A Cambridge teen will be travelling across Ontario to advocate for accessibility and inclusion for youth with disabilities.

Miles Checkley, 16, has been named a 2026 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador, an opportunity he says he was “pretty stoked” to receive.

“I wasn’t sure I’d get picked, obviously, but I was very thrilled and just overall really excited for the opportunity I was going to have this year,” he said.

Easter Seals Ontario is a charity that provides funding for mobility equipment, accessible summer camp programs and other supports for children and youth with physical disabilities.

In a release they said the ambassador program “provides a platform for youth with physical disabilities to share their experiences and advocate for greater accessibility and inclusion in their communities.”

As an ambassador, Checkley will travel across the province, speaking at events and raising awareness about the programs and supports the organization provides.

A Grade 11 student at Jacob Hespeler Secondary School, he was born with cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair. He says that while he is fairly independent, he still needs help with some everyday tasks.

“There are certain things that an able-bodied kid can do by themselves, like putting their shoes on, getting dressed or grabbing a snack,” he said. “That’s more what I need help with.”

The ambassador program, now in its 79th year, gives youth with physical disabilities a platform to advocate for inclusion and share their lived experiences.

For Checkley, one of the most meaningful parts of his journey with Easter Seals has been attending its accessible summer camps, including Camp Woodeden in London.

“It’s the highlight of your year,” he said. “You don’t have to think about limits. You can just do whatever you want without any boundaries.”

Checkley said the camp environment shows what’s possible when accessibility is prioritized—something he hopes to see more of in everyday life.

He points to challenges like uncleared winter sidewalks or barriers in public spaces as areas where improvements are needed.

“I would just make sure that the sidewalks are clear and that there are no barriers in the environment to be able to get where you want to go,” he said.

He’s also encouraging those without disabilities to be more aware and supportive.

“Don’t look at a person with a disability and say they can’t do this or they can’t do that,” Checkley said. “We can do a lot of things. We just need help with some things.”

Throughout his term, Checkley hopes his message will resonate with both youth and adults, particularly when it comes to speaking up about accessibility issues.

“If something’s not right, just speak up,” he said. “People will know how to fix things, and it’ll be a big step toward a more inclusive environment.”

As he prepares for a year of public speaking and advocacy, Checkley says his goal is simple: to help others better understand the importance of accessibility and to encourage everyone to be part of the solution.

“I just want people to listen and hear our stories and understand why it’s very important for us to be able to live our lives and thrive.”