John Draper
"The key to success is believing you can make a difference."
John Draper believes in the possible. He believes that through learning and leadership, citizens can be inspired to build communities that are accessible to and inclusive of people who have a disability. The key to success is believing you can make a difference by working together to turn a vision into a reality.
Upon graduation from Durham College's journalism program, John established Together We Rock!. This entrepreneurial endeavour provides a unique learning and leadership opportunity for professionals, educators, employers, organizations, students and media representatives.
The Together We Rock! Presentations promote inclusion, equality and accessibility. John uses wit and humour to encourage audience members to embrace their role in creating communities that are inclusive of and accessible to people with disabilities. The Together We Rock! series of presentations includes the following topics:
- Building Inclusive and Accessible Communities
- Creating Inclusive Schools
- Promoting Accessible Marketplaces and Inclusive Workplaces
- Achieving Accessibility in Colleges and Universities
- Making a Difference in Partnership with the Media
The Together We Rock! School Leadership Program provides an opportunity for youth to effect social change. The School Leadership Program includes two distinct Together We Rock! presentations that are geared specifically to elementary and secondary school students. School communities can also register to participate in the Together We Rock! School Leadership Program. This fun and interactive initiative is designed to help students take concrete steps to promote inclusive and accessible school communities. A resource manual is available to assist school communities in their endeavours. On an annual basis, a school community is recognized with a Together We Rock! Leadership Award.
To promote learning, John's website features Together We Rock! Resources, including Disability Myths and Misconceptions; Strategies to Create Inclusive Schools; Strategies for College and University Faculty to Promote Equal Access to Post-secondary Education; Strategies to Promote Accessible Marketplaces and Inclusive Workplaces; and Suggested Guidelines for Language to Promote Positive Images of People with Disabilities.
Together We Rock! presentation audiences and School Leadership Program participants have described these opportunities as "captivating," "educational," and "motivating." Ninety eight percent of Together We Rock! participants have given John an "excellent" rating in both content and presentation.
John Draper is a true change agent. Anyone who doesn't think that one person can make a difference doesn't know John Draper. Margaret Greenley, Vice President, Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
John Draper will take you on an amazing journey that is engaging and rewarding. He helps you to understand the power of teamwork and to never lose sight of the goal of full citizenship for people with disabilities. Session Participant, Inclusive Communities Conference Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
John Draper is the recipient of the Accessibility Advocacy Award established by Durham College and of the Glenn Crombie Memorial Award from the College Committee on Disability Issues (Ontario, Canada). In recognition of his "altruistic efforts to enlighten minds and enhance the future of education," John has also received the Lisa Christine Evans Memorial Scholastic Achievement Award (U.S). Most recently, he has been honoured as an Alumni of Distinction by his alma mater, Durham College.
John Draper is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists and is currently serving on the Accessibility Advisory Committee of a national financial institution.
Bookings
John Draper lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada and is available for speaking engagements in North America. For additional information on Together We Rock!, visit John's website at www.togetherwerock.com. Specific inquiries should be directed to jdraper@togetherwerock.com
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