Mark Brown and Melanie Taddeo

Melanie Taddeo is a passionate advocate who at the age of 21 suffered a massive stroke that left her completely paralyzed on her left side and legally blind. After years of therapy she was able to regain her independence. She went on to become the first legally blind teacher to graduate in Ontario, a certified special education teacher with over 20 years of experience in program development, fundraising, community outreach, volunteer management, and public speaking. Melanie founded Connect 4 Life and Voices 4 Ability based on her personal experience of the lack of programs for people with disabilities that promote independence. She has made it her goal to help empower others to achieve their dreams despite the challenges they may face.

Drawing on her life experience, Melanie effectively illustrates the impact that one’s attitude can have on the final outcome when faced with great adversity and uncertainty. She then draws parallels between her professional and personal experiences to help audience members identify the importance of being adaptable in the workplace and in life. She reminds everyone that challenges at work and at home should not translate into a negative outlook overall.

As Melanie astutely observes: “It’s not what has happened to you that matters—it’s what you make of it!”

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Melanie is the Founder of Connect 4 Life & Voices 4 Ability.  More information about the charity:

There are over 4 million people in Canada living with disabilities, accounting for roughly 14% of the population. Approximately 2 million of these individuals reside in Ontario, and although most of them are more than capable, statistics show that the majority of individuals with disabilities remain unemployed and under educated.

Add to that the stagnating rates of ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program), we see an urgent and ongoing need to accommodate this fraction of the population by providing the proper access to education and training.

Thus, these capable individuals can begin to lead more purposeful lives and become participating members of society. Unfortunately, the needs of individuals with disabilities are not being adequately serviced within Ontario. A lack of funding is the primary cause for this inadequacy.

We find the programs that are available are often expensive and already have extensive waiting lists. These barriers have made it difficult to reach the growing number of individuals living with disability to provide beneficial, and sometimes necessary, programs and services.