As a professional presenter, Durham College journalism graduate John Draper shares a powerful message about inclusion, equality and accessibility. Though it's a message he lives every day, this award-winning advocate doesn't see himself as a role model for others with disabilities.

"I would rather be viewed as a young entrepreneur and journalist who is attempting to motivate citizens to build accessible and inclusive communities," says Draper, 26.

Last year, he launched his business, Together We Rock! His series of presentations includes: Building Inclusive and Accessible Communities, Creating Inclusive Schools, Promoting Accessible Marketplaces and Inclusive Workplaces, and Achieving Accessibility in Colleges and Universities.  

Draper has been a keynote presenter for professional associations, community organizations and education institutions at municipal, provincial, national and international venues. He is the first recipient of the Durham College/University of Ontario Institute of Technology Institute of Technology Accessibility Advocate Award. In 2005, he earned the Glenn Crombie Memorial Award, given on behalf of the College Committee on Disability Issues.

Draper was born with cerebral palsy but doesn't usually think about his disability. "It is just part of who I am, like the colour of one's hair. It does, however, have an impact on my career choice. My physical limitations and the fact that I am non-verbal create barriers for some occupations," he says. Journalism was a natural choice. "As a child, I used to keep a journal and wrote about my thoughts, ideas and life experiences. My interest in writing continued throughout my school years where I benefited from the encouragement of several of my teachers. Writing is not always easy for me but it is rewarding, especially if an article is published."

In 1998, Draper was one of just 12 high school students selected for the First Connections summer career development initiative sponsored by former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Hilary Weston. He landed a communications internship at the CIBC, writing articles for a corporate employee newsletter.

While attending Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School in Oshawa, Draper completed a co-op placement at a community newspaper. In addition to completing background research for reporters, he wrote music and entertainment articles. At Durham College, he completed his co-op placement at the school's Innovation Centre. His responsibilities included research and planning Web design. "One assignment of particular interest was interviewing students about their learning strategies and posting my findings on the college's website," he says.

Draper is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists and the ISAAC. His volunteer work includes the Canadian Committee for the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. He has enjoyed the challenges that come with establishing a business. "I am learning that many aspects of starting a business are more time consuming than I expected," Draper says. But the rewards are great. "The greatest reward aspect of my business is that it gives me the opportunity to meet people who are truly supportive about building accessible and inclusive communities."

John Draper’s website;

Together We Rock