Graham Spero, Rena Bowen Volunteer of the Year Award

Accessibility Lead, Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council
Public Relations, Class of 2016

Graham Spero’s journey to becoming a celebrated advocate for people with disabilities is as inspiring as it is impactful. Born with a limb difference, Spero faced challenges from the beginning. His parents, who met at Algonquin College, were taken by surprise at his birth. Despite the unexpected twist, they provided unwavering support and surrounded him with positive role models through the War Amps of Canada.

“My parents didn’t expect to have a kid with a limb difference,” Spero shares. “But they did everything they could to raise me with confidence and surrounded me with others like me through the War Amps. That was my biggest influence growing up.”

From a young age, Spero viewed his limb difference as a strength rather than a hindrance. His involvement with the War Amps exposed him to numerous role models, including baseball legend Jim Abbott, who pitched a one-handed no-hitter for the New York Yankees. All of these people inspired him to help others with disabilities. “My dream was to work for the War Amps, and I achieved that in college,” Spero recalls. This ambition set the stage for his lifelong dedication to advocacy and support for the accessibility and disability community.

Spero’s passion for sports, particularly baseball, played a significant role in shaping his outlook. His father taught him how to catch and throw with the same hand, fostering a sense of adaptability and resilience. “I always thought that my hand was what set me apart,” Spero says. “It pushed me to find ways to do everything I wanted, from hockey to BMX racing.”

After high school, Spero continued his education at Algonquin College and then at the University of Ottawa, where he made the baseball team as a walk-on. This accomplishment garnered significant media attention, which he leveraged to raise awareness for athletes with disabilities.

Reflecting on his time at Algonquin College, Spero credits the Public Relations program for equipping him with the skills that have been instrumental in his journey. “Public Relations at Algonquin College prepared me for any job. It taught me how to conduct myself in the office, meet the needs of the people I serve, and produce and message information effectively,” he explains. These skills have proven invaluable in his work with various stakeholders, from disability organizations to the parliamentary partners, and community organizations. “Algonquin College’s program taught me how to manage relationships, handle difficult people, and communicate effectively. It gave me the ability to promote what I do and make a real impact.”

Spero’s professional journey is intertwined with his commitment to accessibility and his passion for volunteerism. From removing barriers in the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council to working on accessibility standards at Accessibility Standards Canada, to volunteering his time coaching youth with disabilities, his work and volunteering have consistently focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities.

“In 2018, I was hired into the Government of Canada to create an accessible meeting space at the Public Health Agency,” Spero recounts. “It was a learning experience, but it showed me the importance of engaging with people with disabilities to effectively meet their needs. That turned into a career dedicated to helping people with disabilities”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Spero’s volunteer work stands out. Also in 2018, NubAbility Athletics, a US foundation to encourage, inspire and instruct limb-different youth by getting them out of the stands and into mainstream sports, reached out to him. Each year since then, Spero has spent a significant time during summer in Florida and Illinois coaching amputee children in baseball, a role that brings him immense joy and fulfillment.

“Seeing kids who are initially shy and uncertain becoming confident and skilled is incredibly rewarding,” he shares. “It’s like therapy for me, knowing that my experiences can help others.”

Spero’s advocacy extends to social media, where his lighthearted and educational videos on TikTok have gone viral, raising awareness about disabilities in a relatable way. “I use humor to change the way people see disabilities,” Spero explains. “It’s about making the conversation comfortable and accessible.”

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. From lobbying Hockey Canada for better support of disabled hockey players to challenging discriminatory practices at the Quebec DMV, Spero has consistently used his voice to advocate for change. For his significant contributions and achievements, Spero is being awarded the Rena Bowen Volunteer of the Year award.

Looking ahead, Spero offers this advice to others: “Embrace what makes you different. Use it to stand out and make a positive impact. The things that set you apart can be your greatest strengths.”