What is Talk It Up!?

In September 2022, Talk It Up! was established by a group of self-advocates here at Epic Opportunities. Since its formation, the advocacy committee has gone on to not only create several educational videos highlighting the importance of knowing your rights but also offer monthly workshops hosted by industry experts for people with lived experience. Talk It Up! members are on their way to becoming leaders in their communities and share a passion for ensuring the choices & voices of adults living with an intellectual or developmental disability are honored. 

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What We Are Passionate About

  • Self-advocacy & rights
  • How staff can best support us
  • Employment rights

What We Do

What We’re Proud Of!

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Introducing Talk It Up! More!

Have a speaker with lived experience and true expertise come to you!!

The Talk It up! More! initiative empowers Talk It Up! members to deliver presentations for business and community partners, sharing both their expertise and personal experiences. By offering paid opportunities, it acknowledges self-advocates as experts and encourages equitable participation.

The project aims to develop confident self-advocate presenters who can deliver impactful presentations that engage diverse audiences. It supports existing self-advocacy efforts by amplifying voices, expanding leadership opportunities, and fostering community understanding. Right now, we are featuring a presentation on disabilities in the workplace!

To focus on community outcomes, we aim to partner with business organizations like the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. Our goal is to strengthen self-advocate leadership and genuine professional engagement, fostering employment inclusion, accessibility, and awareness of rights while upholding the principle of “Nothing About Us, Without Us.”

BOOK YOUR SPEAKER NOW

Meet Our Speakers!

Amanda Johnson 

Amanda, living with FASD and ADHD, is a passionate force for people with disabilities and an exceptional leader in Talk It Up!. As the secretary of People First of Winnipeg and a dynamic part of the Speakers Bureau at Abilities MB, she truly makes a difference. (need to update this and add in a quote) 

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Donovan Thiessen 

Donovan is a superstar on our Talk It Up! committee. Donovan started his advocacy journey years ago, driven by a passion for understanding rights and championing the cause for himself and others. 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.” Today, Donovan is a tireless advocate and a beacon of inclusion, consistently reminding everyone that we all belong. 

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Tricia Sobotkiewicz 

Add a little write up. Here was a quote we used in the ann report. “Human Rights mean I have the right to be heard!” – Tricia  

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Kelsey Sobiak

Add a little write up. And quote here – Kelsey

 

Order her book here!!

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Want a Video Sneak Peek to our presentations?

Talk it Up! Video Library

How Else Can You Get Involved?

This Work Is Supported By

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