Jillian Bleackley: Making dreams come true

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Youth Without Limits is facilitated by disabled youth specifically for their peers with disabilities. On June 22nd, Jillian will be presenting on the topic “Making Dreams Come True’. She describes herself as, “a young woman with a big smile on her face. I am not very tall but what does that matter, cause I am in a wheelchair anyway. Writing is a true passion of mine, in fact, I have published three books. My first two books are both volumes of poetry, and my most recent publication is a children’s Christmas story.

Jillian wrote The Elf Apprentice as a gift for her nieces and nephews last Christmas. The project turned into much more than any of them had imagined – a published children’s book! Her title character, Willy Plum-Bottom, is modeled after Jillian herself and was created slightly different to promote acceptance and perseverance when dealing with adversity. The elf walks differently and wears leg braces due to his cerebral palsy. In addition, Willy Plum-Bottom takes two years to get his Elf Diploma rather than one year due to the mistakes he makes.

Jillian’s other works, Reflections and Scripts and Stills are based on her thoughts, feelings, and experiences on everyday life. Jillian credits as her primary supports her family, her use of voice technology, and “my internal drive/guide that keeps telling I can do this.”

How does she have the perseverance and stamina to write a book, attend university and volunteer in the community? Jillian likes to be busy. She understands the burdens of becoming overwhelmed when taking on too much at once and therefore advocates to find a comfort zone with the tasks at hand to avoid meltdowns where nothing gets done.

When asked about her future, Jillian says she would like to work with children who have disabilities or parents of children with disabilities in a counselling role. She intends on returning to school after a brief hiatus. “I hope that people will learn that there are no limits to what you can achieve just because you have a disability or are limited in some way,” she says

“It’s OK to be different because that’s what makes you unique. I think children should be encouraged to ask questions about why that person is different. Differences don’t need an invitation, they already belong.”

Jillian’s recent publication is an inspiration to all of us and we look forward to hearing what she has to say. Jillian is a determined young lady and wants everyone to believe in themselves and know that there is no limit to what you can achieve, if you truly want something.

Join us at #451-409 Granville St., Vancouver on June 22nd, from 3:45-6 pm to listen to Jillian Bleackley tell us how she made her dreams come true!