Nicole Flynn part of Canadian Government Delegation at Conference on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, ON, May 23, 2024 — Well-known human rights advocate, entrepreneur, and athlete Nicole Flynn, will travel to the United Nations in New York on June 11-13, 2024, as a member of Canada’s official delegation for a Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Invited by MP Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Flynn was chosen for her exemplary leadership and extensive work within the disability community.
The trip to New York comes after a successful tour of Trinidad and Tobago in March as a special guest speaker at United Nations World Down Syndrome Day. “I’m passionate about educating people both in Canada and abroad about what people with intellectual disabilities are capable of achieving,” says Flynn. “We’re able to do far more than what most people perceive.”
A press conference in advance of her trip to the United Nations in New York will be held in Toronto next week. Chris Beesley, the CEO of Community Living Ontario, and the father of a son living with an intellectual disability, will also be in attendance.
Nicole Flynn Media Conference
Wednesday, May 29th, 2024
10:30a.m.
Community Living Ontario
1 Valleybrook Drive, Unit 201
Toronto, ON
Flynn has been sharing her advocacy journey since she was three years old and hopes the pursuit of her artistic, athletic, and academic goals will inspire others all around the world to challenge expectations of what people with Down syndrome are capable of accomplishing. Flynn explains: “People who have Down syndrome have the same rights and responsibilities as all citizens; we have the right to be valued for who we are. To be a voice at the table. To be respected. And to have health equity, choices, and opportunities in life.”
Now back at home in Centre Hastings, Ontario, the CLO Council President continues to push for authentic inclusion and human rights as part of Community Living Month, an Ontario-wide annual awareness campaign promoting inclusion for people who have an intellectual disability. On May 8th, Flynn visited Queen’s Park as part of Community Living Day at the Legislature. There she met with the Honourable Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and spoke in front of 200 MPPs, self-advocates, and members at CLO’s sold-out evening reception.
“I realize I have the ability to smash the stereotypes, bash the biases and create a positive attitude towards people who have Down syndrome, like me,” notes Flynn. “The time is NOW to do things WITH us, allow us to make decisions and try new things. We might make mistakes, but we need to be given the dignity to at least try.”
For media inquiries please contact Teresa Kruze, 416-727-8145.
tkruze@rogers.com.
