in 1991 in an effort to provide client-centered input to the board, that represents the interests of people living with disabilities. The committee also engages in opportunities for its members to be involved in ABLE2\u2019s advocacy work. Currently sitting as Chair is Stacey Bielaski, a long-time program beneficiary […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16542,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/66L5M3QyHYldcIne3JYfnRdtp0mJmju4GmtO539-vIE7kFRzRpCOInu_YyjpclDjcZJYvCzDvCyDbXsA9TtA_1Tn1jdrJEQX_5cm5WAxTpomug92qFDzIUpybB4Cq1DgFagfFtyNFKUXSlzTZ5CIFA\")