Making a Difference is about Canadians who have dedicated themselves to pursuing excellence in their chosen field. In doing, they have made a significant contribution to their community and to Canadian society at large. Each has overcome the challenges -- long hours, sustained concentration, balancing family and work -- associated with dedicating oneself to a particular activity. They are leaders in their respective fields. As leaders, they are role models and mentors to others. Their accomplishments are numerous, spanning many different fields.

Making a Difference is unique in that the Canadians profiled face the added challenge of dealing with barriers resulting from their disability. But although the people profiled in Making a Difference have significant disabilities, they have been selected for their accomplishments. They have done much more than simply get up in the morning. They have shaped public policy. They have helped countless people put their lives back together. They are leaders in their communities or in industry. They have made a difference to others and to society.

Each chapter is the result of interviews with friends, colleagues and family and, in most cases, the person being profiled. It explores the individual?s contributions from different perspectives. While each story is unique, the reader will quickly identify common themes. Characteristics such as passion, integrity, creativity and ingenuity run through the different chapters. Regardless of place of birth or type of disability, each individual profiled has a lot in common with the others.

I want to emphasize that although this is a unique group of individuals, it is not an exclusive one. The ten people I have chosen to profile here, and those profiled in ABILITIES magazine over the years, are a but sample of the many Canadians, with or without disabilities, from coast to coast who have made a difference in their community and to our country. I have focused on people with disabilities because I want to show Canadians that all members of our community can and do make a contribution to society.

While you're at the office, at school or on the golf course, take a moment to reflect on those around you. No doubt some of them are making a difference in their community as well.