Episode Two: Advantage Gained

Elliot is a 23 year old athlete who has become a fixture in his local athletics community and the community centre that gave him his start. Elliot finds himself living a life that he had previously never thought was possible. It all began when his mother Debbie helped get Elliot on a mixed abilities rugby league team. Once on the team, it was clear that Elliot had found something he excelled at, and was passionate about. Before long his team was selected to represent Canada in the world cup of mixed abilities rugby, and went on to finish 2nd place. In addition to this incredible achievement, Elliot’s quick development, leadership and dedication to the sport led to him starting a career in athletics. He got a job at his local athletics centre, where he now coaches and mentors other developing athletes alongside his colleagues. 

Finding his way into his athletics career was a life-changing experience for Elliot. Elliot has autism, and had found it challenging in the past to find places where he felt he could thrive and feel supported to grow as a person. Now, Elliot is like a celebrity around the Abilities Centre in Whitby, Ontario, where he works and spends a lot of time training and volunteering. He has close friendships and relationships with many of the other staff there, who have played a huge part in supporting him to get to where he is. These people all have in common the ability to see Elliot for who he is and hopes to be, instead of what his limitations are. Having a community with that shared mentality towards people with disabilities has played a major role in Elliot finding personal success in his life.  

Elliot’s mother Debbie has also played a huge part in helping him get to this point. She supports Elliot in achieving his goals, and surrounding himself with people who want to do the same. Together, Debbie and Elliot have co-authored a children’s book based on Elliot’s experiences. Elliot has become passionate about sharing his experiences in the hopes that he can become an advocate for disability awareness, to help other people with disabilities strive to achieve their goals and have successes like his.