A Day of Belonging at St. Matthew
Today, I had the pleasure of visiting St. Matthew Elementary School. It was an afternoon filled with meaningful connections, thoughtful conversations, and plenty of reasons to smile.
As we were walking into the school, we were warmly greeted by Ms. McCarthy, the head secretary, with such warmth and kindness. Her welcoming spirit immediately made us feel at home.
One of the highlights of the visit came right at the beginning when I had the opportunity to reconnect with Principal Ms. Smith-Foster. Years ago, I met her when she was a vice-principal at another school where I was presenting. I was truly touched that she remembered me all these years later and invited me to St. Matthew Elementary School to speak to her Grade 1 through 8 students. Moments like that remind me how powerful lasting connections can be.
Before the presentation began, two outstanding Grade 8 students, Mark and Manuel, were instrumental in helping with the audiovisual setup. Alongside Special Education teacher Mr. Schaus, they made sure everything was organized and ready to go before the students arrived. I am so grateful for their help and support.
Shortly after lunch, students from Grades 1 through 8 gathered in the gymnasium for the presentation. Before presenting my newest presentation, The Power of Belonging, two Grade 7 students, Alessia and Nerissa, delivered a wonderful introduction and made me feel so welcome. They did an excellent job together setting the tone for the afternoon.
I then had the opportunity to present The Power of Belonging, where we explored how small acts of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion can help create a community where everyone feels valued and knows they belong. I also spoke about the role technology plays in my life and how my AAC device allows me to share my thoughts, experiences, and dreams with others.
One of my favourite parts of every school visit is the question-and-answer period … and the students at St. Matthew asked some wonderful questions. Their curiosity, thoughtfulness, and genuine interest made for a lively discussion. As students lined up to ask their questions, Mark was once again incredibly helpful, assisting with the microphone and helping everything run smoothly. Ms. Smith-Foster also oversaw the entire process, ensuring that those who wanted to ask a question had the opportunity to do so. I always appreciate the opportunity to answer students’ questions because it allows us to learn from one another and have important conversations about understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.
At the conclusion of the presentation, I was delighted to donate a copy of my children’s book, Micaiah the Brave, to the school library. It was my pleasure to personally present the book to Ms. Smith-Foster, and I hope it will be enjoyed by students for years to come.
After the presentation, Mr. Schaus approached my team to learn more about my communication device, the Smartbox Grid 3, and how I use it with my two switches. I always appreciate opportunities to share information about AAC and assistive technology because every conversation helps build understanding and awareness about the many ways people communicate.
While walking through the hallways after the presentation, it was lovely to be greeted by Ms. Tsao, the Grade 7 teacher, and Ms. Delphine, the Grade 6 teacher. I enjoyed meeting them and having the opportunity to take a picture together before we left.
What stood out most to me throughout the afternoon was the kindness, thoughtfulness, and support shown by Ms. Smith-Foster. From welcoming us into the school to helping my team and me throughout the visit, she consistently went above and beyond. She helped ensure that all of the students’ exit tickets were completed and returned, assisted with additional equipment that I bring to my presentations, and made sure everything ran smoothly from beginning to end. Her attention to detail, generosity, and genuine care made us all feel incredibly welcome.
I would also like to recognize Ms. McCarthy, whose warmth and kindness were evident from the moment we arrived. Her welcoming spirit left a lasting impression and reflected the caring and inclusive community that exists at St. Matthew.
What Students Had to Say
One of my favourite parts of every school visit is reading the students’ exit tickets afterward. Their honesty, thoughtfulness, and reflections help me understand what messages resonated most and what they will carry with them long after the presentation has ended.
At St. Matthew, students shared meaningful insights about kindness, acceptance, inclusion, courage, perseverance, and belonging. Many reflected on how they could help others feel more included, while others were curious about AAC, assistive technology, and how I communicate using my Smartbox Grid 3.
I was especially encouraged to see how many students connected with the deeper message of The Power of Belonging and began thinking about the role they can play in helping others feel valued, welcomed, and included.
Here are some of the students’ reflections from our afternoon together:
Today I heard/saw … “We learned how to respect others, include others and make space for others they may need patience, to have some extra time to share ideas”
This made me think … “being kindness, caring for others, not making fun others. We are grateful to learn about her journey”
Now, I wonder … “how she decided she wanted to help others. What does she like to do for fun.”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw a presentation about you can achieve anything”
This made me think … “everyone matter”
Now, I wonder … “How hard it is to live with the disability”
Today I heard/saw … “a presentation about how with the right support, you can achieve anything”
This made me think … “this made me think about how important and impactful inclusivity is”
Now, I wonder … “how I can find other ways to bring inclusivity into the classroom, and my everyday life”
Today I heard/saw … “how much people struggle every day”
This made me think … “about how lucky I am to be included”
Now, I wonder … “how I can include more people in my life”
Today I heard/saw … “today I heard and saw a presentation about about inclusivity.”
This made me think … “this made me think about how important it is to include everybody.”
Now, I wonder … “Now I wonder how I can help people make others feel more included”
Today I heard/saw … “A presentation that will help everyone”
This made me think … “everyone matters no matter who or what they are”
Now, I wonder … “how she eats and types”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw someone with a disability use a device to talk.”
This made me think … “about everyone with disabilities.”
Now, I wonder … “About people with cerebral palsy.”
Today I heard/saw … “That everyone is included and respected”
This made me think … “That I should treat everyone equally”
Now, I wonder … “How every disabled person thinks about everything.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard on how she has her life and disability she has cerebral palsy”
This made me think … “This made me think I’m very lucky to have this life”
Now, I wonder … “how does the words she wants and imported onto the speaker”
Today I heard/saw … “A presentation about inclusion”
This made me think … “to be kind & include everyone”
Now, I wonder … “the challenges she faced”
Today I heard/saw … “presentation inclusivity Her life at home. I saw a very brave woman.”
This made me think … “how many things I take for granted.”
Now, I wonder … “how much time she struggled.”
Today I heard/saw … “How Giselle used a device to speak”
This made me think … “everyone is unique and can do anything they dream”
Now, I wonder … “How she managed the hate she got”
Today I heard/saw … “Ms. Gaylie speaking today”
This made me think … “Of how much difficulties you might have found throughout your life”
Now, I wonder … “How does your speaking device work?”
Today I heard/saw … “A brave public speaker person”
This made me think … “all the things I have which I am grateful for”
Now, I wonder … “how she manages to overcome her problems”
Today I heard/saw … “A very brave woman”
This made me think … “How does she translate”
Now, I wonder … “What she has been through”
Today I heard/saw … “about how important belonging is and how we should respect everyone”
This made me think … “I am very lucky to have my body work well.”
Now, I wonder … “How many people have I passed that I should have helped.”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw her stand and walk”
This made me think … “this made me think how thankful I am to do all these things”
Now, I wonder … “now I wonder how difficult her life is”
Today I heard/saw … “a very brave young woman”
This made me think … “How much pain does she have every day.”
Now, I wonder … “How does she translate if she doesn’t even speak”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle and her presentation”
This made me think … “of people around the world with disabilities”
Now, I wonder … “If she will continue to give her public speaking everywhere”
Today I heard/saw … “A very brave 29 year old woman”
This made me think … “That every needs to be included”
Now, I wonder … “How easy it is for me”
Today I heard/saw … “how to overcome my challenges”
This made me think … “how I can help others in need”
Now, I wonder … “if she can ever walk by herself in the future.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard about her story”
This made me think … “How do you live like the rest of us.”
Now, I wonder … “She must have a lot of courage to keep on rising.”
Today I heard/saw … “That Giselle has special needs.”
This made me think … “What your favorite colour is”
Now, I wonder … “if your life is hard.”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle walk”
This made me think … “what inspired her”
Now, I wonder … “how her tools and technology work”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw how cool it was”
This made me think … “that you can drive”
Now, I wonder … “if you can walk on your own”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I heard/ saw that being responsible is important.”
This made me think … “That you can do anything.”
Now, I wonder … “Where did he get the communication device.”
Today I heard/saw … “that everyone is welcome”
This made me think … “that we can learn about everyone”
Now, I wonder … “how do people survive this much”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw her standing”
This made me think … “this made me think happy.”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder how she feels”
Today I heard/saw … “When kids were asking Giselle questions what will I do when I’m …”
This made me think … “When I’m … when I feel when”
Now, I wonder … “I had a day in a life like Giselle.”
Today I heard/saw … “About how important equality and being inclusive is.”
This made me think … “About the challenges Giselle had to face.”
Now, I wonder … “Who or what inspired her to do public speaking.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard that Giselle has a disability.”
This made me think … “How she survived with everyone and was not scared”
Now, I wonder … “when she was small was she scared?”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle/ her technology”
This made me think … “we should include others”
Now, I wonder … “how she controls her technology”
Today I heard/saw … “A presentation about inclusion.”
This made me think … “Nothing”
Now, I wonder … “nothing”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard awesomeness”
This made me think … “it made me think to never give up”
Now, I wonder … “how she handles this”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … “of how lucky I am.”
Now, I wonder … “how she communicated when there was no technology.”
Today I heard/saw … “Dear Giselle. Today I saw that we need to be kind”
This made me think … “to be helpful.”
Now, I wonder … “If I need to be a good person.”
Today I heard/saw … “About belonging.”
This made me think … “To respect everyone.”
Now, I wonder … “How much did your devices cost?”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw a presentation”
This made me think … “being kind”
Now, I wonder … “nothing”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw Giselle balance I heard her tech talk”
This made me think … “how does her tech work”
Now, I wonder … “What is her favorite sport?”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I saw everyone matters”
This made me think … “This made me think that everyone should be should be kind to others.”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder if Giselle Gaylie can hear everyone?”
Today I heard/saw … “That she was special”
This made me think … “that you need to be thoughtful”
Now, I wonder … “will she ever talk”
Today I heard/saw … “today I saw your struggles but I know you’re very strong and I heard how you’re so strong.”
This made me think … “This made me think how strong you are and how you can be so amazing”
Now, I wonder … “now I wonder how you keep getting stronger and stronger”
Today I heard/saw … “a speech belong”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw Giselle Gaylie walked”
This made me think … “it made me think my grandmother have …”
Now, I wonder … “How did she walked”
Today I heard/saw … “Every child is unique.”
This made me think … “Nobody should make fun of each other”
Now, I wonder … “when they made technology”
Today I heard/saw … “fan fan fan!!! her pushing a button”
This made me think … “How tall she is?”
Now, I wonder … “How does she balance”
Today I heard/saw … “I was inspired to never give up.”
This made me think … “I will make people feel valued.”
Now, I wonder … “I you can do it, too.”
Today I heard/saw … “Kindness and nice.”
This made me think … “Everybody should be included.”
Now, I wonder … “What should I do now.”
Today I heard/saw … “That she is brave”
This made me think … “it made me sad”
Now, I wonder … “how it will be in the world now”
Today I heard/saw … “this girl that can’t talk.”
This made me think … “I feel very sad.”
Now, I wonder … “If other people in the world are like that.”
Today I heard/saw … “Today a disabled woman sharing her thoughts.”
This made me think … “How does the person feel about themselves.”
Now, I wonder … “How she expresses her feelings to others.”
Today I heard/saw … “She was using a device”
This made me think … “how she felt”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder how she can’t walk”
Today I heard/saw … “Inclusion saved her life”
This made me think … “friend”
Now, I wonder … “So people might be the same”
Today I heard/saw … “about every child is special”
This made me think … “everybody is special”
Now, I wonder … “how other people act”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard that Giselle had a hard time but never gave up.”
This made me think … “That people can be anything they want.”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder if Giselle will be a good writer.”
Today I heard/saw … “That to not give up”
This made me think … “everyone matters”
Now, I wonder … “that how hard is it to live like this”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw she can not talk.”
This made me think … “I am lucky.”
Now, I wonder … “How it makes her life hard.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard and see respect”
This made me think … “I will make people feel”
Now, I wonder … “if I can respect other people”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw that it is possible that you can still communicate even though you can’t talk”
This made me think … “That we still have to respect people like Giselle”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder how does she talks”
Today I heard/saw … “That it does not matter how you look.”
This made me think … “That nobody say bad things.”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder she is so smart.”
Today I heard/saw … “inclusion saved her life”
This made me think … “how she walked”
Now, I wonder … “how she used her tech.”
Today I heard/saw … “A lady that has disabilities (not being rude)”
Now, I wonder … “how she talks with her technology”
This made me think … “It made me think that I am lucky.”
Now, I wonder … “How do you talk with technology.”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle talked with her machine”
This made me think … “how important is including others.”
Now, I wonder … “How does she use the machine?”
Today I heard/saw … “An amazing speaker inspire me.”
This made me think … “About my life choices”
Now, I wonder … “if I’m a good person”
Today I heard/saw … “What belonging is”
This made me think … “What are her daily troubles”
Now, I wonder … “What is the next school she is speaking at”
Today I heard/saw … “Ways you live and be included.”
This made me think … “That you live hard”
Now, I wonder … “what school have you go to”
Today I heard/saw … “about her story.”
This made me think … “I can be more brave”
Now, I wonder … “How hard is it to do this”
Today I heard/saw … “How to include others”
This made me think … “To always accept people”
Now, I wonder … “if we can do anything as long as we put our mind to it”
Today I heard/saw … “The speaker”
This made me think … “about friends”
Now, I wonder … “If I need to be kind”
Today I heard/saw … “I saw today was Giselle speaking about her differences”
This made me think … “This made me think to treat everyone with amazing respect”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder how hard her everyday life can be”
Today I heard/saw … “She is 29 and her favorite colour is pink and white also she uses a communication device”
This made me think … “To include all of my friends”
Now, I wonder … “how the communication device works”
Today I heard/saw … “Giselle telling us about her.”
This made me think … “That I feel so bad for her.”
Now, I wonder … “If she has any siblings”
Today I heard/saw … “a device”
This made me think … “how old she is?”
Now, I wonder … “Does she use a AI too her device.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard Giselle say inclusion saved her life”
This made me think … “Why did she stay in school for many years”
Now, I wonder … “if when she says something she just has to think about it”
Today I heard/saw … “That her favorite colour is pink”
This made me think … “to encourage myself/ friends”
Now, I wonder … “can she make it two 9 years”
Today I heard/saw … “How disabled people do in their everyday life”
This made me think … “Everyone is special in their own ways”
Now, I wonder … “how hard is it in her daily life”
Today I heard/saw … “She was 29”
This made me think … “sad”
Now, I wonder … “She talks with a device”
Today I heard/saw … “How to get along with different people.”
This made me think … “That I should always accept.”
Now, I wonder … “How it feels like being disabled.”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I saw a disabled … ”
This made me think … “Is she OK and”
Now, I wonder … “how does she talk with that speaker”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I saw a disabled girl I heard kind words”
This made me think … “is she OK and”
Now, I wonder … “how does she talk with that speaker”
Today I heard/saw … “How belonging can change your life.”
This made me think … “Will I have a really nice high school class like Giselle.”
Now, I wonder … “How I can improve the world”
Today I heard/saw … “A book”
This made me think … “To include everyone”
Now, I wonder … “What is your favourite food”
Today I heard/saw … “About Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … “She is so special”
Now, I wonder … “Can I be like her?”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I heard a presentation about inclusion.”
This made me think … “This made me think about people who need special help.”
Now, I wonder … “Now, I wonder who is the smartest special needs person.”
Today I heard/saw … “About respect and confidence. I also saw”
This made me think … “if she was able to stand up in front of everybody, could I stand up in front of everybody.”
Now, I wonder … “About if I was in her position would I be confident enough.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard that everybody should be kind no exceptions”
This made me think … “that I can believe in anything I do”
Now, I wonder … “A disability can still make you strong”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I saw Giselle’s amazing presentation”
This made me think … “This made me think that I can be a nice person also”
Now, I wonder … “Now, I wonder if I can be a better person”
Today I heard/saw … “That inclusion is very important.”
This made me think … “Why do I not include people in certain times.”
Now, I wonder … “If I can be more confident.”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I saw how she walks.”
This made me think … “This made me think, what other equipment does she need in her daily life?”
Now, I wonder … “Now, I wonder how does she go to school?”
Today I heard/saw … “A presentation about forgiveness”
This made me think … “how it feels to be her”
Now, I wonder … “if the computer Is generating ideas or if it’s her idea”
Today I heard/saw … “That you never gave up no matter what.”
This made me think … “That no matter what I should and will never give up.”
Now, I wonder … “All the times that I did give up should I try again?”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard not everyone include her. I saw how happy she felt when she was included.”
This made me think … “It made me think am I always respectful, kind, etc”
Now, I wonder … “Now, I wonder is everyone OK on the inside? Can she be my friend?”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard that it is important to include each other no matter how they look. I saw that for some people it’s hard to do things.”
This made me think … “That we should be more grateful of the things that we have or can do.”
Now, I wonder … “That I should care and help people with disabilities. Make it easier to help people that need help.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard that everyone can be included, no matter what.”
This made me think … “Even when I’m feeling disincluded, I can be included by someone else.”
Now, I wonder … “Will I feel included by the people around me? Thank you Giselle!”
Today I heard/saw … “What cerebral palsy is.”
This made me think … “How she lives her daily life.”
Now, I wonder … “Her struggles as a kid”
Today I heard/saw … “a person with disabilities explain her life”
This made me think … “why disabled people are treated differently”
Now, I wonder … “what it’s like to be in her shoes.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard that Giselle has cerebral palsy and I saw that she can communicate with the technology that she has”
This made me think … “To treat everyone equally.”
Now, I wonder … “How many people have cerebral palsy?”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard that everyone needs to be included.”
This made me think … “Of including all people that is left out.”
Now, I wonder … “How did the part of her brain get affected which caused her to not speak?”
Today I heard/saw … “An independent woman, I was really inspired by her strength and by her power. Seeing someone who was disabled do everything a non disabled person can do, made me very happy.”
This made me think … “This made me think about how strong someone can be. No matter how different one can be, we are all able to do everything.”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder how can someone find so much hope, when everything feels hopeless.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard that it okay to ask for help”
This made me think … “What if not everyone has help for friends”
Now, I wonder … “if people like her doesn’t have the help she did”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard a very important message about inclusion and feeling welcomed and everyone matters. And I saw a beautiful disabled girl who matters.”
This made me think … “About how I can include all people no matter how different they are, because we are all equal no matter what. I want to include anyone who wants to be included.”
Now, I wonder … “If now that everyone heard Giselle’s story, will they genuinely still include people and be a good person? I hope everybody includes everyone. Because we all matter.”
Today I heard/saw … “How brave and courageous Giselle was.”
This made me think … “Maybe I should try to be as brave as her.”
Now, I wonder … “What it is like to live with cerebral palsy every day”
Today I heard/saw … “That respect doesn’t always mean inclusion”
This made me think … “How it feels like to be in Giselle’s shoes”
Now, I wonder … “How difficult it would be for myself to have a disability”
Today I heard/saw … “That inclusion saved her life and she speaks and walks differently.”
This made me think … “That everybody is fair no matter if you have a disability or not.”
Now, I wonder … “I wonder how hard it is to be a disability person.”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I saw that there are people that have different challenges.”
This made me think … “This made me think of how I could help them feel included.”
Now, I wonder … “How hard it is for a person with disabilities.”
Today I heard/saw … “Today I heard all great things about you”
This made me think … “it made me think there are people with different challenges”
Now, I wonder … “how hard it is for a person with disabilities”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard that, including people means a lot more than you think.”
This made me think … “You can do whatever you want in life no matter the condition you’re in.”
Now, I wonder … “How does it feel for her on a daily basis.”
Today I heard/saw … “I heard that belonging doesn’t just mean being included but it also means that you are cared for and that you matter.”
This made me think … “Now I think about kindness differently because it could have a variety of meanings like listening to someone talking about how they feel without judgment”
Now, I wonder … “How does it feel to walk in her shoes for at least a day because maybe my challenges can be much more different than what she’s facing on a daily basis.”
Reflections
Reading these exit tickets reminds me why I am so passionate about this work.
While many students were curious about my AAC device, cerebral palsy, and the technology I use to communicate, what stood out most was how many embraced the deeper message of the presentation. Again and again, students wrote about kindness, inclusion, acceptance, respect, and making sure nobody feels left out.
Many reflected on the importance of treating others equally, helping people feel welcome, and creating communities where everyone feels valued. Others wrote about courage, perseverance, gratitude, and believing that challenges should never prevent someone from achieving their goals.
What touched me most were the students who began asking themselves important questions: How can I include more people? How can I help others feel welcome? How can I be a better friend? How can I make a difference?
One of the most powerful messages in The Power of Belonging appears on two of my slides:
“Inclusion Saved My Life.”
It was incredibly meaningful to see how many students remembered that message and reflected on it in their exit tickets.
For many people, inclusion is simply a nice idea. For me, it was life-changing.
When young people begin to understand that belonging is more than simply being present, that it is about feeling valued, accepted, respected, supported, and cared for, they begin to see the important role they can play in creating that experience for others.
That is why this work matters so much to me.
Every presentation is an opportunity to build understanding, challenge assumptions, and inspire students to think differently about the people around them. If even one student leaves with a greater commitment to kindness, acceptance, inclusion, or helping someone feel less alone, then the conversation has already made a difference.
Reading these reflections gives me hope. The students of St. Matthew reminded me that the next generation understands something very important: every person deserves to feel seen, valued, accepted, respected, and like they truly belong.
As we packed up and prepared to leave, I was reminded once again why these school visits mean so much to me. Every presentation is an opportunity to build understanding, challenge assumptions, and help students see that there are many different ways to communicate, learn, and participate in the world.
My visit to St. Matthew was filled with kindness, connection, and a shared commitment to creating a community where everyone belongs. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share The Power of Belonging with the students and staff, and I hope our paths cross again someday.
