Ability Storytellings: Speaking Truth, and Building Reconciliation
At The Ability Company, we believe that storytelling is a powerful tool for change. Through our Ability Storytellings service, we offer keynote speaking and workshops that educate, inspire, and create space for voices that are often left out — specifically those of people with disabilities and caregivers.
As we approach Truth and Reconciliation Day, we’re reminded that storytelling is also central to healing. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) gathered thousands of stories from Indigenous Survivors of residential schools. These stories helped expose the truth and laid the foundation for the 94 Calls to Action—a roadmap for justice and reconciliation.
Why Our Stories Matter
Truth and Reconciliation is not just about history — it’s about who gets heard today. Indigenous people with disabilities, caregivers, and those living with trauma often face multiple barriers to sharing their experiences. That’s why our storytelling work is rooted in intersectionality — recognizing how disability, culture, gender, and caregiving roles overlap.
Our keynotes and workshops:
Center lived experience: We speak from real-life perspectives, not just theory.
Create safe spaces: We foster environments where people feel seen, heard, and respected.
Educate with empathy: We help audiences understand how disability intersects with reconciliation, justice, and inclusion.
Connecting to the TRC Calls to Action
Several TRC Calls to Action focus on health, education, and justice — areas where disability inclusion is essential. For example:
Call to Action #19 urges better health outcomes for Indigenous people.
Call to Action #23 calls for cultural competency training for healthcare professionals.
Call to Action #24 focuses on Indigenous health education in schools.
Our workshops support these goals by:
Encouraging organizations to make their reconciliation efforts accessible and inclusive.
Empowering participants to become allies and advocates for intersectional change.
Reconciliation Includes Us
This month, our theme is “Reconciliation Includes Us.” Through Ability Storytellings, we’re helping people understand that reconciliation must include disabled voices, caregiver perspectives, and intersectional truths.
We’re currently booking Ability Storytellings sessions for fall 2025, reach out. Whether we’re speaking at a school, a workplace, or a community event, our message is clear: everyone has a role in reconciliation — and everyone deserves to be part of the story.
And storytelling is just one way we build inclusion. The Ability Company offers a range of services designed to uplift, connect, and empower:
Ability Circles: Peer-led spaces for reflection, healing, and community building
Ability Events: Inclusive gatherings that celebrate diversity and spark dialogue
Ability Explorations: Creative experiences that invite curiosity and connection
Our Ability Collective includes seasonal products that reflect our values and celebrate diverse experiences. Right now, we’re thrilled to offer The Fall Drop in our Drop Zone and in our Community Order.
Together, these services and products form a vibrant ecosystem of inclusion — where every story matters, and every voice counts.
As We Prepare for Truth and Reconciliation Day
Truth and Reconciliation Day is a time to listen, to learn, and to act. As we prepare for this important moment, Ability Storytellings offers a way to engage meaningfully —with stories that illuminate the intersections of disability, caregiving, culture, and healing.
These aren’t just narratives — they’re calls to consciousness. They remind us that reconciliation must include disabled voices, caregiver experiences, and the truths that often go unheard.
By creating space for lived experience, we help fulfill the spirit of the TRC’s Calls to Action — not just through policy, but through presence. Through storytelling, we build bridges between communities, foster empathy, and spark the kind of dialogue that leads to lasting change.
This season, we invite you to join us in preparing — not just for a day of reflection, but for a future of inclusion. Because reconciliation includes us. And our stories are ready to lead the way.
Disclaimer - The Ability Company
The opinions shared in our blogs reflect personal experiences and viewpoints. They’re not meant to represent every journey or replace professional advice.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice. The Ability Company makes no guarantees about accuracy or completeness and is not liable for decisions made based on this content. Use at your own discretion.
