Mann characterized her disabilities as invisible ones that people wouldn’t notice when they first look at her. She said that made things more frustrating.
“My daughter definitely noticed, though, when she was nine and I stopped being able to go upstairs to say goodnight,” said the New Glasgow resident.
Last September, Mann shared her experiences with the Let Abilities Work Partnership Society, a local non-profit organization that focuses on creating recreational activities and opportunities for people living with disabilities. She talked about how her artistic expression, including video production, has been able to keep her afloat.
“We were designed to survive. My art has kept me going. It gives me something to get up for, just like Let Abilities,” said Mann.
As she talked, group chair Ralph Ferguson got an idea. He thought that making a promotional video would be a good way to let people know about LAWPS and what it is.
Since February, the group has been planning the promotional video with Mann as the producer. The video includes testimonials from members, along with showing many of the activities they do, including archery, bowling, curling and fishing.
Ferguson said statistics say 20 per cent of people have some kind of disability.
“If you think about the population of Pictou County, that’s a lot of people with a disability. Those people don't get involved cause it’s not set up for them,” he said.
He hopes the video will be able to catch people’s attention and let them know there’s a place they can go with activities set up for them to take part in. Ferguson said LAWPS always loves to see new faces at any of their events, and would love for the video to draw out many more.
