Meet 8 Manitoba Disability Advocates and their Stories of Resilience

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Meet eight inspiring Manitobans who are reshaping what accessibility, advocacy, and resilience look like in our province. From elite athletes to rural changemakers, each of these individuals is using their lived experience to drive inclusion and challenge barriers. This blog introduces Karina Cardona, Michael Mifflin, Jared Funk, David Tweed, Alex Lytwyn, Leanne Taylor, Kirby Côté, and Peter Tonge—leaders whose stories are as diverse as they are powerful. And there are more advocate stories to come. Stay tuned as we share their full stories in an upcoming feature series.

Meet Manitobans who are Transforming Accessibility in our Communities.

Stories of Resilience: 8 Manitoba Advocates Leading the Way in Accessibility

Across Manitoba, a bold community of advocates is challenging outdated systems, dismantling ableism, and empowering people with disabilities to live fully and freely. At the heart of this movement are individuals who’ve turned personal challenges into platforms for change.

We’re proud to introduce eight remarkable Manitobans whose lived experiences and leadership are transforming accessibility in our province. From sport and education to policy, health, and grassroots activism, these voices are pushing conversations forward—and making sure no one is left behind.

In the weeks ahead, we’ll dive deeper into each of their stories and community reflections. But for now, meet the change-makers behind the movement:

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Karina Cardona

Karina Cardona is a vibrant disability advocate and inclusion educator based in Winnipeg. Living with a spinal cord injury, she’s passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices through youth mentorship, public speaking, and inclusive design consulting. Karina leads with empathy, purpose, and a strong commitment to equity—always centering the human experience behind accessibility.

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Michael Mifflin

Michael Mifflin is a community leader and wheelchair user dedicated to dismantling physical and societal barriers. His advocacy spans inclusive employment, adaptive transportation, and public access initiatives. Michael’s entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative spirit are helping to reshape Manitoba’s accessibility landscape from the ground up.

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Jared Funk

Once a competitive volleyball player, Jared Funk’s life changed after a car accident left him quadriplegic. He went on to become a celebrated wheelchair rugby athlete and a silver-medalist with Team Canada. Today, Jared is a powerful voice for adaptive sport and spinal cord injury support, encouraging others to embrace possibility and rebuild with purpose.

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David Tweed

David Tweed, a Certified Access Consultant, combines lived experience with professional expertise through his business, The Access Store. After sustaining a spinal cord injury, David became a leading voice in accessible design and housing. He advocates not just for function, but for dignity—ensuring everyone has the right to safe, independent living.

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Alex Lytwyn

Growing up in rural Manitoba with cerebral palsy, Alex Lytwyn has spent his life navigating a system that often overlooks remote communities. From wheelchair repair delays to restrictive home care, Alex’s story shines a light on the overlooked realities of rural disability life. Through writing, public speaking, and advocacy, he is pushing for practical, compassionate change.

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Leanne Taylor

After a cycling accident left her paralyzed, Leanne Taylor didn’t slow down—she rose up. Now a world-class para-triathlete and a medalist on the international stage, Leanne represents Canada with pride and resilience. She’s also an outspoken advocate for accessible employment and mental health recovery, proving that progress happens one step—and one pedal stroke—at a time.

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Kirby Côté

Kirby Côté is one of Canada’s most decorated Paralympic swimmers, but her influence extends far beyond the pool. Blind since birth, she’s also a fierce community organizer, a speaker, and an advocate for authentic disability representation. Kirby uses her platform to inspire others to “speak loud and take up space”—a mantra she lives by every day.

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Peter Tonge

Peter Tonge’s journey spans decades of activism, beginning when his parents fought to get him into a regular classroom in the 1960s. Since then, he’s become a lawyer, software developer, wheelchair fencing athlete, and respected accessibility consultant. Whether conducting audits, designing inclusive programs, or mentoring others, Peter’s legacy is one of quiet but determined transformation.

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Follow the Series

This is just the beginning.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing stories about each of these incredible individuals and others, diving into their lived experiences, lessons learned, and ongoing missions. Stay tuned, subscribe to our updates, and help amplify the voices of Manitoba’s disability community.

Because resilience isn’t just about recovery—it’s about rising together.

 

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