Visions and Voices is a speakers’ bureau comprised of adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Visions and Voices seeks to increase awareness in communities in order to reduce the stigma of FASD and to encourage healthy living. We believe storytelling is a powerful tool to increase dignity for those living with FASD.
The term FASD describes the range of physical characteristics and brain differences that may affect a person who has had prenatal exposure to alcohol. Most often there are no physical characteristics to indicate a person has FASD; FASD is a brain-based disability.
Presenters with Visions and Voices have cultivated the art of sharing their stories of hope, struggle, and accomplishment with the public. Visions and Voices has been invited to present all over Manitoba and beyond to teachers, families, police officers, caregivers, social workers, and many others.
To inquire about Visions and Voices’ availability, please contact Caitlin Hutchison.
Caitlin can be reached at chutchison.touchstone@initiativesjc.org
Below are the Visions and Voices speakers and their bios:
Favorite Topic Areas: Family/Relationships, Education System, Community workers
“I’m not afraid to take a stand.”
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Russ Hilsher
Favorite Topic Areas: Justice System, Parenting/Family, Addictions, Community Supports
“Supportive people who understand FASD helps me make my life go in the right direction.”
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Favorite Topic Areas: Education System, Spirituality/Faith
“Let’s stop FASD!”
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Favorite Topic Areas: Parenting/Family, Heathcare System
“We all struggle, but we all struggle a little more or a little differently.”
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Nikki Swirsky
Favorite Topic Areas: Parenting/Family, Education System, Healthcare System
“I know I’m different, but I’ve also been taught that I can do anything if I just set my mind to it.”
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Favorite Topic Areas: Justice System, Addictions, CFS/Foster Care, Community Supports
“If you’ve met “one” person with FASD, you’ve only met “one” person with FASD.”
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Kaitlin Larabie
Favorite Topic Areas: Education System, Family Support, Employment
“You can’t just tell people not to drink when they’re pregnant, because you don’t know what they’re going through.”
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Chris Martin
Favorite Topic Areas: Community Supports, CFS/Foster Care, Family
“We are good people, with a brain injury.”
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