What is Talk It Up!?
Talk It Up! was started in 2022 by a group of self-advocates at Epic Opportunities. The advocacy committee is guided by the belief “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” meaning people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should always be involved in the decisions that affect their lives.
Talk It Up! celebrates the knowledge and experiences of self-advocates, supporting them to build leadership skills, learn about their rights, and share their ideas through workshops, events, and community activities.
As recognized change makers, Talk It Up! Committee members are leading the way toward a more accessible and inclusive future. Through advocacy, education, and awareness, they are showing just how powerful lived experience can be in creating lasting change.
What We’re Proud Of!
Click on an icon below to learn more about what we are doing in the community!
Meet Our Speakers!
Kelsey Sobiak
Kelsey is one of the original founding members of Talk It Up! She is involved with the Speaker’s Bureau, part of the team that created MyRightsMatter.ca, and a published author. She is currently completing the Disability & Community Support program at Red River College and hopes to use her education to continue working within the disability sector. Kelsey’s dedication to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities is evident in everything she does! She is a powerhouse speaker and tireless advocate who is not afraid to speak her mind.
Donovan Thiessen
Donovan is one of the original founding members of Talk It Up! He is involved with the Disability Matters Planning Committee, part of the team that created MyRightsMatter.ca, and has dedicated his time to the Real Work for Real Pay Employment Initiatives with Abilities Manitoba. Donovan’s advocacy work is driven by his passion for challenging stereotypes about people with disabilities. As Donovan puts it, “sometimes people in the real world don’t know about people with disabilities. We are looked at as weird and different.” His advocacy work strives to shift perspectives and increase opportunities for people with disabilities.
Amanda Johnson
Amanda is a member of Talk It Up! who dives right into any advocacy initiative she can support. She is involved with the Speaker’s Bureau where she presents on bullying, a Rights Training Facilitator, and the current Secretary of People’s First of Winnipeg. Recently, she has been travelling throughout Manitoba with People First to help share information about advocacy. Amanda is an experienced public speaker and will often offer her skills to emcee community events. She pulls from her personal stories and experiences and uses them to help support and inform others of their rights and responsibilities.
Tricia Sobotkiewicz
Tricia is one of the original founding members of Talk It Up! She has found her voice through human rights advocacy and education and uses it to help others find their voice too. She is involved with the Disability Matters Vote Campaign, has lent her voice as a narrator for Talk It Up! videos, and facilitates presentations on mental health, anxiety, and abuse awareness & prevention. To Tricia, “human rights mean I have the right to be heard!” She makes an impact by speaking up and sharing her experiences.
This Work Is Supported By
