Hannah Ertl is a recent graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Political Science and Government Program currently working as a Community Engagement Coordinator at Community Living Toronto. Best Buddies has been a significant part of Hannah’s personal and professional life for many years.
As a child, Hannah became friends with a girl who has Down syndrome whose family lived across the street from Hannah’s family. The two girls were the same age and grew up together. This experience gave her a foundational understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities and was in part what prompted her to join the TMU (formerly Ryerson) Best Buddies chapter in 2019. By March of 2020, however, the chapter was faced with adapting to Covid. As the chapter’s Events Coordinator, Hannah had been looking forward to planning in-person outings and community events but was now limited to planning events online. “Covid was an isolating time for everyone, but people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are already socially isolated,” she explains. “Covid just compounded that isolation.”
The chapter hosted monthly events and smaller biweekly activities. Whether it was watching a show together or just chatting about each other’s days, Hannah noticed how important and meaningful these scheduled activities were to their participants. Even virtually, Best Buddies significantly impacted those involved. “You could see how much it meant to everyone,” she says. “They had fun, and it was nice to connect.”
Over the years, Hannah adopted a greater leadership role in the chapter. Although she got to know everyone in the chapter personally, she found a special connection with her buddy, Gordon. Gordon’s vibrant personality and enthusiasm for Best Buddies stood out to Hannah. They shared a similar sense of humour and were quickly able to bond. Even though Hannah has since graduated, the two still like to visit and chat or go out for lunch. Hannah goes out for Gordon’s birthday each year and Gordon video calls Hannah at least once a week. “He has such a nice presence and is a great friend,” Hannah says. “I can see him being a part of my life for a long time. Our friendship has grown a lot over the years.”
By the time she graduated in 2022, Hannah had completely shifted her intended career path. She initially wanted to practice law, but her experience with Best Buddies helped her recognize that she was passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities. “Best Buddies showed me that everyone is different and that’s a good thing,” she says. “It’s important that we, as a society, don’t see abilities or disabilities as something bad but as something that’s special and good and can contribute a lot. It’s given me the perspective of treating everyone how they would want to be treated.”
Hannah accepted a position at Community Living Toronto where she continues to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By working at Community Living, Hannah hopes to foster connection and reduce the levels of isolation that individuals with IDD often face. She describes the deep systemic separations between individuals with IDD and neurotypical individuals; even the typical group home or community living format can perpetuate distance and misunderstanding towards individuals with IDD by limiting opportunities for mingling and connection. Programs like Best Buddies help by breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion. “When you come to Best Buddies and you get to know [the participants], you know any [stereotypes] are completely untrue,” she says. “These folks are amazing. [The program] brings down those barriers and creates new connections and opportunities for individuals with IDD.”
Hannah is one of the many amazing leaders and volunteers helping to foster Best Buddies’ mission of spreading friendship and inclusion across Canada. Her story speaks to the power of following your passions and breaking down barriers. Reflecting on her time in Best Buddies, Hannah recommends that anyone considering joining the program or working with individuals with disabilities stick with it and keep an open mind. “It’s 100% worth it to get involved in Best Buddies,” she says. “If you’re looking to get involved with your community, it’s a great way to meet new people, get new opportunities, and make connections with others.”