Imagine What It’s Like! is a unique and artistic look at real issues that people who are born different face. This includes issues like facing prejudice, being bullied, having obvious medical issues, and generally being pushed to the sidelines of life.
Taya looks back at the challenges she faced navigating childhood and adulthood with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. She generously shares her personal journey of vulnerability, self-discovery, and the celebration of discovering her authentic voice.
“The whole video was so deeply personal, honest, sincere... and impressive! The songs were fantastic. As was the animation. Spoken clearly from the heart... even with a little bit of humour. We are so proud of Taya.”
Vicki & Buzz Green
“Whimsical, magical, LOVELY! You are very talented Taya. The video is terrific, appealing, and absorbing. I wander around the house humming the theme song. The concept of enlisting the world is so delicious. Taya is a story-teller of real charm and song and dance. The mixture of epilepsy and brutality is pure genius. I shall spread it far and wide.”
Stephen Lewis
“Taya, we're so proud of you. We're blown away! I've known you pretty well all your life. I've known that you are strong. But nothing close to what I now realize. You're such a role model for others with disabilities. I hope your video gets wide spread recognition in schools, community centres, wherever other young people congregate.”
Jane Auxier & Joost Wolsak
“Taya, what a fun and engaging presentation! I was smiling the whole way through. I especially loved the songs and accompanying musical instruments. Beautiful!”
Andrea
”One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure.
William Feather
I just returned home after spending the weekend up in Prince George for the 2025 Special Olympics Provincials, what a trip! It all started on Thursday, July 10th with a 4am wake up call to meet the other athletes for the long bus ride, 10 hours! Safe to say we were all tired when we got there. There was an opening ceremony with different speakers and the highlight for me, was seeing the local indigenous group in full ceremonial dress welcome us to Prince George. Friday was day one of competition and our team did really well. Sadly, my seizures came on strong midday and I had to sit the rest of the games out, but watching my team work their way up the scoreboard was such a thrill!
The North Shore Bocce team finished with a bronze medal and because I helped them get there, I got one too! We had a closing ceremony followed by a big party Saturday night, “Wild Things” was the theme, everyone dressed up as animals. I would love to make it to Nationals, but if this is as far as I go, it was all so worth it. Big thank you to the people of Prince George for hosting us and all the volunteers who helped out, we couldn’t have done it with out you.
The Special Olympics oath: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Here in North Vancouver the special needs community is more like a family. With so many different types of programs and groups, we’ve all crossed paths with each other at some point!
Once a month a large group of us meet for dinner to celebrate whoever has a birthday that month. Some of us come independently, others with support workers and some with family or friends. It’s always a good turnout, never less than 20 people.
The North Shore community centers have adaptive programs like art, aquafit and dance classes, all geared towards being inclusive and the instructors are amazing at finding ways for everyone to participate.
I recently discovered The Summit, a place run through the Intellectual Disability Society here on the North Shore. They have everything from hip hop classes to cooking classes and big day trips to places like the Vancouver aquarium. They also host a Christmas market and I was able to sell my knitted hats there in December!
These are just a few examples of how I stay connected to my community but there are many more programs and opportunities out there. Many cities in Canada have group or day programs that are geared towards people with differences. What programs are you involved with? Let me know!
It’s that time again to get practicing for the Summer Special Olympics. I’m super excited that this years event is being held in beautiful Prince George. You wouldn’t believe how many of us are involved in one or more sports. I have been practicing my aim and speed to compete in the Bocce event. It’s so much fun and the thrill of competition makes it even more exciting. Check out my friends adaptive Bocce roll & release equipment to help her keep steady control of the ball. We’re sure to win with style and form. I look forward to sharing more photos later of the actual Special Olympics later this year. Stay tuned!
It’s my birthday and I’ll have a party if I want to! I was turning 50 and wanted to do something really fun with all my favourite people so what would be better than a 50’s inspired birthday party at The Welcome Parlour in North Vancouver. I put out 50’s style glasses and had a bunch of my friends wear their Pink Ladies jackets. Everyone was welcome to have popcorn, sliders, and a cold pop and of course, their favourite flavour of ice cream. We all had a blast and danced to some great 50’s tunes until late that evening. It was so wonderful to see everyone all in one place and especially have my mom, dad, and brother there to celebrate.
Jasmyne and I decided it would be cool to do a trip to the Austrian Alps which was a huge physical challenge. It took me almost a year of training to get in shape so I was ready for the Alps elevation. When we were all ready to go, we jumped on a plane and flew into Munich, Germany. We landed just in time for the renowned Oktoberfest Festival that is the world’s largest folk festival, full of unique artwork, food, music, and lots of beer! Afterwards we headed to the Alps to do a 7 day hike that would take us 54 kilometers in total through mountain passes and picturesque Bavarian towns. Whenever we got a little hot from hiking we just jumped into the local watering holes to cool off (sometimes to the shock of the locals). We got a chance to see some amazing panoramic mountain views and stunning timeless architecture. Definitely an awesome trip that I highly recommend.
As a Canadian, it’s important to me to travel and get to know my own country and what better place than the East Coast. I left the Pacific Ocean and travelled across our great nation to the opposite coast on the Atlantic Ocean. As a huge fan of Anne of Green Gables, it was a must to stop at Lucy Maud Montgomery’s birthplace in Prince Edward Island. Of course an afternoon at the Anne of Green Gables Museum was fantastic and like stepping back in time. Other bucket list stops were at Rita MacNeil’s Tea Room in Cape Breton, and the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. I had so much fun at the ocean, biking, and getting to know the culture and especially the food of the East Coast. Can’t wait to go back!
My friend Jasmyne and I wanted to go to the North. We first embarked on a Cruise ship from Vancouver and sailed up through the Inner Passage to Alaska. The first stop was at Sitka, then Juneau, on to Skagway and a quick stop at the Hubbard Glacier. It was an incredible experience to get out and witness the last frontier. We took adventure day trips like dog sledding, nature hikes, and even a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier. A must see for anyone who loves to get outdoors amongst the trees and mountains and breath fresh northern air. On other Northern trips we went up to the Yukon and to Bella Coola, British Columbia.
To go north, you must go south. To reach the west, you must go east. To go forward, you must go back. To touch the light, you must pass beneath the shadow.” ― George R.R. Marti
One of my favourite things is to participate in the Summer and Winter Special Olympics with my friends. So far I’ve competed in the categories of track and field and snowshoeing. I placed 2nd in the 100 metre snowshoeing and 3rd in the 200 metre snowshoeing events. Everyday, I look at my Silver and Bronze medals hanging on my wall with pride and can’t wait for the next Olympics.
I’ve also had the rare opportunity to be a torch bearer in 2010 when the Winter Olympics came to Vancouver. It was so exciting to run with all the people cheering and clapping as I passed by with the iconic torch. I also look pretty great wearing the Olympic colours on my fancy track suit.
In 2014 our family went to Africa because of our commitment and interest in supporting the African Children’s Book Society. It is worthy charitable organization that supports education and health initiatives in Tanzania and Kenya. My dad and I flew in a small Cessna plane from Dar es Salaam to Mudindi located in the southern highlands of Mufundi district. We touched down on a grassy strip of a tea plantation owned by Unilever Canada – Making Sustainable Living Commonplace.
I visited Igoda primary school that teaches approximately 545 children each year. The Africa Children’s Society and UK Charity Orphans in the Wild cooperated together to build a modest library and classroom for the kids. I had the chance to teach the kindergarden children songs and colours by playing with a rainbow scarf. We worked on improving their English with a translator named Paul Ngigwa to help communicate to the kids in Swahili.
We then set off for a side trip to Dar es Salaam to have a very special visit with my African sponsor child where I had the opportunity to spend time and get to know her as much as I could. We saw where and how she lives and shared stories and laughter. What an unforgettable trip!
I am very proud of participating in the winter and summer Special Olympics. I competed against some very talented athletes and was fortunate to win a silver medal in the 400 meters race and a bronze in snowshoeing. Another highlight was the opportunity to carry the Olympic Torch when the Winter Olympics came to Vancouver in 2010. Definitely, a memorable moment as a proud Canadian!
Since I’m a child of the 80’s, it’s my favourite style of music. I love pop music, the big hair, the innocence, and the great clothes with bright colours and big shoulder pads. One of the best bands is Expose, with songs like Come Go With Me, Let Me Be The One, and Point Of No Return. Always, dance like no one is watching. I always say!
I am super passionate about making a difference in someone’s life. That was the main motivation to go on a trip to Tanzania Africa to help support a cause that is close to my family and friends. It is a literacy program called the Africa Book Box. In addition to helping distribute books, I also helped teach the kids to read, write and do simple arithmetic. In my spare time, I knit hats to give out to the children in Mufundi as well as preemie hats for the new borns in the hospitals all around Tanzania.
I’ve been very fortunate to be able to travel to many great places. Some of my favourites were to the Anne of Green Gables House in Prince Edward Island, the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and the Colosseum in Rome. I’ve also travelled to many places across Canada and United States. But, it’s always a relief to return home to the fresh air, green mountains, and blue waters of Vancouver.
I enjoy hiking along the trails of the North Shore mountains. We have such as fantastic network of well groomed trails that wind along in between the lush green moss covered trees and ground covered in all kinds of fern bushes. When I’m not hiking, I spend time working out at a Gym in my neighbourhood and like to watch skating. My all time favourite skating to watch is when Stars on Ice comes to Canada.
My one wish would be to participate in the World Special Olympics. That would be a dream come true. I really enjoyed competing on the Provincials level of the Special Olympics. It was very memorable and I met so many awesome people.
Of course, all ice cream is good. Are there really any bad flavours out there? I would have to say that my favourite is by far a flavour called Tiger. It’s both orange and licorice, which makes it extra tasty and makes your tongue turn black!
I like skiing all different hills for different reasons. Cypress is closest to my home so it’s super convenient and that’s also where the Special Olympic team skis, so I have a fondness for it. I also like skiing at Silver Star and Sun Peaks in the Okanagan and of course Whistler and Blackcomb. It’s some of the best skiing in the world plus my family has a place in Whistler so either mountain is great. They offer different runs and terrain so it’s really whatever you feel like that day. To be honest though, there really isn’t such a thing as a bad ski hill when you love going downhill and hitting the powder!
I love all animals. I used to have two cats named Pandora and Zeus that lived for many years, but sadly they passed away. I now have a new dog that is great named Dory. She loves watching TV with me especially when there’s an animal show or National Georgraphic is on.
How do I get to all my fun activities if I don’t drive? I either walk or take public transit! The transit system here in Vancouver is very good. The busses “kneel” for those who have trouble with big steps or the drivers can put down the ramp for you to roll on. If you need a little more assistance, the HandyDART will pick me up and drop me off at the exact location I need to go.
I would like to do two things very soon. One is to visit the Canadian Rockies and maybe ski on some new mountains like Lake Louise, Sunshine, or Kicking Horse. I would also like to take a trip through the Scottish countryside, towns, and cities where my grandfather was from. It would be neat to walk down the same wee streets as some of my ancestors. While I’m over there it would also be fun to do a side trip to Emerald Island (Ireland) for some beautiful hiking and biking.
It’s my goal to continue updating the website with new stories of my travel adventures or my accomplishments and day-to-day interests. I also want to give a special shout out to thank Meg and Thatcher for helping make it possible to create the songs, animations, and videos.
I want to wish everyone peace and love. I hope that you strive to be the very best at whatever brings you joy and makes you happy. Feel free to check back on occasion to see what’s new and improved on the site. Thanks again!
