This was my introduction to this outspoken, passionate man. During the time that we served on the committee, I admired and respected Paul from afar. His message, values and life experience were something we all needed to hear.

Since then, I've had the opportunity to develop a friendship with Paul. He is always available to offer advice and guidance when asked, and seems to relish debates and discussion on the issues that are close to his heart.

One of Paul's most endearing qualities is his sense of humour. His ability to poke fun at himself during his presentations serves to loosen up his audience. As his audience chuckles at Paul's remarks, he hits them with a thought-provoking zinger that truly inspires and challenges them to examine their own values and belief systems.

Paul is generous with his time, and committed to the issues that impact on the lives of people who have been labelled. I have had many opportunities to hear Paul speak publicly. Each time, I marvel at his ability to raise the consciousness of others and touch their hearts.

Paul's life journey has been an arduous one, due to the obstacles and barriers he has faced. When many of us would have given up in defeat, Paul continued onward, rising to the challenge each day.

Today, Paul Young is the Chair of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD). He is a founding member of People First of Nova Scotia and a founding member and past president of People First of Canada. He continues to sit on other government committees. In 1998, he created his own consulting business -- Young and Associates -- and is known internationally as a respected and gifted motivational speaker.

Paul was born in North Sydney, Nova Scotia. He lived with his mother and father and five siblings. Paul does not describe his childhood memories as happy ones. Although Paul went to various schools in the regular school system, he did not do well. He could not see the blackboard. No one spent time getting to know him to understand his needs or his learning style. There were no supports to enable him to succeed. Other children took advantage of Paul, teased him and called him names. This early abuse by his peers still haunts him today.

The Young family moved to Sydney, and Paul entered a segregated class for children with a "mental handicap." Paul remembers that "this is where I learned that I was 'mentally handicapped.' I had a disability."

In this new community, a sheltered workshop was created. Paul describes himself as the first "male client" to enter the workshop at 20 years of age in 1964, arriving straight from his segregated school setting. Paul said that that experience did nothing but reinforce his disability. He spent 12 years at the workshop doing all of the traditional things that people with a "mental handicap" are supposed to do -- counting, sorting, repairing lawn furniture and the like. He sums up the sheltered workshop, the way he remembers it, as the "cocoon of impossibility."

In his opening address in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1998, Paul reminded us that "we are so ruled by what people tell us we must be that we have forgotten who we are. I was told I was mentally handicapped, intellectually challenged I have been labelled everything that I can think of in my life, but what they forgot is that I am Paul Young."

Although Paul spent the early part of his adult life in a sheltered workshop, he knew that his future did not belong there. He kept pushing himself forward.

On a routine visit to a local department store, Paul met announcer Jay Bedford, who did regular remote radio broadcasts there. Over time, Paul and Jay talked more about radio and music, which were a big part of Paul's life. It was Jay who advised Paul to seek employment in the radio business. Jay recalls saying to Paul: "You belong in radio. Go talk with the owner of [the radio station] CHER and convince him to hire you -- any job you can get to get you in the door." Shortly after, Paul had his foot inside the door, doing menial tasks and working in the music library.

On a visit to CBC Radio, Paul met technician Walter Pretty, who took an interest in him as Walter recognized his abilities and skills. He took Paul under his wing. In no time Walter ensured that Paul qualified for a real job as an audio technician, with a CBC contract as a full union member. Paul was employed at the CBC for 18 years until 1998, when he was laid off due to fiscal cutbacks.

He recalls the early days at the CBC and how he needed to be convinced that he could indeed do the job. "I was the last one to believe in myself because I had been convinced my entire life that I couldn't. I was told that I wouldn't be able to do anything. I was devalued." But Paul's tenacity and desire to succeed outshined the naysayers from his early years.

Marilyn, Paul's wife, came into his life 25 years ago. They met briefly when Marilyn retrieved a soccer ball for Paul in the street between the sheltered workshop and Keddy's Motor Inn, where Marilyn worked as a chambermaid. Soon after, Marilyn came to the workshop, and their relationship blossomed. They married in 1985. Paul's greatest personal accomplishments include his marriage, owning his own home and driving a car.

"Paul's life story is one of consistently overcoming attitudinal barriers created by our society," says Laurie Beachell, National Coordinator of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities. "He has achieved much in his struggle for independence and control over his own life."

When asked about specific driving forces in his life, Paul simply replies: "I'm stubborn, ambitious, and I want to be in control." I wonder about mentors. Without hesitation he states: "The late Allan Simpson and Ron Kanary, both past chairs of CCD, and Alexander Graham Bell for his attitude and vision for people with disabilities." Closer to home, Paul's longtime support and friendships continue with both Jay Bedford and Walter Pretty.

People First gave Paul the freedom and opportunity to have his voice heard as a person who has been labelled. He feels people who share similar life stories have an important message that must be told -- "First Voice." Many respect his proven leadership within this movement. People First colleague and friend John Cox says: "Paul is a true friend. I once asked him why he does the work he does. His reply was, 'Somebody has to save the world.' He has compassion and also pain when he knows that people are being oppressed because of their disability. His driving force is the need to help others reach their potential."

Paul describes People First as "a social movement, separate from associations, not an echo, not a shadow, but an independent organization working together with others to bring people true social justice." He speaks with pride when he talks about his past and ongoing roles with People First.

Paul feels that his two most significant and professional accomplishments to date have been the formation of his own consulting and training business, Young and Associates, and the attainment of his new status as Chair of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities. Young and Associates was formed in 1998 and offers workshops and presentations on topics such as employment, self-direction, sexuality, motivation and self-esteem. Paul's engagements have taken him across Canada, the United States, Brazil and the Netherlands.

About his position as Chair of CCD, Paul says, "This is the greatest honour I have ever had." He describes the history of CCD and the instrumental role it has regarding disability issues at the national level. CCD is a leader in disability issues because it is consumer driven.

CCD's Laurie Beachell describes Paul as someone who "brings enthusiasm and commitment to CCD. He is dedicated to the consumer philosophy and speaks with passion and determination of the vision of the consumer movement.

"Paul brings a new perspective to CCD as a person who was labelled as 'mentally handicapped,'" Laurie adds. "Paul understands the need for a voice for people with disabilities, and is a strong advocate for the principles of equality and self-determination... Paul's passion for the consumer movement is felt by all who meet him, and he is truly a leader with much to offer."

At 57 years of age, Paul still has a few goals that he would like to accomplish -- one is to write a book about his life. He is also considering dabbling in politics.

I ask Paul how he would like to be remembered.

"That I was a visionary," he replies. "That I had a vision for people with disabilities, and that I tried my best."

-- Barb Horner

From Abilities Magazine, Issue 46