Breaking barriers

Every four years, the Abilympics vocational skills competition puts individuals with disabilities on the world stage. It provides them with a platform to showcase their incredible talents in their chosen professions, challenging misconceptions and emphasizing their immense capabilities.

In 2023, one of the fierce competitors was NSCC Women Unlimited grad and Electrical Construction and Industrial student Hadia Bedoui, who showcased her remarkable talents and proudly returned home from the Abilympics in France with a bronze medal.

On our way to a barrier-free Nova Scotia

According to Statistics Canada, 37.9% of Nova Scotians aged 15 and older live with one or more disabilities - the highest rate in all of Canada. In 2021, 26% of NSCC’s student population self-identified as having a disability in 2021. The College is committed to cultivating a learning and working environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging, enabling everyone in our community to fully contribute and feel their best. To drive this work, in 2022, the College created a three-year accessibility plan which outlines how we will contribute to the Province’s goal of a barrier-free Nova Scotia by 2030.

Bridging gaps within the disabilities community is something Hadia has been passionate about and has been working on for the past decade. One day, she hopes to develop an all-inclusive, barrier-free, affordable housing complex community. Coming from an accounting and finance background, Hadia decided to attend NSCC and take a trade in hopes of finding a career to make her dream a reality.

Ready for a challenge

Initially thinking she would take NSCC’s Carpentry program, Hadia ultimately decided she wanted to take on the challenge of the Electrical Construction and Industrial program. Hadia has ADHD and nerve damage that mainly affects the left side of her body, resulting in minimal feeling in her fingers and toes - she calls them her super abilities. "There have been times I wanted to give up because things aren't easy and it takes me a long time. I have to map things out a gazillion times before I can put them on, and when I do it backwards, I have to go back and re-do it," she says. "I struggle with a lot of things and that's okay. I'm trying to overcome those barriers myself because I constantly tell my kids there's nothing you can't do. I call them my super abilities because that's what they are. I try to do things constantly, pushing me outside my comfort zone."

For Hadia, participating in the 2023 Abilympics pushed her outside her comfort zone. "I was kind of scared to go," she notes. "But it was one of those moments where I remembered that I made a vow to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and I wanted to make sure my kids had a solid example that it doesn't matter what's going to limit you in life. You can overcome anything that your sweet little heart wants to do."

Representing Team Canada

Leading up to the Abilympics, Hadia worked alongside NSCC Faculty Peter Gatza and Program Assistant Sheila Day to prepare for the electrical installations competition. "Sheila came with me to France, but both of them were here before telling me to move faster; you can't forget about this or fuss about that," says Hadia. For Sheila, this was her first time involved with the Abilympics and witnessed Hadia win a medal. "It was very exciting – I am very proud!" exclaims Shelia.

In addition to winning a bronze medal for electrical installations, Hadia also received the Medallion of Excellence, which she gave to her fellow Team Canada member, Jennifer Richardson, who competed in Photography. Four other competitors made up team Canada at the 2023 Abilympics, one of which included another NSCC student, Alishia MacRae who also won a bronze medal for welding.

"I was in tears the entire time because I was so proud of everyone – everyone was just so amazing," says Hadia, adding that she keeps in touch with her teammates and competitors from other countries.

Skills Nova Scotia is the only province that sends a team on behalf of Team Canada, and leading up to the next Abilympics in 2027, Hadia says she is on a quest to inspire other provinces to participate. "Although it's nerve-wracking and you may be out of your comfort zone, you will be surrounded by so many inspiring incredible people," she says. "I was honoured to be a part of the Abilympics. I learned so much from it and I hope I can spread the word to help others feel empowered to do the same."