La Coulee resident named ambassador for Manitoba Possible
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La Coulee resident Meagan Pedneault has been named one of three ambassadors for Manitoba Possible, an organization that advocates for people with disabilities.
“I’m really excited it’s a really unique opportunity. Manitoba Possible has been a huge part of my life growing up especially when I was transitioning from childhood to adulthood. So, it’s really a cool experience to be able to give back and help make our communities be more accessible,” said Pedneault.
In her role she will advocate for inclusivity and accessibility for the disabled.
A Steinbach native, Pedneault was born with a rare genetic disease that causes her bones to break easily called osteogenesis imperfecta. The condition has caused her to break at least 80 bones during her lifetime from doing something as simple as walking and losing her footing. Although she has this condition and is wheelchair bound, it doesn’t stop her from living her life.
“I’m very adventurous and I love to push the limits a little bit,” she said with a smile.
She said Manitoba Possible helped her transition from childhood to adulthood by getting a lift put into her parents’ home as she transitioned into a wheelchair and putting hand controls in her car to help her drive. When she went to university, Manitoba Possible made sure there was accessible parking and accessibility in school buildings.
Pedneault is an entrepreneur with her own homebased nail salon and travel agency. She met her husband a couple of years ago and the couple live together in La Coulee, which is five minutes from the Town of Ste Anne.
“I think there’s a lot of perceptions out there that we need help all the time or that we’re not capable or we can’t be independent and that’s very far from the truth,” she said.
Pedneault said in the last 20 years she has seen a change for the better regarding accessibility for people with disabilities.
“I think just respectfully ask us if you have questions. We’re not afraid to answer questions as long as they’re not too personal. We’ll be happy to chat with you to help break down barriers and perspective.”