Drew Ross focuses on his abilities, not disabilities

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Drew Ross never forgets a voice. He's at the Prince Albert Wal-Mart store, helping the Salvation Army by ringing a set of bells and thanking people who drop a donation in the Christmas kettle. Many of the shoppers greet Drew by name and he responds in kind. The 23-year-old Lac La Ronge Indian Band member has a whole lot of names to keep track of, since his outgoing personality guarantees he'll make friends wherever he goes.

Drew is a student at Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology's Woodland Campus and today's volunteerism is part of the course he's taking. Way to Work is an employment readiness program for adults with disabilities. Drew is blind and has never walked due to severe cerebral palsy (CP). He hopes Way to Work will provide him with some new skills he can apply to whichever career he chooses. He's not exactly sure what type of employment he'll pursue after the 40-week course ends, but he knows he can make an important contribution to the working world.

"I feel like I'm just the same as anyone else and that I have lots of different abilities," Drew says. "I feel like I have a lot to offer, too-like singing or talking. My voice is one of the biggest gifts in my life."

It may also be the biggest miracle. Most people with Drew's level of CP can't speak clearly, if at all. Drew laughs as he shares his unlikely first word, spoken at two years of age. "It was 'grapefruit'!" His voice has been the ticket to a wide range of experiences, beginning when he was a student at Churchill high school in La Ronge. He travelled to Saskatoon to audition for Telemiracle in 1999 and won a spot on the show, an annual fundraiser held to help people across Saskatchewan with specialized needs.

After moving to a Prince Albert group home in 2000 he began attending Carlton Comprehensive high school and joined their choir. Another successful audition landed him the opportunity to perform in Voices of the North, an Aboriginal talent showcase that takes place during the Prince Albert Winter Festival. He sang "Music of the Night" from The Phantom of the Opera, a choice that reflects the diversity of his musical tastes.

"Music is a big part of my life," Drew stresses, and lists some of the singers he's met over the years. "Nana Mouskouri, Valdi, Bob McGrath, Jeff Healy, MC Hammer, Colin James. But my favourite was Kashtin!"

Drew is interested in learning more about his Cree heritage. He's taking advantage of the Aboriginal Student Activity Centre on campus, visiting with Elders there and making plans to attend a Cree language course.

"I've been singing O'Canada in French and English, but I don't know it in Cree. I'd like to learn it so I could sing it at a Raiders hockey game," Drew said. He's a big fan of the Western Hockey League club and has been named Fan of the Game.

Drew has some advice for other disabled people who are seeking employment. "Don't interrupt, have good eye contact and use good voice volume." He also thinks it's beneficial for disabled youth to attend summer camps, like he did. "I'd recommend Camp Easter Seal to everyone in the North," he said.

Drew credits his faith in God for bringing him through some tough times, including three orthopedic surgeries and the feelings of frustration and loneliness that he sometimes experiences because of his physical limitations. He attends church regularly and has considered getting involved in ministry or missions work.

An advocacy group called Friends of Drew Ross (F.O.D.R.) was formed when Drew moved to Prince Albert, with the purpose of ensuring that he remains active in the community and gets to realize as many of his dreams as possible.

Those dreams stand a good chance of coming true, as Drew continually strives to meet his goals, overcome obstacles, and embark upon new adventures.

Jennifer Willems is a freelance writer based in Birch Hills and a frequent contributor to Saskatchewan Sage. She is also a member f F.O.D.R.